DePaul University Top Questions

Everyone I've talked to stresses out way too much about selecting the school that seems "perfect" for them. Forget taking the guided tours of the school and all that nonsense. If you have a good friend that already attends the school you are thinking about applying to, go with that person and walk around/mingle. On the other hand, if you don't already know someone at the school, act like a student of that college, and interact with the people. See yourself at the school, and if it feels right, it probably is right. And parents, please, you're not sending your child to Nam. Be a part of little Billy's next step in his life; don't suffocate him by practically living in his dorm. Do you really need to attend a seminar entitled, "Coping with an Empty Nest?" It's just school! Finally, and this is for you little Billy, do your school work, study hard Monday thru Thursday, and party like the sun is about to consume the earth on the weekends (re-fuel Sundays by sleeping till 4 pm and hydrating). Follow these steps for a happy and prosperous college experience.

Be prepared for everything to seem imperfect at first. Finding the perfect school is not about it feeling perfect from the moment you step foot on campus or having friends fall into your lap. College is about learning about yourself, where you've come from and where you are going and fitting that description into whichever school you coose. You make your own happiness, your own life. PIck a school that ultimately appeals to you, not your parents, boyfriend/girlfriend or friends, and relates to what you want to achieve most of all from four years in an institution that is your key to the scary, but well-anticipated adult world.

In addition to considering what you'd like to DO in the world and BE in your career, you must also consider the type of environment you want to be in every day for the next 2-4 years. Sometimes people miss that point. If you're in a place where you feel unsafe, voiceless, SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), or lost, then no matter how great or prestigious the institution you're attending is, it will be useless to your own personal growth. This is the time to focus on YOU. Use it wisely before it passes.

Dont think that you have to go half way across the counrty to find a good college. Give every college a chance even if its in your backyard.

Make a list of things that are very important to you and when you visit schools really look for those qualities. Ask students at that school what their social/academic life is like. Find out about ALL of the majors that are at that school, even if you don't want to get a degree in that major. Don't go somewhere because of money, go somewhere that makes you happy!

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Make sure which ever colleges you are really interested in you go and visit/take tours. College is about meeting new people but I would suggest that if you could go to school with a friend or a person you know you could hang out with, do it.

In searching for a college, it is important to determine what you hope to experience. Each college offers a unique and special experience and to determine which is best for you, it is necessary to know yourself. Knowing the things you expect to get out of your college experience can help with determining the right school. You have to ask yourself many questions relating to the size, location, environment, academics, activities, and opportunities to help with the decision. Another important practice should be to familiarize yourself with many different schools. Browse over websites and brochures from colleges, visit schools, and take notes on your likes and dislikes of each to help make a more informed decision. Choosing the right school can be critical in making the most of the college experience. Obviously without enjoying the school, it would be incredibly difficult to enjoy the experience. Most important is getting involved and staying open to new things. College is about gaining new experiences and broadening one's horizons. By staying open you will meet new people, make friends, and have a great time. Don't let the workload of school overwhelm you. College is a great experience; enjoy it.

Visit as many schools as you can and figure out what you really want for your college experience!

Go to the place where you personally will be the happiest, not where anyone else wants you to go. To be happy anywhere you first have to be happy with the fact that it was your own choice. College is amazing, and too short to waste a year by 'trying out' someone's Alma Mater, or following a relationship to school. Think of the person you want to be, and then live up to your own expectations.