Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

Finding the right college is a difficult process. I suggest having an advisor help you find a good undergraduate school. I have learned that no matter where you end up, if you are positive enough, you can make the most of your college experience no matter what. Get involved, try things you never would try, and be outgoing. I know it all sounds cliche, but I tried all of those things when I was an undergrad and it truly made my college experience amazing. My only regret is not trying MORE things, and getting involved even more. Go see shows, plays, sporting events, attend guest lectures, movies, festivals, outdoor events, club call-out meetings, rallies and anything else your school offers. You will have lasting memories and make lifelong friends. Oh yeah, and don't forget to go to class, do your reading, and study for exams (seriously, you need to balance social and academic life - it's not as hard as they say!)

In finding the right college and making the most of the college experience, students should first look at what their career goals are upon completion of their education. Then, seek out a college that would have course work that would meet those goals. Students should seek colleges that will meet the social, ethnic , religious and educational aspects of their lives , but at the same not limit those aspects of their lives. We live in a very diverse world, and a good place to start experiencing lifes diversity would be by attending a college that provided a multi-tiered education , thus rendering multiple career paths.

Trust yourself and go with what feels right.

I will tell parents that they should make sure that the decision is made by their child and that they should be happy with whatever the decision is. In order for their child to seperate successful from the parental/child bond it is essential that first you allow the decision to be thiers, but secondly, and more importantly, that they know that you support them no matter what choices they make in life. For the student, I would tell them that these are going to be the first few years of your life that you are by yourself and without constant contact with your parents. It is important then to pick a school that the child feels comfortable with both academically and socially as both will allow you to become a successful in the global market come time to graduate. College is interesting because it has so many things to do in a variety of situations, so it is important to find a college that suits your needs and that you feel will make you a better person and allow you to grow. Which ever college you pick will become your new home, so make it feel like it is.

Students should begin the college selection process approximately two years prior to when they plan on attending; for many students , this will be their junior year of high school. Make a list of traits that are important to you both academically and socially that you wish to see while you're at your college. After you identify your areas of interest, make a list of colleges that satisfy your needs. College visits are your next step--this is the most exciting part! Make an appointment with an academic and financial advisor to make sure each college is right for you and take the time to walk around campus to recognize whether you could see yourself in that setting. If you have taken the time to identify the best college for you, your life will be changed forever by new experiences and unpredictible life events. Steve prefontaine once said, "To give less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." In other words, you do not want to walk away from your experience disappointed. Get know your professors, work in groups with peers, attend campus events, join a social club such as an intramural team, philanthropic group, or fraternity.

Apply for scholarships! You don't have to get loans these days.

As a senior in high school my first suggestion is to visit the campus and shadow a current freshman. Ask questions about availability of classes, housing and social events. Get involved right away! Student activities are a great way to meet new people. Still not sure, make a second visit.

Start with finding a school that fits your academic needs. Preferably a school that has a strong reputation in your major of choice. Narrow it down to campuses that compliment your personal style. Big or small, liberal vs. conservative, rural or urban,...consider it all and choose a campus that makes you feel comfortable. Also consider campus lifestyle and the amount of financial aid you would receive. Once you find the right school for you, don't drop the ball when you get there! Time management is crucial and learning how to balance your school work and social life can be hard at first. Especially since you are enjoying a lot of new freedoms. But with those freedoms come more responsibility. First and foremost, you are there to go to school and get a degree. Remember to get involved, you'll make more friends and meet people with similar interests. Don't forget to make time for yourself. Stress and school go hand in hand- don't let it get the best of you. College is certainly an experience, but it's completely up to you to make it the experience of a lifetime.

Finding the right college is much harder than it originally appears, and I believe that many factors should be considered when deciding. Parents and students alike should consider the academic strength of a college/university, but not solely rely on it. Having a fun, beneficial college experience goes beyond academics, the culture and "vibe" of a university impacts students' lives greatly (and helps shape individuals during an important phase of life). My parents stressed academics to a fault, and while I thank them for that, I wish they would have encouraged me to participate in other non-academic activities during my time in primary and high school. Making the most out of the college experience means taking risks and trying out new things, there are too many opportunities available to not take them. I regret not being more involved during my first two years of college, but now I am making an effort to amend for lost time and take some risks.

So maybe the dream school has been set since kindergarten or the perfect major since first grade, but it is important to be open to that fact that you still have options. You may not realize that another school could be that dream school if only given a chance or a major you never knew existed could be that perfect major. Being open-minded is the first key to a successful college experience. It is rare that anything will be exactly what was expected (even those dream schools and dream majors). Things run their course and sometimes that new course offers a new direction. Welcome the ability to step outside your comfort zone and try something new; that is when some of the most exciting things can happen. The number one thing to look for in a school is that it gives the student the ability to connect with the community, including accessible professors, helpful Resident Assistants and a plethora of academic resources. Also look for the ability to get involved in extra-curricular activities and jobs. Experience outside of the classroom can change the resume that might have gone into the trash into the resume that gets an interview.