Eastern Illinois University Top Questions

Students should do a minimal amount of research and visit prospective colleges that they may want to attend. If the student knows what major they want to persue, make sure that major is offered and how that program is ranked in comparasion to the other universities' programs. Students and parents should talk to friends who have gone to those schools to get their inside prospectives, as well as stay there for a day or a weekend. Ask friends from high school what schools they are looking into. All colleges are expensive but try to choose one that is not too overwelming so that acedemics, not working all the time, is the main priority. To make the most out of college one should be open-minded and want to get involved. They should try at least one volunteer organization or opportunity, join a club related to their major, and get involved with something they enjoy doing. By having groups of people to talk with and possibly can help them with classes, the student can network and not feel alone during a time of transition. They should not be afraid of meeting new people because you can always have more friends.

The best advice that I believe I could share with anyone in choosing which college he/she would want to attend is first of all make sure you visit the college. Get some kind of view on the atmosphere and what goes on at the colleges you want to go to. Another piece of advice that I could give it don't stress out about the cost of college, it is well worth the money that you pay and also you have the rest of your life to pay back your loans, don't choose a place because it is cheaper than the school you want to attend. If you want to choose a school that is very expensive to your likings do it, apply for scholarships, apply for your Financial Aid, apply for your extra loans, just do it, don't dwell on it.

When it comes down to finding the right college, there are several factors the student must look for. If they have a chosen major or profession, it is important that the student's prospective schools offer courses and degrees oriented toward those particular areas. If neither have been picked, the student should look for a school with a broad range of courses that can be explored through their first years to help them decide on an area of study and a future career. Finances play a key role as well, if a college offers financial aid to a student, the student should look most heavily at those institutions first. The most important part about choosing the right college is that the student feels comfortable living and studying there. They should be comfortable with the campus and community as for eight months a year, it will be their home. To make the most of a college experience, students need to get involved on campus. Find and join clubs and organizations that interest the student and dedicate time and energy towards them. Go to school sponsored events and activities as this will help the student meet new people and build lifelong friendships.

The advice I would give to parents or students about finding the right college is getting a head start on in it. I would start looking in to it during a student's freshman year in high school. Parents and students should request different brochures from different colleges. This way you will have colleges in mind already and what requirements are needed to get in their schools. Also, start looking for scholarships during this year. Most scholarships want students to be involved in high school and doing community service. Therefore, you will be inovled and active, which will look good to the different organizations that award various scholarships. The next advice, I would give is visiting the schools to see how the campus looks, how well the people treat you, the housing, and other things that will be helpful to making your decision. I know my school wasn't my first choice, but they had a program that took minority students to Eastern Illinois University. It was an all paid expense trip that including: transportation, housing, food, free things, and waivered our student enrollment fee. After attending that program it finalized my decision. College is the way to go.

When you choose a college make sure that you visit that school. If it doesn't feel like the right fit for you when you walk onto the campus, don't go. You won't like it when you have to spend everyday there. When you know you have the right school for you, get involved with the campus and the community. There will be plenty of clubs and plenty of volunteer opportunties. It will be fun and it will look good on your resume later. Most importantly enjoy yourself. College in a once in a life time experience, take advantage of it!

Check out the campus ahead of time before deciding where you want to go and check out as many schools as you can. Find out what the campus offers as in curriculm ,different events, and ways to get to know each other people. Also make sure you ask any questions you have! Mainly just keep an open mind until your final decision becuase the school you may think would be your last choice maybe the school you fall in love with!

I would tell the students looking to find the right college for them they need to look at a frw different things. The first being class size, what size class are they most comfortable in, i lecture hall or a class full of 20 to 30 other students? Then they need to look at how far away from home do they want to be. Finally they need to look at not only what they can aford but also what shcool offers the best program for the career they want to persue.

I think that it is impossible to be completely satisfied with a college or university one attends. It's difficult to find your niche when money is involved along with a conglomerate of other factors. I do not particular enjoy Eastern because I do not like small towns, and prefer a much more city-like atmosphere. I had to be practical at my age because I needed to finish school without have a plethora of loans at the end of my school career. Eastern is affordable and accomodating to my lifestyle. I am a single parent and have my child's best interest at heart. The school is particularly fitting for younger students who are interested in Greek Life. I have other responsibilities at this point, and I am mainly looking to finish my degree and return to the south side of Chicago.

When looking for the right college, look for a place that not only suits you or your child academically, but a place that they can see themselves walking around carrying books, going to class. Make sure that the school you are looking at is a place you can truly feel yourself calling home. From the surrounding neighbors, to student life, it is important to make sure you can see yourself fitting into the college that you are looking at. If you are not completely comfortable with the college you are interested in, strongly reconsider looking around until you can find a perfect fit for you. If you are not at home at your new school, the challenges of college will only become that much more difficult.

The first piece of advise I would give parents is to make sure your child has enough money for college. Help your child fill out the FAFSA application if needed. Then help your child research their field of study within the universities they are thinking of applying to as well. Some colleges may be cheaper and have better departments, such as History or Business, than others. Also, parents need to make sure that their child is well equipt with the proper school supplies. It is hard enough to have to worry about classes, but it is even harder to worry about classes and things like not having enough pensils, paper, or toiletries. Keep in mind that the student may have to pay to wash and/or dry their laundry, so he or she might need a monthly allowance. Finally, I would say to the parents, keep on encouraging your child. If you (the parent) don't care, they (the students) won't care. It is ok to ask your child if they went to class on any given day, and encourage to get involved with things like sports, choir, or hall council. I believe these are the keys to success.