Admissions

Expect to write numerous papers per class, and no fluffing allowed! Every professor at UD knows exactly what they're talking about, so they'll know if you don't. Read the material and you'll do fine. No matter how smart you were in highschool, you will fumble a few times your freshman year. UD profs grade hard. Just learn to adjust to what they expect of you, and you'll get back on track.

If you're a prospective student, the best thing you can do is visit the campus. It's what convinced me to attend UD, and I know many other students who had a similar experience.

If you do attend UD, then

DO:
- Go to Rome. UD has a campus in Due Santi (just outside Rome), and students often attend school in Italy for an entire semester during the Sophomore or Junior year. More information about the program can be found here: http://www.udallas.edu/aboutus/offices/advancement/giving/givingopportunities/rome

- Visit Campus Ministry. The people there are the most quirky/interesting/goodhearted people you will meet, and Denise Phillips, the Campus Minister, is a wonderful help if you just need to talk to someone. You’ll also find out about volunteer opportunities more easily, if you’re interested. If you’re not Catholic, it’s not a problem – Campus Ministry exists to minister to the non-Catholics on campus, although Catholics are welcome too.

- Go to Open Anselm on Wednesday nights – it’s free food and a movie, but you don’t have to stay for the movie. Did I mention there was free food? Well, there is. Free food. Don’t miss it.

- Try swing dancing. It’s very popular at UD, and it’s not hard to learn.

- Get to know your professors. Many of the professors at UD love nothing more than for you to walk into their office for a friendly visit!

- Bring a printer. UD has a computer lab if you need to print, but it’s cheaper and easier to use your own if you can. Also, the healthy bacterial cultures which live on the computer mice are rather disturbing (I know, because I tested them myself).

DON’T:

- Climb on top of the art building roof. It’s an easy climb, so many students are tempted to do it, but campus safety officers check for students there regularly, and if you’re caught, you’ll be fined a few hundred dollars. It’s not worth it, especially since the Dallas pollution prevents you from seeing many stars.

- ...

Coming into UD I was a bright eyed, bushy tail 18 year old who graduated with top honors, a near impeccable GPA and high SAT scores. However, my first semester was tumultuous because albeit I dedicated hours to my study, it wasn't the right kind of studying--I would get easily distracted by the novelty of college life and seeing my friends, late nights watching netflix in my dorm room. Projects and tests would be studied for overnight and I was simply overwhelmed: I did not prepare myself fully for the workload of UD. Yes, I had been in honors and AP courses, but at UD, it's always a struggle no matter how many classes you have taken in preparation for college life. Learn to study better, and utilize quality study areas such as the third floor of the library, the empty rooms in gorman, and the science building's vastness.

Do your best and remember that knowledge is better than book smart. I would also recommend applying at the Early Application deadline in November so that you have a better chance at scholarships and acceptance.

Get good grades! Your best bet at coming here and not having to pay too much is by getting the academic scholarships. Also, learn to enjoy reading. You will read in pretty much every class here - and not just books based off of first sources, you read the original texts of Plato, Aristotle, Homer, etc. It is somewhat daunting, but if you're a good reader it's definitely manageable.

Get ready to study like you've never studied before.

If you're looking at the University of Dallas, ask yourself if you want the well-rounded, quality education you'll find here. If you want to learn how to support your own claims and develop valuable writing, rhetorical, and problem-solving skills, this could be the college you've been searching for.

You will be academically, intellectually, spiritually and morally challenged at the University of Dallas-- but only if you are open to it. There are some Catholic students at UD who could be labelled close-minded or prudish, and some students on the opposite end of the spectrum, but the sheer number of genuine and good people who are trying to live their lives to the fullest is the reason I love being here-- as a prospie, be aware that you will be challenged, and embrace that challenge wholeheartedly, with prayer if you are a person of faith, and get ready to have a life-changing four years.

Also, get a good joke ready to submit along with your application materials.

Really find your path with what you feel you NEED to know. There's a huge difference between someone who is attending a university, and someone who is thirsty for doing what they want to do and learning what they want to learn. Ultimately have the sense of urgency to learn if you're willing to make the commitment to this school, it is unlike any other I've seen before.