Chicago State University Top Questions

The best advice I would give is to know or have a good idea of what major you want and what type of college experience you want to have. Choose a college that fits your personality because you want somewhere you can engage in activities of your chose and get the most out of your college experience. Always be patient and research schools that are on top of your list. Most importantly, do college visitis and asks students there what their experiences are at that school. The best advice is to get testimonies from students that already attend because they can answer your questions better than staff. I would also advise parents and students to make sure the university offers your major and any other possible majors just in case the student changes their mind. Most of all, students need to visit financial aid and make themselves aware of mandatory costs and fees that accompanies that university.

I would tell anyone looking to make the most of their college experience to look for a college that is popular in their field of study. Also, class size, location, transportation to and from campus, campus organizations, and the overall learning experiece should all be consider when choosing a college.

As affordability plays a role in selecting a college, financial aid exists to help offset the costs of an education, and as there will be sufficient time to celebrate the rewards of life once the educational experience is completed, affordability and socialization are among the least of the reasons to select an institution of higher learning. The primary requirement for one to identify the "right" college is to recognize their goals and potentials, and the availability of assistance at the college to help meet those potentials. Once the basic classes are fulfilled, goal-identification and counsel of staff will aid a student in selecting the classes that fulfill the educational requirements in the least amount of time necessary. It is the student's potentials, however, that will determine the very motivation necessary to fulfill the curriculum. Identification of self, complete with career goals and recognition of individual potential is most important in selecting the "right" college. This understanding will enable students and their families to select the college that provides the most for their college experience.

Some advice I would have to give to parents would definitely be allowing their child to choose the university they want to attend and support them on their decision. I would also recommend that parents visit the university with their child and make sure they look into degree programs to determine which school is the best one for their child's major or minor not just sports or Greek life. I would definitely encourage students to apply early and look into more than one university that attracts their interest. Next, I would suggest making sure the university meets the standards you are looking for i.e. the size, cost of attendance, dorms, academic programs, sports and ect. I would also suggest asking current students and alumni what they really think/thought of the university and professors before making a legitimate decision. I would encourage students to make the most out of every college moment. Get involves in clubs and sports and look into other activities the university offers. I would also encourage socialization. Socializing allows you to get some insight of what the school really is about, not only to mention someone going through the same changes as you.

When decideing the right college, choose a college that is reputable in your choosen major.

Research the college ahead of time. Take time to visit all department including financial aid and bursar. ask current students about the services and programs. don't judge a school by its name or location

Know what you want from a college and don't adjust your standards too much. Your dream college may or may not be right for you. Visiting is always the best way to find out. Above all, gather as much info as you can about your college through word of mouth, the internet, as well as printed publications so that you can get a fair view of the school. Good luck!

Attending college close to your home can become problematic. College is expensive and though your child may long to go away for college it is always cheaper to not leave the state.

Many paths exists for a student to reach his goals, and most students don't even have concrete goals formulated by the time they are ready to enter college for the first time. Furthermore, there is not only one chance to find the right college. Case in point, the path I chose involved joining the Air Force for four years and taking classes at community colleges along the way to get a taste. If a student does have an idea of which major to choose, the Internet is inundated with information and it would be extremely easy to narrow down the possibilities. Other details like city, distance from parents, and available activities are obvious factors, and my best suggestion would be to try something new. Challenge your comfort zone. If you're from the suburbs, pick a college in the city. If you're from the Great Plains, go to school on the coast. One of the most valuable traits of a successful student or even a successful human being is adaptability, and this choice is the first one of such great importance that will come your way.

Start researching schools and financial aide as soon as possiable., the more prepared you are the better experience you will have in college. Going to college is a sacrafice well worth the time and effort you put into the experience.