DePauw University Top Questions

The best advice i could give somebody looking at colleges is to talk to the professors and students. The information you receive from the University/College is true but only to an extent. This is their goal or ideal. To understand how the intent of the college actually applies it is best to go to the source. Students are usually frank and open about their interpretation of the school. Visit the school and take part in a class. After class ask some questions to students and even spend some time talking to the professor. In discussions outside of the classroom, I have learned a lot about the type of professor that teaches at my college. Any professor can reiterate what is written in a book and even make it fun or interesting. What is important is their drive to teach college students. A positive drive to further education is more important than a drive to just teach from a book. It's like reading between the lines, you have to see the college outside what is put right in front of you. Don't hesitate to impose yourself to make sure that the next four years are worth it.

Think about the major that you want to study and ask yourself if this school has the best program and professors for you. Also, make sure there is a healthy social scene that is not constantly dominated by alcohol.

Remember that this is your education. Visit schools, talk to people there, and spend the night. Go to the school that makes you excited about learning, whatever it is you want to learn about. Be sure to look for scholarships and don't go too crazy on taking out more student loans than you need. Parents, if you can help your kids out with college, do so. It is a huge and worthwhile investment. Students talk to your parents about exactly what you want from a school and DO NOT go to school just because that is what is expected of you by someone else. Decide your own expectations for your school, your education, and for yourself. Find the college that has the people you see yourself being friends with, because they are what get you through the four years and are some of the best things you get from college. This decision is big but doable. It's most important that you go to college for no one but yourself and make your education something you love.

I would definitely recommend spending the night with a host at schools you're looking at. You will be able to see the school from an insider perspective. Set up meetings with professors in the field or program you are most interested in, as you will probably be working very closely with these people. Lastly, I recommend exploring the campus with and without a guide. This way you'll see what the school wants to "brag" about, and then you'll be able to find probably more interesting things you wouldn't have otherwise seen with a guide. These things will help you decide if the school is worth applying to. I did these, and I'm very happy with my school.

The most important thing is happiness. Parents cannot choose the school for their children, even if they know what is best for them. Students must feel comfortable at the campus, and parents must be okay with the school they have chosen. Of course, students must listen to their parents because they have raised them from birth, however, a medium must be found. The student has to be happy with the choice. I have found, as a multiple year resident assistant, if the student is not happy with the choice of school, they are much more likely to transfer and be unhappy with their time at the school. Parents, you must trust your student enough to know that they are thinking about this choice a ton, and students, you must trust that your parents are not trying to end your life by sending you to a college you will hate. They do, in fact, know you quite well and they want the best for you. Students: choose a college that makes you happy and listen to your parents in the process. Parents: don?t be afraid. Your student will do awesome at college.

Research the school very carefully, go on an extended visit and speak to students who currently attend the school who are not pre-selected tour guides.

Make sure that your child is able to plan an overnight visit as well as sitting in on classes. In doing this, they can get a feel for the social life as well as the structure of the school.

Once you choose a college, make sure to take full advantage of what the school offers. Go to concerts, sports events, fundraisers, and use facilities such as an academic resource or career center.

Advice I would give about finding the right college is to visit as many college campuses as possible. The only way to see what you like about particular college is to compare it to others, and there is no better way to get a feel for a particular campus then by visiting it. I would also recommend sitting in on classes that interest you, as well as meeting with faculty members of your desired major. After all, these are the people and classes you will be dealing with while at college, so you need to be sure you will enjoy the classes and be engaged in the material. When it comes to making the most of your college experience, I recommend that you try and get involved in particular groups that interest you (i.e. intramurals, clubs, ect). This will allow you to meet people and have an active social life while on campus. Although having a good social life is important, don't get too crazy though! Always remember why you are at college, and try to learn as much as possible. You never know when you will need to apply something you learn in college to your future.

There are many things that factor into finding the right college or university - academic life, social life, housing, dining options, etc., but the most important consideration to make when looking for the right college is a place that where you can literally see yourself walking about, interacting with students and faculty, and calling home. When I looked at colleges and universities, I knew that I wanted to be a name, not a number, and I have found that in my school. Find what works for you, and don't hesitate to take risks and step out of your comfort zone - it will make the college experience that much more worthwhile.