QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH
7
ASKING the RIGHT QUESTIONS
7 QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH
College is fast approaching. It’s time to rev up your college search. Up to this point, it’s pretty much been listening to friends and family and doing a little research on your own. Now it’s time to dig in. Deciding what you want in a college and narrowing your list of schools may seem daunting, but start here: Simplify. Start with seven questions. By organizing your thoughts in this way, you’ll be amazed at how much easier your search becomes. So, ask away.
1. Can you afford private school?
Yes, Niagara University offers an affordable education with step-by-step guidance to ensure you’re getting the most value for your investment. Our generous financial aid packages include merit-based awards, scholarships, and grants—and we also have a popular Level Tuition Plan that allows you to lock in one tuition rate for all four years. Paying for college can make sense again.
ANSWERS
YOU’LL FIND AT NIAGARA
OF STUDENTS RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID
Our Net Price Calculator is designed to help estimate your financial aid options. NU’s Scholarship Opportunity Search allows accepted students to explore 100+ endowed scholarships. 99%
QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH
Does the school have your major?
What are your interests? What are your passions? are good places to start when reviewing your choices for an undergraduate major. If you are not sure of a direction, then choose a college that will help you explore your interests and talents. Make sure the learning within your major is active, hands-on, and filled with real-world experiences.
3.S, M, L, or XL?
Will you succeed at a larger school, sitting in a 200-seat lecture hall? Or will you perform better in a smaller, more personalized environment, engaging with faculty who become mentors and offer you clarity of direction? There’s no right or wrong answer — colleges of all sizes work, but there’s likely a size that fits best for you.
Location, location, location?
What is the ideal setting for you — big city, small town, or somewhere in between? Do you want to be in the middle of things, or away from it all, or perhaps a little of both? Choose a location carefully, one that’s right for you.
JUNIOR-YEAR CHECKLIST
prepared. Keep it simple. Take care of business.
SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER
Register to take the PSAT in October. NU is test-optional; however, you can submit your standardized test score if you wish—and some national scholarships may require it.
DECEMBER-JANUARY
Start thinking about what you want in a college.
Begin researching.
If you plan to take the ACT, check out the test dates with your counselor and register. Request that ACT results be sent to Niagara University (code 2842).*
FEBRUARY-APRIL
Put together a preliminary list of colleges and universities that interest you, and jot down why.
Compile a list of questions to ask college admissions counselors.
Start visiting your college choices.
Plan to register for an upcoming date to take the SAT. Request that results be sent to Niagara University (code 2558).*
Contact the colleges on your list and request information about admission and financial aid.
MAY-JUNE
Attend a college fair to learn more about the colleges on your list.
Plan to visit one or more of your schools of choice.
JULY-AUGUST
Continue visits to the colleges you are considering.
Compile an academic resumé that includes awards, achievements, extra curricular activities, community service, and other information.
If you plan to play Division I or II sports, contact the coaches and begin completing the NCAA InitialEligibility Clearinghouse form.
2.
4. 7
Niagara professors are highly approachable and serve as caring mentors and advisors to their students. The Gallagher Center on campus, the hub of Niagara student life, is where we eat, gather, study, and relax. Niagara is located minutes from Niagara Falls and the quaint town of Lewiston, as well as a short drive from the heart of Buffalo, NY. Our campus overlooks another country, with Canada just across the Niagara Gorge, just 90 minutes from Toronto.
Be
80+ majors 60+ minors 6 pre-professional tracks 2,700+ UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS 11:1 STUDENT-TOFACULTY RATIO 18 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE ANSWERS YOU’LL FIND AT NIAGARA NIAGARA.EDU Niagara University reserves the right to change the programs, schedules, or other terms and provisions described herein.
QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH
Picturesque lawn or yawn?
Once you step on a campus, you’ll get a sense of whether it’s right for you. Listen to your instincts, but take a good look around. The comfort and beauty of a campus can greatly enhance your university experience. Check out the academic buildings, the dining hall, recreation space, and residence halls. Picture yourself there. How does it feel?
24/7 or ZZzzzzz?
What’s happening? Hopefully a lot. Choose a campus where there’s plenty to do — student activities, clubs, events, service, and leadership opportunities. Athletics and intramurals can enhance your campus life, and help you build lifelong bonds with friends. Look for an active and engaging atmosphere — and have fun!
Brighter, but what about better?
Four years of college will make you smarter, but why settle for just that? Seek out a university that will inspire you — one that will make you better. Choose a university that will allow you to see with deeper vision, achieve with greater meaning, and inspire you to be the best you can be — with a heightened sense of purpose.
Niagara offers an active intramural program — everything from flag football, floor hockey, and basketball to soccer, softball, and broomball.
Our Catholic and Vincentian tradition is evidenced in our service to others, but also in our caring, inclusive attitude with one another.
A QUICK LOOK AHEAD: SENIOR YEAR
Be aware of what awaits you next year. It helps to see the big picture.
SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER
Take the ACT and SAT (optional)
Apply for admission to your
colleges.
Plan any additional campus visits.
Attend an NU Open House.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Complete the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application if you are a New York state resident.
JANUARY-FEBRUARY
Join Niagara’s online community.
Attend an off-campus accepted student reception near you.
MARCH-MAY
Attend a Niagara University on-campus accepted student event.
Compare all offers of admission and financial aid.
Make your decision.
Send your deposit to the college you have chosen to attend.
SUMMER
Complete housing forms.
Register for and attend orientation.
In the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul, who dedicated his life to helping others, we’re committed to helping students and families afford an exceptional college education.
Opportunities for
abound in every major.
real-world
If you are undecided about a major, no problem. Our awardwinning Academic Exploration Program will help you find one that fits.
6.
7. 7
“choice”
5.
MORE THAN 500 ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS TAKE PLACE EACH ACADEMIC YEAR. 100+ STUDENT CLUBS 18 DIVISION I SPORTS ANSWERS YOU’LL FIND AT NIAGARA NIAGARA.EDU If you need accommodations to participate in visit activities, please advise the Office of Admissions when you schedule your appointment.
experiential,
learning
NIAGARA AT A GLANCE
STATUS
Niagara University is a private, comprehensive, Catholic university founded in 1856 by the Vincentian community.
LOCATION
Niagara University’s historic suburban campus, located in Lewiston, N.Y., overlooks the Niagara River Gorge It is just four minutes from Niagara Falls, 20 minutes from Buffalo, and 90 minutes from Rochester and Toronto.
ENROLLMENT
2,700 undergraduates and more than 900 graduate students studying on campus and worldwide.
ACADEMICS
More than 80 majors, over 60+ minors, six pre-professional options, and several combined master’s programs.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
Approximately 18
FACULTY
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11-1, you get the attention you deserve.
STUDENT LIFE
100-plus student clubs and organizations including honor societies. In addition, the Kiernan Recreation Center offers a wide variety of recreational and health/wellness programs.
ATHLETICS
18 NCAA Division I teams compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and the Atlantic Hockey Association. We also offer very active club and intramural sports programs.
VETERANS
Designated as a “Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs magazine and a proud member of the Yellow Ribbon Program, Niagara continues to embrace America’s veterans and their dependent students.
STUDENT HOUSING
On-campus housing is available for all four years in traditional residence halls, village housing, or student apartment complexes.
ALUMNI
Niagara University’s approximately 40,000 alumni have assumed positions in virtually every career area.
GENEROUS FINANCIAL AID 99% of incoming Niagara students receive a financial aid package that includes meritbased scholarships, grants, and other options.
Visit Niagara and see for yourself. Tour our scenic campus. Talk with our students. Meet our professors. Sit in on our classes. Experience our campus. Niagara offers all kinds of visit options.
VISIT
at
at
Niagara University encourages all men and women whose aptitude and demonstrated achievement in high school or college give evidence of their ability to successfully complete the various programs to apply for admission. Consistent with our Catholic and Vincentian mission, Niagara University welcomes all students, regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, or marital status.
PLAN TO
NU
Plan your visit today
NIAGARA.EDU/VISIT Give us a call
716.286.8700 | 1.800.462.2111 or email ADMISSIONS@NIAGARA.EDU
IS NIAGARA UNIVERSITY THE RIGHT PLACE FOR YOU?