DePaul University

Date: Nov 17 2003
Major: Computer Science (This Major's Salary over time)
Remember, universities are businesses, first and foremost.

Be prepared to have your finances in order. You must plan ahead and plan for any unexpected emergencies. You never know when you might have to take a break from school.

Financial Aid does not care about you and do not expect them to. Check with Financial Aid at least once every quarter. They do not inform students of problems in ample time. If someone tells you your account is fine, get a second and third opinion. Ask to speak directly with an Financial Aid advisor.

Student Accounts will work with you if you communicate with them early and often.

Advising & Degree Planning: If you need help figuring out which classes you should take, get two or three opinions from different advisors. Do not rely on just one. I've had an advisor tell me that a class wasn't required when it was. I've also had several advisors tell me to take classes I didn't need. This cost me hundreds of dollars and wasted time.

Read the small print for prereqs and pay attention to when classes are offered. Some classes are not offered in certain quarters.

Finally, talk to your fellow students, they can be excellent resources.

Get involved! Get to know your peers. Take advantage of opportunities and resources. You are paying for it!