Seattle University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Seattle University know before they start?

Amanda

Visit schools, attend a class and correspond with teachers and students. Use all the resources available to the decision making process. Decide what kind of school you want to attend, big or small, conservative or liberal. Never choose a school because their social scene is better than their academic programs.

Katherine

When applying to college, I primarily considered location, mission, and money. I focused on a desirable place to be as opposed to any particular school (which can be overwhelming), then looked for schools in those areas with mission statements that resonated with my personal values and goals. After acceptance, I made my decision based on the critical issue of financial aid. However, keep in mind the wealth of opportunity for scholarships and grants, and keeping a positive attitude about attending the school of your (or your child's) dreams. The college experience is unlike any other and afforded to less than 2{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the global population. Making the most of this experience is crucial. First, try everything once (or at least most things)! I suggest becoming a member of various listservs and extracurricular activities, even ones that seem unattractive, as they may turn out to be a new passion. In my experience, academics move you through their course as necessary, therefore, focus on enriching your experience through furthering your education with outside material and experiences and forming lasting relationships. The best thing I have gained from college is my friendship network that I know will last a lifetime. Good luck!

William

If you intend to attend graduate school choose a small, intimate school where you can work closely with professors and get good letters of recommendation. This isn't immpossible to do at large schools, but it can be more difficult.

Amanda

The key thing for me in looking for which college I was going to choose was looking at their mission. If the mission of the school doesn't fall in line with what your are looking for then in my opinion it doesn't really matter how good the program is you want. After the mission I studied the program I wanted to go into along with the opportunities students and alumni have from attending this school. I also would evaluate the surrounding area. For me I know I wanted to live in the city so a school in a rural area wouldn't have been as exciting for me. Your surronding affects how connected you are going to feel with your school and with that your feel to get involved.

Denise

Students should apply to more colleges than they have considered to have a back up plan in the event that they do not get into a specific school or the financial situations are diffucult. Having multiple choices will get them the best options a university can offer. One school could have a good financial package while another presents a better educational system. The students can have more assistance available for their needs, and the attention that is needed for their success. In order to obtain the most out of a college, students should use all the resources that the school offers. This would allow them to hear different opinions on a subject and learn concepts more effectively. They should try to read different books availble at the library or join a club which focuses on the class and helps the student understand the current topic(s). They could also access tutors through learning centers around the school. Everything that a student needs to succeed is availble at the school so they would not have to worry about doing less than what is expected.

justine

You will never find the perfect school but you will find the school that is right for you. A school that helps with your dreams, goals and anything else you want to accomplish. People are too focused on numbers instead of going with their gut feeling. I knew that I chose the right school because when I accepted I smiled with relief and happiness in my heart.

Jessica

When choosing college, you don't have to know what you want to do yet. Pick a school that provides the most opportunities for you to learn what it is you are truly passionate for. This includes a variety of programs, study abroad opportunities, and location is important too. You won't be happy, no matter how great the school is, if you can't enjoy where you're living. Be prepared financially for increases in tuition and housing costs. If certain aspects of a university are extremely important to you, such as a party atmosphere or a more studious atmosphere then pay attention to the difference between big state schools and smaller private universities. Professor to student ratio is very important in the style of learning and quality of education.

Emily

Students need to choose a school that fits their personality, goals, and priorities. I picked a school with small class sizes and worthwhile professors because I don't want to wast my own money just dragging through a school where you are just a number, not a name. The most important thing is to feel comfortable in your surroundings. When you have a comfort zone you can achieve greater. The advice I would give to parents is to not push, pressure, or object to your child's choice. They may want to do something different and explore, which is an exciting and important part of the college experience. Parents should help students figure out a budget, as many students may ignore the cost issue, but anything is possible and if the student really wants to go to a school nothing should limit them.

Courtney

It is important for a student to find the right school that offers them everything they need. A place where they are comfortable and able to make friends; have the ability to grow into a mature responsible adult. To find a school with the right blend of academia and social activities so when the student completes their education they are ready and able to step into the working world with a well grounded feeling for where they want to be. The ability to be active in clubs and maintain a high grade point average assists a person in developing organizational skills that will help them prioritize what will be needed in their life and job after school.

Antonette

get the right financial aid package.