Franciscan University of Steubenville Top Questions

My advise to students is to choose the school that you want to go to, at which you feel most at home and that it's the right fit, no matter how much it costs. While one may be paying off loans for a long time after college, the degree of education that one receives and the overrall experience is well worth. This is one of the best times of life - it is irrepitable and therefore it should take place at the university of one's dreams (that's not to say that there won't be times of immense stress or various trials, but that makes the times free of such things so much sweeter). To parents I would advise that they don't force their children to go to a particular school. If their children make a mistake it's something from which they can learn. Also, parents shouldn't worry about the money either; it's a hard thing to do, but taking out student loans can truly provide an excellent educational experience and lifelong memories that are worth more than anything.

Allow your young adult child to chose the college they feel most at home and that will help them become a better person by the end of those four years.

Obviously academics is important , but make sure to choose based on the other things the university offers as well - based on its atmosphere, extracurricular opportunities, cultural experiences available, mission statement, and other things as well. It's not just about being able to get a job when you graduate, but about really discovering what you believe and what you want to make of yourself.

I would say that you have to narrow down your search by picking out what is most important to you in a school, whether that be the job you want afterwards or the type of community you want to be surrounded by, the state/country you want to be in, or what type of faculty you want teaching you. Over all you want to be nurtured in mind, body, and soul and you want to find the school that is going to provide this. I also think that you can't be afraid to find the right fit, even if that means transferring or changing majors once enrolled. Visiting schools is a great way to get a feel for them, but its even better to do it on your own and not through the school. That way, you see the REAL thing and not just what they want to show you on a limited tour. In your first year of college, take a wide variety of courses so you can see what you like and what you don't like. I also recommend starting out at a community college to save money and get generals out of the way.

When you are looking for the right school, you must first start with what do you really want. Major is at the top of the list for concerns, but if the school enviroment is not what you like the education won't matter because you wont be happy were you are. Look at the student life ratings, and aviod schools that have distractions such as partying. Just because it sounds fun does not mean it is worth throughing out your GPA and 20,000 or 30,000 dollars for a year. Look at the professors: are you a name or a number? What about the size of the school, do you want intimate (small ) or variety (large)? Every school has something it is well known for, are you looking for a faith life, a scoial life, superior education, great city. Make a list for you piorites and then find out how all the schools stack up on your list. There is a school out there for you, dont be afraid to look for it!

Look for a school that not your child or you yourself can not only grow academically but can also be formed as an adult, in their conscience and in their maturity. Find a place with a strong community which is there to foster that growth, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Make sure to visit multiplte campuses to compare and contrast schools, and then choose the best fit. And once there, stay on top of your studies and try to do well academically -- it will serve you so much better in the long run! But at the same time, don't bury yourself in your books or you'll lose your mind! It's all about balance and planning. Trust me, I speak from experience!

Visit the campus and stay overnight it is the best way to get a feel for what the campus is really like. If your going far from home make sure the campus isn't dead on the weekends. Make sure it has a good career services program.

Education is the beaming light and pride of a individual, along with their character and ethical stance. When one chooses to further their learning, finding the perfect college is more than a choice of 'who will make my resume look good'; it is a choice of who will have an influence on your life for the better. The school chosen will be the instrument to further knowledge and will implement a certain mind-set. It is imperative that a student does not let the school think for him/her, but allows them to use the materials at hand to discover truth. Pick a college that provides an atmosphere where your values are not compromised, your career path is nurtured, and your interaction is not limited by the ideals of a small group of individuals.

Make sure that there is a stress on academics. Equally important is the stress on student life, look for a school with a school that emphasizes social interaction and participation.