DePauw University Top Questions

You know, before I left for my freshman year, everyone home would come up to me excitedly asking, "You ready? Are you ready for your first year??" Never quite knowing the answer, I'd just crack some joke instead. However, one day at work, a lady caught my nervous glance and said, "If theres one thing I can tell you, its to meet all sorts of people, meet whoever will shake your hand. Talk to them. You'd be surprised." She was right. I would pass on her advice. Trade a handshake for a conversation, and then for a friendship. That handshake will EXPOSE you to things home, or your comfort zone, will not teach you. A handshake can make you a better person. You go to school to learn about yourself and who you want to become. Allow other people's experiences shape and mold you. You do not have to be all philosophical with your new friend, all you need to do is talk. Study together, eat together, watch out for one another, RESPECT one another. Take each moment and LEARN from every second. Soak it all up, you'll be a better person because of it. Promise.

My advice is to really think about what is important to you concerning class size. It can make a big difference in your education if you get to know your professors and build a relationship with them. Talk to current students about the social life and find out ahead of time some of the extra-curricular activities on campus. As for parents, look at the tuition and factor in an increase in tuition every year. If you cannot afford the tuition, begin looking into financial aid options. College is possible for everyone, and if you make the right decision it will improve your life immensely.

When selecting the right college for you first look at what kind of environment you feel is best for learning, whether it be a large school with lecture halls full of hundreds of students or more one on one based with about 20 students in a class. Also look into what the college or university can do for you. Can they give you the things to do well at school and help you to achieve the goals that you have for yourself. If the university can fulfill your needs then look into if they fulfill your social needs.

I'm sure everyone will say visiting the school, but I'm not sure how much of a difference that made. I visited my school, hated the small size and the Greek life, (but liked the professors) and decided I didn't want to go. Then, I received a full tuition scholarship that helped me afford a new cello for my music performance degree. I reluctantly decided to go to DePauw anyway. I threw myself into all sorts of activites and discovered all sorts of people and things that I never knew about after one tour. Making the most of your college experiance requires you to GET INVOLVED initially and just let things flow in a positive direction from there. Im proud to say that I now love my university!

College is an opportunity for students to obtain knowledge which is otherwise unreachable. It is a time to make connections in pursuit of a career after graduation. It is a time of maturation, comprehension, and acclimation. Let your child attend a school that will challenge him both academically and socially. Becoming well-versed in all aspects of life is the most important skill anyone can possess. Do not be preoccupied by the so-called pros and cons of a state vs. private college. Look deeper than that. Factor in aspects of campus climate, diversity, financial aid, on/off campus relations, academics, and extracurriculars. When one maximizes the benefits in all of these areas, the best possible college experience can be achieved. I advise parents not to let their children make an adamant decision one way or another without weighing out other possibilities. I was in a situation where I was certainly going to one school, but my parents' desire for me to see alternatives changed my opinion. Observe all types of schools before making such a life-changing decision. The student will know where he/she belongs. It is up to you to discover it.

If you have any idea of what you plan to do with your future or what your interests are, really make sure to consider these when you go on campus visits. Also, keep in mind what will make you look better down the road. For instance, if you're planning on going to medical school, will the school you're applying to make it easy for you to obtain a research position or internership. These things REALLY help and you really want to make sure that the school you go to is going to have these options available.

Take a chance, follow your heart, and try to change the world with everything you learn in college.

Follow your heart. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Look at practicality but do what you want to do, regardless of the obstacles. College is a growing experience both on an intellectual and moral level; a "good" college should never compromise either one of those. Don't be afraid to take a leap of faith. If you are not happy, you can always transfer. If you do decide to transfer, stick it out at your current college for at least a year. A semester is not enough time to settle into your surroundings. Give your school a fair chance. Do not settle in your college search but remember that there is no such thing as the "perfect" place. Obsessively searching for it will not help you find it. While a name goes a long way it is important to remember: an education is an education. If you are good at what you do you don't need a flashy college to get you places. Don't be afraid but stay on your toes. College is first and foremost about your education. Get involved, even if you are homesick or unhappy. Most importantly, do what you love.

Look at a variety of colleges, whatever your budget allows you to survey. Colleges and universities, while seemingly endless, fall into a relatively short list of scenarios; that means go where you feel comfortable. Go where the professors are friendly, when you are greeded the minute you step on the campus and escorted throughout your stay. (And if you don't like that, go to a larger university!) Be conscious of the institution, but realize that your education lies mainly in the hands of you - the student - depending when and where you choose to focus your studies and how diligent you are about learning. If you apply yourself, no matter at a state school or the priciest liberal arts college, you can get a quality education that will benefit you endlessly throughout your college career. Make friends, be open, and enjoy your time. It's hard - I know, I'm finishing with finals as we speak! - but it is a special period in your life. Make the most of it!

Do a weekend visit where you stay with a current student. Get them to tell you how it really is and get an accurate sense of the campus, not just what the brochures want you to pick up.