Catholic University of America Top Questions

For parents, I would say do not pressure your child to chose a school you believe is his or her best fit. For students, do not feel pressured by your parent to attend a specific school. Only the student will know what truly works for him or her. I made that mistake and am suffering for it now. I believed that since my dad was paying for my education, it was fine for him to choose the place. I am a student in the architecture program at Catholic University. It is an excellent program and I am learning a great deal. However, Fordham was my dream school to pursue Journalism. Because I gave into my parents' demands, I will never know how I would have made it as a journalist. For now, I'm struggling through architecture while thinking, 'If only I showed a little more spine, I could be at Fordham right now.' Although I know many students are under financial retstraints, do not pay attention to cost while searching for the right college. At least apply first, and try and negotiate financial packages later. It will only end up being a regret in life if you don't.

Look for a school doing exciting work in your field over a school that has diverse extra-curriculars or a "homey" feel. If the department is good and the professors and students are enthusiastic, you will be happier with your education, learn more, and create important contacts for your future. Make sure that undergraduates are given enough attention and opportunity if the school offers graduate degrees. The "best" school isn't the best if you can't participate at a high level. Extra-curriculars are a little overrated - unless participating in a specific activity is important to you. Don't underestimate your ability to create fun or the ability of student groups and departments to do things that will fill your needs but are not billed as "extra curricular activities" in campus recruitment materials. That said, find a school the right size and in the right kind of area for you. No matter how great the department is, if the size of the classes are too big for you to do well in, or in a town that is too big or small for your sanity, you will not be happy. Try to find a balance of these criterea.

I would advise them to examine every aspect of the college that they are looking at. Also they should be sure to speak with many students who attend the college and ask them their opinion about what they think of the school.

Always visit the campus. Talk to students and teachers. Think about location, if you hate the snow don't apply to schools where it snows for half the year. Even if you don't get into your first choice school make the best of it. Your college expericene is about the friends you make and the things you learn.

Look for location academics financial information and the type of college it is to best fit your personality

Make sure the town or city your college is in is fun and is most like you because you can go a little stir crazy by staying on campus!

Don't let closeness to home or scholarships affect the choice of college.

VISIT and don't go somewhere that's just easy, really look at what you want to do and find a school that has a good program for it.

The size of the student population plays a huge role in finding the right college. At a small liberal arts school one will see the same people often, and perhaps feel a sense of community. At a large public university the environment is a lot different. The size of the student population is what I believe to be the most imporant thing in picking a college. The location from home should be considered seriously as well.

Firstly, never pick a school that would be about, "what could make me/my child get noticed for job interviews". College is the most liberating time in a person's life. You can be and do whatever you think you want to do. The worst thing that you can do in college is worry about your career because you may not be in that major all four years. Go out on a limb and try something new that you may enjoy. Also, Pick a school that would match ideally with what you want to do down the road, but don't pick a school in the country if your a city girl just because it's program in your major is better. Pick a school that you could live in and thrive in. If you can, make sure you visit the school and especially while you are there check out the neighborhood. Some schools are their own cities, and some are part of them. Pick a place that has your interests as well as crazy things you'd never dream of. You only have four years of carefree freedom, make the best of it.