Illinois State University Top Questions

I think the most helpful thing, after researching yourself online or with interviews, is to actually speak to people attending this university. Visiting is very important to get a feel and talk to students about the courses, professors, and advisors.

Overall, you attend school to get an education. Make the most of your 4+ years by learning everything you can for the future. Sure, a social life is important but don't let it get in the way of your grades. As a non-drinking student, I also believe parties do not have to rule your life.

I suggest looking not only at the school and its overall reputation, but at the department, college, or school of your major. Look into it's rating and see how it compares to other institutions. However do not become too caught up in a school's prestiege or "fame." While degrees from certain schools may carry more weight than others, make sure that you are getting the education that you want and are comfortable with. It is important to find a school that will further your education by providing you with the proper tools to explore and succeed your area of interest. Remember that the dollar amount doesn't always indicate the quality or value of one's education.

Go visit the schools that you are applying to. If the school doesn't feel right, chances are you won't do as well. Once you are in college, get involved in something. Make friends and be active in activities on your campus.

As a college bound student is looking into colleges with his or her parents, it is important to gather as much information as possible about the college and especially to visit the college. Once they visit, it is important to see the dorms and inquiry with residents what it is to live in the dorms because the majority of the time is spent in a dorm room. To make the most of the college experience it is necessary to become involved in organizations to balance between classes and a job if students choose to have one. Being part of an organization or many gives student a sense of belonging and competence. Overall, it is important for the students to question themselves if they could see themselves live and be happy and successful in that one college that they are looking into.

I would tell the parents to sit down with their child and figure out what their child wants out of college, besides a education. For example, if they want the experience of living away from home, then a university would be a great choice. If they would rather not leave home, then they should choose a community college. If they want to make lots of friends, then a large university would be the way to go, if they are nervous about being around large groups of people then they should aim for a smaller university. It all comes down to what exactly the potential student is looking to get out of their college experience.

Finding the right college is a lot like an interview. You are interviewing the college to see if it accomodates to your particular interests on campus, and if the college will deliver the knowledge you wish to receive when you graduate. Visit a couple of campuses and ask any question that comes to mind to a couple of students. Tour guides are there to spruce things up, students will tell the truth. For example, If you are interested in the sports program, ask a sports athlete that goes to the university. The best recommendation about making the most out of your college experience is to be yourself. There is no popularity contest in college, and making friends is much easier to do. I guarantee there are students that share the same interests as yourself, and being yourself is the best way for them to find you.

When you choose a college, do not allow distance or money keep you from doing what you dream of doing. If you want to attend the school, that you like, just get good grades, and get a job on campus. If you do not go to the school that you want to go to, you will most likely end up regretting it. I know that I somewhat do, because I was supposed to go to school on a scholarship for athletics, but I didn't. But the best advice to give to future college students is, to go into school on a positive note. Do not goof around, it is much easier to get situated first. I know it's exciting, and you may think that you need to join everything, but enjoy school for a semester, and if you think that you are ready to take on the many endeavors that college life throw at you, well then good luck! Enjoy college.

Choose a school that has a credible program for the field you want - not just where your friends are or for the social scene. College can be and IS a lot of fun, but its also a lot of hard work. Remember why youre there, and what you want to acheive. Its easy to get sucked in to the social life and freedom college allows, but don't lose sight of your goals and what getting a degree really means to you.

It is always hard when trying to look for the right college for you. You need to keep an open mind of all the colleges that you may visit. Make sure that you also go to a college where you may now some people, it is always hard to start off the year not knowing where to have fun or meet people. If you have those friends that have been there for a year, it is always safe to know that that could be an optional school. When you are visiting, don?t be afraid to ask questions. When I first came to this school, I knew no one. But I went and talked to people on my floor and we hung out, and luckily one of the people that I met was a sophomore and he knew where parties were and he was a fun person to hang around. So if you are nervous about talking to people, you need to break the barrier while you are in college. When you meet new people in college, they can turn out to be your friends for life.