Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

Don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone. College is all about new experiences. You can be anything you want to be and you should really get involved. College is very different from high school. In high school you are getting good grades to graduate, while in college you are getting good grades to stay in school. Lastly, I would tell the parents to support their children in whatever they decide. Let them live THEIR life because they deserve to be happy. And, don't lose faith in them if they have a rough semester or two, just help them stay groudned.

I would tell parents and students to simply visit the colleges. Not only on public visitation days, but just go to the college on an average day, find some regular students who go there and talk to them about what they think of the experience. If the prospective student feels compatible with the people there, then he or she has found a school that works. The classes are important, but if the student does not feel like they belong in this new college, especially in the first couple days, than they will eventually want to leave for that reason. A healthy social life with lots of friends and activities can supplement a good academic life so do your homework on the schools, and actually go there before hand to get a taste of what it will be like.

Start early, keep an open mind, and know what you are trying to accomplish during the process.

Make sure to create a list of the things that are important to you when choosing a college. You may not realize it now, but proximity to hom can be a very important factor, as well as the costs and the toughness of the school. You must make sure you're prepared to handle all that is thrown your way and the coursework you receive.

To parents, I would say allow your child the opportunity to go to any college they would like and study anything that they wish because it is their future and its what makes them happy. Give them the best opportunity to succeed, even if that sets you back a couple thousand dollars. College is one of the most important times of your life. It is where you will choose the career path you would like to take. It's where you will meet your future husband/wife or best man/bridesmaides. It is where you will gather memories and stories to tell your grandkids. The college decision is very important and should be done very carefully between the student and his or her parents. Once the decision is made, it is then up to the student to fulfill his/her aspirations and study hard, but leave time to branch out and get involved on campus.

Visit as many schools as you can and when you find the right one, get involved with something and find friends that make you a better person.

Speak to a college ahead of time and make sure they can provide your child with the right classes and opportunities that will conincide with their major. Don't get distracted by the flashy lights of what a big college has to offer, but instead what will fit your child's individual needs, they'll thank you one day for your help. Be open-minded.

Research what is most important to you in a college, and then visit them during the school year to get a feel for it. Talk to students who go to the college instead of just reading books. Real life experiences tell you a lot more than a book can.

As soon as you step on the campus you as the student may be inclined to hold back form being yourself or be to over the top because of the freedom and just looking to fit in. Just make sure to take heed to the advise that your parents and councselors give you. Pick a school that you believe will give you the best chance of reaching your career goals and allow you to grow and learn as a person by challenging you. College is a melting pod that is not like what you came form and not like what you will be steping into after you graduate it stands on it's own. Be sure to soke up all that you can form the new and diverse surroundings you will encounter. Parents allow yourselfs to take a few steps back knowing that the morals that you have taught your child will come into play, and know that they where listening and more often than not they will make the right decision. But also know they will make mistakes just be there to give them an adult talk when they do, we are no longer the kids you can protect.

Don't choose a school based on where all of your friends are going. I was in a high school of over 3,000 kids, and only three attended my college of choice. I made so many new friends, and was able to escape the idea of high school all together. Make sure to choose a school based on what courses they offer and what school would be good for whatever it is you want to go into after college. Just because a school is small doesn't mean it is a perfect fit, and the same goes for one that is large.