Nathanael Walker
Hometown: Oxford, Pennsylvania
DeVry campus: Fort Washington
Degree program: Biomedical Engineering Technology
Expected graduation: 2008
Why DeVry?
DeVry was the only school that sent a representative out to my house, which is in the middle of nowhere, to interview me and fill out the application. Right away that told me they were interested in me. The representative also helped me figure out what to major in. I had studied information systems in a technical high school so at first I thought I might major in that. Then the rep told me about the Biomedical Engineering Technology major. Because it is in the medical field, there is a lot of job security. I’m very happy I took her advice.
A great experience—in and out of the classroom.
What I like best are the small classes and good professors. The campus is easy to get around, and the housing is beautiful. DeVry makes housing arrangements with local landlords. Recently I moved into a luxury apartment complex—that’s really how it’s described online—with amenities like a heated pool, movie theater, sports complex, restaurant and spa on site.
My apartment has 2,000 square feet of space with a cable, phone, washer/dryer, and air conditioning, all included in the cost so I don’t have separate bills to pay. I have three roommates and the place has two bedrooms, but it’s big enough that I don’t even notice the other three. And the residents of this complex are not just students, so you truly feel like you’re out and living in the real world.
Professor who want you to succeed.
But what’s most satisfying is that DeVry professors are very knowledgeable and they really want you to succeed. Most of the professors in my major classes are doctors who have worked in their field. They talk about what you will need in the work environment—how to do it, what you’ll need to know. The class size helps a lot. Smaller is a better; you get more attention. Further on in your major classes, there may be only 5-6 students. The professor has time to explain everything and encourage questions.
A place I love to be.
No matter what college you’re considering, make sure you’ll enjoy it. If it’s no fun, you won’t do what you have to do. I would also advise you to go to a college that specializes. If you are technically inclined, I’d advise you to go to a Destination DeVry event and see what it has to offer. For fun, I hang out with my friends, play video games, and go to car meets. It’s close to home so I can do things with my family and friends.
Financial support to help me cover my costs.
DeVry is extremely helpful setting up financial aid, which in my case consists of a lot of little loans and grants. When it’s time to pay back loans after graduation, you make just one payment and DeVry distributes the right amount to the different lenders.
A range of services to help me land a job.
DeVry has a lot of services for students. I’ve used the Academic Support Center for help with math. From 9:30 in the morning till 9 at night, someone is usually there to provide tutoring. I work at school in the Copy Center. Career Services will help me get an internship before I graduate and a job afterwards. I already stop in to talk with them occasionally.
A jumpstart on my future career.
I go to DeVry year-round—three trimesters, 16 weeks each, two weeks off between. I like it that way. You don’t forget what you’ve learned between semesters. And the best thing is that you get out much faster. My high school friends at other schools will be graduating in 2009 or 2010, but I will be out in 2008.
I want to get a job repairing the machinery used in hospitals. Biomedicine is a big-money field, and hospital benefits are good. Then perhaps in five years, I will go on to get a master’s or maybe even a Ph.D. in engineering.
The best part: An education focused on my success.
I highly recommend DeVry to any student interested in technology, computers, or business. The professors push you through so you finish fast, and they definitely want you to succeed. Quite a few of my high school friends who’ve heard me talk about the school want to apply.
