University of St Thomas-Saint Paul Top Questions

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

Dominic

I would advise myself to be more excited to attend this university. I would say your mind and world view will be expanded, and moving 540 miles away from home will be a great experience. Not only is their more fun in this city, professional sporting events, restaurants, and more, but your opportunities to serve are much more diverse. You can work with disadvantged youth, senior citizens, or grade schoolers. The knowledge from classes will make you a more refined individual, and associating with those who may not agree with your views will be enriching for all. Also, don't worry about not knowing any one at this school. You will make friends from all over the country, and even from other countries. Be prepared to work hard and have fun. Leave your preconceived notions of others behind, and be ready to have an open mind, and at the same time, bring your knowledge back to where you came from.

Alisha

The hardest part of my transition into college was learning how to study for classes and not being able to assume the tests would be easy. Get involved in school activities and worry less about grades. Enjoy your time with friends and build strong relationships with people. Stay true to yourself.

Sara

I would definitely tell myself that college life is very hard, much harder than high school. In college, professors will pile the work on you and will not care how much you have already. In high school, there are plenty of second chances. But in college you only have one chance to get a good grade and if you blow it, you are in trouble. I would tell myself to plan social events and homework better, put it on a schedule. I would tell myself to be more social, to take more risks with other people and just talk to others in order to make friends. At the same time, I would tell myself not to rush everything. You've got four years ahead of you, take it slowly. Balancing too many activities and homework generates a lot of stress. Finally, I would tell myself to have fun. It is imperative to get work done, but you have to leave yourself some time to relax and truly enjoy college.

Nicholas

Apply for any programs even if you don't think you will get it, there is no harm in trying. There are programs out there that are amazing and can make the transition to college easier and more beneficial. Don't be afraid to let go and build a new idenity and meet new people becuase they make the experience more interesting and meaningful. If you sit in your dorm room and play videogames or watch tv and don't get out, you will look back wondering what you missed becuase there is so much out there in college.

Erika

Choosing a college was a frightening task for me. In high school I knew nothing about the college experience, and before I knew it I was expected to make a heavy decision that would affect my entire future. I didn't know what to look for in a potential college or how to choose a place that fit my personality. My only criteria were that I wanted to stay near home and I wanted a private school. My ultimate decision was based upon the amount of financial aid offered; I was lucky the school I chose happened to offer opportunities important to me such as music, a study abroad program, and a good faculty in my major field of biology. If I could go back to my senior year of high school I would do things differently. The best advice I could give is to start researching early. I would start before my senior year, visiting as may schools as possible and making use of my career counselors to gather information. That way I could have made a firmly grounded decision instead of a shot in the dark. Choosing a college is something that shouldn't be left to chance.

Kirk

To be open to more things. Coming to college I tried sticking to my old friends to much and wasn't able to find new friends here at school. It took me a year or so to be comfortable with my new friends at school. When sticking to old ways you miss what is new and great in your life.

James

I would suggest to go to the school in which they feel comfortable no matter if you have friends going there or not. You make friends very easily so don't at all worry about not knowing anyone even if it is in a different state far away from home (as it is for me).

John

I would tell them to get excited about learning and experiencing new things, and tell them to bring in an openess for learning and growing. Adjustment will be needed, but that is part of growing up.

Emily

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, one of the most important thing I would advise myself to do would be to take more Post Secondary classes and to also research which ones would transfer. During high school, I took a few Post Secondary classes, but looking back on it, I wish I had taken more to better prepare myself for the college world. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to do some more research into what might interest me. Having more insight into different career paths I might be interested in might have allowed me to make better decisions regarding classes. The last piece of advice I would give myself for the transition into college life would be to relax a little more and just enjoy the experience. College is a life-changing experience that will only happen once; it is what you make of it. And while getting good grades and succeeding academically is important, learning more about who you are as an individual and enjoying the company of new-found friends is also an important and enjoyable part of college.

Emily

I would look into more public schools because of the high costs associated with private.

Amanda

I would right away tell myself to take post secondary education classes. After being in college and seeing how hard and time consuming the workload is I wished I could have gotten some of those liberal arts credits taken care of. It would have been a smart choice not only for the school aspect but also the money situation. Attending St. Thomas has brought on a lot of financial choices I didn't know I was going to have to face. I would have told myself to save more money in order to pay for things such as the never ending text books for classes, and expenses associated with living. Now that I live in a house on my own I wished I would have saved some money from graduation for electricity and other basic needs of a house. It would also be wise to prepare for the transition into a dorm by consolidating clothes and other items into smaller amounts due to the dorm rooms being much smaller than one I was used to at home. There is a lot that I wished I would have known, but it is all part of the experience.

Brandon

You should have explored the sciences in highschool.

CJ

It's ok if you chose the wrong college. Work hard and maintain high grades so that you are likely to get aid and acceptance at the college of your choice if you decide to transfer like me. I work incredibly hard and take pride in my work no matter where I am.

Katie

Before you decided on what college you want to go to you have to think about the things that represent who you are and what you want to become. College isn't just about expanding your knowledge academically, it is also about broadening your perspective on people individually, culture, and yourself. The best way to make the transition to college life is to find the college that holds these ideals. To accomplish this, visit as many colleges as possible. You'll learn about different styles of life, teaching, and what's available out there. The transition into college academia will be difficult but if you take those Advanced Placement courses and pay extra close attention to everything you learn in them then courses in college will not seem so terrifying. Going to talk to your professors is absolutely the most important thing you can do if you need help and NEVER be afraid to do so! The transition into college social life won't be easy but if you take the extra effort to step out of your comfort zone and really get involved with on-campus activities, then the transition will go well. Good luck, you'll go great!

Taylor

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would make sure to tell myself that everything will be alright. I remember being very stressed about choosing the "right" college and feeling that this would determine the rest of my life. After experiencing college life, I realize that it is not as scary as it once seemed and that you can always transfer if you have a negative experience. I would also tell myself to take comfort in the fact that other people are feeling the same way. I would remind myself to try new things and not to be shy. Although there are a lot of fun, exciting things always happening at college I would advise my high school self to stay on track with school because it is the little things and extra effort that really counts. I would tell myself that I will experience some hardship and I might fall a few times but overall, I would let myself know that I am going to make some really great friends and have an amazing time.

Meghan

Choosing a college that is right for you is extremly difficult. Make sure you make lists of what things you want at your school you will attend and take into account things such as money, classes, majors/minors and the size and location of the school. Make sure you look at a variety of different schools to know which one is truly right for you. Working as hard as you can in high school will help you to be as successful as you poosibly can as long as you work your hardest. Taking AP classes will be very helpful in preparing you for what a college class will be like, but also could save you time and money by earning some college credit before you even graduate high school. Make sure to weigh out every possibility and ask others for advice, talk to people who go to schools you are somewhat interested in, we/they are usually very helpful and more than willing to help. They have been through the same thing and can share their experiences with you.

Sara

In high school i started out with a lot of motivation to do well. However, as the years progressed i lost that motivation that by the time i was ready to graduate I was barely getting by and struggled on getting decent scholarships. If I could go back to hiugh school I would tell myself to actually try and to achieve and go beyond what was expected of me. I would have also been way more involved in the world that surrounded me and got involved in programs that had to do with helping the poor and underprivlaged kids and not be so involved with the drama that engulfed my life in high school. I dont exactly know if I would listen to myself but I know that if someone had drilled that into be a long time ago I would have graduated more proud of myself and more achieved at life experiences.-

Lindsey

Take the "broken leg test" seriously. That is, if you break your leg and cannot play your varsity sport, will you still be happy going to this college? If the answer is no, than find a better place to go, even if that means not playing at the varsity level. In the end, your education is more important, and you can always find other rescources off campus to play the sport you love, and attend the university you love. Become organized! Your life will get busy and, at times, very hard. If you stay organized and keep small goals in your line of sight you will be more successful. Build a strong support system around you for when you are faced with difficulties. It helps to have friends and family who support you when times get tough.

Maureen

As a high school senior there were so many questions and worries I had about coming to college. I regularly sat and pondered what would be in store for me for the coming fall. I was worried about everything from my dorm to the cafeteria food to the classes. My excitement turned into more of a pang of fear everytime the question of my future plans arose. If I could go back in time I would love to tell myself to not worry, not to be fearful. College has by far been the most exiting time of my life thus far and I wish that I hadn't spent so much time worrying about it and making myself sick over it. The things that may have seemed scary turned out to be the most exciting events, a time for me to learn new things about myself and about the world around me. I would tell myself to take the things that are unfamiliar to me and instead of worrying to be ready to take it all in and learn something new from it.

Kevin

If I could go back and give myself advice as a high school senior, I would crack down on my procrastinating nature. It has been very devastating to my college career. I would also tell myself to get out and explore more, in regards to clubs, career choices, and friends. It would have been nice to have a better idea of what I wanted to do before college, instead of being forced to make a quick decision when first entering college. If I could go back, I would take more college preparatory classes, so that the transition into my current college courses would be a little easier. In general, I would go back and tell myself that high school should be more about preparing for college than just "getting by" and graduating.

Kristin

Knowing what I know now about college life, if I were given the opportunity to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to become more involved and take more chances. I have been a shy person most of my life, so I would tell myself to put myself out there and don't be afraid. If I were to have known this before, it would have made my first year as a college student a lot easier.

Jason

Jason, College is jsut aroud the corner. You have heard so much from family and friends about what to expect and how different life will be. Well, I've been through it and I can tell you what you need to know. Keep your eyes open. You need to let go of your high school ideas, notions, and relationships. It's time to grow by learning new things and meeting new people. Make sure you study hard every week so as not to limit your option at the end of school. Go out and date new people. Date people that are different than your high school girlfriend and people who are different than your family. No matter what happens though, keep your mind open to new things and take in everything that St. Thomas has to offer. Seize oppurtunity as it comes your way. Try new foods, visit new places, get a job that you wouldn't take. Stay close with your family and learn to cook! But, the most important thing is, go have fun, your youth is almost over, enjoy the end of it.

Jim

1. study abroad 2. date more, and more relationship-based stuff 3. network often 4. joined a good club 5. engaged in at least one massive, clever, harmless prank 6. understand what social class is and how it affects every interaction on campus, especially with the chicks. 7. have no regrets, absorb everything from everyone

Giang

Going to the University of St. Thomas is a completely different world from high school and community college. It's an academically, socially, and healthy excelling atmosphere. Have more confidence in your decision because you're not making a mistake.

Morgan

I would give myself the advice of taking more Advanced Placement classes so that I could have come into college with more credits and experience under my belt. It also makes things much cheaper! St. Thomas is getting more and more expensive and my family and I are becoming more and more unable to provide the money to pay for how much it is. I would also tell myself to keep my GPA as high as possible, because a lot of your scholarships depend on your high school GPA.

Alycia

I would go back and tell myself to do an overnight stay at the school. Talk to people on campus not just your tour guide because their selling the school to you because it's their job. I would say even if you go far away you can still see your friends. I stayed close so I would be close to my friends, but I should make my decisions for myself. My family and friends had a big influence on where I went to school, and I let them persuade me. Now I have been unhappy with my decision. You go to college once and have the experience once. I got into all the schools I applied to, but I only looked deeply into two of them and I regret it. I would also tell myself to pay attention to on campus dining because our caf is horrible, and now I see why they don't give students on tour free lunches. Before deciding what school to go to I would also tell myself to talk to some advisors besides the financial advisors so

Kacie

Don't be scared to go to a college where you won't know anyone. You will meet people, no problem. 75{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of people going to college are in the same exact situation as you. The first few weeks might be a little nervewracking, but don't be afraid to introduce yourself to others because those same people will be your friends until your hair is gray!

Grace

I would tell myself to relax more and enjoy myself. I was so stressed about the whole process and worried that I would not do well in school. I was worried my classes would be too hard and that I would not make friends. Freshman year I mainly worried about my studies and did not try to have a social life. It was hard balancing work, my studies, and trying to make new friends. I would say make more time for friends. There is always time to study and that extra hour that could have been spent making new friends at dinner rather than studying, won't really make much of a difference with my test score. I would tell myself to get more involved as a freshman, because being involved on campus makes you feel more connected and happy with your school. The main thing I would tell myself is to just go with the flow, work hard, and have faith that everything will be alright. Because in the end, my freshman year was one of the best years of my life... and I worried for nothing.

Fahma

If I could go back to being a high school senior, I would make sure that I prepared myself for college in general. I would advice myself to stay on top of my homework when I got to college because once you are behind, it is very difficult and time consuming to play catch up. I would also advice myself to get the best out of my last year in high school by engaging in activities that could potentially help me in college, such as taking leadership roles. In general, I would advice myself to enjoy my last year in high school because once those days are gone, they are gone forever and college is a whole different world.

Julia

College is really not as stressful and you think. Join a club that interests you right away, and just get involved.

Morgan

I would tell myself to look at all of the classes and extra-curricular activities offered at the colleges I am looking at. I transferred to the University of St.Thomas from a university that did not offer everything I was hoping for. I would remind my high school self that I am overly involved and that it is important to me to do the same in college. I also would advice myself to meet with faculty members and students at a few of the universities to get a better idea about what the environment is like. Also, I think the best advice I would give myself is to not be afraid! Go into college with an open mind and don't worry if you don't love it. You CAN transfer and find a place that does make you happy. I transferred and found a college, the University of St.Thomas that makes me HAPPY and where I enjoy getting up every morning to go to class and to attend my extra-curricular events.

Grace

Freshman year was different than what I was expecting mostly because I had never really heard about how it takes awhile to get aquanted with the new surroundings, people, and classes. That first month or so is rough, whether you go to the same school as your best friend or not. Everyone is trying to find their place while still keeping their identity. There's so much pressure to adapt quickly and see college as the greatest time of your life, but it's not something you can force, nor does it just suddenly happen. Yet, when you do finally find your niche, you appreciate it even more! Also, you don't have to be best friends with your roommate and if, by chance, you don't get along at all, it'll only make you get out and make other friends on your floor and you'll have a great horror story for your kids one day!

Maureen

The best piece of advice that I can give is to not stress too much about finding the perfect college. What's really important is what you do when you get there. Don't sit in your room and expect people to come to you. If you're not putting yourself out there, you're not going to make any friends. Join a club or activity, talk to the people in your classes, or ask people to go to dinner with you. I would also tell new students to remember that everyone is in the same situation you are, so don't be afraid to talk to new people. Also, don't let yourself belive that anyone else is better than you. Some kids may act like the world revolves around them- it doesn't. On the other side, don't think that you're above other people. If you act like you're too good, no one will want to be around you. So, upon starting a new year, don't be scared. Be excited! You get to make new friends and go new places. Just remember to stay open to all those wonderful, new experiences.

Matt

I would reccomend experiencing a variety of colleges first-hand. Actually going out and seeing the college of choice is the most fundamentally sound decision possible.

Craig

My greatest suggestion that I could make to parents of future students looking for a university or college is to ignore money issues for now. Pick the school that will have the best otucome for your self or schild. Yes money is very important, but there are ways to recieve financial aid whether it be from FAFSA, scholarships, or Loans. Growing up, I never had money, and I still do not have any. I choose a school that had a tuition of $40,000 a year which me and my family could not afford at all. Thankfully, I was able to receive grants and scholarships that enabled me to attend University of St. Thomas. I am glad I choose this school without regards to the cost because I do not believe I could get any better treatment from the professors here than anywhere else. So I advise you once again, please look past the bill that you will receive and worry more about what you want out of life.

Blake

College is a time to grow and experience new things. As you travel on your journey it is prudent that you make your experience one that you will forever remember. While you must study hard it is imperative to make friends and social connections as these may eventually serve as means for employment. Above all work hard to find people, and things, which challenge your personal beliefs, as it is with these challenges that we are strengthened. "If a man empties his purse into his head no one can take it from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." ~Benjamin Franklin.

Rachel

Rather than worrying about the wishes and needs of the parents, both parents and students should base their college decisions on the concerns of the student. A good, successful college experience is dependent upon how happy and comfortable the student feels on campus, in class, and among his or her peers and faculty on campus. Another great concern when choosing a college is the availability and quality of potential degrees and fields of interest as well as extracurricular activities that the student may potential be interested in joining. Class sizes at the college or university of interest should also be a major concern; some students excel only in small classrooms, where the professor can put more time into assisting his or her students, where as many other students do just fine or better when in big classrooms. Once the student is attending their college of choice I highly recommend that within the first few days of classes he or she gets the contact information of fellow students and arranges study groups for each class. Study groups are a great way to meet people who share one's same interests and they also help students excel.

Chris

I would recommend that both students and parents visit a prospective school at least once before making a final decision if that school is the right college. By visiting the school, the student is able to get a feel for what campus life and classes are like. In addition, students can inquire about the programs and activities offered and whether the school offers the student's intended field of study. Third, when visiting a school, the student can also check out the dormitories provided to students and get information about alternative living arrangements if desired. In order to make the most of the college experience, it is important to get involved in clubs and activities that are interesting and fun. Also, some residence halls hold monthly get-togethers for the entire hall or particular floors which can be great times to meet other students that live in the same dormitory. By balancing both school work and a social life, a student can make the most of his or her college experience. So my advice is to get involved and stay active throughout your college career.

Laura

I think it is important for perspective students and their families to start their college search with an open and positive mind. Explore a variety of schools; close to home and far away, big and small, private and public. Choosing a college that is right for you is one of the most important and exciting decisions of your life. to Try to avoid being peer pressured into applying to the same schools as your best friends in high school. Explore and don't be afraid to venture out because this is the time that you can. Apply to several schools, a couple safety schools but also take risks and apply to a dream school. Nothing bad can come from applying and don't be discouraged if you don't get in. Visit campuses and get involved in orientation programs to get a real feel for a school. Don't be shy!

Philip

I would give the advice to an incoming student to find a college that fits your chosen field of study the best. Also, to find the right college, a student should visit the college and talk to students there not affiliated with the college in order to full understand what the college is really like. The social aspects of college can be found in every college, but not every college has the programs to fit your educational needs. You are going to college to get an education and that should be the foremost thing on your mind. Balancing work and play will be learned throughout the college years and the work needs to interest you in order for that process to be speedy. To make the most of your college experience, I would advise that the best way to get what you want out of college is to be proactive in your search for what you want. Take advantage of the time you have with friends and take advantage of what your academics can do for you and your future.

Emily

I would tell parents to visit the campus. You will not know if you really want to go to that school until you have seen the campus. Being on the campus gives you a whole new feeling of what it is like to be on campus. I would also encourage parents to let the child attend events for prospective students. It will give the student what it is like to be a college student for a day.

Michelle

First, I would tell students to make the decision about where to attend college for yourself; not for your parents or friends because this is your experience and only you will be the one to make the most of everything. Therefore, choose a school you love, feel comfortable walking around, will benefit your future career/degree plans and all that is important to you in a college. Also, be sure to make the most of you whole experience. Take chances, try new things and never limit yourself to any possibility. The whole process of applying to college and choosing your school is stressful and frustrating, but it is an important one which will impact your future. For parents, encourage your child to be open to their experiences and not to limit themselves in any form or fashion. The college years are exciting and frustrating for both the student and parents. Remember your student may need guidance and you are the perfect person to provide insight. College years are some of the best of your life; you never want to look back and wonder what if, so do not worry because whereever you will be, will be the place for you.

Adriana

I would advise any prospective student or parent to focus more on the values that they wish to learn. Schools are costly, but if the education seems to be the right fit, there are always ways to come up with the money. If you work hard in college you can go anywhere, so choosing a college is a big descision. Always focus on what kind of environment would be most suitable for your learning abilities. Don't pick a college based on friends' opinions, or where they are going. Pick a college based on your personal needs. Making the most of your college experience may at times be fun, and sometimes frusterating. Groups are a fun way to meet people while learning more about topics that interest you, and help you further your education. Try to be involved as you can when you attend a school, this way you won't feel left out if you don't live on campus. I would also suggest not spending all your time partying, there are other ways to make friends, and it is hard to do your homework when you are out all night. The best thing about college? Being yourself.

Julie

I believe the most important thing for a student when searching for the right college is to find a school that fits for each individule. I have had many friends who have transfered because they "just didnt fit in" in some state schools. Here at St. Thomas, I spent a night overnight as a prospective and it really showed me what life as a Tommie may be like. I believe that being able to be comfortable is the most important thing, becuase it is the key to happiness at school. I had an opportunity to go to a very competitve school in Milwaukee but i chose to go to St. Thomas because , number one, I fit in at the school and number two the financial aid was better. My advice would be to go with the school that fits financial needs, and that the student may be comfortable with.

Liz

Visit often and many. The more schools you look at, the better feel you will have for what you want in a school and what you do not want. Also, the more often you visit a school, the better and more comfortable you will feel with it. Prioritize what is most important for the student's learning situation. Does a small class size matter? Do they know what area of leaning they are most interested in? Transportation, phones, computers, and mail allow us to keep in contact with others and socialize. If the teachers, learning atmosphere and classes needed are at one particular school, you should attend.

Angie

I would tell students to visit a lot of colleges before applying, even if you think you won't like them. This gives them a chance to see what their possibilities are. I would tell parents not to pressure their children, it is their future and their education. Plus, this is the time in their life when they get to explore themselves. As for making the most of the college experience, I would tell parents to give their child some independence but remind them that you are proud of them. Students should get out onto campus, get involved, meet people, but don't lose focus on academics.

Jacob

The location, class size, classes offered, and campus life are all important factors in determining where you want to go. The best thing you can do is get a list of colleges that have the field of study that you want to pursue. Once you have that down then you need to think about location, far from home or close to home, this is all a matter of your personality. Then go and visit some of the schools that you have on your list and the rest will fall right into place. Then get involved with the faculty, students and the community. The professors are baskets of knowledge and can provide you with resources and many opportunities. This goes the same for campus activities not only do you get to meet new people that enjoy doing the same things that you do, but you are opening yourself up to a vast pool of resources. Lastly, being involved in the community is great for building good life values. Take the goals that you have in life and then pursue the right paths that will help you accomplish those goals. The faculty, students, and community are resources that will get you there.

Alyssa

Students, Think about what your favorite things to do in the world. Write them down and list them in order, from most to least important. After you make the list, find places that fit the list. It is easier to find a place that fits the list than trying to make yourself fit into some place in which you are not meant to be. Once you are in college, do not lose track of your family, because it is going to be the most intense time of your life. Your highs will make you feel invincible and your lows will crush you, but you can survive, scratch that, do better than survive, if you don?t lose yourself or your base / family. Parents, Go with your student to every school they want to see. They wont be able to ask every question or remember every answer, so they need you. Let them lead the search. Don?t take over. Send them letters every time you miss them. Mail is one of the greatest things to get in college. They might make mistakes with grades and classes, but let them know that you are there to listen to their problems.

Meghan

It is important for parents and students to visit a lot of different schools, even if the student is sure he or she wants to go somewhere, it is vital to visit other schools to gain perspective for the school he or she is choosing. To make the most out of college, meet as many people as you can. Choose to live in the community-style dorms. Seek out opportunities to get involved, but don't overdo it because then schoolwork takes a back seat.

Rachel

My advice to parents and student in finding a college would be go to the one you really want to . Don't let anything sway you from your discussion in where you want to go. Also to make the most out of your college experience, do as much as you can during your first four years because once you get into graduate school it is a lot harder. Also have some fun, it is not all about homework and classes, meet new people and enjoy your college years.