University of Notre Dame Top Questions

Can you see yourself living here for the next four years? While some schools have great academics and others have a great location or social atmosphere, it takes a special place to provide both. It is important to always keep in mind that where ever you end up will not just be your school, it will be your home, and it might have a wonderful academic reputation, but if you cannot be happy living there, it does not matter. Of course it is important to keep the caliber and reputation of the institution in mind, but that is only part of the picture. Make sure that you find a place that will be challenging enough mentally, but do not choose a school just on reputation. Visit, and when you do, picture yourself there not only as a student, but as a resident and a part of the community. If you feel at home, chances are that it is because of the whole package, academically and socially, and that is how you know you have found the place for you.

Find a college that suits the needs of the student. While a job and career are important, having the right friends, right connections, and set goals help to keep you focused even through the toughest of times. Grades and school get tough, but as long as you put forth the effort, professors are willing to help you out and will extend a hand to push you in the right direction.

find the school that fits the best, not necessarily the best school you get into

Look at every type of college, from big to small, city to rural, before making any decisions. Choosing the college that is right for you is about more than just finding the right fit academically; its about finding the right fit emotionally and socially too. Without the right school you won't have the best college experience possible, and that's not something you want to find yourself regreting in the future. You should try to visit the schools you are considering applying to, and when you do, pick up and read a student produced newspaper. This is one of the best ways to get to know a school that you won't find through the admissions office, and if you find that you simply "click" with some of the thoughts and ideas in the paper then you already know you will click with the people behind those thoughts that already chose that school. If I could offer one bit of advice to a high school senior it would be that its not about finding the best school in the country, its about finding the best school for YOU.

Visit the college, you will get a huge feel of how you would fit in. Also, don't worry about how much it costs, there's always money available to help out. Go to the school you love.

When trying to find the right college, my best advice is to go with your gut instinct. When I first walked on to Notre Dame's campus I knew it was a place where I could see myself. Then, after talking with students and professors, I knew it was also a place where I could be happy for four years and receive a good education. Keep an open mind when visiting colleges but trust your intuition. As for makng the most of college, realize from the beginning that it goes by before you know it. Don't be shy, learn how to look someone in the eye when you introduce yourself, and take every opportunity to meet people. Also, get involved in activities early and find out what makes you happy. Don't always put academics as a priority- sometimes an hour of less studying that can be spent with a friend in need is well worth it. If you're like most people, the friends you make in college wil become a huge part of your life- you won't know how you ever got along without them. Enjoy it!!!

Visit the school.

Visit the college with the family and ask many questions. If possible, go/stay with a student there and experience the real college first hand. Make sure the college is appropriate with you career choice or major, or offer diverse classes for the undecided.

I would say to go and visit the schools or universities and apply to several . I applied to seven universities and was very surprised by the different levels of financial assistance offered by each school. I applied to six universities in my home state and one out of state. I am actually attending the most expensive university (out of state) from the seven that I applied to, however the least out of pocket for me and my family! It was hard at first being away from my family, but it's helped me grow up and also helped me to appreciate my family that much more. Time management is very important, especially if you are in sports too. So have some fun, but know when to get back to work! It goes by fast, before you know it you will be graduating. I can't believe I will be graduating in May 2009! You can't go wrong with getting your degree, it's something you will never regret!

When you are looking at colleges, consider first what aspects of life are most important to you and what you'll want to continue doing and what you'll want to explore in college. Make sure schools you consider have those things. Then be open-minded. Don't just look at the schools that are well-known; look at all of them that come your way and see how they might fit you. You only choose one, but you may as well learn about many. Then learn more about the ones that seem to fit you. Finally, and most importantly, go visit the school. Stay overnight and attend a class in a major you are considering. Without setting foot on the campus, you cannot know if you will want to call it home for the next four years. Hopefully, one will just feel right.