Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

I would tell them to visit the colleges multiple times. That way they can see what the campus is like during the seasons and events. While they are visiting they should go to the local places to become more familiar with the town that they may call their home. This way the student and the parent can start to become more comfortable with the new surroundings. By becoming more familiar with the campus they will not feel as overwhelmed when they are having to try to find their classes on their first day.

-- First, decide what you want to study. Go to schools that let you as a student excel in that field. -- Or, if you aren't sure, go somewhere where you can not only choose from a wide range of fields, but where you can excel with good school credentials. -- Public v. private matters. Private generally allows you better prospects later, but the numbers have to make sense. Don't spend $100,000 for an education that would be mostly the same at another school for $20,000. -- Finally, you must visit it before you decide. Don't go to a place that you can't imagine living in, making friends in, working in, & enjoying in all seasons.

My advice to students about finding the right college would be to visit each potential college and listen to yourself. Students should not base their decisons off of where their friends are going or where their parents want them to go. I think it is important to go somewhere different from high school friends because it is often easy to stray away from not meeting new people if there are already many people you know. There are so many great people and opportunitues in college and it is important not to let anything get in the way of finding them. One way to make the most of your college experience is to experience as much as possible! I came to Indiana University with an undecided major because I was unsure of what I wanted to do. This allowed me to take many different classes I had interests in and really find what I liked best. I also advise to take on a leadership position in one strong organization instead of being a member of many different organizations. This is shows dedication and responsibility to future employers and teaches students how to lead others.

Finding the right college and making the most of the college experience can be difficult and is one of the most important decisions anyone will make. I went off to a major university after graduating from high school not knowing what I wanted as a career. I would have saved a lot of money if I would have stayed home for a year or two and attended a smaller school that was close to home. This way I could have visited my friends at the universities they were at to get a better feel of the school and campus life there. You can also get a better idea of what you want to have as a major and what you want to do after graduation while staying at home for a year or two. To make the most of the college experience, I would advise students to get involved in extra-curricular activities such as joining clubs that relate to your major, playing intramurals, and attending sporting events. Lastly, I advise students to go to college with an open mind, meet as many people as possible, and create friendships and relationships with fellow students and faculty that will last forever.

I would advise students to visit all of the schools that they have even the vaguest interest in attending. If the school doesn't feel right, it doesn't matter how great of a program they have for what you want to do; you cannot succeed academically if you are uncomfortable with the learning environment. When visiting a school, talk to students around campus. I know that I've had both parents and prospective students stop me while I've been walking around campus, I'm always happy to answer questions about college life. If you click well with students at a school you're interested in, it's likely that you'll fit well with the school itself.

Find a place that feels like home from the very beginning. Don't worry about what your friends are doing, what your parents did, or what your siblings are doing. Don't go to a school you can tolerate - go to a school you love. Become involved, and manage your time well. If you treat this like a 9-5, your evenings and weekends will be yours to fill with clubs, volunteering, ball games, and hanging out. Make the most of these four (or five, or eight) years, because this is a great time when you are transitioning between dependence and independence. Remember who you are, what you stand for, and to not compromise those beliefs. The people who will try to make you change don't deserve your friendship, anyway. Work hard, play hard, and you will love your college experience.

First, find a career center in your home town and/or on a college campus and research future career options. After a few career options have been made, then search for those colleges that might be of interest relating to those fields. I recommend that every student should experience the full college experience by not living with their parents and living in student housing (dorms) for their freshman year of college. By doing this the students are able to socialize and meet students alike and make friends. By making friends as early as possible will not only help to do the same in the real world, but it will be helpful when tests and quizes come around and a student needs a study partner/group. Join an internship, student organization on campus, or a club that has to do with the major that he/she chose. Think, "What can I put on my resume that will make me a better candidate"? Do everything you can to make your resume better each semester. Finally, apply for grants and scholarships throughout your student career. School is only getting more expensive, so do everything possible that will limit the payments later in life.

You can fit into any college. I would recommend choosing a college that has your major and isn't costly. State schools are just as good as private schools, so I wouldn't get bogged down with the financial problems our country is facing.

VISIT THE CAMPUS, STAY WITH A STUDENT, AND GET FEEL FOR THE CAMPUS.

The most important part of making your college decision is to pick the school that is right for you. Once you find a school that you feel completely comfortable at and feel a sense of belonging and home, all the other important and necessary aspects of college will follow. You will have a greater desire to learn and succeed. You will make lasting friendships and memories, as well as gain lifetime experiences. In the end, titles like the "most prestigious" school or the "most expensive" school will not make any diference if you are not at home at your college.