University of Mary Top Questions

To really focus on your first year of college. Don't lose focus because even one week off can throw a semester off.

Study hard in high school!! College is tough!

Finding the right college is no easy task, but it is so important to make it a priority to researching schools that are great fit for an individual. The best way to start searching is by asking what type of living do you want to be a part of or are comfortable with- do you like the business of the city or quietness of the country- and how much are you willing pay to go to college. Ask school counselors about certain schools that would be a good fit for you and your career choices; there are many schools out there, you just have to dig a little to find them. After you find a few colleges, call those schools and ask questions, then set up a time to visit them. The best way to get a feel for a campus is to go visit it. It?s important for parents to have a positive impact during this step in their child?s life. Parents need to give constructive advice, but still let their child make the choices. Remember, this is where you will be living for the next 4 or more years, make sure that you absolutely love it!

Apply for all scholarships available and start saving early.

When looking for the right college I would advise parents and students to decide what is important. Do not wait until senior year to begin considering what is right. Narrow your choices to five or few during your junior year and visit the campuses to learn more about the programs they have to offer. Get to know people in the admissions office and financial aid personnel. Be sure to talk to students who go there. Consider the setting, size, location, cost, in-state vs. out-of-state, religious, ethnic affliation, diversity, degree types, programs offered and what the campus life will be like such as sports, clubs and housing. To make the most of the college experience I would recommend making connections inside and outside of the classroom. Make friends naturally by meeting people in your classes. Start or join a study group and go to your professors outside of class if you need help. Stay organized and manage your time well. Most of all have fun and be actively involved in your passions and interests.

I feel that is is a great benefit when parents are actively involved with their children in the college searching process. They can give their children good input and advice about the school and the courses offered. I think one of the most important things is finding a college that not only has the field of study that a person wants, but also has the type of atmosphere that will be comfortable to the student. A student has to be comfortable and happy in his/her environment to be able to be successful in his/her studies. Studying is a very important part of college, but so is meeting other people and making friends. To make the most of the college experience, students should become involved in extracarricular activities that interest them so that they can be an active part of the community and meet others. Finding a good balance between studying and socializing is essential to a person's college success.

To start the college search early and find the one that best fits you and not settle for what someone else wants to you to, but to settle for what you like and what best fits your needs.

make sure that you are ready for college

Make sure you visit every campus you are considering attending. Also, I would encourage students to visit with students from the college they are considering attending.

I would tell parents to be open to why their student wants to attend college. I would also suggest applying to a lot of different places so you have options. The biggest reason I chose where I am going is location, not school. I wanted to live far enough away from home that I felt independent, but not too far that I couldn't visit home. I would suggest that students keep an open discussion with their parents about different colleges, and visited them if possible. I would also suggest job shadowing before college, even if you're not sure what you want to do. Job shadowing can give you more ideas of what you really will be doing with you planned career. After that, you can find which schools have the best programs for what you wish to study.