Saint Norbert College Top Questions

College is an important and sometimes trying transitional experience. When researching which school is best for you, I recommend visiting several different schools you are interested in and spending the night with some students there. Students will be honest with you about their experiences and are less likely to treat you like a customer. Going to college is not only about academic success, but social success, so get aquainted with the area and get a feel for typical campus activities. There are huge differences between small liberal arts schools and large public universities. Everything from class size, student-faculty ratio, accomodations, safety, resources vary depending on the nature of the school, so be sure to visit at least one of each type to compare your choices. Trust your instincts and choose an environment in which you will be happy and where your academic goals won't be compromised. Lastly, don't take life too seriously...you WILL miss having a roommate teeter over you in a precariously positioned bunk bed, I promise!

St. Norbert College is a really fun school, don't miss it!

After I graduated from St. Norbert College I went to Lawrence University to work in Student Affairs, and from being a student and then helping students in Campus Life, I would strongly recommend visiting the campuses before you send in your deposit! Most students I work with that become unhappy after term 1 are those who didn't see the campus before they came. On your campus visit I would suggest asking financial aid what their typical aid is for all 4 years for a student of your income, since many institutions give more your freshmen year and less each year after. Hopefully on your visit you will have a chance to talk to both a professor as well as a staff member from Student Affairs. You will learn much about yourself out of the classroom, and your education out of the classroom is just as important as in it. Make sure you understand what the college can offer you in both areas.

Look for a college that shares your beliefs and traditions. By finding a college with similar values, you feel more at home. You strive to learn and become an active member of the college, thus making your college years more valuable and rewarding.

Go with your gut.

For the student: go with your gut. You will know when a school feels right!

I think it is important that a student chooses a college that they are going to like. My mom always told me that what you put into life is what you will get out of it and I have always lived by that moto. When I was in doubt I looked to that moto because it helped me put a little bit more effort into my school work. My school isn't the easiest but it was the school I wanted to attend so I suggest if you have your mind focused on a certain school, then go for it. You can do it!

I would advise any parent or student to make the choice based on which college best suits them as an individual. Making a decision based off of where others go does not benefit you and your personal success at all. Finding a college that best correlates with your values, climate preferences, and academic program of interest is a good starting point for narrowing down your selection. A well suited college should make you feel welcome and at home, along with establishing a sense of excitment and eagerness to explore and grow within the school. College is about growing up and finding yourself, a good college should guide you and help you grow, not prevent you from doing it. Be your own person, and make the most out of the opportunities that present themself while you're there-- you wont be sorry!

Make sure you fall in love with the college. Visit all the colleges you applied to and don't be dead set on one school until you see them all. I was dead set on a different college for months before I went to visit the college that I actually did attend and I now look back and realize that the college I chose was the best one for me and it was the best decision I have ever made. Don't have any regrets when you graduate (or as few as possible). Try/do whatever you can--rush for Greek group even though you don't see yourself as a "Greek" (I didn't see myself and I ended up in one that I loved), go out and meet people whether you drink or not--you might meet one of your closest friends at a party, skip a class or 2 every once in awhile, spend 7 hours in the library studying for a test, fall in love, find out who your real friends are, and for goodness sakes-college is the best for years of your life, so MAKE THE MOST OF IT AND LIVE IT UP!

Do your research. Ask questions. Take full advantage of tours, meeting with professors/coaches and shadow days. Go with your gut. It is your home for four wonderful years. Colleges are like shoes; they don't fit everyone the same. In other words, dont go to a college just because your boy/girlfriend, friend, or parent says to. DON'T COMMUTE!!!! Ya, you might get a crappy roommate, but that just gives you incentive to get out there and live your life. Take risks, have fun, do things you never thought you would. Make new friends. Get rid of other friends. Enjoy yourself, you'll never have this experience again. Get to know your professors and don't be afraid to ask for help/direction. College can be hard, but there is always someone there who can lend a helping hand. Don't forget your pillow.