Valparaiso University Top Questions

The univeristy you choose should be one of the highest undergraduate school in your student's major. A strong emphasis in undergraduate studies is essential. Having a good undergraduate best will best prepare your student for future graduate work and job placement. Class size also is important to a good education. Smaller class sizes allow the professor to focus on the students. The university you choose should also be a growing university. If a university is not showing a trend of growth, then steer clear.

People go to college for an education, but the real college experience is in the people and how you develop as a person while you're there. Here at Valpo I'm fortunate enough to have plenty of both, but the most unhappy people here are the ones who only do homework and study. The happiest students are the ones who are active on campus and do more than just play games in their dorm. Go to a reputable college and get your good education, but never forget that the people you meet here, and the things you'll do here you will never be able to do anywhere else again. When you're in college, seize the day. The bottom line is to search for a college with lots of sports, activities, and an active Greek Life. A smaller campus is also better for creating closer friendships and is convenient for traveling. And make sure that you're far enough from home to live on campus, but not so far that your family can't visit.

For parents and/or students who are looking for the right college, I would encourage you to visit the school. A school can look really good on their website, but it may look and feel completely different when you make your college visit. Look for schools that offer the programs you may be interested in and make sure that if you have your mind set on a specific career choice that your school choice offers other programs you may be interested in. Until you get to college and begin taking classes, you might not know for sure if your chosen career path is the right fit for you, so having flexibility in your own school for changing majors is a great opportunity (and lessens the chance for a need to transfer). As for making the most of your college experience, my best suggestion is to find the clubs and activities that you love and participate! College offers so much to students and there is a lot to take advantage of. It is usually through these clubs and activities that you will find your friends for life and it is usually through these clubs that you'll have the most fun.

Check out the requirements for your major in the student catalog and plan out your college curriculum. It reduces a lot of frustration later on!

I would try to hang out with someone outside the orientation program of overnight stay at the college you vist. It would be best to hang out with someone you think you would get along best with and find out from them the diversity of the campus, academically,socially,etc.

Take your time, and explore as much as you can.

Selecting a college the perfect college was a grave test for me; I am not a confident decision maker, so I often worried I made the wrong choice. Students who find themselves unsatisfied with the University or other college they selected will not find themselves at the end of the world. They can always transfer to the school that fits their lifestlye, their financial situation, social aspiration, and career preparation. The first University I selected was my first choice, but it turned out I was unsatisfied and started looking for different options to attend the best school for my life choice. After I chose the school I wanted to complete my degree, I found that making the most out of a college experience, not only includes selecting the school best fitting to a student's lifestyle, but also stepping out of their shell, making friends, creating study groups, and achieving beyond their standards. No staff member, professor, or peer can make the most out of a college experience; only a student can!

When looking for the right college keep in mind the class sizes, honestly it makes all the difference. Also, keep in mind the reputation of the school. Even if you have a smart child, if they are going to a "party" school then they will be in a much different environment, and surrounded by a different type of student than if they chose to go to a more acedemic school.

My advice is to start early and stay dilegent. Start at the end of your junior year in high school, take the SAT and then take it again for a better score during the fall of your senior year. Apply early to the colleges of your choice this leads to early admission and more opportunities for scholarship from the college. Search for outside scholarship it will be better to have scholarships then loans, trust me getting loans are difficult. Have your parents do their taxes early and finish the FAFSA form. After you enroll in the college of your choice and get the finances all work out and are starting in the fall stay on top of your work. Space it out and complete what you can. Do not procastinate, if you have a week off for a school break that is a good time to finish those long papers. If you get caught up in work remember to take it easy every so often. Also to have a excellent college life join groups that you like and get involved, make friends in your dorm and if you want to rush for social fraternities, great to have on a resume.

Don't be afraid to look. People don't always realize that there are all these opportunities around them, and even when they do, they don't always appreciate it. Sometimes the most important things are learned outside the classroom, so make sure to find a school with a good environment for you as well as a good academic program.