Duquesne University Top Questions

It's not only important to find a school where you like the environment, but also a school that offers a good solid program in the field that you are going into.

Don't get too overwhelmed in your college choice. Make sure you know what you want, and then just go for it. Talk to people who go to the school you're interested if you can to get the real scoop.

Look at what happens when they are DONE with school....are they fully prepared? were they introduced to companies? job potential?

Do not pick a school that you can live with. Pick the school that you cannot live without. You have to be able to see yourself actually waking up every morning, walking around campus, and attending class, as well as making friends and having a healthy social life. Also, make sure that the are that the school is in is conducive to the things that you like to do. Once you are able to picture yourself doing this on a certain college campus, you know that that particular school is it. When actually attending school, keep up with your work so that you are able to enjoy a healthy social life. You do not want to procrastinate and stress yourself out so that you cannont enjoy college life appropriately. College prepares you for the rest of your life while you are having the time of your life. Make the most of it!

Don't just talk to the people in financial aid or the person giving a campus tour or even the teachers, because they will tell you that everything is wonderful about their university. Find an actual student to talk to, preferably a junior or senior and preferably someone in the same intended major, so you can get their opinion about what campus life is like for them. They can probably give you the best advice because they've experienced the challenges, opportunities, etc. that the university has to offer.

There is always a way to pay for it. Loans aren't everyone's favorite thing in the world, but they're a fact of life when it comes to college. Pick the best ones, and worry about paying them later, don't stress it. Stay on top of your stuff! Educate yourself on the financial aid avaliable. Maintain a healthy balance between social life and your studies. It is possible for both to coexist! BE YOURSELF! And rather than going for what looks good on paper, go for where you feel like you belong.

Visit and spend time at the various colleges that you are considering. Do not go to a school for the wrong reasons. Make sure that it is the right institution for you because you will be potentially spending a whole lot of money there for the next 4+ years of life!

Go with your heart. If you visit a university that just "clicks" and "feels right", one that you're just drawn to, find a way to make it happen. Wether you have to work part time, eat Ramen noodles for weeks on end, fill out scholarships applications; do whatever it takes. Never settle for less when when an opportunity presents itself. College can be such a wondeful experience full of opportunities to enhance your future and bring out your potential. Unfortunately many people, myself included, lose sight of this in the midst of choosing a university or even after they've enrolled. As an individual, you have the right to be happy with your life, move forward, and enjoy your college experience. Never forget that. College is about YOU. It is about furthering your education and stepping into the adult world as a confident, experienced graduate. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. This is your time to be a little bit selfish.

Don't simply pick a school based on whether you know people who are going there or not, or where your friends are going. Not a single person from my high school goes to Duquesne and I feel that that has made my experience here all the better. Not knowing a single person when I came her forced me to go out and meet new people and make new friends; some of who are now my best friends. Also, college is not just about going out and partying all the time, or staying in and studying all the time; it is a complete life experience. I can honestly say that it is probably the best experience I have ever had, I have learned so much and met so many amazing people and had many wonderful experiences here in the past three years. Try and meet as many people as you can, and learn from them and their experiences. Get involved! Make a difference, it only takes one person. Take time to really think about your decision of what school to go to, it will truly change your life.

The advice I would give to people about college is to save up. It becomes extremely expensive especially when you can't get a loan to pay for it. Plan ahead and be smart with your money.