University of Notre Dame Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about this new college experience, I would tell myself that the universal term "fitting in" is nonexistent. Graduating from a small, private, Catholic school, I had a strong sense of individualism, of loving community service, playing the flute, teaching children the piano, altar serving, and exceling in academic areas. I had completely morphed myself into the strong, independent, free-spirited and moralistic person I knew I always wanted to be. Though this confidence supported my being, however, once the acceptance letter arrived, I knew I wanted to automatically "fit in" with the freshman class at Notre Dame. Unknown to me at the time, "fitting in" was something entirely different. After witnessing one semester of college life, I have realized that we should never subordinate ourselves into becoming part of faceless, meaningless mass which entails "fitting in" because, in essence, there is no "mass." In dissolution, the mass is comprised of many different groups, some with better and more wholesome characteristics and others with slightly less moral attributes. Thus, in the process of finding my own friends, I have ironically redefined the term - "fitting in" perfectly in my own niche.

Walking into my dorm room at the University of Notre Dame, I could not comprehend that I would finally be living away from home. For months beforehand, my parents and I had been gathering essential items in preparation for my move to college. However, only at this moment did I realize that I would be leaving a home and a family that I had known for my whole life. I would be leaving the family dinners, the Saturday afternoon trips to church, and many other events that had always been constants in my life. Truth be told, I underestimated how difficult the transition would be from high school to college. The first months of college were the most trying of times for me. Therefore, I would advise many high school seniors to spend some time away from their homes and families in order to develop comfort for this situation. While college requires students to spend more time focusing on their academics, a student can rely on the same academic resources that his/her high school offered to make this adjustment. On the other hand, time and patience can only help a student adjust to college unless he/she has practiced.

Going into college, my primary concerns were making friends and earning a GPA of 4.0. Since the first part is a natural gift humans were blessed to receive in varying levels, I would tell my former self not to be concerned with that issue, for it is often easier to make friends with a person who complements your personality when you are not actively seeking to befriend someone. Attempting to make friends can force a friendly relationship between two people who have little in common or whose personalities clash. Secondly, I would address the GPA issue. I would tell myself that a 4.0 is not the most important thing in life; as a biology major, no more than one person per graduation class can boast of a perfect GPA. Why? The workload is heavy and challenging, and pursuing a 4.0 for all but one person every year requires complete devotion to the coursework and lack of a social life. Rather than allowing my former self to worry about not receiving all A's in class, I would tell myself to work my hardest but not to work so hard that my college years pass without happiness.

I would tell myself to have a better idea about what I would like to major in, and that college will not always be perfect and you have to give yourself a break sometimes.

My first piece of advice to my younger self would be to keep an open mind and be as outgoing as possible. Our freshman orientation program is very well done, so take advantage of it. Meet as many people as you can to try to get a feel for the type of people you want to surround yourself with. Always be willing to go to dinner with a group of people if they invite you to come along. Additionally, don't try to impress anybody. Just be yourself and stay true to your beliefs. My second piece of advice dips into the academic aspect of college. It is okay if it takes a few weeks to get used to living on your own, but don't make it an excuse to let your grades slip. Hold yourself to the same standards you had in high school and strive to achieve A's in classes. With a solid freshman year transcript, opportunities for scholarships or even internships open up. And don't worry, you'll still have plenty of time to play Super Smash Bros. with the guys down the hall--just get into a rhythm and use your time well.

I would advise myself to focus on academics and always stay on top of my work. I would also advise myself to keep a positive attitude, and ask for help when I need it. I think it is important to pick a school that is perfect for you, rather than picking a school based on its reputation.

I would tell myself to not be afraid to learn new things and meet many new and different people. I would also tell myself to continue working hard and never lose focus of where I want to go in life. I would tell myself to try every opportunity that is presented to me and always remember where I have come from. In additon I would encourage myself to continue to stay faithful and remember to stay involved in commuity service.

I would tell myself to work as hard as possible to prepare for how hard college will be. It is important to attain a good work ethic early on so that it will be an easier transition to college. Also, social status doesn't mean anything in the scheme of things, so I would imform me to not try so hard to fit in and to be myself.

You must visit the schools you are thinking of applying to. Sometimes the cold, dark, freezing winter nights are enough to deter you from applying to a school. Also take into consideration not just the prestige of a school, but also the various departments or colleges, specifically the ones you might be interested in. Students, do not allow you parents to make you go to a school, things have changed. Parents, do not allow you kids to go to a school you wouldn't want them to go to, college is still very much the same. There is a school out there for everyone. Once you are attending you school, plunge in totally and completely. Be honest about who you are, and acknowledge you want to grow. Remember that the friends you make now will be in your wedding, maybe even the person you marry. These years shouldn't be the best of your life, college just lets you have them afterwards.

The most important advice that I would give parents and students about finding the right college is to make a campus visit. Lots of schools look great on paper, but it is when you are on campus and can get a feel for the school that you know if it is right for you. I looked at some schools that seemed perfect for me, until I went to the campus and something just didn't click or it didn't seem like I could see myself living and learning there. I will be entering my junior year at the University of Notre Dame, a school that I didn't think I would like at all, until I went on my campus tour and fell in love with the place. If I had never visited Notre Dame, I know I would not have ended up there and I can say definitively that I would not be as happy or have grown as much as a person if I wasn't at Notre Dame. The campus visit made all the difference. As for making the most of your college experience, take chances and enjoy every minute, because it goes by too fast.