Bradley University Top Questions

Take the time to find out how far from home you will feel comfortable with, and maybe look into schools in that area. Also visit that campus because it may sound good online or in their brochure, but until you experience for yourself what could be happening everyday the decision shouldn't be final.

Learn about the degree programs, and get involved.. the more involved you are, the more welcoming the community is.

My name is Daniel Shore and as a senior with 20/20 hindsight I'd like to provide a few suggestions for choosing a college where you can ensure you will have a prosperous four years: 1) look at the program or department you're interested in studying. Academics is the primary reason to go on to, and pay for, a higher education. 2) Look at opportunities for practical experience. 3) This step requires visitng campuses--a very important/highly recommended part of the process--and that is to take note of that intuitive feel from your campus visit. Did the campus "feel" right. Yeah, it's not the most convincing argument, but that personal instinct goes along way. You have to feel comfortable to happily spend four years somewhere. Using myself as an example, my major is Radio/TV and thus, I chose a school with a strong TV broadcasting program, plenty of internship opportunities in a strong media market, and on my visit the people were friendly, helpful, and easy to talk to. Remember: students have the ability to make the most of their college experience no matter where they are at. Good Luck with your college search!!

Our economy isn't the greatest is has been, but that shouldn't hurt a student's desire to get a college education. I suggested planning your finances out as carefully as you can. There are ways to pay for college, you need to get out there and look for them! When visiting a college, spend a night or two there, and really feel out the campus life, don't just pick a college just because it's the best in a certain field. You need to feel comfortable there, and really feel like you could spend four (or more) year there. When you do get to college, don't hold yourself back from enjoying the atmosphere. Be Responsible. Many students don't know how to survive responsibly in an open atmosphere. Have fun but be safe. Enjoy college, it's the time of your life!

Keep an open mind.

First and formost, don't feel like you have to get drunk every weekend or every single time you go out. You don't. There are fewer people out there getting "totally smashed"than you think. You have four years of weekends to have fun and unwind - so take your time and whenever you have a study day before finals us the day to study not sleep it will pay off. Study abroad if you can because the experience is incredible. Get involved in organizations on campus never be afraid to show your talents with the organization. Become a part of your campus community. There are some fun and enjoyable community service events you may find that you love outside of campus. Also keep in touch with your parents they are your biggest fans and even become some of your closest friends in college. Finally remember don't work yourself to death but don't slack off because college is one of the greatest opportunities in life.

My advice would be to determine a few main characteristics that you find extremely important the school have, and seek out schools that fit those characteristics, but select kind of a lot of them. And vary them as much as possible. Then simply go and visit those schools, nothing is more valuable, in my opinion, than a gut feeling.

Bradley is really a great school. It's just the right size so that you don't get lost in the shuffle but you don't get bored of seeing the same people every day. It's very diverse and there's always something to do. The teachers are great, as are the students. You'll always be able to find an eager helping hand.

Start saving early because college tuition prices continue to go up and it becomes very hard for students and their families to pay for school. Also, make sure you know how many years it will take you to get a degree. Most schools charge by semester or by year and I was told I could make it out in four years, but now it looks like I may have to be here five years.

Visit the colleges that you are looking at during a day when classes are actually going on. It will give a more realistic view of what that campus is like, compared to a "exploration visitor day" for potential students.