Saint Louis University Top Questions

My advice to students: Find your own voice and be as true to your self as possible, without harming others. Follow your passion, for life short, and you deserve to achieve happiness. Do not let anyone, including yourself lead you astray from your path. If you mess up, its okay; just get right back up, for each is a new day. And do not forget, at any time, if you realize that your passion has changed, do not be afraid to see where it takes you. My advice to parents: Let your children be themselves. Do not judge them harshly, for they simply trying to find themselves., which is no easy task. Young people need support and postive reinforcement. Focus on the good and not the bad. Love, understanding, and patience are the receipe for a good relationship with your child; oh yeah...and money.

I think the biggest thing that you have to keep in mind is the type of student that you are or your child is and then go from there. People focus on the classics, (diversity, class size, cost, etc) but it is easy to overlook things like surrounding area, city life, off campus housing, food. To make the most of it you need to remind yourself why you're there and stay focused on your ultimate goal, whatever that may be. It is easy to get caught up in one thing, but I feel is it important to be sure to expand your horizons and be adventurous. You only go to college once, don't let everything it has to offer pass you by.

Visit the college, see what's in your price range, and focus on what you want out of the school you will choose. Don't limit your options, even if they are far away. Remember, airplanes make every college close to home.

Visit all colleges your are considering and spend as much time there as possible.

When looking for the right college, it is important to keep an open mind. You don't want to limit yourself too much in the beginning because visiting the college is what really helps you to decide what college is the best fit for you. Instead of narrowing your choices by a college's student size or urban/small town setting, look at what each school is going to offer you instead, such as academic opportunities or the campus atmosphere. In order to make the most out of one's college experience it is important to not be closed-minded, because you never know what you may find you enjoy. It is a time of thousands of new experiences. Also, make sure to use of different resources the college gives you. There is no reason to be stubborn and struggle through a course, when there are most likely plenty of qualified tutors. All in all, if you're willing to step out of your comfort zone sometimes you'll have a great college experience and learn a lot about yourself in the process.

My advice for parents or students is listen to your gut. When you go to the right college for yourself or your child you will know it. Also do not to worried about the distance of the price, if it is the right place for you those things will work itself out for you. I would also suggest that the student spend the night on campus so they can get a feel for how the campus really feels. This will allow you talk to people that are not in the admissions office and you can get an honest assessment of how the school is. Keep an open mind and everything will be fine

Plan what you really are looking for and what you really need. If a student needs more guidance, where are the office, what's the phone number. Who do they call when they get sick? Where do they go if they need a strep test? If there are dietary needs, does the campus fulfill that? Is there a grocery store nearby that would provide what the university convienience store does not? Really understanding what a student needs and looks for is very helpful. A really good thing to look at is whether there are career links near campus. If they are studying theatre, are there opportunities to attend professional theatre near campus? Are there networking opportunities?

First, I would advise everyone to start early .. NEVER wait till the last minute! Students, research different colleges to see which one best suits you and your career choice. Parents, visit these universities with your child(ren) and ask plenty of questions when you get the chance. Both, the parent and the student, fill out the college applications and send them out as soon as possible. (Remember: The sooner they are sent out, the sooner one will know if they are accepted to the school of their choice.) As far as making the most out of your college experience, that varies on the individual. Make new friends, don't be shy! Im sure every college has "Welcome Week" events ... Go to thoes different events. They are there for you to attend and for you to meet new people. Get involved is school related activities and most of all, HAVE FUN! After all, you only get to live this once, so might as well have fun doing it! ;)

Pretty much any college will be good. It all depends on what the student makes of it. Of course there will be schools that are just terrible and the student will have a hard time enjoying him or herself there, but most of the time if kids have a good mindset, they will enjoy themselves and figure out how to balance the homework load and the socializing load.

As a student at Saint Louis University, I am constantly reminded and encouraged to "Be a Billiken." Apart from our serving as our mascot, a Billiken's definition includes the adjectives unique, inspired, intelligent, and even urban. In the fashion of this marketing mantra, I too believe that there is a right way to "be" during the process of finding the right college and making the most of the college experience. The first is to be persistent. The college search can be overwhelming, stressful, and at times very tedious. Don't expect failure, but take it in stride. Persist now, so that you can feel proud of where you end up later. Second, be informed. Find the college that fits best for your future, whether that is a variety of majors, or one strong program. Being aware of all of your options lessens the chances of coming up short handed, or feeling as if you could have done more. Last, and most important for success, is to be yourself. Relish in every opportunity college presents you with maxing out on your potential. Be an individual, strive toward the impossible, and excel in the unique opportunity that is your life.