University of Notre Dame Top Questions

I would suggest visiting all the colleges to which you have been accepted to get a feel for the school and see if it seems like the right fit. I would also suggest taking your finalcial aid award into considereation when chosing a college, because by not having to worry about your finacial situation you are able to better focus on your school work. Also, be sure to work hard on your school work because it will really pay off in the end. Always remember that you are working toward a goal and while it may seem hard at the time it will be worth once you are done. And lastly, remeber to have fun! Enjoy your time in college. It is a great experience!

To me, finding the right college is all about feel. When I first walked on Notre Dame's campus I knew that there was no where else in the world that I could go to school. The scenery, the people, everything about the campus just screamed my name. When I give tours at school I always say that "Notre Dame is not for everyone, but if you can feel it inside of you, if Mary is calling your name, Welcome Home." I believe that you should visit every school, eat at the dining hall, spend a night in a dorm room, and attend classes, and whichever school feels like home is definitely the right one for you. Go with your gut, you won't regret it.

Finding the right college isn't necessarily about finding the right price tag or finding a school that meets a list of ideals (national rankings, student body size, specific "niche" research programs)--it's about finding a place that feels like home. This is where you're going to be living for the next four years. You need to make sure it's a place you want to be 9 or even 12 months out of the year. Take time on your campus visits to walk around the place, talk to students who aren't tour guides, set up meetings with professors, figure out if the place is as good as advertised in the brochures. And once you get there, make the most out of it. Try new activities and clubs, get involved, take classes that sound interesting to YOU, not just classes you're required to take. It doesn't matter how much you're paying; at the end of the day, you are the one deciding how much value you're going to get out of your education. You have to decide what you want out of college, and just go for it.

Parents, offer your children advice, but don't make demands. They will be more likely to listen to reason and experience. If you didn't go to college, tell them why and how it has affected you. If you did go, share your experiences openly and honestly. Students, finding the right college is challenging. Seriously consider not going. It isn't for everyone, and it is expensive. If you decide to go, learn to budget and look into financial aid. Visit as many schools you can. Apply to more. Visiting, especially staying overnight with a student, is invaluable in getting a good grasp on what a school is really like. Never, under any circumstances, room with a friend. Pick a major you like, not just one with a profitable career path. College will be a time in your life like no other. With some luck and a bit of hard work, you will learn and mature both intellectually and socially. You will make friends that will last a lifetime. You will have more freedom and free time than ever before or after. Make the most of it.

Students should follow their own hearts, not their friends' or their parents' hearts. In the end, it is the student who will live the college exerience. Surely take advice from as many trusted people as possible, but in the end, no one can decide but you. It is important to make a college visit. In many cases, you will just "know" when you are home. A certain college will just feel right. Once you get to the college of your choice, make the most of it. Four years will truly fly. You are primarily at college to learn and get your degree, so take care of business in the classroom. However, there is more to learning than book learning. Meet new people, talk to your professors outside of class, experience new things, and get involved in some aspects of campus life. You only have this chance once. It is possible to learn more outside of the classroom than you may ever learn in it. Live life to the fullest.

The most important part of my college search was school visits. In particular I was able to take advantage of summer programs for high school students. These really gave me a feeling for the campus, much more so than a regular visit. Also, I would make a list of what you want in a college and prioritize the different items on your list. Most importantly, apply! Even if you don't think you can get in, you may be pleasantly surprised. No matter where you end up, you should take full advantage of the oppurtunities that your school offers. College is a great time to explore new things. Make sure you take classes that interest you, because it is much easier to succeed if you are enjoying a class. In all likelyhood, you will face a lot of stress, particularly during your freshman year, but remember that everyone is feeling the stress. The transition from high school to college is a big one. You will have more freedom than ever, and take advantage of that freedom, but be careful that you don't abuse it. If you fall behind in your classes it is much harder to catch back up.

I would advise parents to talk to current college students and admissions counselors at prospective colleges. They can be very helpful throughout the application process. I would also advise them to visit college campuses and possibly stay overnight with a current student to learn more about daily life at the school.

Go where you feel most at home. You will learn best ,and more importantly, grow best with people you love and in a place that you feel comfortable. Find a school that embraces you as family, and that turns you into a good person. Do that, and everything else will fall into place.

I would advise everyone to explore all options possible. Some people may be told that it is impossible to go to a certain school because of their financial status, grades, or other factors. If a school seems appealing, the idea of applying should at least be given some thought. If at all possible, try to find a college that does not bind freshman to a major during their first semester or year. For example, all freshmen at Notre Dame are enrolled in the "First Year of Studies." Nobody has an intended major until their sophomore year. This way, students can explore all possibilities. Other advice would be to research schools with good reputations for giving large financial aid packages. Notre Dame, for example, costs a steep $49,000 per year to attend. I personally don't even have to pay half of that amount because the school analyzes how much each family is able to contribute. On a final note, I feel obligated to advise what not to do. Do not choose a school based on a significant other, where your friends are going, or where people want you to go.

Visit the school. If it is a fit for you will know it as soon as you step on campus. Only go where you are happy. It will be 4 years of your life and it should be wonderful thought provoking, inspiring, growth experience.

I've heard from most people, and I also agree that, it tends to be the school that just "feels right" when you first visit the campus. A lot of prospective students seem to instinctively know what will end up working for them, whether it's a perfect match their first week attending the school or it takes some time to settle in and discover how amazing it is.

College is what you make of it. Don't be disappointed if you don't get into your first choice. Make the most of whatever school you get into. College is a new beginning, don't relive high school. Don't be afraid to choose a major that might not have a stellar future career field, do something you love. The key to college is time management. Make sure you form good study habits freshman year because they will stay with you. College is a lot of fun, but also a lot of responsibility. Parents, don't push your children into the schools that you thing that they should go to.

I loved my college. It was perfect for me in so many ways. The people I went to school with were so similar to me: they took their education extremely seriously, took their community seriously, but at the same time still wanted to enjoy life. But when senior year came around, I saw it in a different light: in a way I saw it at something that would hinder me for at least the next decade of my life. I went to a very expensive private school and majored in English and never wanted to have that high paying career. And while some say college is the best four years of your life, debt from college will affect the rest of your life. I wish I had considered the actual costs of the school and the affect it would have on the decisions I made after graduation before I had made my final decision. I had scholarships, but were they enough. I still love my school, but I continue ask myself if I made the right decision because of the financial situation I find myself in currently. Just consider how much you truly want to invest in a certain college.

My adivce would be: Dont hesitate! To make the most of your college experience, don't hesitate to do anything new; you wont regret trying something, you will only regret not trying. There are so many opportunities to meet new people, to take exciting classes, or to try a new club or sport. The only regrets I have are missing out on some of the opportunities I previously listed. So don't hesitate to put yourself out there and get the most out of your four years!

Go to a school that will challenge you intellectually, spiritually, and experiencially. I suggest not going to the school that feels like it's full of people just like you, but rather to attend a school where there are students from various geographic backgrounds, who think differently than you, but who share your same level of interest in learning. These people will be the ones who really encourage you, and challenge you towards becoming a better student and adult. Along those lines, choose a school whose faculty is similarly diverse, so that during the course of your studies, you have a chance to become intimate with various viewpoints, and may more successfully develop your own. Good luck!

Try and get a feel for the people on campus. Other students, in my opinion, will have the greatest impact on your happiness at your university.

Although choosing a college can be difficult and appear almost impossible at times, there are several colleges that will most likely fit you, as a student. College is not only a time to study, learn, and experience new levels of academia, it is also a time to really get to know yourself and understand who you are and what you are all about. Many students, including me, have learned that college is not only a time to learn and experience new intellectually driven ideas, but it is just as important to learn who you are and what you are truly about. Many people decide too early and who they are and what they want to become, but college is an excellent time to uncover new areas of your life that you did not believe applied to you. The college life helps people define themselves in ways that they may have never believd they could. Although there is a great fear that you may have chosen the wrong college, a potential student must realize that every college offers something for him or her; they may just have to search a little harder than they thought.

Be prepared to enter a new world. Have an open mind and remember that you are going to college to make the most of your education. This means friends, social life, and study, study, study. Find a mentor in a professor in your related field. It helps to have that expertise of someone wise above you in your low points. Write home, but not too often. Most of all, allow yourself to grow in many, many ways.

Pray

There is a lot to be said for picking a school that is a good fit, but in the end no school will be perfect. There will be challenges and benefits anywhere you attend, so it is important to identify the benefits you are looking for and the challenges you are ready to accept when looking at potential schools. It's also important to realize that a school won't make you; you get what you put into college. Once you start at a school, start off as strong as possible. It will help set the tone for your entire college experience and will give you an advantage over people who tend to slack off and party too much once they are away from home. An important part of this is trying to focus your attention on the short term, like the classes for the day or whatever tests you have that week. This is much more constructive than focusing and worrying about long term issues like "what kind of job will I get after school," as these thoughts won't lead to answers and can make you second guess a lot of what you are doing in the present.

College is what you make it.

Almost more important than academic rankings or the strength of the particular program you're interested in is the degree to which you match the student body in terms of demographics and religious or political views. There are a lot of schools that are all good at the same things academically, so be sure to find a place where you think you'll really fit in. Take advantage of prospective student visit days and overnight stays to really get a feel for the place before you make your decision.

Apply to as many colleges as you can. That way, based on your financial situation and aide that you receive, you have a lot of choices when it comes time to decide where you would like to go to school. No matter where a student ends up going to school, making ht most of their college experience is easily done. This can be done as long as you submerse yourself in the experience with the right balance of social, academic, and extra-curricular life.

Definitely visit the school you are planning to attend and really think about if you can be happy there. Don't stress out about choosing a major and trying to plan your whole college career on your first day of school... things change and it's a waste of time and worry to think otherwise. Get your work done, but also take time to go out with friends. If you are in a relationship make sure you don't let it consume your life and take you away from friendships. If you break up (and many people do!) you need to have people to rely on. Don't have any regrets!

Visit the campus to see if you feel comfortable and happy. Talk with current and former students to see what kinds of activities they were involved in. Get involved - in whatever interests you. Make time for fun with your friends. Plan ahead - for internships, graduation requirements, study abroad options, post-graduation travel... have a plan, set aside the time and the money for it, and then go do it! Take time to re-charge, to relax, to pray, to be alone, to call home. Take lots of pictures! Keep a journal.

When making the college decision, it is important to remember that the college will be one's home for the next three or four years. Thus, one should look at the living arrangements and the campus, but more importantly, the people. The professors and fellow students on a campus are who truly make or break a college experience. A college visit is crucial to see if you like the students and atmosphere of the school. I chose my school because it has a tight-knit, family-feel environment among the student body even though there are 8000 students. It just felt like home when I visited and I love my school! Once one is in college, it is important to balance both school and social life. College is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so every student should make the most of it! As a student, one has to study, but no one should miss this opportunity to form and strengthen genuine relationships with fellow students. My friends at college are priceless, and I hope everyone finds a college that feels like family.

Start the college search process early. Visit any school you are interested in, visits will tell you more then any book or website can. Pick the school where you feel most comfortable and have the best experience, not the school your parents, teachers, coaches or friends want you to go to. Also, don't eliminate any school because of its cost. If it seems like it could be the right school for you looking into it and see if you can make it work. College is supposed to be the best four years of your life, don't sacrifice any of it because your afraid to have debt or for any other reason. Do all your work and get the most out of your classes, you are at school to learn, but don't let school run your life. Be involved in your dorm, in campus sports, or in the community. Meet as many people as you can, students and alumni, and be courteous to everyone. You never know who could help you out. Just make the most of your time in college, enjoy every late night pizza, every joke, and every conversation, because school will go by too fast.

I would tell students to visit a college and talk to the students about their overall satisfaction with the school. School-sponsored tours and presentations can be helpful, but they can't give you the college experience from a student's point of view. Also, I think prioritizing one's expectations of a college can help a student compare different schools. A school's social life may seem fun during one weekend, but in the long run, academics will be more important. Thus, it is important to explore class offerings, programs such as lectures and presentations, and other academic resources.

To find the right college you have to think about what you want out of your college. Don't just assume that getting into a Harvard or MIT means that they are the best choice. One thing to consider is where you want to end up after graduation. If you want to be on the west coast, a west coast school would be a good choice because they have a connection with businesses in that area. Another aspect to think about is how good the program is for the major you want to pursue. People think Notre Dame is a great school and it is. But as an engineering major, there are other schools that have much better programs. I know that there are other schools that don't have the overall reputation that Notre Dame does, but for engineering it would have been a much better education and much more helpful for finding a career in the field I am looking for. Overall, when looking for the right college, don't think about what everyone else suggests. Focus on what would be best for what you want to do and where you want to end up.

You and you alone are the best judge of a good college experience. College is the time to establish a self-identity before the real-world clash. Find a college that both suits your needs and exceeds your dreams. Reach for a place that even you are surprised you'd succeed at. Wherever you attend, never forget to strive to become the best you can be.

You have to go where it feels right. Even if it costs more, you should go to a school where you can see yourself being happy.

College is a melting pot of new ideas and interesting people. The exposure to a wide range of opinions, viewpoints, and people from many distinct backgrounds is the reason one attends college. Unfortunately this period of enlightenment only lasts around 4 years, and so it is paramount that one chooses the school that gives them the best opportunity to broaden their horizons. Be it through inspirational professors and thoughtful coursework, participation in a unique combination of campus activities, or a social life that allows for students to step out of their comfort zone, students need to make the most of their limited time. Pick the school that gives you the best chance to immerse yourself in things you never pictured yourself doing or thinking. Typically the big public schools offer the best range of opportunities, but many private schools offer similar variety and diversity while still providing that comfortable small-school environment. Regardless of one's choice, nearly any college will change a person in ways they never imagined. If you become a sponge of ideas, question everything, and associate with as many diverse groups and unique activities as you can, your experience will be worth every penny.

Attend the college you feel most excited about.

Do as much research as you can, so you know exactly what you are getting into before accepting an offer from a school. When you are looking at schools, know what you want. These are some of the best years of your life, and you'll be spending (ideally) four years of your life at this school, so you want to make sure that you actually like it. Once you are at school, DO THE WORK AND GO TO CLASS. As fun as college can be--and trust me, if you make the effort, college years can be the best years you'll ever have--you are there first and foremost for an education.

Not only research into each particular college or university that you apply to, but also speak with people that attend or have attended that university before. Obtain multiple views of the school in order to have a holistic, less biased perspective of what the school is like. Most importantly, visit the college or university before you attend there to see if it is the right academic and social environment for you.

When selecting a college, it is important to consider your passions. Each college has a varying array of opportunities in athletics, clubs, and studies. First, students should think about the academic degree they wish to pursue, and what school would best facilitate their passion for that subject. Students should also think about the extra-curricular activities offered and how they want to get involved. The single most important thing I have learned at college is that balance is the key to success. Studying is obviously important, but finding a good trade off between your studies and other activities will guarantee a more well-rounded college graduate and an overall better experience. College can be incredibly self-fulfilling if you go out and make the most of it, so go to that political rally, go to the football game against the rival school, and try out for the musical. Those are the experiences that will stay with you forever. Ten years after graduation you will not remember the grade you got on your Organic Chemistry test, but you will remember the win over USC, your staring role in Les Miserables, and all of the friends you have made along the way.

I would tell both parents and students to actually make a trip to the campuses to which you plan on applying, and if the school offers it, stay overnight with a current student. In my application and decison-making process, the campus visits were infinitely more helpful than anything that was available on the school website. The visit enables you to gain a unique insight into the culture and feel of the school and its students. Walk around campus and try to decide if it is a place where you believe that you can fit in, enjoy yourself and succeed. If so, congratulations! You have found the right college for you and you will succeed and have a great four years in college.

College is a time in a student's life where they learn who they are and they figure out what they want to do with their life. So when picking a school, a family should choose a school that offers a safe, yet exciting learning environment. The school should provide equipment and facilities that will assist the students in their studies and in their research. Don't just go to a school because of the location or reputation. Go to a school that is known for being a safe and wonderful school that will provide many job opportunities once finished attending there. Kids get too caught up in how the parties are at schools and whatnot and that is a terrible reason to go to a university. Parents, make sure it is an environment that will teach your child life values that one can remember forever. It is a gut feeling in the end if you can't decide between two or three great schools. And one more thing, don't be afraid to move far away from where home was, it forces you to rely on youself a lot more and grow up a lot faster.

The question of what college to attend is one that weighs heavily upon the prospective student and parents. The choice is one that will affect the rest of your life. All I can say is be true to yourself. In selecting a college, everyone involved in the process needs to be realistic, especially the student. A college can change and shape you in many ways, but the experience that will be had is shaped mostly by the student. Look for a college that is compatible with you, one that offers the programs you are looking for, the social opportunities and sports and tradition. Just know that when you get to college, it is going to be your responsibility to take advantage of what the university offers. The most important thing is not necessarily will the college fit you; although, it is important that it offers what you are looking for. I would say that the most important thing to consider is will you fit the college: will you try to take advantage of what is offered, will you make the effort to acces the university? Choose a college that you think will give you the most opportunities to do so.

Try to strike a balance between friends, family and school work. It's an important time for you to grow in so many ways: spiritualy, academically, physically and socially. Don't stress too much about any one of these.

Choose the college where you feel right. The one that gets under your skin just a bit and stays in your mind when you're looking at other schools. The one where you can see yourself hanging out, studying, living. Don't listen too much to other people, because you're the one that will be there. Know what you want and find a school that matches it. Might sound cliche - but you might just know it when you see it. I did. Good luck.

I think the most important part of picking a school is finding a place where you can be comfortable. Figure out how far away from home you want to be. Judge whether you want to be in a city or a college town. Know your own educational capabilities. If you are capable of attending a 'fantastic' university and handling the workload, then apply to those fantastic places. But if you are not overly committed to academics, then apply to schools that meet your level. All schooling is challenging, so try to find the place that will challenge you enough to help you grow, but not beyond what you can handle. You should visit a school to really get a good feel for it. Imagine yourself or your child attending that school for the next several years. Is it a possibility that excites you? Go some place that makes you happy. Finances are a big part of college, but don't count yourself out until you see the financial aid package. Don't automatically assume that you can't go to a school because of the cost. Look at the financial aid packages you've been offered before you decide.

Really double check the financial aid if you need it. You could get screwed over later.

Find a school that you feel comfortable at. When I moved into my dorm Freshman year there was a "Welcome Home" sign in front, because this school is the type of place that becomes your home and a part of your identity for the rest of your life. Find a school that feels like home and can give you the best education possible at the same time.

Relax. Don't be stressed out. Take your time. The years will go by quickly. Don't fight growing up.

visit the places you are interested in attending. it makes all the difference in the world.

The advice I would provide to any infividual or family in the process of choosing a college would be to focus on what feels right. For example, if a student visits a college and automatically feels as if they belong, that could be the place for them. On the other hand, if a student visits a college and is not very thrilled about it or feels awkward or out of place, that may not be the best choice. A parent also needs to feel good about the choice. If after a campus visit, a parent feels as if their child would be unsafe in that environment, sending their child there would probably not be a good choice. Don't focus so much on academics. Yes, it is wonderful to attend a prestigious university, but if that is not what you are looking for, then you will not enjoy your experience. Find a place that fits you and suits your particular interests and needs. Some people fit wonderfully into huge state schools, while others prefer small private schools. Some people prefer a liberal campus focused on arts while others are interested in more tratitional places.

I sometimes doubt whether or not I picked the right school so the best advice I can give is to start saving for college. And start early! No matter which school you choose to go to, it will be expensive. There's tuition, room and board, text books, sports tickets, concert tickets, food, fun.....the expenses are limitless. My parents help out with the cost of school but they expect me to step up and pay for my own education. Sometimes it's difficult balancing a job and classes, but I believe it's teaching me how to live a balanced life. So try to look for a campus job. If you can get away with it, don't work your freshmen year. College is a big step. Everything is different and it takes some time to adjust. You'll be much happier if you only have to focus on classes and making friends. That'll keep you busy enough. As for that campus job, find one you like and if you can get one that will put you in contact with your professors (like working at a campus cafe) all the better!

Visit every school you are interested in, and learn as much as you can about each. Don't be afraid to make lists of pros and cons to help you make your decision. Most important, get to know yourself really well, and think very carefully about the characteristics that matter to you in a school. A school's academic reputation isn't everything. A factor as small as the quality of dorms or the availability of off-campus activities can be more important than you ever realized. Remember that it's not the end of the world if you don't get into your dream school. Who knows, you might make way more friends and have so much more fun at the "generic" state school than you ever would have had at the Ivy league.

Have faith in your son or daughter that furthering his or her education will result in success and achievement. Select three of four colleges worthy of a visit, and contact those universities for travel and lodging arrangements (most of the time, discounts and free arrangements are available).A visit allows them to get a feel for the campus, to gather their own opinion using their own senses, rather than trust the plethora of college mail bursting forth from the home mailbox. Pick a school where both you and your son or daughter are comfortable, and where the potential to grow spiritually and academically is promising. A college should mold an individual into the person that he or she was meant to be, not what society defines as perfect. A college experience is not only about academics; it is about becoming an adult, making lifelong friends and developing into a responsible yet well rounded individual. As expensive as financing is, the lack of money should never be the reason why attending their dream college is not possible. Financial aid can help! My parents always tell my sister and I that we are their most promising investment with the highest returns!