University of Notre Dame Top Questions

Choose the college where you feel right. The one that gets under your skin just a bit and stays in your mind when you're looking at other schools. The one where you can see yourself hanging out, studying, living. Don't listen too much to other people, because you're the one that will be there. Know what you want and find a school that matches it. Might sound cliche - but you might just know it when you see it. I did. Good luck.

I think the most important part of picking a school is finding a place where you can be comfortable. Figure out how far away from home you want to be. Judge whether you want to be in a city or a college town. Know your own educational capabilities. If you are capable of attending a 'fantastic' university and handling the workload, then apply to those fantastic places. But if you are not overly committed to academics, then apply to schools that meet your level. All schooling is challenging, so try to find the place that will challenge you enough to help you grow, but not beyond what you can handle. You should visit a school to really get a good feel for it. Imagine yourself or your child attending that school for the next several years. Is it a possibility that excites you? Go some place that makes you happy. Finances are a big part of college, but don't count yourself out until you see the financial aid package. Don't automatically assume that you can't go to a school because of the cost. Look at the financial aid packages you've been offered before you decide.

Really double check the financial aid if you need it. You could get screwed over later.

Find a school that you feel comfortable at. When I moved into my dorm Freshman year there was a "Welcome Home" sign in front, because this school is the type of place that becomes your home and a part of your identity for the rest of your life. Find a school that feels like home and can give you the best education possible at the same time.

Relax. Don't be stressed out. Take your time. The years will go by quickly. Don't fight growing up.

visit the places you are interested in attending. it makes all the difference in the world.

The advice I would provide to any infividual or family in the process of choosing a college would be to focus on what feels right. For example, if a student visits a college and automatically feels as if they belong, that could be the place for them. On the other hand, if a student visits a college and is not very thrilled about it or feels awkward or out of place, that may not be the best choice. A parent also needs to feel good about the choice. If after a campus visit, a parent feels as if their child would be unsafe in that environment, sending their child there would probably not be a good choice. Don't focus so much on academics. Yes, it is wonderful to attend a prestigious university, but if that is not what you are looking for, then you will not enjoy your experience. Find a place that fits you and suits your particular interests and needs. Some people fit wonderfully into huge state schools, while others prefer small private schools. Some people prefer a liberal campus focused on arts while others are interested in more tratitional places.

I sometimes doubt whether or not I picked the right school so the best advice I can give is to start saving for college. And start early! No matter which school you choose to go to, it will be expensive. There's tuition, room and board, text books, sports tickets, concert tickets, food, fun.....the expenses are limitless. My parents help out with the cost of school but they expect me to step up and pay for my own education. Sometimes it's difficult balancing a job and classes, but I believe it's teaching me how to live a balanced life. So try to look for a campus job. If you can get away with it, don't work your freshmen year. College is a big step. Everything is different and it takes some time to adjust. You'll be much happier if you only have to focus on classes and making friends. That'll keep you busy enough. As for that campus job, find one you like and if you can get one that will put you in contact with your professors (like working at a campus cafe) all the better!

Visit every school you are interested in, and learn as much as you can about each. Don't be afraid to make lists of pros and cons to help you make your decision. Most important, get to know yourself really well, and think very carefully about the characteristics that matter to you in a school. A school's academic reputation isn't everything. A factor as small as the quality of dorms or the availability of off-campus activities can be more important than you ever realized. Remember that it's not the end of the world if you don't get into your dream school. Who knows, you might make way more friends and have so much more fun at the "generic" state school than you ever would have had at the Ivy league.

Have faith in your son or daughter that furthering his or her education will result in success and achievement. Select three of four colleges worthy of a visit, and contact those universities for travel and lodging arrangements (most of the time, discounts and free arrangements are available).A visit allows them to get a feel for the campus, to gather their own opinion using their own senses, rather than trust the plethora of college mail bursting forth from the home mailbox. Pick a school where both you and your son or daughter are comfortable, and where the potential to grow spiritually and academically is promising. A college should mold an individual into the person that he or she was meant to be, not what society defines as perfect. A college experience is not only about academics; it is about becoming an adult, making lifelong friends and developing into a responsible yet well rounded individual. As expensive as financing is, the lack of money should never be the reason why attending their dream college is not possible. Financial aid can help! My parents always tell my sister and I that we are their most promising investment with the highest returns!