University of Dallas Top Questions

The advice that I would give parents about helping their children find the right college is to be supportive and helpful to your child but to let them do most of the work. Choosing the right college is ultimately going to be decided by the student who will be attending and it is best if the student is the one who researched, visited, and is enthusiastic about attending their college choice. For the students I would say choose wisely but choose well. If you really want to go to a college outside of your home state, then go for it because this is really the time and opportunity for you to do so. Also, do not pick a college based on the fact that your friends will be going there; college is the perfect time to make new friends with the types of people that you usually are not friends with. For making the most out of the college experience, I would advise the student to reach out to fellow incoming freshmen at orientation, that is when many people make the friends that they keep throughout the year. I would also advise that its completely fine if they make mistakes.

Many colleges really advertise to you as a student in a way that can be somewhat misleading to someone going through the college application process for the first time. This happens to be all high school graduates, which is ultimately why going to college can be a terrifying process. I would give two main peices of advice to prospective college students. First, give what your parents are telling you a lot of thought, because the wisdom they have acquired throughout their lives, maybe from attending college themselves, is invaluable. Second, really search colleges for characteristics that are attractive and beneficial to you, rather than just attractive and beneficial. Obviously, most students would like to attend a college located on the beach, but what characteristics stand out only to you? Which aspects of college are going to affect you more than all of the others. These are the important things to bear in mind while college searching. To the parents, offer whatever resources you think are going to aid in this process. And if they ask for help, dive in and help. It's incredibly reassuring having someone who has been there before looking over your shoulder.

First, I would advise the students to LISTEN to the advice of your parents! When I was a senior in high school, trying to find a college I thought fit my personality, I had many choices, but only one or two of them were "acceptable" to my parents. I was very angry, and for a while I even refused to listen to their reasons why. I finally let them explain themselves to me and I (reluctantly) accepted admission to a school which they approved. Now, being a senior at that same university, I look back with awe and wonder at the persistence of my parents because they were only concerned with my future. I could not imagine my college experience anywhere but where I am. I also can not thank my parents enough for the advice which they gave me. So, parents, I would advise you to tell your kids WHY you like or dislike certain schools, and seniors, I would advise you to actually listen to your parents. Do as I did... Sit down over some coffee, and just talk to each other. This is a very important decision you have to make. Why not make it together?

Take the SAT early, apply to and visit 3 colleges early ,and apply for housing and financial aid to at least I private southeastern U.S.A. college, early on.

Trust your instincts, for finding the right college. And, if you get there, and it is not what you think it is, don't be afraid to change. For making the most of your college experience, I heartily recommend knowing what you believe, but being willing to change. Be open to the world that is out there, and realize that there are so many more ways to do things than you might have seen before, but that does not necessarily make your way of life any more or less correct.

It is nice to be accepted to "big name" schools, but you must be certain your choice fits you. I encourage all prospective students to visit colleges, talk to alumni, and make connections with admission counselors early. Let the admissions department see the dimensions of your personality that aren't expressed on your application. Worry about being a good person, not a good applicant.

Finding the right college is essencial. Be sure to visit your top schools for an overnight visit and apply to a lot of places, without fear of being far from home. Also, once you're at school, don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people and meet as many people as possible, particularly in the first few weeks.

Understand that the price on attending school is meant to communicate what you will academically reap from attending--it is worth that much, whether it is $2,000 a semester or $25,000. Know what you're getting yourself into, but don't have too many expectations, whether they're academic or social. Always keep a positive attitude and an openness to learn.

Inscribed above the entrance to the theatre in the ancient and prophetic city of Delphi are the words, "Know Thyself." These are the words that I would suggest to any student while choosing a university. Know where you came from and where you want to go. Consider the endless dialogue of nature verses nurture. Recognize your nature, and choose a school that fits accordingly. If you are an academic nut, maybe choose a good liberal arts school. If you have a social and outgoing personality, choose a school that has plenty of on-campus organizations and events. Also, understand how you want to be nurtured. Whether you like it or not, your environment has an impact on you. Don't settle for a school that simply has the right degree program, but you have no idea what the social life is like. Pick a school where the environment will challenge you to become a better person. Also, as a last note, consider what you have to offer the university. I have come to realize more and more that a school is defined, more than anything else, by the people. As a student, you can shape the ethos of the school.

Find the college which best fits you as an entire person-emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Look for a school which will take you as you are, but will encourage you to grow in maturity and reasoning. With this in mind, know that your college experience will be exactly what you make of it, and relies wholly upon your personal choices and priorities.