Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

Be careful with loans offered and don't expect a degree to equal a job.

Make sure parent's let their students know the fiancial scope they are looking for in a school, and let the student find a school that fits those requirements. The school shouldn't be about the name, but rather where you will feel most comfortable. Talk to a student not hired by the university so you can get a perspective less skewed.

It's important to make a list of what you want in a college and what you don't want in a college, then visit schools to see how you feel on campus. When I visited IU for the first time, I knew I would be happy there. To make the most out of the college experience its important to get involved on campus of volunteer. By enriching the lives of others around you, you enrich your own life and experience.

I would say to definitely visit the schools you are interested in to get a feel of what the school is like. If you are outgoing and like larger class sizes, then a large university is right for you. If you like small class sizes and tend to keep more to yourself, then a small school is your best bet. Depending on your major choice, you should look at the schools who are recognized for their success in your area of study. I would say to take into consideration your financial situation because private schools as well as out of state schools are going to be much more expensive. The best advice I can give about making the most of your experience would be to be open to new ideas and backgrounds and to be outgoing and make new friends. Don't be afraid to talk to your classmates or instuctors/professors. They can be useful tools in your academic success. Also, don't give into the pressures of those around you to do things you don't feel comfortable doing or become someone you aren't. Always be true to yourself.

Be sure to visit each possible college choice and take the time to talk to students at each one. They are the best advisers when it comes to true campus life and study conditions. Alumni, teachers and HS advisers only know (or remember) so much and panthlets usually depict the best of anything they represent. Find the problem areas of each campus to determine how they will effect your daily life. Having all the finiancial information on hand will also rule out certain colleges immediately and allow you to focus on schools that will fit your family budget. Finally, go where you will feel the most comfortable both in and out of classes. Your college experience is dependant on your ability to find interest groups and social events that compliment your educational studies and your ability to enjoy them all.

Go with your gut.

It really depends on who the student is, and that's is something the student should seek to find out before college. I know lots of people find out who they are in college, but I'm talking about maximizing your experience. Find out who you are, what you want, then find the college that focuses on offering that. If you want to party, so be it, if you want to learn, there's a place for that, if you want a job, there's a different place for that. Find what you want. And parents, shut up.

Make sure to visit the campus before hand and really experience it. Also, look up all the opportunities available in the subjuct that you are interested in pursuing. There are a lot of great opportunities that you don't want to miss.

Try to visit all the schools that interest you. While you are on the visit to check out campus housing, food services, class rooms and lecture halls. If the idea of a lecture hall is intimidating, make sure you always sit in the first few rows...the rest of the hall will seem to disappear. Make sure you talk to your guide about what campus life really is like at the school. Do students party Thursday, Friday and Saturday? Does the school emphasize volunteering in the community? Find what the weather is like in the area? Will there be tons of snow? Is the school good about clearing/salting sidewalks? If you aren't certain of what you would like to major in that you choose a school that offers several programs in various fields. Check out the area surrounding the school. Are you someone who wants to be near shopping centers, movie theaters and numerous restaurants? See what activities the town has to offer such as state parks, coffee shops and culture centers. Most of all remember to keep an open mind. Something might sound great on paper but make sure it meets your expectations in reality!

Make sure you enjoy the feel of the campus and that your student is comfortable with the overall size of the college or university that they plan to attend. Try to let you student choose the school that best suits them and not the one that best suits the parents idea of what school they prefer.