Eastern Illinois University Top Questions

When choosing a college, find colleges that have good programs for the major you are interested in. Don't let partying distract you from getting good grades, because there are always parties, but you only get one chance at your grade! Don't mess it up. Some people get too wrapped up in grades, however, and get really stressed and have no fun. It's important to balance fun and grades. Find a middle ground for you college lifestyle that allows for fun, but doesn't take away from your studies.

I don't know, just make sure you read everything. As a student, try to meet friends down their that attend the school and ask them the up's and down's. it is the only way to get a real honest idea about the school and acedemic life at your choice campus!

Take your time. Ask as many questions as you can think of. Make sure you see the campus; dont be afraid to ask to see a students room. Try not to just talk to a recruiter; ask to talk to a student. Students should try and spend a day on campus. See if the school offers a shadow program, or a program where you could spend the day or an overnight with a current student. There is no wrong question to ask when looking for the right college. Think about what you want to get out of your four years, and think about what is already currently important to you. If excersize is important to you ask to see what facilities they offer, prices, hours of opperation, classes that are offered, etc. Ask to see the library, maybe even go in on your own and see how willing they are to help you find what you are looking for, or if there willing to give you a tour. You are going to be spending at least four years here, make sure you are going to be happy.The happier you are the more successful you will be!

My advice that I would give parents and students looking for a college would be to go on college visits and take the tour. While you are there find random students, this isn't as embarrassing to the students as it sounds, and ask them what they like about the school and what they don't like. Tell them what you are looking for in a school and as them if that is what they would get if they attended that school. Random students will be completely honest because they have nothing to lose or gain from lying about the school, orientation leaders are required to tell you certain things. Also stay for a weekend and check out some resturants and drive around and see how student spend their weekends out. Check out things you are interested in to make sure those options are avalalible, i.e. grosery stores, churches, clothing stores, bars, bowling alleys, etc.

I would have to tell parents to let their children chose the right school for themselves because any potential college student who is forced to attend a specific school will automatically be unsuccessful. I would tell parents to visit numerous colleges with their children so their options are broadened. I believe parents should guide their children in the right direction without pushing them a certain way. Becoming involved in college activities might seem stressful the first year, but I truly believe it is the way to make the most out of the "college experience". Joining clubs or a sorority/fraternity is a great way to meet life long friends but I believe that if potential students attend college with an open-mind, the experience will create itself.

dont pick a school based on what the parents want lets the student make their own decison it will be the first of many they will have to make on their own.

There are so many colleges to choose from. Before you pick a college to go to, make sure you look at all of your options. Do not pick a college based on social life. Make sure that the education programs are the one you need for your major. If you like smaller class sizes, look for smaller Universities. The smaller the classes, the more your professors will know you personally. The most important part of college is to get involoved. Pick a college that offers numerous opportunities to be invovled within the campus. Also notice the accessibility of the campus. Make sure it accessible to run to a store, or grab a meal. Personally, school spirit is a big deal to me. If you are all for school spirit, look around the campus and see if you notice school pride. The most important thing to remember about picking a campus is if it feels right to you. If your not comfortable with the campus, keep looking.

let your children choose a college that they think best suits them. don't pressure them into a college that they don't want to go to.

I would tell them to search for the school that offers a curriculum that closely matches their area of interest. Don't be deterred by the size of the school. Once the student is enrolled I strongly suggest that they become involved with extra-cirricular activities and the community. They are young adults now and need to begin building a strong foundation for their future.

I would tell students to chose a place where you know you will be able to feel comfortable. I understand that sometimes venturing out of your hometown is scary and uncomfortable, but you have to think of the long run. All the things you will take in from venturing out such as: trying new things and working with people who are different from you, will benifit you. It will help shape you into a better and more knowledgable person. Also, once entering college, get invovled! That was the best thing that I have ever done. I was invovled socially and academically. I met friends that I know I will keep for a lifetime. I learned things that has helped shaped me into a better teacher. I have met people who have taught me about their lives and made me more aware of how the world is. Most of all, being involved has taught me who I am and what I am capable of doing. Venturing out of my hometown and trying something new has taught me how to succeed in life by just being myself.