Walsh University Top Questions

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

Deanna

After viewing all of the possible components, finding the right college should ultimately be the student's decision. I would strongly advise visiting any perspective college to get a feel for its atmosphere and to examine whether or not that college can meet the student's expectations and provide a solid education and career opportunities. I would encourage students to visit multiple sites in order to find that perfect fit because one college is not for everyone. Finances are also a large part of chosing the right college and can weigh heavily on a student's decision. I would look into how much financial aid a school can offer and whether or not it is within the student's and/or parents' budget. Housing, availability of resources, and the quality of the education are other important areas to consider. Once a student finds a college the feels right for them, they should put their studies first but need to leave time to discover and develop into the person that they desire to become. Each individual has their own idea of what they want their college experience to be and it is up to them to make the most of it.

Rachel

In order to make the most of your college experience, involve yourself in activities offered on campus. You will be able to meet new people and make new friends by becoming involved. Make use of your school library!! There are so many resources available to you there and the library is also a great place to get studying done! If possible, get to know your professors and ask them questions! That's what they are there for!

Jason

Each parent and prospective student should examine what they want from their education experience from an objective view. Weigh all the factors such as campus size, student to teacher ratio, academic standards, post graduation job placement, post graduation graduate school placement, strong programs vs. weak programs, etc. At the same time considerations for the surrounding community environment should play a role in the decision as well. Will the prospective student be distracted by off campus activates that will detract from their principal purpose of attending college? Are there strong support systems in place on campus such as counseling services, academic advising, spiritual/religious outlets, and a healthy social environment? Each of these elements and perspectives should be considered when looking at the need of each individual prospective student. The choice should be arrived at by a mutual decision making process with the parent and prospective student to avoid the misplacement of such said prospective student into a university which will not be suitable. Ultimately, the future success and happiness of the prospective student should be considered as the compass in navigating through all the elements of the decision making process. It is their future!

Lauren

I would suggest, to students searching for the right college, that they should choose the school that makes them the most happy. After all, he/she will be the one attending this school. It is always nice to please others, but the right school can determine his/her happiness for the next couple of years, or even determine the success of his/her future career. I would also suggest that students know what field of study he/she plans to go into before attending a college or university. Some schools offer a better program to students in a certain field of study than others, so it is always best to know what area he/she would like to study before making a decision on a school. Also, college is very expensive, taking unneeded and uninteresting classes, according to the student, can be a waste of hard earned money. College is supposed to be some of the best years of your life. That should not be compromised. Meet new people and have fun, but forget why your there.

samira

The advice I would give parents and/ or students about finding the right college and making the most of their college experience would be to go with their instincts. Parents need to guide their child to their decision but not make it for them. As a new college student they have to know they need to let their child pick their college and their own major. Parents are there for support and to help them along their new journey! As new students going to college try to keep an open mind you are going to meet so many types of people with different backgrounds,morals as well as ethnicities. One major thing for the student is to always remember to be yourself and never be something you are not. This is your life, your journey, and your career make the best of it, enjoy it, and you will not only reach your goals but exceed them as well! Have fun! Most importantly do NOT forget to study; keep in mind that is why you are here!

Violet

Research! Try and have your child make a list of colleges that he may want to attend and then seriously see what the school offers! Make sure the school has the degree they might want to study first, because not all schools have the same degree. Make a list of what you want in a school and go from there! College is suppose to be the best four years of your life and you might as well have fun in school!!!

Hallee

Talk to people who currently attend each school. Make sure to take a tour, and if possible do the overnight. Once you choose and are accepted, GET INVOLVED! I was a commuter at a primarily residential school. My freshman year I became involved in the newspaper, intramurals, and several clubs around campus. It was the best decision I made and through those activities I made the most of my friends. By my junior year, most of the campus - including RA's and Professors, thought that I WAS a resident! Being involved helped me make the most of my college experience, and help me figure out more about myself!

Patrick

Some advice for students is to find a school that is similar to your high school. If you come from a small high school and go to a huge school you will experience some serious culture shock and it makes classes harder to be engaged in. I would also tell you to live on campus. I chose to live in an apartment about thirty minutes from campus and because of that I have to work full time and this adds a lot of stress to the workload of college and many times I was tempted to drop out or skip classes because I was stressed out or didn't get a lot of sleep the night before. I am confident that if I lived on campus I would have straight A's but I have straight B's and they are not easy to get. Some advice for parents would be to let your child go and do what they want. Don't force them to go to a certain school and if you can't afford it try as hard as possible to find grants and help your child go to their number one choice college.

Ashley

My advice to parents would be to support your children with the decisions they make about where to go to school. My advice to students would be to visit and apply to as many colleges as possible, even if the some schools are not in your top choices. Also, choose a school for the acedemics, not for sports, extracrariqular activities, or how close it is to home.

Jenelle

What a great question, and I feel that there are so many factors that can take place for students to make the very best of their college experience! Since attending college for a little over four years now there is so much I have learned and love sharing with others about the "whole" experience. Firstly, for parents my advice to you would be to stay calm and be there for your student, finding the right college and all the aspects that go along with it can be tedious and sometimes confusing. However, there are so many people out there to help you and answer any of your questions. Make sure you allow your student to find the characteristics they want in a college, not just the ones you want. As a former student I had great support from both of my parents and that was so helpful. Now for the students, make sure you really research and visit the schools your interested in! There are many great schools out there, but from my experiences the most expensive ones aren't necessarily the best ones. Just take a deep breath and ask as many questions as needed. Thank you!

Rachel

I would choose a collage that will fit you best. I choose a small school, because i have grown up in a small community and i enjoy getting to know most other students and staff. I also like having small class sizes, which gives me an opportunity for more individual help. Going to a smaller school also helps to keep me stay on track, because I am not always tempted to party, play and sleep all day. Having a challange at this small private school makes me want to work hard, and makes me proud of myself when I achieve!

Jessica

Parents...it's time to relax. There actually is a method to the madness of choosing the right college; and i wish i would have known it four years ago. Your child is probably around the age of 18 and chances are they dont have a clue where they want to be. Let me guess, it might just be one of those things that keep you up at night. Well, it is time to get a good night's rest; its actually quite simple on which college is best. Have your son/daughter write down a list of things that are important to them; it may be as simple as: shopping, social life, or excellent professor-student relationships. It is important that they write as many as they can think, and there isnt a time frame that they should finish. Bring this list when you go to each college and check off their personal desires you observe. After you have visited all colleges, compare each list. Trust me, it's very hard to remember every detail in the end. This will narrow their decision, while making it more personalized. Congratulations, you will get that sleep you've been waiting for.

Jodi

Parents: When your child is searching for the right college to attend, the most important role for you is to be patient and supportive. There are hundreds of choices for your child, which can be exciting, but also overwhelming. In order to succeed, it is important that your child feel comfortable and "at home" while on campus, and that feeling is not an easy one to find. Encourage several visits and allow them to have options. Students: The same goes for you. Be patient. It is important to stay engaged and enthused. This is a big decision! Keep your options open and schedule several visits. When you step onto the right campus, you'll know. Once you get there, make friends. Keep an open mind. Many students may have different views and backgrounds than the ones you are accustomed to. Most importantly, stay focused on your school work. What you choose to do and how well you do it may ultimately decide what you do for the rest of your life! College is a time for fun, but also a time for learning and growth. Make the most of all of your experiences and never forget where you came from.

Leah

The advice that I would offer regarding the selection of a univeristy would be directed to students. While parents should be involved in reviewing potential schools, the final decision should be up to the student. A college education is vital in today's society and the decision to attend college should not be taken lightly. Students should choose the most qualified university relevant to their career choice and lifestyle. Too many schools focus soley on academics and not extraciricular activites that help make a student a well-rounded individual and help prepare them for the challenges in life. The school that is chosen should fit aspects of the students personality, financial status, religion, ethics and morals. If a school is chosen that does not fit these categories, the student may find completing their education in a timely and successful manner challenging. Overall a college education is earned and well respected. It is something only the student and commit to and complete. With so many challenges and obstacles in today's world, students should pick the right school for them that will enhance their adulthood, not hinder it.

Jessica

If I could go back and start from the beginning, I would definately tell highschool seniors that they need to do their homework and really research colleges and universities before deciding where they want to go. So many students pick a school for the wrong reason, like whether it is a party school or for it's location, and not for what the school itself actually has to offer. I would suggest doing an overnight at the school with a student who already goes there to get a feel for what it really is and not just what everyone tells you it is. I'm currently in my senior year at Walsh University and I wish I would have done two things in the past. First, I wish that I would have taken advantage of the study abroad programs. They may seem expensive, but I realize now that it would have been worth the money. Second, I would have done an internship the end of sophomore year or during my junior year. It's up to you to find the right one because no one will hold your hand and help you, you've got to do it yourself.

Meredith

Ask lots of questions, pick a school that is safe and that both the parents and students feel comfortable with.

Derek

Ask the students about campus life. Ask if it is engauging, if they feel they are getting their monies worth, or is it a college that promotes positive change in all areas of campus life.

Aricka

Finding the right college requires the consideration of a variety of issues. First, a student should match his or her expectations with what a college has to offer. If a student knows what career path he or she is planning on taking, the student should choose a college that offeres the most classes related to that major. If a student is unsure of what major he or she is pursuing, the student should look for colleges that have a large variety of majors. It is very important for students and parents to sit down and think about what the student wants to get out of his or he college career. Second, a student must be realistic in choosing the colleges he or she applies to. The student should look at the criteria needed to be accepted and make sure he or she meets the requirements. It is also important to decide whether a student wants to go away or stay near home. Finally, the best way to make the most of a college experience is to keep an open mind and be involved in different things so the student can broaden his or her horizons which will lead to success.

Valerie

The first advice I would give to a student is try to look at as many colleges as possible who offer their major they are interested in. They need to go to as many schools as possible and find out the schools different policies for the program, like how long it will take and the amount of work you need to do. They also need to look into how well people get placed into jobs that are in there field after they graduate and how helpful the school is in finding jobs for the students. Different schools have different ways of doing things and they need to find what will best suit them. Also I would tell them go to a school that they know they will enjoy and that it will feel like a second home to them. If they choose a school they are not comfortable at they will not be able to work as efficently. I would tell the parents to look into how hard it is to aquire finacial aid or if there are other things they can do to help pay for school such as different scholarships the school offers.

Sarah

The advice that I would give parents and theire children about finding the right college is to start early. Chosing a college is very tough decision it is were they will be living for next four years of their lives. Make sure that the parents do not try to make the decison for their child. It is the childs decision, they are going to school. Advice that I would give to the student is to make sure that they start working and saving young. Make sure they start working at a young age and are saving. Also for parents, start a savings bond for their children as they are growing us so they wont have to start from scrach. Choose a college that the sudent can see themselvs at. Dont go by what their friends are saying or where they are going. They need to go were they feel comfertable at. Also choose the college for the education not the parties. They are going to school to get and education in what they want to do for the rest of their lives not to party. Finally find a college were they have the major that the student wants.

Alison

When picking a college, I would focus on one that is smaller and more student based. I went with a smaller university because I felt I would be able to focus and learn more. Focus on the interaction between professors and their students. I have to say the interaction between the professors and their students is what I like most about Walsh University. Make the most out of your college experience by being comfortable and happy where you are. Interact with other students. Make sure to keep up on the studying and homework. Asking questions and showing the professor you are interested in learning is huge in college. Always remember to never be afraid to ask for help, there is plenty of students and or staff that are always willing to help those who need it. Most of all, have fun in college! Be smart and don't get behind in class work. Unlike Highschool, every class costs money so slacking is not the best option. College is not easy, but it will be well worth it in the end!

Katelyn

Advice that I would give to students and parents about choosing the right college and about making the most out of their college experience would include a few things. In choosing the right college I would encourage students to look at a lot of different types of colleges. After narrowing your choices down to about three or four, visit those a few times. While on campus, make sure that they have your major of choice and that it is a good program. Also ask about class size, student teacher ratio, accessibility of the professors, campus police quality, and extracurricular activities are offered. Also ask about other things available to students including counseling and tudoring. Parents should attend these visits and talk about their concerns as well. I also would encourage parents to have an open mind to what their son or daughter chooses as their college of choice. Making the most out of your college experience includes being open to meeting new people and making friends, get involved with campus activities, finding a balance between school and your social life, and taking advantage of everything the campus has to offer to help students in any way.

Amanda

Take the time to find a school that seems right for the student. Look at the brochures, read the pamphlets and visit the schools. I think the campus visit is one of the most important steps in choosing a school. Examine the tuition costs, apply for grants, consider what the school has to offer in terms of quality education, student life, professors and class sizes and remember that college is (generally) a once in a lifetime experience. Some colleges are more expensive than others, but the student's experience in approximately 4 years can outweigh the price. The job placement assistance at the more expensive school could be more beneficial than saving a few thousand dollars over the course of 4 years. Also, students will enjoy their experience much more if they get involved on campus. Whether it's playing sports, joining a club or simply attending activities on campus - just do it! Getting involved helps students meet each other, creates lifelong memories, builds confidence, makes the campus feel more inviting and gets students excited about going to school.

Christopher

The best advice that I could give any parent or student looking for a school is to find a school where community is highly regarded. I would have picked more schools that are based around the idea of community because then truly you know that the school will be a place where they will care about you. Not only will they care about you but they will know you as an individual and you will be able to become your own person. I would stay away from the idea of basing your college decision on any type of sport or activity that you will not be doing after college. I thought for the longest time that all I wanted to do was play sports in college because they had been such a big part of my life growing up. If I could go back and do it all over again I would choose a school on the education that I would be receiving. Instead of just looking at schools where I could play sports, I would have looked at schools more as the place that I would be living for the next four years.

Kim

I am currently a sophmore in college, and choosing the "right" or "perfect" college wasn't too difficult. First of all, i knew i wanted to attend a college that was in-state, for tuition purposes. Secondly, i wanted to attend an University that provided a small and peaceful campus atmosphere. I receive a little financial aide, only from scholarships from highschool, the rest receive from my parents and i pay for some as well, by woking at a fast food restaurant, if you want a good education you will learn to do what you have to do! Personally, i love the college choice i made. It fits me just right, it is small, it is close to home, and provides many opportuniites to have that one on one time with your proffessors. Can you picture being in a class with 200 students, there is not a chance that your professor is going to know who you are, let alone care about your personal problems and troubles that might come up during your college experience. So in conclusion, it just comes down to you choosing the college you want to attend! Choose the university that best fits your personality.

Michelle

If you are looking for the perfect college it doesn't hurt to visit the campus. Ask other students who go to the school what they like and dislike about the University. You might even do an over night visit.

Tracy

College is a wonderful experience that I wish I would have taken advantage of when I was younger. I had my daughter fresh out of high school and wanted to stay home with her until she started school. I went back and now I am finally about to receive my degree. I am in serious debt but to me its worth it. I feel that college is a right and an experience that every person should have. I tell my daughter all the time that school doesnt stop at 12th grade. Education is a very important part of a person being successful. My dream has always been to become a Kindergarten teacher. I believe in education so much and I had such negative educational experiences growing up that I want to be that person to show children especially those who live in poor areas like I did that we do matter and someone does want to see you suceed and that person is me! Without my degree I couldnt fulfill my dream...NOW I CAN!

Bradley

Make sure you visit the colleges you are interested in, it is probably a good idea to stay there for a weekend before you decide to go there. Also it helped that I picked a college that is a lot like my high school. I graduated with only 70 other students, this is why I went to a small college.

Anna

I would say to looks at all the colleges you are interested in and talk to the students and faculty there. Get to know what the campus is like and if they like being there. You have to know if the campus feels right for you, and the best way to do that is to visit the school. You have to be able to see yourself there. To make the most of your college experience, I would say to try everything ! Don't turn down an activity or event just because you're not sure you'll like it. You never know what you can get out of these experiences or what new friends you will make.

Ashley

One thing that I would recommend to students trying to find the right college for them is to visit more than just one or two colleges, and make them different too. Get a taste of a lot of different types of schools. I would also recommend that when the students finds that right college that they get active in the school's activities. Being active will make the college experience so much more fulfilling. Lastly, I would say that if the students goes to a school that they later realize is not the right school for them that they need to give it a chance before transferring. A few of my friends almost transferred to a different school but stuck it out and now love it.

Danielle

If were to give advice to someone about finding the right college I would tell them that they need to be comfortable. If they go to a campus and seem to be lost and uncomfortable the entire time they are there for the visit, then this is a good indication of what your college experience will be. Make sure that despite the cost of the school, that ultimately you will be comfortable there and that you will want to spend our time there. As for making the most of the college experience, I think that it is important to balance work and play. You must stay focused on academics but cannot spend every waking moment studying. I think that it is important to relax by spending time wiith friend and getting involved with clubs on campus. Having fun is alot of what college is about, this is the time when you are an adult making your own decisions, but still not completely on your own. This is the time that you can really search for yourself and discoer your own potential. You can't do this by staring at books every day. You have to take chances and have fun.

Jason

It is important for the student to choose what he or she wants. Yes take advice from others and allow them to help you when needed, but the decision is yours. It is your life. Also, stay out of the bad habits and surround yourself with people who have good morals and good habits. Stay focused and stay motivated, and yes it's good to have fun, but you're also paying a lot of money to go to school, so school should be your main focus before anything else. Have fun, enjoy it because it flies by!

Kathryn

To anyone who is embarking on the college journey: You are about to make a very big decision on which college or university you want to attend. It probably seems like the most important decision in your life at this point. So, here are some simple points of advice to remember while going through this process: 1. Try not to worry too much about it. Somehow, it all seems to work out in the end, and if it doesn't, nothing is permanent and everything is a learning experience. 2. Choose a place that fits your personality and learning style (city or country, small or large) 3. Choose a place with a decent reputation and good job placement statistics. 4. Choose a place that doesn't have a huge bar or nightlife scene around it--it is harder than you think to stay away from drugs and alcohol and you college experience will be much easier without the constant temptation. (Don't worry, there will be plenty of opportunities for fun). 5. Try to make your decision with the support of your family and friends, although remember that ultimately, this is YOUR experience and YOUR future (the student)!!

Spencer

My advice in finding the right college is simple, choose a school that fits you. If you want a small enclosed campus with one-on-one professor interaction, excellent facilities, and a private education, then a small private school would be a good fit. If your interests lie in a large campus with a vast student population, big classrooms, and a wide range of extra-curricular activities and academic organizations, then choose a state school. After determining the size of school the next step is easy, just simply visit different schools and choose the one that makes you feel the most comfortable. You will know just by listening to what each one has to offer, which one is right for you. Go with your gut instincts. My advice on making the most of the college experience is get involved. Join campus clubs, participate in intramurals, and go to school sponsored activities. Do not be afraid of leaving your dorm room to meet new people living around you, or turning to your neighbor in class and introducing yourself. Your studies are the most important focus, but developing friendships are key in your college experience, too.

Monica

Finding the right college can be an exciting yet stressful journey for both parents and students. I have to admit that for me it was an easy task. I knew I wanted to stay fairly close to home, attend a Catholic University, and I wanted to be a nurse. However, coming right out of high school many students don?t have these questions answered. Parents and students should visit as many universities as they can. This is the only way that they can gain a true feel for the many diverse aspects of a campus. Consider questions such as; do I want a large or small campus? What are my majors of interest? Once a college is chosen, in order to make the best of the college experiance, students should be dedicated to their studies and have a positive attitude. I have heard students say that they dislike a school for the teachers, or the class, or because they are not doing as well as expected. I truly feel that in the real work world there will be similar challenges. Accepting challenges and having a positive attitude are the keys to making the most of the college experiance.

Alexander

In order to make a smart decision on the right college, I would tell them to make sure to pick the school for the right reasons. I believe that school should be for academics first, then social life and sports. Academics are the first priority, and all students will admit to that, but they will never say that they really picked a certain college due to a sport, and academics are secondary. In order to make the most of your college experience, you must not be shy and centric to the world around you. Be able to see more than one way, or else a healthy college lifestyle will not be available to you.

courtney

I would definitely urge them to visit many different types of colleges to see what their child likes best. You can never be too sure; make sure the student stays overnight at the college to gain a different perspective.

Jimmy

In the search for the right college, take your time and evaluate all of your options. Make the effort to go out and visit the schools that you are interested in. Visit them more than once. This is one of the most, if not the most important decisions of your life. This decision will determine the person that you will become. Take the time to go and meet with faculty and staff of the schools. The school can look wonderful in the postcards and pictures they send, but you do not want to get into a school that looks and sounds nice when the staff is not commited to the students. Do not just base your decision on where your friends are going or where the social life is assumed to be the best. Wherever you go you will have plenty of time for your social life and making friends will come easy at college. Start your search early. You can never have too much time to evaluate a decision of this magnitude. Take your time and make the choice that best suites your needs and accomplish your goals to the fullest. Best of Luck!

Erica

I would give the same advice that my parents gave me, when you go looking for a college dont look at the price make sure you feel comfortable there and you like the environment and then we will look at the price and find a way to make it work!!

Chaunte

As a campus ambassador, when I talk to the various families who are choosing a college or university they would like to go to, I tell them to consider their preference of the student to teacher ratio at the college/university of their choice. When looking at a campus, if they are considering staying on campus, the housing arrangements. Look at the retention rate at the university. Try to be involved in various activities without affecting your grades. Ask these questions; Does this institution provide free tutoring services? Can I call or email my professor(s) when I have a problem? What types of scholarships and/or grants are available? Go out and actually visit each college in which you are interested in attending before you pick your choice. Apply for your FAFSA and any other financial aid on time! If you have any questions or concerns, please, call the institution and find out. Do NOT let any question go without being answered! Talk with as many people as possible!

Cori

search information about the school and take visits to different schools to see what you like and dont like.

Melissa

I would tell students to pick the campus that they feel the most comfortable on. As soon as you walk on a campus you will get a gut feeling of "this feels right" or "something here doesn't fit". Go with your gut. Then when you get there get involved. It is up to you to make the most out of college. Join clubs, make friends, and enjoy yourself while making time for your studies.

Tina

College is not about your friends or parties. It is important to find a school that will help you succeed in whatever you choose as a career path. It's great if you have fun while you're in school but it's far more important to be able to learn in an environment that you feel comfortable and safe. Make sure that you keep your mind open when looking at perspective schools because what you don't see can be more important than what you do see. Most importantly, your choice of college will change your life so take your time and explore all your options.

Tim

Pick the college that fits YOUR needs.

Monique

It's very important to find a college that looks at the student's best interests. Many colleges are so large and the students that need more attention have a hard time getting that attention. Its important to find a college where faculty and professors are willing to take time out to help their students. Students should have easy access to their professors. College is very important not just academically, but also socially. Participating in college social activities is one of the most important experiences with college life. Find a college that has extra curricular activities that meet the particular student's desires. Never limit your options, and search and search until you find the perfect college.

Jenelle

Throughout high school is when students need to start looking for schools. Students in today's society are influenced by families and friends. Young adults start to realize whether they want to go to a big school or a little school. Right there is when choices can get narrowed down. Students then need to decide whether to go to a close school or prehaps a school even out of state. Money tends to play a big role in deciding where to go as well. To make the most out of college, kids have to be smart. One mistake, big or little, could potentially ruin an experience. A student should buy books online, go to class, and do the assigned homework. On the weekends go to the sporting events. Kids who do not participate do not realize how much it actually supports the teams efforts. Of course it is college, so going to a party or two will not hurt. Kids in college today should set goals for themselves. After completing the goals it can be a sense of accomplishment. Students again just need to be smart and responsible and everything should come out right.

Rachael

College is one of the scariest and most exciting times of your life. For parents, you are letting your child go into a world of independence, hoping that you taught them well enough to succeed. For Students, you are given the chance to use your newfound adulthood and put it into practice. For both, it is a time for new experiences and new responsibilities. The advice I would give to students is to remember to have fun but balance your schoolwork. If you work all the time and don't have fun, it makes everything a lot harder. Make new friends even if you still have old ones. The friends you make at college can help you succeed and make your experience better instead of wishing you were back home. My last bit of advice goes to the parents. Letting go is one of the hardest things to do. My mother had a very difficult time with this but in the end she says she knew I would be fine. One of the best things she did for me during my first year was telling me how she was proud of me. Children need positive reninforcement to help them succeed.

Lynne

Go with your heart. If you apply to one or more colleges, but your heart is set on a certainone adn they accept you along with the others go to that school your heart always knows what is best for you. By following your heart you will be happier and your college expereince will be much better and enjoyable rather than being disappointed all the time for picking one of the other schools.