University of the Incarnate Word Top Questions

Take campus tours and research the history of the school. If given the opportunity talk to other students about their experience at the university.

Make sure it has all the qualities you want in a college

Go with your gut

One of the most important things a student can do to choose the right college is to ignore what colleges say they accomplish and actually go out and look at student work. Student work is reflective of the quality of education they are getting without the exaggerations most large colleges are capable of saying about their students. Bring porfolios and letters of recommendation from teachers from your highschool or, if you are a transfer student, from your previous professors. For parents, one of the most important things you can do for your son or daughter is to investigate the school's views on social justice and volunteer work. Any school that requires volunteer work is a great place to be. It may not seem like a big deal, but being able to appreciate the value of education and having experience helping those in need makes for a strong moral character.

Find a program that fits what you want to do. Plan your college life to guide you into the type of work you want to do. Talk to your teachers and always ask questions.

I would give advice that when looking for a college or university to attend the best thing to do is shop around. It possible that you are accepted to the best school in the country but if you do not enjoy your experience3 there it could be a waste. A waste or time, money, and other resources.

The right University for you is the one that when you first see it you find your self smiling and excited to attend that school.

Find a place where you feel like the teachers care about your future, and you think you will be happy for the next four years. At Incarnate Word, I became very close with many of my teachers. I feel like the relationships I have with them allowed me to become successful. Their advice and encouragment kept me motivated and prepared me for medical school. The friends I made at Incarnate Word were also a large reason for my success. They kept my life balanced and often offerend a unique perspetice on and issue, or support when I needed help. My best advice is once you've found a school you like, engage the school completely. Get to know your professors, your fellow students. Join organizations that you interest you, and really just try to enjoy the time you have at the school to the fullest. College is a place to learn, but also a place to have fun and expereience new and exciting things. Thats what I did, and I know that I will always be greatful for my time at Incarnate Word.

I would say to parents that if their child wants to wait a couple of months or a year to figure out what they want to major in, in college, then that's absolutely fine. No one knows what they want to do for the rest of their lives as soon as they get out of high school. If they do, that's very rare and they're very lucky to know that already. I think parents should keep in mind that most college freshman don't know how to go about doing their financial aid and learning all about it so it's best to at least give them a hand in understanding their finances in the first year or first semester. Students should keep in mind that there's going to be alot of stress with school coming their way, and they need to take time out for themselves every day in order not to burn themselves out and reach the point where they don't fully dedicate themselves to their studies.

Have a few ideas of what you want to study and look at each degree program, what courses it requires, and if there are any additional requirements to earn a degree. Attend the seminars the school has for potential students and visit the school website to learn more about the school.