Xavier University of Louisiana Top Questions

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

Claire

look for a colllege that fites wit your personalty! An that goes with the way you learn.

Whitney

Students should begin looking for colleges by 6th grade. Parents should also make students participate in summer pregrams, academic programs other than school. and be diverse by participating in sports, music, foreign language, ect. These things will not only make the student srand out, but they will also keep the parent involved in the students life. Most importantly, the student has a clear idea of where they want to go to college by high school and that way they can know what requirements they have to meet in order to be accepted to thier school of chioce. To make the most out of college, students need to be at a college where they can not only accel academically, btu also socially. College is not only about academics, but it is also about growing as a person and shaping and forming the type of person that you wnat to be for the rest of your life. Lastly, do not spend all of your time only studying. Do exta-curriculars or join clubs. Do something that makes you happy and that takes your mind off of school so that you have something that makes you relax.

Enisha

Take your time finding a school that caters to what you want to specialize in. I highly recommend taking a career placement test. Also do your best now to make sure your GPA is up to par.

LaShefa

I would say that the college process is something that should be taken very seriously by students and parents. Even though most students think that college is the beginning of their freedom from their parents, college is a decision that should be made by both. Students who want to make the most out of their college experience should definitely have and keep an open mind.

Ashley

When it comes to picking the right college, you should look at how focused the school is on academics. You should also be aware of the teacher student ratio for classes. Once you get to college, to make the most of the experience I would suggest that you don't limit yourself. Get active and join clubs and organizations, this will give you a chance to netwok and meet new friends, as well as expand your interest.

Candece

Some advice that I would give to both parents and/or students is to actually visit the campus, sit in on a class, and talk to current students when selecting a college (not a member of the visiting committee!). For the students, I would say that you never know until you try, what you think is beyond your reach (such as affording college) may actually be God's plan for you! For parent, I would say that though they may miss their children, they have to let them go in order to allow them to experience the world outside of what they are accustomed to. My last piece of advice would be to think outside of the box and also think of what you wish to achieve after college.

Shacarra

Make sure you visit the school before making a decision. Check out all relevant areas of the campus and not just what's included in the tour. Also interact with the current students.

Shanette

When deciding what college to attend, first decide what area of study you would like to go into. That should narrow your choices. Then, decide what region you would like to attend school in and the size of the type of school you would like to attend. Diversity and campus activities should also be considered. Once you're at school, make it your business to get involved. Staying involved is what makes a college experience fun. Staying on campus is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Community service is also important, yet fun. Through community service, you will not only bond with your fellow peers, but you will also make friends in the community. Another important thing is to get to know your professors. Professors know that a student who is always asking questions or in his/her office is concerned about their grades; thus, they will do what they can to help. Just relax, and have fun!

Richleen

Parents should allow their child to make there own decisions in picking a school and their major. Students should to research on the background of the school and visit it to make sure this is the place they can call home for the next 4 years. Many students change their majors during their college experience which is ok. Every field is not for everybody

Jessica

I would place importance on visiting the prospective schools and looking at not only the academic aspect, but at what extra-curricular activities are available to the students. Other student services such as financial aid counseling, personal counseling, and health services should be given a closer look as well.

Jamal

I only have a few words of advice. FIND A COLLEGE THAT WOULD MAKE EITHER YOU OR YOUR CHILD HAPPY. Somewhere were they feel like they can shine academically but at the sametime socially. I have learned that thats the two most important aspects of college.

Chavis

I would suggest for parents and students making the best decison for a productive college experience is to know yourself and your capabilities. If you are able to visit the schools in which you are interested in to see if you are comfortable at the campus. Try to get some feedback from students who attend the school. Make a list of what you expect to gain in terms of major, social orginizations, and career placement to see if that particular school fits your need. But it all reflects back to knowing yourself and what you expect to gain from your college life.

Krista

Make sure you choose a school that is going to cater to your desire to learn, not just your career ambitions. Knowledge is something no one can take from you and with an unsettled economy, it is the only thing you're guaranteed to keep.

Christen

The best advice for parents and students seeking to find the most rewarding collegiate experience is to notice EVERYTHING when visiting a school. The college/university selected will be the student's home/workplace for an extended period of time. College is an investment, and the selection thereof should be taken into careful consideration. Location, demographics, teacher/student ratio- these are all factors that must be considered when making the final decision to enroll. I attended Xavier University of Louisiana for three years, and graduated with Honors a year early. Though employers are impressed when reviewing my resume, few if any are aware of everything I experienced in order to obtain that degree. I had a flawless freshman year, a sophmore year flooded by Hurricane Katrina, and a senior year full of ambition yet marked by an abusive marriage and quick annulment. Life continues while in school. That's why it's utterly important to make sure that the selection you've made is one that inspires you regardless of how the world may crumble around you. I loved my college years. Be ready to learn, have fun and make mistakes--you'll live like never before.

chauntel

I would tell parents and students to think about what the student wants the most out of their college experience. Whether it be the overall learning experience, research, the culture, the college atmosphere, etc. I would also say pick a school that brings forth the best in you. Do not pick a school in a close proximity to your home because you are still in your comfort zone, college is a time to discover what you want to do for the rest of your life. So choose wisely.

Zainab

The best advice I would give to parents and/ or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to really research the school that you and/ or your child is really interested in. Make sure you actually go to the university to visit to see where you may or may not be the following fall, spring or summer. When you do make these college trips make sure you ask questions; remember that a question is not stupid, unless it goes unasked. When information is given to you, make sure you take heed to everything that is being said to you. To make teh most of the college experience is just to be you. Being you draws individuals who want to hang-out with you. Surround yourself with individuals who want to go somewhere in life and seem to have ddrive to become who they want to be when they graduate from undergad. Make the most of your experience. All work and not play is usually not as healthy as your parents want you to behave. Take responsiblities for your actions and how you perceive things. Other than that just be you and pray.

Jaynesha

I recommend visting the school prior to accepting the offer of acceptance. I would also recommend that they sit in on some classes and talk to current students about their experiences at the school. That would give them a better idea of whether or not that particular school is right for them.

Krystal

Make sure you visit your prospective colleges before-hand. If possible sit in on a lecture or two and see if it fits you. Parents do not force your opinion on your children. Give them encouragement and helpful advice, but let them make the final decision. Once you are at college, get involved. Remember your number one goal is to graduate, but no one likes a dull person so have fun. Pick your friends wisely. Make relationships with your professors, it will help you in the end. Most of all these are the best years of your life so carpe diem (seize the day)!

Paul

Know yourself and go with what feels right. If you feel like you don't belong on a campus, don't attend. To get the most out of your experience, be involved with just about anything. You will come across a lot of people who you don't share a lot of things in common. Its okay. Getting to know them will expand your vision of the world and make you a better person by adapting some of their traits, giving them some of your own, and just being able to handle the fact that everyone isn't like you.

Taryn

I work with the youth at my church who are graduating seniors. I put together workshops that teach them skills and help identify resources that will help them. Each student has different goals, ambitions, likes and dislikes. All of those things need to be taken into careful consideration when choosing a college. The best thing that I can usually tell them is that the four years they spend in school will go by quickly, and then they will be facing the rest of thier lives. They need to make sure they know what is important to them, not just something that thier parents and relatives think suitable. They need to see it as a launching point, and think beyond that. If they see college as thier destination, they will be too shortsighted. I encourage them to not just pursue what they think will bring in a lot of money, but to find out how they can make money using thier unique talents and gifts. Parents who are able to encourage thier children to excell in whatever they choose, rather than controlling thier choice too much usually help thier child to suceed more because they are more confident and self assured.

olabimpe

A person should not try try find the college of thier choice based on the fact it is easy and all your close frinds have attended it. a paent/ student needs to do resarch on different colleges first. A parent/ student should visit the college campus and ask specific questions not about their campus life but how an individual who attends this college would rate this college academically. An individual applying for a college should look for a college which may not be intresting and socially fun but will help them advance very educationally to reach their future goals. These type of colleges require hard work but at the end individuals relaize how helpful it was to them and how well pepeared they are to advance into their future career or job by the hard work they have put in. This individual would be educatonally equipped to perform their tasks at their specific jobs faster and easier and already be able to develop different study skills that could help them in graduate school which requires more focus.