Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne Top Questions

The search for ways to fund a college education needs to begin early in the life of a child. Begin looking at the interests of the child and search for possible scholarship opportunities that match these interests. Always strongly encourage participation in these activities until completion of the activity or schooling. There is extreme competition for scholarships even for bright students. Unfortunately, scholarships really do not consider the amount of activities or interests in which the individual has participated. Instead, they seem to consider the length of participation. Do not erroneously believe a guidance counselor's assurance that a college education is attainable for everyone. Securing funding for college is the most difficult task and is essential in enabling your child to truly enjoy the college experience. When searching for the right college, be sure to consider your child's total personality and attempt to find a college that is the best match given their characteristics, abilities, and needs. By doing so, your child will more likely be academically successful. Furthermore, if your child does not have to worry about money for college, does well academically, then they will be able to be more involved in the "total" college experience.

Parents and students looking for the right college should consider that one college may not be right for every person. Together, families should look at many colleges and ask several questions to the right people. Get to know the campus and faculty. Contacting people who attend the college currently may also be helpful. To make the most out of the college experience students should realize that there are a lot of people in the same boat. By joining clubs and getting to know others students can make college much more than just classes and homework.

When it comes to finding the right college, the answer will be different for every applicant. My advice is to look at your long-term goals. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? If you plan on living in your current city, find an affordable, local college. In my experience, even community colleges have a lot to offer. They offer smaller class sizes, and great opportunities for real-world experience. The small class sizes increase student-teacher interaction, which can result in recommendations letters or other opportunities down the road. Also, community schools tend to have strong ties to local businesses. These ties lead to internship and job opportunities. Whatever you decide, just get involved. Find a way to make yourself stand out amongst your fellow classmates. Not everyone will have to the opportunity to attend an Ivy League School or a Big 10 Univesity, but every student does have an opportunity to succeed. Opportunities, however, do not look for you. You must find them. Community service, professional organizations, and student government, just to name a few, will help you get "plugged-in" and put you one step ahead of your classmates.

go with your gut not your wallet, make sure that you look PAST a freshman experience and more towards the benefits of the degree. Find a place that is COMFORTABLE for you and that you feel you can succeed. Its a personal choice that you make, do what feels right.

I have had the pleasure of attending three different colleges and universities in a four year period and all of the schools were very different. I started out being a brat about my decsion. I wasn't interested in any schools where I was from because I was so concerned about getting as far away as possible. I was convenced that this "prestigous school" was for me. That is until I got there. The school was very expensive but I wasn't challenged and the facilities were awful. I was basically paying for the name of the university. The next school I attended was a semi large school with the right programs but no name. This school was newer and more advanced than the previous school for a steal $. I was litereally going to this school for the fraction of the cost of the prestigiously expensive "name". The downfall of this school was that the program I wanted to get into was excellent and also saturated with people because of the price of the school. I was put on a two year wait list! I decided to then move home and guess what ? Our local university was the right fit.

Know that the college's financial aid department exists to get money for the school, not for you. The administration at the school MIGHT not be looking out for YOUR best interests. Schools exist to make money, not just educate people. Turn in your assignments on time. Buy used books and read them. Your professors, on the other hand, are usually looking out for you.

Make sure you know what your son or daughter wants out of life. Sending them to a school where you may think they will succeed at might not be the best decision. Let them make their choice. Then if they are not satisfied with the school they have chosen, it does not come back to you and it will not be your fault. I think that it is better for the student to decide and make their own mistakes and live their life and learn from it. I am not just saying to just let them go and run wild, but just let them make their decisions and be there for moral support and for some good advice if they ask for it.

Look for what matters the most to you, weither it is campus life, acedemics or being close to home.

College is the perfect time for individuals to start fresh and become who they really are beyond their high school reputation. The first priority one should have in mind when searching for a school is academic success of the educational program. I would also like to recommend finding a school that offers activities that would allow the student to become involved and build healthy friendships. The friendships made in college can last a lifetime, but it is important that these friends do not have a negative impact on your future. Look into the campus life outside of the education world, and see if this college is a place the student can call home. It is important for students and families to identify what they value in a college education. Make attainable goals and boundaries prior to leaving home. These goals are vital in helping an individual enjoy their social atmosphere while maintaining the appropriate grade point average. Last but not least, I would like to address is the positive aspects of living away from home. This brings the potential for growth and responsibility, as well as the opportunity for students to truly appreciate what their parents have done for them.

As a transfer student, I'd say that choosing the right college is of utmost importance. I chose to attend a large state university, and found myself overwhelmed by it's magnitude. It was difficult to meet people outside of my dorm floor, the classes were massive, and all the professors had come from a variety of different countries and were unavailable most of the time. I performed well academically, but I felt alone, and I decided I wanted to attend a smaller university close to home and my family. I'd say it is important to visit colleges and learn about them through the people that attend those colleges. Find the best college that fits you and only you. Do not attend a college for the wrong reasons like your parents went there or your friends are going there. College is supposed to be an enjoyable part of your life, but it is also the beginning of the rest of your life. Choose wisely.