Viterbo University Top Questions

Find a college that provides the best academics for the field you wish to study in. Do not pick a school because your friends or significant other is going there. When you pick a college remember that you will be there for at least four years and that you must enjoy going there.

Follow your heart, or start out undicided and think about it the next couple of years.

no

move away from home if even by an hour or so. Its a great experience!

Really look for the attitudes of the professors. If they are all about wanting you to succeed and finding ways to help that process, then it is worth attending the school. I was in a school where they set you up for failure and very few people lasted there long. Viterbo professors, financial aid counselors, human resources officers, and career services people are all eager to see you leave with a degree and a successful college career!

The college experience, or at the very least finding what the "college experience" means for oneself, can be most taxing on one's life yet a solid investment for a future. This makes finding the "right one" an insatiable quest because, ultimately, choosing a college can mean choosing a life, lifelong friends, and an education worthy of the money that is spent on it. The most crucial time to first discover this is on a campus visit, where one can discover the true colors of the college/university. Scrutiny of the campus and asking innumerable questions about campus life and the surrounding community is essential to peering beneath the depths of a college/university beyond the face value of the tour and what the tour guide deems flattering to it. It may seem mere common sense, but without questions, there can be no answers to one of the grandest decisions of one's life if he/she so decides to attend an institution of higher education. Once a college/university is found, the experience is what each student makes it: a student can have more icebreakers than he/she can dream of, but ultimately he/she decides his/her path.

The most important thing for a student to remember is that the college you choose is for him/her, not for the parents or friends. So the student needs to always make sure they visit all the colleges they are interested in, not just the ones they are told they should be interested in. Parents should ask all questions involving financial aid, because no matter how much aid a person may need, its always out there and always available. While a student is at college, he/she needs to be in active in all extra-curriculars available, both clubs and sports. This is a good way to meet new people and make new friends not only fast, but friends who share the same interests. Also, the student should be involved in the classes. Taking part in all in-class and out-of-class activities and assignments is a good way to enhance the student's learning experience. The one way to really enhance an experience for both the parent and the student, both parties need to be active in both the academic and collegiate experience and be supportive of each other.

If you are an adult learner like myself, seek out a college that has specific programs designed for the working professional. Small class size, sense of community and professors who are fun, insightful and knowledable. Preferrably a college that accepts previous college courses as credit toward your degree. The campus should offers a variety of cultural diversity and opporunity to become involved in school and community programs.

To the new students: Be yourself.

Firstly, don't just go to college because that's what everyone is doing. Yes, a degree offers opportunities otherwise unavailable and college is a great experience, but it's not for everyone and that's okay. Take the time to decide that so if you do decide to pursue a higher education, you want it and you're motivated to do well. It's expensive, so make sure it's worth it! When you look for colleges, be honest with yourself: does a recognizable name matter to you? Do you want to stay close to home? Do you like the 'vibe' of the campus? But also don't forget to look outside your comfort zone. It doesn't hurt to look at a school far away in a big city, or apply to a 'smart/hard' school. Once you're there, get involved! You may think it's lame to go to a freshmen dance, but you won't meet new people in your room. Join clubs to meet people and expand your comfort zone. Don't go home every weekend. Find out what services you have on campus-you pay for it, use it. Volunteer. Get out there!