DePauw University Top Questions

When you're going to decide on the right school for you, YOU MUST visit that school. A visit will help you really see the campus and understand more about it. MOST importantly, while you're there ask a lot of questions. Don't just talk to the tour guides because they will tell you what they are scripted to say. Talk to anyone you see, stop people!! Ask people for their honest opinion about the school, especially what people don't like. This will be very helpful to your decision since you'll have an idea of what to expect if you attend that school. In addition, think about all you want from a college. Find a college with a really good alumni network and see what the rate is of job placement. It may not seem important now, but your senior year you might have wished you knew what the likelihood of you getting a job would be. You go to college because you want a good job, so find out what the chances of getting that job are once you graduate. Lastly, make sure you make the right choice for YOU and only YOU!

Never trap yourself into a particular college just because a friend or family member went there or wants you to go there. Go somewhere you are comfortable, where it makes sense for you to be and where you don't feel out of place the minute you get there. Talk to admission directors and staff if they're available while you're searching to find out if their personalities mesh with your own. Never go to a "good school" where the staff/faculty can't be bothered with students outside of classes or business hours--if you wouldn't have them to your house for dinner, how are you going to spend the next four years with them? Think about what REALLY matters in your education -- chances are, you won't be in the same career for the rest of your life so if you're going to be a media specialist today, wouldn't you like to have the skills and ability to adapt what you've learned to become a museum curator or an archaeologist if you want to? Getting a job is important, but the more you can do now, the more enjoyable life will be.

Find a place that not only fits who you are now but also the person you hope to become. You will continue to be shaped by the people you surround yourself with and the environment in which you live. Think about your goals, hopes and dreams and find a place that will nurture you and give you the education and experiences you need for your future. Sure, you want to make sure the food is good and the buildings are tidy, but also pay close attention to the students and faculty, what they say and how they interact. Afterall, these are the people you will entrust to shape and mold your mind and goals for the next four years. College can be daunting, but when you look using the correct criteria, you are sure to be rewarded in the end.

I recommend looking at and visiting several schools, even if you think you know exactly where you want to go. When you visit, look at the facilities and ask many questions about the campus resources. Most importantly, ask students about the quality of professors and their availability throughout the school year. The best way to succeed in college is to communicate with your professors. Let them know if you are struggling and ask them for help when you need it. I have never been denied help and guidance from a professor when I asked for it. As far as the social aspect, college is an amazing time of growth, and it gives you the opportunity to learn from all different types of people. When choosing a college, look for diversity among the students. Also, look ahead of time into the available extra-curricular activities. They are a great way to meet new people and make friends during this fast-paced and exciting time in your life.

At DePauw University I have worked on campus as a tour guide, and one thing that I always tell the families that I am giving a tour too is that the only way to know if a university is right for you is too go there and take a tour and get a feel for what life is like there. Then once they get there to make the most out of their college experience by being outgoing, making tons of friends, joining clubs or greek life and to be themselves so that they will feel comfortable and confident and by doing that people will be able to see your true personality.

College is one of the most important and rewarding times in your life, chosing the right one is essential to making the most out of your educaitonal experience. Go where you want to go for reasons that will be important to you in the long run, not just because it's where all your friends from high school are going. When selecting your school it's important to know the basics of what you want. Will you thrive in a big or small school setting? These are the types of things that are unchanging in a University and it's wise to know ahead of time which atmosphere will suit you best. Once you've chosen a school take full advantage of all the resources it has to offer you, you are paying for them so use them! Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it; go to your professors' office hours, use your librarian, she can be the most helpful tool for writing a good paper. Going away to school is a truly liberating experience, it's a fresh start so be true to yourself right from the beginning and have fun with it!

When looking for a college that is right for you I suggest you go with your gut and what feels right. Dont look at statistics and ACT/SAT scores. Go where you feel you can further yourself. You dont want to just be a number in a pool full of students. You want to be able to stand out and make a difference. Go where you can be yourself and and make the best of yourself. Sometimes that school that is reknown for having the best students may not be the place for you because you will not be able to stand out. Don't blend in, make a difference!

In all honesty, choose the school that you think you would best fit in. I am still have some regrets about choosing DePauw, mostly because I don't think I fit in as well as I could have somewhere else. I think my college experience would have been completely different if I hafit in better. Once you do choose the school for you, make sure you make the effort to meet new people. Having friends on campus helps a lot if you are far away from home. Having someone to do stuff with on the weekends is a great alternative to partying and drinking. Overall, just have fun! But keep your mind on your studies. A college education is one of the most important keys to a successful life!

If you are able to, spend a few days on campus during the school year to get a feel for what it would be like to attend the school. Also, request opportunities to speak to students from the departments that you are considering majoring in. Speak to a wide variety of students , including those who dislike the school. A school is still a business interested in taking your money, so you'll want to know the good, the bad, and the ugly before you spend a penny.

To find the right college, visit, stay overnight. Seeing how a school looks during the day, and examining the social life at night are radically different. On top of focusing on the academics, students must be happy and engaged. And don't ever forget that no matter where you go to college, there will be a niche to fit. Don't worry if a student is socially awkward, worry more if his morals and ideas will be challenged, and whether or not this challenge will come in a positive or negative way. The academics are important too, but consider heavily these other, often overlooked factors when making a good college choice.