University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

I would tell students to find the type of school that fits their personality. I recommend that you stay in your residential state to avoid out of state fees, but if you want to leave the state, then that's fine. Students shouldn't make a decision about where they want to go to school at to please their parents. Instead they should research schools and go to the one that fits their future career choice in life.

Although it may be true that more prestigious universities may proclaim higher starting salaries, or a more prominent education, but ultimately I think choosing the right college is about finding a place where the student will be most comfortable. No doubt tutition and living costs must be taken into account, but a parent should work with the student to find a place where they will feel socially accepted, have adequate opportunity to get involved in extra-curricular or community-involved activities, and in general be comfortable to grow and forge their own life. Too many times the quality of education is the primary concern, however to me it seems most of the education side of college is self-learning and reading on one's own, which I think is independent of where this is done. That said, a student must be extremely self-driven to get the most out of college. They must understand that it is their responsibility to learn as much as possible everyday, both in their studies as well as socially. Take on new friends, new boundaries, and don't be afraid to research a little farther into Friday's lecture. This will be the greatest reward.

The best advice I can give a prospective student would be to visit the colleges he or she is applying to and speak with students who attend the college in question. Without an initial visit it is hard to determine if the college or university is the right fit. Just because friends from high school are attending a certain college does not mean it is the best one. To parents I would simply suggest to be supportive. Parents may be alumni to a certain university, but allowing the child to choose for themselves is extremely important. As for making the most of the college experience, my advice would be to get involved. Research the student-run organizations on campus and join one that sounds interesting. Volunteering had a tremendous impact on my life and I suggest to any incoming student to volunteer at a local nursing home or tutor at a school. Finding the right balance between school and social life is important as well. College really does go by fast so make sure to spend time with friends and find out what you want out of life. This is a life-changing experience and I would not change it.

Choice the school based on what you like to do the most, not based on the career you think the school will give you. Happiness is more important. It's as simple as that.

To visit the campus you would like to attend. It is ideal to make sure that you like the place. Be outgoing and don't be afraid to be yourself in college.

The best advice I can offer would be to find a college with the program that you are interested in and ask questions about this program. Find out what the program has to offer you. Find out everything that is important to you from extracirricular activities to classroom size. Then finally choose from the college that has the most to offer you and can give you the best education for your money.

College is definately a good mix of both worlds. It mixes the nerds with not so blessed, the party people with the church kids, the anti-social with the outgoing, and the dedicated with the unmodivated. I have definately learned that no matter how much you feel like or think you need to spend all your time studying, everybody needs time for themselves to stay sane. When searching for a college, every aspect should be checked out, but no matter how much you search, there is always so much more available once you get there. Any college could be right for anyone, but you have to reach out and make an effort . Making the most of the college experience definately involves knowing who you are and always being yourself. A campus is full of opportunity and will always have someone who will accept you for who you are. It may be rough, but stand true to yourself, and I promise you wont regret that. I transformed into such a better person than I was in highschool with the great challenges college offered me as well as the awesome activities and people.

Finding the right college is like searching for a missing piece of a puzzle. The right college is there for everyone, but finding it is the hardest part of the journey. Visiting as many different colleges as you can is really the best thing to do. Walking around and immersing oneself in a campus is like discovering a whole new world! The people, the buildings, and the environment are all great attributes that need to be considered. Talking with students who work at the food court or the main union about their experiences is very helpful too! The college experience is truly based on getting involved with campus activities and social groups to make friends fast and easy. Many students realize that the college that is right for them is the one that they feel most at home in. All the people are friendly and welcoming and everything just fits like a missing piece of the puzzle. Too many parents nowadays put so much pressure on their children and really the children should be able to make their own decisions, but parents shouldn't think that their input is not important.

The most important part is finding a place that will help you achieve your goals, whatever they are. Also important is finding a place you fit in. To make the most of your college experience is to look. Find out what your school offers. A lot of times students realize too late there was an office or professor that could have helped them out.

College is your second home. If the atmosphere is uncomfortable, you will never be successful academically. The point of college is to find the career that you wish to pursue and then acheive it. If a student is continually stressed and unhappy with their learning environment, they will never be able to accomplish their goals. The way to find that perfect college that also puts your parents at ease is to do your research. The possibilities are endless from rural to urban campus, liberal or conservative and a large or small student population. Visit all types and then make your choice, whether it reinforces previous ideas or is an eye opening experience. College is a new experience that is a large part on the path to adulthood. Make certain that you are in control of the path and it will lead you to the right destination.