University of Dallas Top Questions

My mother practically forced me to attend the University of Dallas, a Catholic school, even though I had decided to stop attending church 4 years before that because I was bitter about life, including my parent's divorce and my problem with depression. At first I felt out of place; my classmates attended Mass regularly, I had no interest in the classics books we had to read, and I wanted to attend a larger college. Eventually, I made friends and day by day "went with the flow." I was mostly excited to have the chance to study abroad at UD's campus in Rome, Italy. I finally went my Junior year, and that is where something inexplicable happened. It's difficult to explain, but I completely changed as a person; I attended church for the first time in roughly 6 years, I became much more confident and found purpose in life, which led me away from depression. It was the most life-changing and important thing that had ever happened to me. I believe it saved me. This Rome program was rigorous and we traveled throughout Europe to learn history. I saw there were much more important things in life.

I have gotten to read and think about what most people in academia only wish they can read and think about.

High school is a breeze. School just comes easy, and it doesn?t take much to get an A. You?re growing accustomed to devoting most of your time to ensuring that any club that interests you does well under your leadership. You put off every assignment until the last possible second, because you?ll manage a good grade, anyway. But that needs to stop. In college, everyone is smart, and everyone works hard. The assignments aren?t necessarily too much more difficult, but they require a lot more time and insight. You?ll learn fast that ?studying? and ?note-taking,? once concepts in a seemingly foreign language to your vocabulary, are now necessary. There?ll come a point when you?ll have to admit to yourself that you are going to have to struggle to make it. This isn?t the small world that was high school. If you want to accomplish anything worth accomplishing, you must drop your old habits. Do not join more than a couple of clubs, and understand that it?s ok for someone else to lead?after all, you?re only a freshman, and it takes everyone some falls before they learn to fly!

Knowing what I know now, I would go back and tell myself to be a little more open, daring, and less afraid of change. I was homeschooled through high school and when it came time to apply for college, my parents had a specific idea of where they wanted me to go to school. It was my descision and my future but my parents were very particular. I am not saying they made me do anything or that I made a bad descision becasue of them, but looking back I wish I would have looked at what I really wanted and what would make me really happy. I chose to go to the University of Dallas because my sister went there and my parents really likeed the school. I had my heart set on another school that my parents did not like. I am paying for college by myself, so the reason my parents wanted me to attend one college over another was becuase it was what they thought was best. In the end I wish I had picked the school that I really liked and not the one that would make my parents happy.

I would tell myself: Don't worry too much about getting into college, because you will end up where you're supposed to be. The first semester is hard to balance since you'll be so busy meeting people, but don't forget who you are and what you need to do (study, eat, sleep...). Come to college with an open mind. Be open to meeting new people, learning new ideas and customs, but NEVER forget who you are or where you come from. Enjoy life, and remember to keep all things in moderation. Work hard, play hard, love life.

MLA is not used much in college; dont get used to it. College is complicated and time consuming and you HAVE to know what you want to do and be dedicated to get the best out off your courses. Because you have a child, you have to manage your time very well and balance family and school with work. AANNDDD, because you are so worried about making all A's, it will be more stressful. College will not be the fun, party life like everyone else for you. But you will do great. You have the help and dedication to make the grades you desire. The school you have chosen is the best for you, and you will be in the top percentage of your class! You will balance school, work and family just fine. Just remember, stay dedicated and open minded. You will learn more that way!

Balance is the key to life.

To students: I would advise that you remember that college is going to be one of the most memorable times of your life for good or ill. The keep those memories good, keep a balance between studying and socializing. Keep away from engaging in illegal activities which are generally deemed to be part of the "experience" of college because the consequences if you get caught are lasting. The best way to balance your work and social life is to keep a schedule. I have found that when I don't know when I am supposed to do something, my social life takes precedent over my work. Don't let that happen. To parents: I would advise you to simply remember that when your son or daughter is going to college, they are in the process of becoming adults. They have more responsibility, and should be supported, but not to the point where they cannot function on their own when times are tough. Finally, always remind your student that he is not their to just have a good time. He or she is their first and foremost for their education so that they can be prepared for their career.

I think that one of the most important decisions to make is whether you want to attend a larger school or a smaller school. I chose a decent, but smaller, liberal arts school because of the one-on-one experience I knew it would provide me with during my college experience. Once you have chosen the schools you want to apply to, the most important thing is to visit them. While you are there, make sure you "go off-road" and talk to students who are not paid to praise the school : visit classrooms and talk to the students and teachers there or find the hang-out spot and chat with some of the students there. You will come away with a better understanding of what the students think of the school if you get away from the tour guides. In the end, it comes down to a gut feeling which helps you know which school is the best fit for you. Good luck to all of you in your quest for the best college education for you.

Make sure that you feel welcome there. All the most advanced resources in the world can't recreate the growing experiences of college life - the friends, the events, the learning, the games, and all the adventures - that come with being truly independent for the first time for most students. Find a college that you can be passionate about. Take this opportunity of a clean slate to mature and develop your individuality. Strengthen your confidence and make the most of the college life by meeting new people and learning about different cultures, social situations, or even things about yourself. Be active, whether in your studies, within the student council or a club, or just set aside time in your day to do something spontaneous with friends that make you feel like you've spent a day worth bragging about. And even if your academic performance slips slightly upon entrance to college, don't be discouraged; after you've adjusted to university life, work hard and put your education to the test! And finally, make sure you have all your finances in order- paying for a college education is tough, so stay on top of what you owe.