University of Notre Dame Top Questions

Advice that I would give to parents and students about finding the right college is to be patient. Take your time and really focus on determining what is right for both the parents and students in all aspects - academically, socially, spiritually, financially and physically. Listen to each other and take each others opinions to heart and mind. To the students, remember that your parents care just as much as you do about where you go and want the absolute best for you, no matter where you go. To the parents, remember that these students are embarking on a new area of their lives - this is definitely a matter that all of you need to decide and agree upon together. Advice that I'd give as far as making the most of the college experience is to be open. Students - take advantage of opportunities; don't be afraid to try something new, and don't give up after one downfall. Also, keep in touch with everyone at home, they love to hear from you. Parents - be supportive and understanding. Remember that your children are growing up and dealing with situations on their own. To both - be respectful, and loving, always.

Always have a backup plan and understand that every college has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Understand that you will more than likely change your intended major at least once, and plan accordingly. Always leave yourself an alternative option and do not lock yourself into something you aren't happy with unless you are absolutely positive that you know what you will want to do.

My first advice would be to pray about it. Choosing a college is an issue of discernment, and if one listens to God and goes where he truly believes the Lord is calling him to go, he will surely find satisfaction and peace--God will not guide someone to the wrong place! He knows what He's doing, and He has a great plan prepared for each of us! Practically speaking, I also highly recommend college visits, especially overnight visits; these are invaluable opportunites for immersion into campus culture, meeting students, and preparing for college life in general. Personally, I visited almost a dozen schools, which was illumiating: after comparing so many schools, I knew Notre Dame was the "right fit." Also, don't let the price deter you from attending an outstanding university--the money is out there, if you're willing to look! Go for it!

Keep your options open, apply to a lot of different colleges. Open yourself up.

The most important part in choosing the correct school comes by taking notice of the little things that the school has to offer that may be helpful to you in the future. These little things include things such as computer access in case something happens to your personal computer, professor accessibility for help outside of class, tutoring access and if it costs money, distance that you'll have to travel everyday to make it to class, and also how comfortable you feel on and around campus. Keep in mind that you probably won't be the exact same person you are right now in a few years and it is definitely necessary to have access to a lot of help, facilities, and resources that you may not need now. Make sure that wherever you are you will be able to get help in any situation that you may need it for. This place is going to be your home, so make sure you love it!

Any college that you choose can be the right college for you as long as you go in with a positive attitude. It is important to look forward to attending your school and to be excited about learning in the environment that your school provides. When you begin attending your new school, get involved in as many ways as you can while still having time to complete your schoolwork. Schoolwork comes first but it is also important to balance this with a healthy social life. Take advantage of the opportunities that your school provides because you probably will never have these opportunities again. Be sure to start out the school year with a healthy eat, sleep, and exercise routine because you will be more likely to continue to follow it througout the year. If you choose to go out and drink, be responsible and make sure to stay with someone you trust at all times. Most importantly, have fun. These are the best years of your life and they will go by fast.

Some seniors give advice to incoming students.

bleh

First, start early. I made the mistake of putting off the college search and process while I was an upperclassmen in high school, and because of that I always felt behind and pressured to rush my decisions. Also, know what you're looking for, but be open to schools that don't exactly fit your preferences. I knew I wanted a Catholic school with a good engineering program, but I wanted to stay close to home, but I ended up pushing myself and going far away from home because I felt that I fit at Notre Dame. Last, visit all the schools on your list, and decide where you belong based on your gut feeling. Don't worry about money too much during the decision - if you want to go to a certain place, you can find a way to finance it. Once you get to school, get involved, meet people. I've always had a tough time actively meeting people, so I tend to take longer to find where I belong than most people, but if I am more ambitious, I know I will find exactly where I fit in.

Visit, work with the financial aid office, embrace every minute of it....it goes fast.