DePaul University Top Questions

I believe that choosing the right college is all about knowing what is important to you and following that passion, wheither it be a specific major, volunteer opportunities, location, or even cost. Determine what factor matters most to you and explore all of those options until you think you know what the right school might be. Apply to your second favorites as well but go with what draws you in. Once you get there, get involved, have fun, do new things but don't focus all of your time and energy on studying and working. People who do this run themselves down and miss out on opportunies to grow as a person as well as a student. If you still feel overwhelmed or loney after the first year don't be afriad to explore other options at other schools.

Visit

If I could go back in time and begin my college search again, I think I would have tried to visit more schools. I only visited three, and while I now love DePaul and feel that I definately belong here, I went through a period my freshman year where I questioned if I had missed out on going to some different school simply because I didn't check it out. Luckily for me, while accompanying my younger sister on her college search, I realized that DePaul was a great fit for me. I would also apply to ALL the schools you want to go to, even if you think you can't get in. It never hurts to give something a shot. To new students, all I can say is that your social life is what you make it. Get involved in something you like to meet people with similar interests! Make the effort to study with people in your classes! You can't make new friends if you don't put yourself out there.

I would tell students and parents to make sure that they research all schools before choosing a final school to attend. You should make sure that this is the right school for yourself or your child. Explore as many scholarships and grants that you can because you will need the extra money for other things that you would rarely think about in college.

Visit and talk to students about what they're lifes are like on campus. Don't take what the university or tour guides have to say. Speak with real students.

I would advise them to visit the college and make sure they take whatever tours and orientations are offered by the college. There is a lot of information that you don't find out through catalogs. It requires you to be there on campus and get a feel for where it is, the culture of the students. Visit a classroom, observe the student/teacher interaction. Eat on campus. This will give you a better idea of how it is to attend. Visit a few of them and then decide which makes you feel more comfortable. You can usually tell those party schools from the more academic ones with a visit. Take a couple days at each one so you get a better idea. Visit during the week, not on weekends. This will give you a real feel for the college on an average day.

I think the most important aspect of college life is to have a good work, life, and school balance. Creating the work ethic and responsibility to do well in school to prepare oneself for life outside of school is essential. Another aspect of enjoying the college experience is having a social interaction with other students on campus. Therefore, getting involved in the activites the school has to offer is important, especially if the student does not live on campus. As far as choosing a school, parents and students should evaluate: campus environment, cost, and most importantly students should evaluate what they expect to get out of the school. (i.e. reputable school to help get a job after graduation, programs the school as to offer, etc.)

It is important to remember what you want out of your life. Don't ever let anyone decide that for you. Follow the path you think is right for yourself. Look for a college that can satisfy all your interests so you can dip into each and find out which best suits you.

Visit a lot of colleges. You will know your college when you've found it. You will feel at home, accepted, and welcomed. You will feel empowered. Parents, don't make the decisions for your kids...they are not pawns to be moved around a board so that you can live vicariously. That said, DO stay involved in your child's life while they are away at school - EVERYONE gets home sick!

Students who have not worked a job or have not really have to be responsible for theirselves for at least one bill like a cell phone may not be ready to go away for school they may take advantage of the freedom and may miss some school work.