Aurora University Top Questions

I think the biggest thing would be to start preparing earlier in your college choice and to make visits, spend time talking to professors and faculty as well as students to help you see if the college is goin to be a good fit for the degree you are wanting to achieve.

I would have a talk with myself and tell myself that is "OK" to be different and actually it's an "asset" to think "outside the box" to reach my highest potential in life. I'd embrace what my mother has always tried to instill in me growing up and that idea is to be a leader and not a follower and to reach out to that kid sitting alone at the lunch table, or to initiate conversation with the kid who sits by himself, or to ask a fellow student who may have some type of disability to become engaged in a classroom project. I'd frequently remind myself that students with disabilities learn from those that are not; but also the able-bodied have a learning opportunity as well in an inclusive environment. I'd remind myself that earning an education is a privilege; one that is obtained thru a lot of hard work and determination. I'd tell myself that obtaining my nursing degree will mean working in AND outside the classroom! Having a job as my school schedule permits will help defray tuition! Also remind myself to relax and enjoy and have fun!

Don't change a thing. You'll figure it all out eventually. Enjoy yourself.

If I had to go back to my senior-self in high school, I would tell myself to apply yourself more at school. Meaning, take part in more extra-curricular activies, be involved, and study more. College is more fast-paced and if you don't pay attention, it will just fly by without you realizing it. There are so many more diverse people, so you will make many friends and have time for a social life. College is not just about finding a career path; it is also about finding yourself. So don't stress out! Remember to have fun and concentrate on your goals in life; both of which will make your college experience fantabulous and memorable.

Let the school pick your first roommate do not pick yourself.

If I could go back in time and tell myself about what college was going to be like, I would tell myself to stand up for who I am and what I believe in. There are so many different people in college, that most will accept you for who you are. In high school, students care to much about being popular and staying current with trends and fashions, while in college, students care more about grades and looking to the future. Therefore, whether I wear the lastest fashions or not, does not matter, what matters is that I stay true to who I am and work hard at my grades so my future will be bright.

High-school Cassie: I spent four years at Elgin Community College before transferring to Aurora University to complete my bachelor's degree. I loved all of the classes I took at ECC, and didn't really want to leave if not for the fact that I had so many credits racked up for the wide variety of classes I took. I love my classes at Aurora University as well, and am torn between wishing I had gone there right away and knowing how much I enjoyed and valued my experiences at ECC. Community college definitely helped me transition from high school life to college life, so I stand by my decision to go there first. This in mind, I advise you to take all the random elective classes you want, because all of those art classes you took at North meant nothing at ECC, I had to retake them anyways. So go ahead and take Autos, Woodshop, Home Ec, all of those classes Mom told you wouldn't be useful. Have fun with your high-school choices, because college is a brand new world where you can start over with new dreams and new plans. It's never too late.

When picking the right college it is important to determine what interests you as a student as well as what type of setting makes one feel most comfortable. In deciding on a college size, faculty, extracurricular activities, finances, and academics are all factors. What is most important is choosing a college that fits one's personal needs. Whether a student prefers a large campus compared to a smaller campus or a school known for a certain program versus a school no one has ever heard of. Pick a school that reflects you as a student and an individual. To make the most of the experience at college get involved around campus. Some say to do that one has to live in the dorms. That may make things easier but that also may not be right for every student. A student can be as involved as they choose to be, no matter their address. While college is about academics, enjoy making new friends and finally learning about subjects that interest you.

The best advice I think I could give an individual when it comes to finding the right college for them, it would be to take your time. Finding the right school for you could ultimately be one of the biggest decisions of your life, so why rush? When looking for a college make sure you take the time out to apply to, and visit many different schools. If you are not sure where you want to attened, take a visit to a few big schools and a few small schools . Do not feel like you have to take the first school that excepts you, never settle for something you are not sure of becuase you may regret it in the long run. The ideal goal I think, when looking for a college would be to find one that you can stay at for your whole college experience. Who wants to deal with having to switch schools? It is a lot of hasstle to go through. Once you find a college you are happy with, you can make the most of it by making sure you get involved and play a role in your school, it gives a sense of pride.

The most important thing about the college experience is the coursework and the degree. Make sure you find a school that has a strong, challenging, yet supportive program and major that matches your own academic interests. If you are committing four years to a college degree, you have to be happy with the program--no other perks or amenities will make the college experience enjoyable if you hate your courses and degree program. With that in mind, be sure to research the degree requirements and faculty. Send emails to faculty and current students when first researching potential schools. If the students and faculty are eager to respond to your inquiries, you can be confident that they will be just as supportive and responsive when you are a full time student. Then enthusiasm of students and staff will say a lot about the school. The ideal would be a large faculty with a school that emphasizes teaching rather than faculty reasearch. Look for faculty with relevant research pursuits, and see if they are willing to help advise undergraduate research projects. You want to find a place where you can learn as much as possible from many different experts in the field.