Villanova University Top Questions

Find something that you will enjoy and afford. Prestige isn't everything, comfortability is.

The most important thing when selecting a college is considering the people you're going to surround yourself with. Because ultimately they're the ones who will primarily influence how you change over the next 4 years.

The premise of choosing a college in the time afforded from acceptance letters to deposit deadlines is unfair. Yet, the ensuing adrenaline rush forms a bond between those involved in the process, and warrants meaningful consideration and thought. Patience, practicality, and intuition are imperative in the process as college can change a student, but a student cannot change the undergraduates, environment or values of a college. Basing a decision solely on academic caliber, social scene, or proximity to the beach will undoubtedly compromise one?s college experience. I believe, and preach, selfishness in the selection process as the student is ultimately the individual on campus, in the classroom, and having pride in the Alma Marta. The student must be informed though, as it is their responsibility, and completely understand the social, financial, and post-graduate implications of their decision. When on campus tours, look beyond mock dorm rooms, glossy brochures, and perky tour guides; search for real students, flaws, and a glimpse of campus life. The next four years of life are earmarked with uncertainty, change, and hardships; enrolling in an institution which complements one?s personality and needs will yield a fruitful education, life-long friends, and priceless experiences.

Talk to more than one person who curretnly attends the school you are looking at. Getting responses from a diverse group of people is going to give you the best perspective of what the school has to offer, what campus life is like, and most importantly, the students currently attending are most likely going to give you some bit of information that the school (or its representative) did not tell you. I feel as though you should visit the campus more than once, perhaps before you apply, and again after you get accepeted. In doing so, you get a better feel of what the campus is really like, what the students do on a daily basis (how they dress, what extra ciricular activities are going on, etc). As far as making the most of the college experience, do anything and everything that is available to you. If asked to join a club, see a sporting event, go to a party, do it. College is a one time thing, the only way to make the most of it is by trying new things and branching out.

Go for your gut, I did and I am so happy I did.

Parents and students should work together through the college-application process. Be realistic. Determine a budget and designate schools into the following categories: reach, match, and safety. Within the budget, take into account textbook, health center, leisure/outing as well as travelling costs for home returns during breaks. The student at the very least should visit all the schools that he/she is interested in and has been accepted to. I would not waste time travelling to schools that the student is not interested in. When visiting campuses, the student should not be afraid to talk to students that attend the school, outside of the tour guide. This will allow the student to gauge whether he/she feels comfortable with at least a few people on campus. When finally choosing a college, factor in your gut feeling and whether it fits into the aforementioned budget. If it does not, I would move on. From personal experience, it can be very difficult to Parents and students should work together through the college-application process. Be realistic. Determine a budget and designate schools into the following categories: reach, match, and safety. Within the budget, take into account textbook, health center, leisure/outing as well as travelling costs for home returns during breaks. The student at the very least should visit all the schools that he/she is interested in and has been accepted to. I would not waste time travelling to schools that the student is not interested in. When visiting campuses, the student should not be afraid to talk to students that attend the school, outside of the tour guide. This will allow the student to gauge whether he/she feels comfortable with at least a few people on campus. When finally choosing a college, factor in your gut feeling and whether it fits into the aforementioned budget. If it does not, I would move on. From personal experience, it can be very difficult to ?cross the bridge when you get there,? when it comes to for school costs. Once on campus, be open to new experiences and force yourself out of your comfort zone for the most personal growth.

To find the right college, a student needs to know what they want to accomplish. By knowing the goals he/she wants to accomplish, the student can look for a college that will foster a path to accomplish those goals. Instead of looking for a college that friends may be going to, a student should find a college that fits his/her personality. The student should visit the college and talk to current students to find out what activities are available. Many universities have open houses run by administrators. However, it is difficult to understand what college is like through administrator's eyes. A student should talk to students themselves to understand what the college is about. Once a student has found the right college for them, the student has to get involved in activities to get the most out of the college experience. Without involvement, the college experience will simply pass a student by. There are so many activities and events on campus that one can get overwhelmed. A student just needs to find a few activities and participate to make the most of his/her experience.

look into the schools as much as possible. make sure the school is the right size for you and that it has the programs you want . look for schools with small class sizes and hands on professors. make sure that most of the professors have doctorates.

Visit the school and talk with real students there who are NOT on the orientation or welcoming committee. Those are always the most involved, most excited students. Talk to real students who can offer more candid opinions on the value of their education.

My college search was greatly assisted by my visits to the colleges I was interested in. By seeing a school, taking a tour, having a meal on campus, and talking to current students a perspective student and their family can get a good idea about which college is right for the student. The college experience is greatly enhanced by being in a school where you feel comfortable and secure. Villanova, for me, is the perfect balance of academics and fun. Knowing what you are looking for in a school is helpful and my college process was aided by knowning that I wanted a medium sized school, not far from a city, and that I wanted to be a nursing major. Do not rule any school out based on money, you never know what aid or scholarships you will be able to get.