Loyola University Chicago Top Questions

Choosing the right college is important, because the right school helps a student establish a sense of self and where they belong in the world. The school's reputation will follow you so getting the best degree will help you down the road. The school's reputation will also help you get internships while you are still in school which are necessary to finding a job in this economy. In addition to paying attention to the professional side of school, it is also important to feel at home on campus. Find a campus you like and with the weather you prefer. I love my school, but hate cold weather. I do not get to enjoy the campus as much because winters are so long here. The campus is beautiful but the ammount of time I get to fully enjoy it is diminished because of its location.

Go somewhere you actually want to be and actually want to succeed. Just because the school is prestigious doesn't mean it's the right fit for you.

Don't worry about finding that PERFECT college on your first try. Plenty of people transfer after their freshman year. Instead, apply to all the colleges that interest you and go visit all of them! Ask lots questions at each and see if you can spend a night there with a current student. When you get to college get out there and meet people. Make lots of friends, talk with all your professors, join a club or two. Knowing as many people as possible will make your college experience better. And of course, study hard! School work comes first ALWAYS! But make sure you make room for a social life too! You'll need it- just don't overdo it. Do everything you can to advance your career and overall, just have fun! It's the best 4 years of your life.

Make sure your ready to go to school. Dont just go to school because that's what your friends are doing or what your parents want you to do. If your not ready to go DON'T. You will either fail horribly or not enjoy yourself at all. It's your life so lead it!!

I would visit the school and ask some of the students how they like the school and about their experiences. I would also eat on campus and explore what is around campus to make sure that you will enjoy the environment that you will be in. Also, I think it is important to know what you are in for so that way there are no surprises. I think that it is important to get involved with school activities and to do things on campus even if it is only once or twice a semester. I also think that it is very important to develop a relationship with your professors, and it can be hard because some classes only meet once a week and so on. But these relationships become invaluable when you need recommendations or networking for jobs, etc.

Choose your school wiseley. Make sure you understand what you want to get out of your college experience. If your more concerned with getting the right grades choose a school that is not too much based on the campus social life and appearance. Yet if what you are going for is the whole social college life experience then you may want to choose a school that focuses more around the college sports and social atmosphere. That will make or break your whole college experience so choose wisely!

My first advice that I would give to students is to choose a college that you feel comfortable and at home. Adjusting to the college experience is hard enough, but having a college that you feel comfortable makes it easier. Another suggestion is to not focus on your major to intensely. When I was a freshman I came in as a Chemistry major and drastically changed to a Theology major. In college, students change immensely. More than likely, students will change their major or intended career path. Choose a school because you would be proud to say you went there. My advice to parents is to make sure the child feels comfortable and happy where they are going. Try not to force a particular education, career path, or school on the child. The same advice I gave to the student I would give to the parent, be proud to say your child went to that school. Make the most of the experience by trying new things. Everyone is new, not just you. Try things you never thought you would do such as sports and clubs on campus. You might discover a new you!

When you start thinking about colleges, the first thing that most students want is to get away from family. I remember thinking that being on my own would be amazing, and that I'd like to go to school in California or Colorado, at least a few states away. I ended up at Loyola, half an hour from home, and I wouldn't change that decision for anything. Having my parents a short car ride away is one of the best things I have. If I get lonely or something in school isn't going the way it should, I always have my parents there for support. So my advice for students is not to disregard the schools that are really close because in the end, that could be the perfect school for you. Also, get involved in extracurricular activities, especially if you're a commuter student. It's a great way to meet new friends. Be outgoing, go out with friends, don't be shy in class, introduce yourself to people in your class-it's the best way to make new friends and more likely than not, they want to do the same thing, but are afraid to.

Start early, focus on what your future goals consist of. Don't be afraid to apply many places. While in college work on your studies but enjoy yourself and build yourself your foundation for your future.

I often encounter what I like to call "pressuring parents." Parents should not pressure their children when it comes to chosing a certain career/school. There are times when parents truely underestimate their kids ability to make a solid choice in regards to their education. Sure, we need guidance. Yet, unfortunately, there are times when a parent's advice can turn into pressuring their kids into doing things ultimately leads to lack of motivation for the student. The same advice applies to students- I thought Pre-Med was the route for me because it would make my parents proud. After realizing the medical field was not for me, I decided to follow my passion and entered the Art field. I have never been more motivated and excited about school in my life! The best advice I could give anyone is to chose a school that suits their academic and social needs. Parents, be more understanding of your childs opinion. Students, chose as school that offers what you need to make the best out of your college expereince and enter a field you are passionate about. "When you do what you love, you will never work another day in your life."