Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Top Questions

I'd warn myself about the people I know now. I'd tell myself not to let those people get in the way of my learning. I'd promise myself not to buy the car I did or borrow any money from anyone. I'd warn myself that dating life would be hard, but worth it in the end, and I'd tell myself to be an English major from the start instead of wasting a semester doing something I didn't like.

I would tell myself that i should probably be more focused on the classes that i take during my senior year. I also would inform myself to look into more dual credit classes and summer classes to finish my degree as quickly as possible.

Make sure you visit the college first. Experiencing it for yourself is very different than hearing about it.

Make sure you do not pick the college that appeals most to you in other ways other than academically. I made a poor decision by starting off my college experience at an Art School in the city that ended up being completely worthless. If you are ever unsure of your major do not attend a speciality school unless you are completely confident in your career choice.

I would teel them to make sure that it is affordable, socially open to people who may be different, structured , and have good professors. It will also depend on the child. If a child is not strong within themseleves certain schools are not for them. For example my school was rated one of the top party schools in the nation, when students attend this school they either succed or fail. Those who are succesful usually have a sense of who they are and why they are in college. Thoes who fail usually don't have a sense of who they are.

For finding the right college I would say definately check out the campus before you make any final decisions, to get a feel for the campus. Also its ok to use facebook or even myspace to get to know current students to ask about their experiences at the university. Do as much research as possible, you dont want to go in blind. And how to make the most of your experience is easy, GET INVOVLED. It doesnt matter what you into or what you like, join a club, a sport team, or group on campus. This is a easy way to meet people with similar interests, and make new friends around campus. Go into everything with an open mind and you should come out successful.

My advice is to visit more than one school. Talk to the advisors and counslers about your career goal and have more than one major in mind because you probably will switch your major. Look at the dorms and make sure the living conditions and rules are up to your standard. Also, consider the traveling distance from school to your home.

That finding the right college, is overly important, not just to your eduaction, but your lively hood as a whole. College dictates what kind of person you will be in your adulthood, which makes the descion of finding the right school even more important. Also, college is only four years, the bridge between adulthood, live it up have fun, but don't forget the reason you are their, to continue your eduaction.

Make sure you go to class, no matter what, unless you are sick and make arrangements for makeup work with your professors. And go out and meet people. The place where I met like half of my friends was at the dining hall, just by saying Hi to the person at the table next to you or next to you in line.

Don't choose a major just based on how much money you can make, how practical it is, or how many job opportunities are available. You can't be the best in your field if you don't love what you do. So major in something that you're passionate about. Also, if you have the opportunity to study abroad, take it. It's life-changing. As for money issues, keep applying for scholarships, and try to avoid taking out private student loans. Even if financial aid always covered your costs for the first few years, you may find that changing one day, and you'll be stuck desperately trying to find a way to pay for your education. Keep trying. Scholarships can be a major help if you win them, but you can't win them if you don't search and apply.