University of Northern Iowa Top Questions

Visit every school you are interested in before making a decision. You might think you know exactly where you want to go but after visiting your second or third choice, you may feel more at home there. Also talk to the students who go there, not just the people who want you to apply like admissions and friends.

Don't just look at the school academically, look at social life, greek life, weekend scene, involvement, things of that nature. The more there is to do the more fun you will have at college.

Don't just sit around and let it pass you by. Get out and get involved with something you can be passionate about right away. Also, try to find a worthwhile part-time job that can get you some experience in your field of study instead of spending time working in food service or something that has nothing to do with what you want to do later. Also, live your life by at least one motto, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." Get familiar with your professors and school administration; you never know who will be able to help you when it comes down to crunch time (aka: graduation). That being said, you still need to be competent and know what you are doing, so don't skip your classes and take the time to learn about your field of study.

It's very important to tour any college that you are considering, the feel on campus is the best indication you can have to knowing you've seleceted the right school.

When it comes to selecting the right college for you the best way is to look at what you want. If are a person that gets involved in everything then going to a large university would be good for you becuase you have a large population and activities to get involved in. If you feel that you aren't as involved then a large school might not be as good. You have a large chance of getting lost in the fray. What is important is how you feel when you are visting that campus. Do all the students look depressed and lost or happy. Its just a feeling about schools which helped me make the right decsion.

I looked at a lot of great colleges with great programs, but UNI was the place that felt most "like home." My greatest piece of advice when looking at colleges is look for a place where you feel comfortable. Search for a school that puts students first, that has opportunities for growth and development, and one that stresses the importance of building students into strong, influential leaders. When visiting on college visits, make it a point to talk to current students and get their perspective on college life. Ask questions on campus tours, meet with an admissions counselor, and eat in the dining center. As parents, it is important to look beyond the cost of an education and view it as an investment in your student's future. In my opinion, after three years at UNI as an out-of-state student, that there is no price you can place on a quality education. I am thankful that my parents allowed me to make the decision of where I wanted to go to college and remained supportive as I began my schooling there. Supportive parents made my transition from high school to college easy!

Advice that I would give parents about finding the right college for their son/ daughter is to let them make their own decision. The child shouldn't have to feel pushed to go in a certain direction or they won't put their full potential into their school work. My advice for students is to pick a university that makes you feel comfortable and feel will give you the education you want. If you don't feel comfortable you won't get involved or participate which are key elements to growing and expanding who you are. Also, I would say push yourself to your full potential because it could determine how far you get in life and the choices you make now will reflect your future.

Campus visits are the best way to get to know a college. Don't be afraid to talk to random students while you are there to get their opinions. I think that the best college is one that has a strong program of study in the area you are interested in, with high graduation and job placement statistics. Also, it is the one in which you feel most comfortable - with the area, the housing, the faculty, and the other students. The "college experience" is what you make it. It is important to find good friends and new experiences so that you can grow as a person. You should take advantage of whatever opportunities come your way because that is how you gain experience. Remember that your choices are your own, and how much you enjoy college, or learn from it, is up to you.

Tour the campus, talk to professors, sit in on classes, and talk to the students. Every college is different and you have to find the right fit for you. When you're at the right institution, you'll learn more, you'll have more fun, you'll make better friends, and you'll get more out of your time there.

This school has great programs and the faculty is very helpful. The students and faculty are friendly. The campus is large but small enough that everything is in walking distance. There is always something to do on campus that is fun and interesting. I would recommend this school to anyone because it has made me less introverted and I have made friends for life.