Northern Illinois University Top Questions

find some place that you feel comfortabe at and take the time to get to know everyone. If you dont like it the first few days dont worry wait at least a year before you really decide and make sure you get yourself involved with the school and with your piers.

Find a school of the right size and diversity. A school too small may not have as many majors to expose one to and a large school may be a bit overwhelming. Try and decide upon a field and stick to it, but remember that you'll have to eat someday (pick wisely). Don't assume that you'll be able to make it out in only 4 years. Plan for possibly more than that. Look at all your options when it comes to finances and be sure to pad the amount it will cost you to go to school since unexpected costs will always occur. Do not slack off in the beginning, doing well in the early Gen-ed courses will keep your GPA from falling later on when the courses in your major become more difficult. Don't worry, you are not the only one in college, many people have gone before you and many more will follow. They will all survive. Although it may seem as if the roof is caving in at times, this isn't the end. You'll have friends there to help you, professors to guide you, and your parents to support you.

They should try to find a college that they like and not one that their friends like, also, try to find what social activities they do, and try hanging out in the college town for some time just to get to know it.

Choosing a school can be a stressful thing for both parents and students. Its difficult to chcek facts and figures as many schools look better on paper than they do in person. When a student is on campus, theyre not thinking " this campus has __ {4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} crime rate," or some other statistic. They notice how they feel as a part of their new community. Do they feel detached from their campus, or do they find their niche where they feel welcome and at home? I encourage the student and their parents to visit the campuses of the potential schools, talk to those already living there, check out the campus organizations, and meet some faculty. If its possible see if the student can sit in on a freshman level class, or spend a night in the residence halls. The student must feel welcome and at home as they will be on campus 8 months out of the year. It will become their new home. I visited many campuses and I knew very quickly when I arrived at my campus that I was home. I am now a community advisor and help make my students feel welcome.

It is important in my opinion to visit the college before you make your decision. Attend the open house. And talk about the decision with your family. If you are undecided, look into schools that have a variety of programs and good academic advisors. If you know what you want to major in, then make sure the school has a good program for that. And do not be afraid to ask questions about the school. Once in college, get involved! High school does not matter anymore, college gives you a fresh start. And there is so much diversity on campus that if you are willing to get involved, you will find the right group that shares your interests. Go in with an open mind and an open heart, and your college years will be the best of your life. Study hard, but have fun too! College is a balancing act, so learn what your priorities are, and you will have a successful college career.

VISIT the schools you're interested in, and be sure to ask the questions you have. Keeping them to yourself keeps you from finding a school that fits YOU. NEVER assume the campus tour guides are lying. After your tour is over, ask for a few minutes of their time and ask about their experiences in areas that interest you. It's a very rare occasion when they won't help you. Yes, they love their school, but they're students too and have had good and bad experiences.

Make sure to visit the school a few times before making one's decision.

Colleges in the city tend to be alot more expensive in alot of ways. University that are by themselves (away from the city) tend to be more cheaper in prices. Traffic and parking also seem to less of a problem

My advice to all of those who are looking for the right college is to find what fits YOU best, not what fits your best friends or what is closest to home. If you want to have an amazing college experience I personally suggest that you go further away from home. You don't have to be on the other side of the country, even a couple hours drive away would work. That way you can enjoy your freedom and learning experience without mom and dad breathing down your neck like in high school. But ALWAYS visit that school first, because you may get on one campus that looked awesome in the brochure and find out you don't ever want to go back. Choose one that you feel gives you the most potential to succeed. And after that just keep an open mind and have fun.