Aurora University Top Questions

My advice would be to know your priorities and your interests. Figure out whether you would like a large or small school, how involved you will want to be, or whether you want to live at home or dorm. My personal advice is participate in a travel study program because it is very fun and interesting to learn in another country and you get to see so many perspectives. Don't base your judgements on the most popular school in the country's eyes, but your eyes. Figure out what programs and school atmosphere fits for you and start researching about schools early to make a good decision.

Visit many colleges before you make a decision on which school you will attend. Also take into consideration the financial debt you will be in after you graduate. Remember that there are community colleges that are very low cost.

Do what you can to be involved in your school. Have fun while still putting most focus on your schoolwork. Do not procrastinate!

I work as a telecounselor in the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and I love it! I call prospective students/parents to help them visualize if Aurora University is the right fit for them. I also help to answer any questions about college in general because I know it can be a stressful and difficult process. My job is to be honest and this is my philosophy on selecting the right college and any additional advice I may have. College is literally the best years of your life and it's not cheap. I tell prospective students to look around, even places you've never even heard of. You should visit each campus and ask many questions. Visualize youself. Ask yourself, "Could I see myself in a lecture hall or small classroom? Could I see myself living here and having fun with my new friends?" The more places you visit and research, the more you will understand what is important to YOU in a colllege. No one should make these decisions for you or influence you. It is your life, your education, your future. Once your're at your school do not be afraid to try new things!

Decide the basics first such as how big you want the school to be, how far away from home you want to be and how much money you are able to invest in your education. There are great schools available at any price range. Then get more detailed. Look at what you want to major in or if you do not know, just have a general idea so you can find a school that will be able to give you an option one way or the other. I think visiting the schools is the most important because then you get the feel of what it is like to be on campus. This is the deciding point for a lot of people. Talk to some counselors and a teacher of a class you would have to take. Ask them general questions like how many students do you help one-on-one every semester or what do you think is your teaching style. Ask them what they think is a good career to pursue after you get the degree you are going for. This will help you get to know the personal opinions of the teacher. Mostly make sure you are comfortable.

I would tell anyone to check out the college during the school year/ season of a sport to see how the college kind of runs during the year. Seeing students "in action" gives someone a better idea of what it is going to be like. Also talk to students and get their opinion and advice about the school. They will tell you the good and bad so you know before coming here.

Go for a college visit but if you know someone there let you student stay a couple of days with that person. It will help them see what the campus is really like. Find scholorships early because they help where ever you decide to go.

In order to choose the right college, the student must first want to attend an institution of high learning. Next the student has to find a subject that interst them, if not, its fine to go in undecided. Set up college visits at both small and large campuses; you want to get a feel of the campus (try doing this the start of your jr yr of HS). Ask students what they think of the campus (ask for their reasoning). Inquire about financial aid if you are leaning toward a college; this way you can compare college costs. Don't be afraid to call/email colleges and ask for information on activites/programs that interest you. (**Parents- don't pressure your student to make a choice right away...they can choose as late the 4th quarter of their sr yr). Student after you've taken the above info into consideration, make the best decision possible (**One you can benifit from socially but over all academically) it will be the first of many grown-up decisions. When attending college get involved; meet/talk to new ppl, to professors/staff. Don't Panic...DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP!!!

Find out what type of school you really want to go to, and what you're interested in. People change their majors / minors all the time while they're in college (I did so myself), so it's not a big deal if that happens to you. Find a school that suits your needs and interests - don't choose a school to go to just because "your best friend goes there" or "you really like how big the dorms are". Check out the majors / minors list, the activities that are available, and check out the campus. Talk to some professors and or coaches (if you plan on doing a sport) and try to figure out as much information as possible. Sure you could always transfer to a different school if you don't like the one you are going to, but that's usually a hassle and if you find out as much stuff as you need, you could avoid doing that at all costs. I'd say the most important thing is to really enjoy the school you'll be going to - after all, you'll be there for 4 years! Try to make the best of it. :-)

Parents as well as their students attending college should go to career day at the junior colleges. You should talk to the people there and they will best advise you on who to talk to and where to go at their University. Look for a college that offers alot of job placement. Look at the college and see where it is ranked in the state for the career you are trying to achieve. Take a walk through the school and see if you like it. Peek into the office of the advisor for your field. Talk to them a while and see if they are offering the help that you think you need. You will know if the college is right for you if all your questions are answered in a particular way. If you a commuter , do you think this is the right college for you, is there enough parking? The most important thing is what are you going to get out of the experience and is it worth it to you .