Columbia College Chicago Top Questions

Get financial aide out of the way as soon as possible every year you attend school.

Be true to yourself, know that you love, and love what you do

Although finding a job outside of college is important, pushing your child into a major that they are not suitable for will, in the end, only ensure that your child will neither succeed, nor make the money you had hoped they would. I grew up in a town that frowned upon music as a career choice and, as a result, I bounced from major to major and from college to college until, $40,000 poorer, I decided to follow my intuition and finally attended a university that offered a major that I truly wanted to pursue. Colleges, Columbia College of Chicago included, understand that it is hard to find a job outside of school, especially for arts students, and, as a result, they work that much harder to help the students when they graduate. What major your child selects matters far less than how hard they are willing to work. In the end it is the students that are truly passionate about their craft who will succeed.

The most important thing to me about a college experience would be to get away from my hometown. Whether you live in a small factory town (like i did) or LA. Move away! You won't be able to grow and experience or mature if you're still surrounding by the same town. Being independant has taught me more things than any school has ever taught me. Of course picking the right school is important and maybe you can't move to a big city like i did, but moving away is still always an option. Money may seem rough, but who isn't in debt these days after college. The goal is to get a job from all you learn at school and then pay that off. Don't turn down a great opportunity because of a financial problem, when you're 40 you'll regret it. One last thing. The first month introduce yourself to everyone you can! I mean everyone! Make connections and friends, some of which will stick with you for the rest of your life.

I would tell them to start early, Look close at the place you want to go. Do you want to go to a city? A small town? Do you realy want to go away from home? or live close. I say Start out close but stay at the dorms. Then once you got a wet foot into the whole thing then see if you want to go away from home. Its realy very scary in the beginning, New place, New home, New friends, But remember Everyone is feeling the same way. Do Not wait to figure out the money side of things, Not just what the school cost but also what kind of money you need to do anything else, But no matter what go to the school before you make up your mind, not just for a day but for a weekend. Do not be afraid to ask not just the people there showing you around but anyone you see what they think of living there? And above all else, Once you get to college enjoy it because you are not going to have another time in your life you will experience everything so wonderfuly New.

I'd say to parents that they should start saving money for their kids as soon as they are born and to teach them to budget. Also to visit classes, try to go some place away from your haven...for the students. Live freely, don't be afraid. To reach your goal , be not afraid.

Follow your dreams from the beginning of your college experience, and pick a school that will harbor those dreams.

My advice to any student that is searching for their "perfect fit" in college is to be very open minded, open hearted, and to make the most out of this experience. You are only young once and can experience college at this level, so make the most of the opportunity at hand. I would suggest to meet new people and to take part in every activity that interests you while at school. Many students dont take that opportunity and never know what it could have been like to really step outside their limits, their tiny little box. In conclusion, Live, Laugh, and Learn about Yourself in this process, you may be really surprised what you may find holds true.

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No matter where an aspiring professional goes, he'll make his own way. I would say not to worry too much about where who ends up, because in the end we all make the most out of wherever we are. A college experience is precisely that: experience. There's no prescription for it nor is there a map or route to follow, you just do it.