University of Portland Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Elyse

I would advise my high school self to apply to colleges that stand out and spark my interest. Visiting colleges before the application process allows you to prioritize your application and plenty of time to assess your options, depending on where you are accepted. Remember to bring your list if colleges with you on the day you take the SAT!! During campus visits, it's helpful to visualize yourself as a student living on that campus. The best way is to sit in on a class, talk to a professor and get to know some people! Definitely consider an overnight visit with a current host student. Find specific traits about each college that make it unique and that match your personality. In order to make comparisons, I would encourage taking pictures and jotting down a few notes. Some decisions factors to consider include college size, location/climate, residence halls, cost, majors offered, study abroad programs and the social scene. Don't be intimidated by the college transition and the weight of the decision. The choice is not permanent and you can always transfer if it's not the right fit. Stay true to yourself and follow your heart and intuition!

Samantha

Although I feel like my senior year went really well, I know there are some things I would do differently knowing what I know now. If I were to go back and give myself advice, I would tell myself to not stress out so much! During senior year I was so worried about spending time with all my friends before we all parted ways, that I forgot about more important things, like family. I would tell myself to spend more time with my family, because I really do miss them being away at school. I would also tell myself to really take in the information that I am learning, rather than just earning points to get good grades. Often in high school I thought earning points was the most important thing, but that is definitely not the case in college. I would tell myself to prepare a but more for college and commit all the material to long term memory so that I can use that knowledge more in college. And lastly, I would tell myself to enjoy every moment, because you will truly never know what you'll miss until it's gone.

Anne

I would tell myself to study my physics more in high school. That was a class that I didn't suffer with too much during high school, but in college it was the class that was the hardest for me. I would also tell myself to study for my IB exams sooner than I did. The studying I did was fine to pass my exams, but I would have really liked to be able to have gotten a little better scores. I would also tell myself not to expect that you would become friends with your roommate and that you have to be open to be friends with people who are really truely different that the friends that you have prior to going to college, because college is really different, and you have to make the desicion how you want to go into it, whether you are going to be open to being friends with everyone or if you are going to be more specific and wind up losing out on some really great friends.

Hayley

Be confident. Don?t worry if you choose a different college than your friends, you will be surprised at your ability to be independent and meet new people. Don?t stress if your significant other goes to a different college. Technology is a great tool and if you both want it to work, it will. Besides, it makes for one less distraction and it?ll be less awkward if you two break up. Don?t give yourself an ulcer over finances. If the school accepts you with a generous aid package and you do well, then they will continue to provide for you. Apply for as many scholarships as you can. Ask for the free money and you shall receive. If you don?t ask, then you won?t. Remember college is a balance of social and study time. Although the learning in college is usually associated with being in a classroom, much of your learning will happen out in the community. Your friends will become an invaluable support system. They will help you endure challenges and they have a place you can crash when your roommate?s antics drive you nuts. Study hard, play hard, and enjoy the experience.

Justin

Justin, stay true to who you are but accept the fact that you will be exposed to a great deal of change. College is something that will transform you, making you ready for the real world. A large, fraternity filled university may seem appealing now but realize that the success in the classroom is going to be the difference. If you love living with your family now, maybe selecting a school close by home will be the best fit. It is not a matter of what college can offer you, it is a matter of what you can make of college. You will be successful, it will take a great deal of work, but at the end of the day, your happiness is most important. Don't try to be someone who you aren't by simply attending a specific school. You are the only one who can determine your happiness and being who you are is the most rewarding. Financially, there is always help that is waiting for a student like you to ask for it. You can become anyone you want, even if you don't know now what that is. Make a change!

Thanh-Truc

Be prepared! Freshmen year will be the most laid back year in college. There is always the phrase, "freshmen year is a transitional year, you can be more relaxed about it." But that is not to encourage you to take academics lightly, it is to say that you should definitely try your hardest to maintain grades so that it'll be a buffer for your future years at the university. With that said, it is also important to enjoy the experience of being a university-bound student! Good luck and I hope you the best!

Hannah

I would tell myself to enjoy every moment. The beginning of college is a time of transition that will never be repeated, and should therefore be cherished. The people you meet may or not become lasting friends, but don't worry about making friends, because they will come withtime. In the first few weeks of school, you will begin to see the person you want to become. As everyone is making this transition, they are discovering who they want to be. That is why this is such an important time in one's life. Those who you meet will help you on this path of self-discovery. Not only will the people you meet be transformational in your life, but the classes you take will guide you in discovering what you want to do with your life after college. This is why people go to college, to get a job, but going to college is more than the means to an end. Going to college is a landmark of independence in one's life that should be cherished and remembered.

Briana

I would tell myself to make sure I've done all my research before deciding on a school. I would tell myself to look at every part of the University, not just the academics and dorms. Take time to see what the students do in their free time and whether I want to participate in those activities. Look at schools with sororities/fraternities and those without to see which enviroment I like better. I would also take time to learn about the alumni involvement and how much they contribute to the current students.

Hilary

I would tell myself to relax and enjoy the last year of high school. Basque in the love and comfort of my parents home, food and company. Enjoy not working AND going to school AND doing my own shopping, laundry AND cleaning. I would tell myself to read more classics and study vocabulary. That I should not date highschool boys and just wait until college to date. "Self" I would say, " Don't be so hard on yourself, you are great just the way you are." Also when back in time I would mention the freshman fifteen might actually be more like twenty so get some exercise and get down to an ideal weight NOW. Mostly I would like to tell my high school senior self that I made it and I am doing great in college, and give myself a pat on the back!

Joseph

If I could go back into time to when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to follow my instincts, try my best, and know that in the end it will all work out. I would tell myself that even though it may seem like a long journey it is well worth it in the end. Through education anything is possible.

Brooke

I would tell myself to do my best and not get upset when I do not get all A's. Sometimes we have to settle for a B or C on an assignment and realize that I can always do better on the next test. Also, you need to ask for help or assistance before you get behind in yourstudies. The only stupid question is one not asked, so do not feel ashamed to ask for help when you don't understand something. The other advice I would give myself is that all the time you put in studying and preparing for college classes is like putting money in a savings or retirement account for your future. You can't go back and say I wish I would have applied mysely when I had the opportunity instead of socializing. College is a priviledge not a right we are entitled to, so do not let this opportunity slip by.

Kara

The advice that I would give myself would be to first off get at least fours on all the AP exams that I would be taking my senior year, so I would not have to re-take those classes in college. Second, I would tell myself that everyone during the first week of college feels just as lonely as I did and to not cling to the other Hawai'i people just because they are familiar with 'home'. Also, I would tell myself that the amount of hours I think I should spend studying my freshmen year should really be multiplied by two. In highschool it was easy to get A's, here in college, not so much. Lastly, the sole purpose for being in college is to get ahead and to get ahead you need to do really well in you studies. I would tell myself to not worry about meeting a bunch of people at parties but to worry more about meeting people who aren't at parties, because they are the ones that will make great study buddies on weekends!

Jordan

Apply to more places, and when accepted, take advantage of the free stuff colleges give to their students. plus, eat more spaghettio's

Lili

College is way different than high school. The professors care more and more is expected from you. Always study for exams at least 2 weeks in advance and always start on your papers the day you get them; they are much harder than the ones in high school. Ask for help when you need it because it is always avaliable. I would recommend going to the writing center to get help on your papers. The math center is also avaliable so use it wisely. It is important to take lots of notes and ask questions when something is unclear. Start college easy but taking only 15 credits so that you can get used to the professors and used to college life. Participate in clubs because they are a good way to get involved.

Arianna

The first piece of advice that I would give myself would be not to take as hard of classes that I did my senior year. G.P.A is more important to colleges than the actually classes that I take. I also may have gotten more money and scholarships with a better G.P.A. The next thing would be to apply to the university with a different major. I would have started as a nursing major rather than my pre-physical therapy major. This is because I would have been able to start out the school year as a nursing major and not fall behind on the major. I also would have realized that college is not an easy ride. Many people say that college is easier and these are students who go to public colleges. I would have also promise myself that I would never live at home even though it saves me money. It took away from my experience.

Andrew

If I could give the other me advice about the college life I would tell him third things. First, go where you want to go! Not where your parents or anyone else wants you to go. Second, when school begins the first thing you should do is get ahead! College life is twice as hard as highschool. And Third, be active in both studys and school activities. This will give you an awesome college experience.

Molly

When trying to chose which college to pick and where you want to go in live be true to yourself. Visit the schools you are considering and always find a match to your needs and interests. College is the time to experiment and find out what you want from life but you should not abandon yourself to do this. By picking a school that works with your needs then this will allow you to develope into the best person that you can be. While making the transition to college it is important to try out new things, ideas and experiences in order to learn about the world as well as your self. The most important thing is to branch out and accept new ideas, experiences and ways of learning.

Victoria

If I could go back and talk to myself as a highschool senior I would tell myself to not pick a university to attend just because my best friend was going there. I would tell myself that the school needs to be the perfect fit for you and your needs. Otherwise, you just end up unhappy where you are. I would also tell myself to get involved in more school activites if there is a chance to do so. Being involved in these activities help people to become less shy around new people, which students are when they first go to college. These activities will also set you apart from other students applying at the same school. Lastly, I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible. It's not fun paying for college and finding out you owe more than you can afford and have to take out a loan. Any extra income is a blessing and you should take it thankfully. I know I could have tried harder to get scholarships when I was a senior, but I didn't. Now, I'm kicking myself for not. Thank you.

Kayla

Don't procrastinate. Try to live at home so you don't have to work/save up money now so you don't have to work as much later. Study as much as you can in classes now because it will make future classes easier.

Amy

I would just say to make sure that the colleges being decided on are truly a good match for the student's personality. If the student chooses one that is not a good match, the chances for unhappiness are very high. It is not pleasant to be away from home in a place that makes you miserable while you are trying to get a good education. Choosing the right school for each particular student is crucial; a good environment will allow the student to thrive. If this can be achieved, college is one of the most wonderful experiences there is. The student here will be more likely to enjoy extracurriculars and studying, talking with professors, and socializing. My main piece of advice - do your research and make campus visits. Do everything in your power to make sure that you choose the best college for you. Don't miss out on the wonderful experiences that college can bring. Remember to take into consideration personality. Do you want to stay close? Those things, though they may not seem to during the college search, really do matter.

Sean

The first thing I would advise to prospective students and their parents is to visit as many school as they can. There are many factors to selecting the right school including academics, sports, size, etc. However, I found the most influential factor for me when selecting the right school was not a statistic or course, it was a feeling of belonging on campus. The school I chose did not have the exact degree I wanted and did not fit most of my general desires. But when I went to visit the campus, I felt at home. And each time I came back to visit, I began to belong more and more to the community, meeting new people and learning more. So the best advice I can give is to look for schools with the intended degree and desired location, size, etc. But visit many, and go back to the places you enjoyed the most. Make sure you feel at home because the next few years will be most likely the toughest and deepest. You'll have enough to deal with, so make the place you live, thrive, and learn a place that fits you as a student and individual.

Marshawna

Going back to what I said previously. Be open minded and have a payment back up plan. Get involved in all the activities possible and give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} to your academics and then social life.

Heather

It is very important to take your time while picking out the right school. There are so many different choices, which can make the decision difficult. The first aspect that a parent or student should look for in a school is a good program in the students desired major. This means researching the professors, their research, the size of the department, their facilities, and reputation. The second aspect is the location of the school. For the majority of people this would be the first thing to consider, but the quality of the education is the most important. If one doesn?t want to live on the east coast, then one can rule out all of those schools. Many students want to stay close to home, but moving away provides them a chance to grow and become more independent. The third and final aspect is financing the education. This is very important because without money, one is unable to attend any school. Every college student/parent should fill out the FASFA, look for all available scholarships, and finally take out loans if there is no other choice. Before making any final decision the parents and student should visit the school.

Jacquelyn

Visit the campus' of prospective schools, you really get a good feeling for the atmosphere and community. Students should know that there's a light at the end of the tunnel and that they'll look back and appreciate all the hard work they were put through. The best thing to do is stay involved in the community and make friends.

Brittany

VISIT the school. Sit in on a class. Talk to students. You'll never know what a college is really like unless you go experience for yourself. That way you'll be sure you feel comfortable there and can succeed. If you're not happy you're not going to apply yourself to your schooling.

Courtney

Visit them! And if you're interested apply! You'll know which school is right for you as soon as you step on campus (yes I'm sure you've heard it, but it really is true).

Michael

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Jason

Look at Studying Abroad opportunities as well as job placement with a down turn market.

Gwen

Definitely visit the campus before deciding which school to attend so that you can get a feel for the atmosphere of the school. It also would be a good idea to sit in on a class so that you could get an idea of how big the class sizes are and what a typical class might be like.

E

go where you feel most comfortable, and think you will fit in the best. send packages because that makes the student feel happy and loved

Megan

Visit the schools that you are thinking about attending. Universities pay people to advertise for them so of course all of the pamphlets are going to make every school sound like a dream come true. I feel like I knew exactly where I wanted to be when I went to all of them. If it is something that you feel strongly about then the right school will pick you. Students-- just do the honest to God best job that you can do. College is tough, but as long as you keep your future in mind you will succeed academically and socially as well. Hve a great time because it goes by quickly. Always remember to take a little time to yourself occassionally because that will do wonders for your stress levels. Enjoy and good luck! (PS- 3am study sessions DON'T have to happen! I promise! Just get things done)

Anna

College is a time of change and learning. Finding the right college is never easy. Figuring out what type of environment you want is a good place to start, in a city, suburb, or rural area; the number of students; is there a focus on college sports or no; is the campus lush or mostly buildings, where it 's located in the country, ect. If you know what you want to study, that helps narrow down choices. If you don't know what you want to study, then finding a good liberal arts school would be your best bet so that you can get a well rounded education to better focus your studies. It's also important to visit the school to make sure that it feels right and to make sure everything is perfect. After taking all of that time, effort, and money to find the right school and to enroll, taking the education seriously is also very important. Not everyone gets to go to college, so don't take it for granted. Make sure that if you want to play hard, work hard, too. These days are the best days of your life so live it up!

Stacy

Picking a college is stressful and can often seem daunting, but if you keep a positive attitude and get involved in activites you are interested in you will be happier and more successful. Keep an open mind and do not be afraid to try new things. Learn through new experiences. Find a college that fits your values and promotes your style of learning. The best way to do this is by visiting the campus and staying with a student. Students should have time to experience the campus without their parents because it gives a more realisitic taste of college life. Keep in mind that you will change drastically over four years. Regardless of where you end up, have fun.

Sarah

Sometimes money does not buy the best education. Your education is what you make of it. You could pay for Harvard, but if you don't want to learn, Harvard may be no better than a state school.

Celia

I would tell parents/and or students that they when it comes to finding the right college, they should choose what feels right. I knew from the beginning, before I even visited, that the University of Portland was for me; I just had a good feeling about it. My visit to the university only confirmed my belief that it was the perfect college for me; it matched everything that I wanted in a school and it made me feel at home. If you get that feeling and it fits everything you want financially, socially, visually, academically, then it's the right choice for you. Upon making the right choice, your college experience should go smoothly. In order to make the most of your time at college, I would advise meeting as many people as possible, learning as much as you can from others around you and from your academics, studying hard but also having as much fun as possible. Most importantly, I would say that while at college, you should grow as much as you can. I can honestly say that I have grown so much from my experiences. College is a time of learning, so grow from it!

Andrea

It seems as though so many young adults believe college is what they see portraited on television and movies. It is full of large parties, sporting events, and the greek system. What future students need to think about instead is what type of school (size, atmosphere, location) is best for them. Also, consider the values you hold strong. Choose a college that best fits both who you are now, and who you want to become. Hold your expectations high so you can hold your head higher and walk proudly both on graduation day and throughout the rest of your life! Choose a college that when you leave, you leave a better person, well balanced, leave with great memories and most of all, life long friends to create memories for years to come.

Rob

Money is not everything. Find a place that feels right to you and that you feel comfortable at. Go with your gut. You'll never get those 4 years back so make sure you have no regrets about the school you are at.

Nathan

Know what you're looking for, and what you want to avoid. Do you want a school where 95{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your time will be devoted to schoolwork? A party school? A school in between? Do you want a small school, where you can meet the entire student body in two days? A large school where you can meet 100 new people every day? Something in between? A school where the teacher will ask you why you missed class, or a school where the teacher you've taken three classes from doesn't remember you? Do you want a school where there is a big athletic program? One with an active intramural program? Or a school that doesn't have a sports program? Do you want a school with a religious affiliation, or one without? It's okay to not be sure, keep the questions in mind. Then, the most critical thing. Visit!!! Talk to students, professors, everyone you can. Filter out the marketing speak, and then decide how well that school fits with what you want. Remember, you will likely spend several years here. And then decide. And remember, if it's that bad, you can always choose another school.

Victoria

When applying for colleges, and trying to find the perfect fit, stretch from your normal boundaries and go outside where you think you may want to attend college. If you asked me four years ago, if I would become a nurse and go to school 1,000 miles away from home, I would have laughed. It turns out it has been the best decision I have ever made. It is important to go to a school that has your desired major, and also look if you have to re-apply after two years to get into the actual program (ex: nursing, engineering). The size of the school is a critical aspect as well as if the professors are approachable and willing to help you succeed. More than anything, look for a college that is responsive and quick to answer your questions!! Live everyday to the fullest and try your hardest in college. It is a great opportunity to learn a lot about yourself and from your studies. With these hard financial times, it is extremely important to look at the financial aid that a particular school will give you-- may make the world of a difference.

Mikayla

I would suggest that they visit the colleges they're interested in to get a feel for the campus. Just because a school has the best academics or the best reputation does not mean that it is the right fit. I would not have had such a great experience at college if not for my friends and the amazing environment I have at my school. Ask students who are already going there what they think about the school. My advice for making the best of your experience is to play just as hard as you work. Don't be nervous about making friends, just put yourself out there and be friendly. Most people will respond well to that. Join a few clubs in the beginning to meet new people. Having good friends who will support you will make college a lot easier and a lot more fun. I don't know what I would have done without my friends. Remember, college isn't just about getting a degree, it's about having an experience that you will remember fondly for the rest of your life.

Liana

Visit ev ery campus befiore you make your final choice and make sure it is not on a visitation day because they tend to dress up schools.

Amy

Do your research, go on a campus tour, stay overnight if possible

Wendy

When you look at a college dont look at the all the parties going on there but rther focus on the academics and what is offered. You do not want to go into a university that does not offer anything that you actually want to do after graduation just because it has a popular football team or the best parties around. College is an experience that is meant to be both fun and enlightening. There is a right college for each person and you have to delve into what you are really looking for before choosing one. Go to the campus visit days, talk to current students and professors and if possible, try to sit in on one of the classes that might be interesting. We all have different tastes when it comes to schools. For some of us, a large state school is best while others prefer the more one-on-one type smaller classes. Go with what best suits your tastes and you will be well on your way to having a very enjoyable college experience.

Ashlee

In order to make the best choice, I'd advice students to visit the campus while classes are in session and to stay overnight with hosts from the university in the dorms. Visiting campus and attending classes with host or hostess will allow the prospective student to see first hand what life is like. It also allows them to experience the food, life and culture of the university. Once students get to the college of their choice, in order to make the most out of it, they should seek out clubs and activities that interest them and try to talk to and interact with as many people who share the same interests as them. For success in the classroom, forming study groups and getting contact information from people in class will aid in forming bonds with people that will last a lifetime, as well as help in getting the grades the graduate.

Krystal

Make sure you visit the college/university, talk not only to the tour guides but students you see walking around on campus. If possible stay the night so you can get a better idea of the dorms. Sit in on a class to find out the class size, teaching style, student attitude, etc. Get your applications in early! Don't wait, just get them done, it's a pain no matter when you do them. Make sure they have extra curriculars you want to participate in, don't just depend on academics to keep you occupied. Go somewhere where you will enjoy the weather and surrounding city. You need to be able to go off campus sometimes and enjoy the city and area you live in. If you are looking into a science make sure they allow undergraduates to participate in research. Make sure the college/university is interested in making sure you succeed not only there but also once you get out into the real world, or that they will prepare you for graduate school. I would make sure they have a study abroad program too, but that's just me. Good luck.

Alyssa

I would suggest looking at the programs offered at the school, flexibility, the recreational facilities and student union, I would definitely sit in on a couple classes that interest you, travel to and from your home to the school (for breaks etc), and the weather should play a factor in your choice.

Joanna

I would tell prospective students to make sure they visit schools they're interested in before attending, because each campus has such a different feel to it. I would tell incoming freshman to live on campus and get involved in the university community and campus events. Good connections are made, and an appreciation for the organization and work effort of the campjs community is gained. A lot of people love to complain, when they have no experience in what they're complaining about. It is so valuable to actually get involved in the universty community through whatever sounds interesting - explore all the options! Intramural sports, volunteer work, campus bands, events, on-campus jobs. There are lots of avenues and it is so much more fun and welcoming when you are involved.

Emily

I would tell parents to really let their children explore new things and places. It's such an incredible experience, and it will only make your relatonship stronger the more supportive you are. For students, apply early, try new things, and don't be afraid to meet new people. The dorms are nice for the first year, but after that, there are often better options. Find that nice balance between studying and having fun. You will stay up all night at least once, but that might be some of your best memories.

John

It's difficult to answer this question, because the phrase "making the most of the college experience" can mean any sort of different things to different people. Some may equate this with learning valuable skills in a specific area of study, while others prefer to interpret this phrase as partying three nights a week. For me, this phrase means that I need to use college as a test ground to develope the skills that I will need in my approaching life as a responsible and happy adult, be they skills in writing, speaking, confidence, my selected major, or relationships. I believe that this cannot be achieved without an immersion of oneself into the college community, into the groups, classes, and relationships that define college life. Being nervous and introverted will prevent college from developing into the experience of discovery and refinement that it is intended to be. Carbon cannot become a diamond without intense pressure, and a teenager cannot become an adult unless he or she is exposed to the realities of life, and there is no better place to prepare oneself than the college community. If you are fearless, college WILL be a rewarding, wherever you choose to go.

David

Bottom line, understand who you are now, and understand where you want to be four years from now. If you're an introvert who specializes in computers or literature, attend a smaller school with intense programs that will focus on those areas. Competition for getting accepted into specific programs like engineering, nursing, business, education, etc is much less at smaller schools. If you're a socialite but couldn't handle the close atmosphere of highschool and recognizing people everywhere you go, go to a bigger school. Also if you don't know what you want to study, although competition is greater at large schools, they also offer a much wider variety of classes and disciplines within which to study. Visit every school you possibly can of the ones you have applied for. What looks good on paper or a website may not enchant you once you've had a chance to move through it and experience it three dimensionally.