Illinois State University Top Questions

My advice that I would give to parents about choosing the right college would be to not shelter your child when it comes to choosing a college because it is best to branch out, explore and meet people of all cultures! For students, I would say to choose the college which you are comfortable with when it comes to the class sizes, the campus size, etc... I would also advise to choose the best college in which you will receive the best education and real world experiences for your career because the more experience you have, the better. For example, I chose Illinois State University mainly for their tv station, TV-10 News, because I am pursuing a career in broadcast journalism and I get hands on experience being a reporter, anchor or weather person. My last advice would be not to choose a school just because the campus is beautiful, your friends/mate attends that school or because your family are alumni. Choose the school that bests fits you, your comfort zone, your major and personality! To make the most out of your college life branch out and meet people, join clubs, study hard and go for the internships!

Parents, try and get your soon to be college student to narrow down their selection from 5 or more down to 3 top schools. Then go and visit these schools, walk around check out the buildings. Yours student will feel that the school is right for them. I personally visited 3 schools not including my sisters University (which was way to large for me). I went on a tour or Western Illinois, stopped by Northern Illinois, and ended up looking at Illinois State. What drew me to ISU was the look of the quad the renovated building and there was just a presence around the school that I loved immediately. Go from academics, the surrounding area of the College, the buildings and you'll know whats right.

Visiting the campus is of utmost importance, it can really make or break your decision. Know what you're looking for in a college, for example a big or small campus and what activities you want to do. Make friends with those people on your floor/in your whole dorm. Strongly suggest living in the dorms. Get along with your roommate as much as possible, me and my roommate did this by talking about how studius we are, what tv shows we like to watch, what activities we like to do, who's responsible for what, etc. This helped set guidelines, I suggest even roommates who know each other do this. I don't think it is necessary to get involved with campus activities at least for me, I met people in classes and through friends I already knew on campus. Be outgoing, there's friends out there for every single person.

Finding the right college is more about program fit and campus size/lifestyle than finances - if it is right, you will find a way to fund it! In order to get the most out of the experience as a student, you must be very active and enthusiastic about your own education. Beyond simply going to classes and doing your best, take advantage of Honors programs, sponsored internships, and other programs that your school may offer. Many students miss out on these opportunities because they do not want "extra work", but all of those extra experiences will prove to be valuable assets on your resume later when you are applying for jobs or graduate schools. Take charge! Mommy's not setting your alarm any more!

I think it is important for parents to not only support their college students financially but also emotionally. A lot of college students go through phases where they get really stressed and more than anything, they need their parents support. I think it is important for parents to let their students know that they are proud of their students' accomplishments. As for students, it's important to become involved on campus with something, anything. Try to join clubs, inter-mural sports teams, organizations, etc. This is a great way to meet people who may have the same interests as you. It may be intimidating at first, but just be yourself and chances are, you'll find someone who you truly click with. It's also important to be yourself. No matter who or what you are, as long as you are happy, that's what's important. Above all, enjoy yourself and the friends that you have made and the years that you have at college because you can't them back!

Picking the right college can either make or break the college experience. Finding the right college is more then just finding a party school , it is about finding a college that fits you as a person. I strongly believe that when looking for the right college you have to consider many different things. Make sure the college that the student attends has a good program for their career choice, that is the main purpose of college is to earn a degree. With this, make sure that the school has staff available to assist with questions and tutoring. The student also needs to consider the activities and clubs that are available on campus, having fun at college is part of going away to school. No one wants to learn all day and not have fun, that would make it hard to enjoy college. If the child is interested in a particular sport, make sure that sport is available for the student. Safety at a college is also very important, make sure the campus safety is good. The housing and its location to needed stores should also be considered. Along with this, is the transportation that is available to students.

Choosing a place where you feel comfortable and at home is so important. After all, it will be your new home for your college years. Its so vital to emerge yourself in all your college has to offer. Joining clubs and attending socials and sporting events is a great way to meet new people and decide what it is exactly that you are interested in. And you should not expect college to be how it is in movies. It is definitely not all about drinking and partying, and is not what you should be going for anyway. There are so many resources and opportunities available to students for all of their needs if they apply themselves and make an effort to get to know their campus. College is an unforgettable experience that will take you to great places and open so many doors for you. As any graduate will tell you, make the most out of your years, because once they are over you'll want them back!

Finding the right college is much like buying a new pair of shoes. There are many different styles, but you have to find a pair that appeals to your own taste yet comfortable enough for a long journey. The most beneficial experience I engaged in, when looking for the right school, was preview. The program allowed both prospective students and parents to come and stay, on campus, to get the true feeling of the school. If the college does not offer a preview take a weekend and go stay as close to campus as possible. This experience allows you to test the waters. Hopefully you choose a college that makes you comfortable and feel right a home. To aid this, I recommend getting involved in your major. Join clubs your major offers, volunteer throughout the community, and engage yourself in research. These activities allow you to learn about your field, so you can decide if it is right for you. However, you can always return those shoes if they are not the perfect fit. If your first choice does not work do not like that discourage you, maybe you just need a pair with a little more cushion.

1. Dont be scared to try new things. College campuses are full of fun and exciting opportunities but it is up to the student to grasp them. 2. There are so many types of people on a college campus that it is such a great way to meet tons of people and get a wide variety of people as friends. My favorite part of school is honestly meeting new and awesome people.

It is very important to visit a wide variety of colleges and talk to staff or graduates of the school. Dont pick a college just because your best friend or boyfriend/girlfriend attends it. It is a whole new chapter in your life when you get to college. You will make new friends who will be your life long friends. To make the most of your years at college, join a sports team or a club. Putting yourself out there to make new friends is a part of college, whether you know it or not. Also, putting trust into your teachers helps also. You cant be afraid to talk to them or go to them for help. Whether it be before or after class, or even going to their office hours. I have found that doing this helps you out a lot.