Ball State University Top Questions

No college is ever the perfect fit for every one, when looking for the right school, what's most important is to find a place where you can feel at home and make a name for yourself. Also, sometimes the school that seems like the only one that will work is really the last one you should be going to, don't let yourself be put into a mold.

I would definitely visit every school you are considering as a potential college student. What mattered to me was the size of the campus. I love my college because its not too small but its not too big either. Also, find out what type of academic help the school offers. I love that my school has a tutoring center run by fellow college students that I can go to throughout the week and ask for help in any of my subjects. Look for a school that will do anything to help you succeed. Go to as many games, productions, meetings as you can because you never know who you could meet. College is a once in a lifetime experience so make the best of it!

As someone who is about to start her junior year of college; I would have many pieces of advice and wisdom ready to hand down to any parent or future college student. First of all, I would tell both parents and students that it is important to check out numerous colleges when searching for the right one. I would also encourage them to start very early in their search. I myself started my own search my sophomore year of high school. My mom and I went on tours of so many schools! But, it helped me find the perfect one. My second piece of advice would be to talk to current students of the schools that you look at to get their opinions and to hear their insights. Once you are enrolled in a school, my best piece of wisdom would be to get out there. Don't be afraid to sit right between two students on the first day of class. You'll be surprised at how friendly people really can be. I would also encourage students to not hesitate to talk to their professors, even if they don't have a question about coursework.

I would tell parents and students going through the process of finding the right college to not stress the finiancial part until the student has narrowed down choices of colleges they feel comfortable and feel they would fit into. College is not only a time for students to get an education, but to also expand their social lives as well. I strongly believe that a student has to feel comfortable and be enjoying their time away at college in order to succeed to their best ability academically. After the student has picked what they believe is their perfect fit then the finiancial part comes into play and scholarships and loans can be dealt with. I would also tell the students that the more involved you become at your college the more you will enjoy your time there. So many colleges provide clubs and organizations of all sorts, making it easy for everyone to join. This is truly the perfect way to make many friends and enjoy your time when not in class or studying. The quote, "What you put in, is what you get out," most definitely applys to the college process.

Choosing a college can be a hard decision, but its important to pick a college that suits your dreams and aspirations now and in the future. College is not just about excelling in academics, but finding and leading a well rounded life; whether that means participating in sports, clubs, sororities or fraternities, college is what you make of it. College is a life time of memories, successes, and friendships; find what you enjoy, what makes you happy, and what will make you succeed and get involved, participate, and make a difference for you and your future.

Finding the right college for your son/daughter is essental for the positive growth of an individual, and parents must be willing to help their child prosper to become the best person achieveable academically, mentally, and spiritually. Depending on the childs intented academic direction, the parent must become informed on the right college for the intended major. Parents can easily access the information through websites to obtain the upper hand of the academics and atmosphere of the campus life. For a more personal approach, campus tours are always encouraged. Reading information on the school website through the students oppinions, reading information on the professors and teachers, looking at the extra-curricular activities available, checking out the housing, and student health services are also great ways of discovering if a college is right for your child. College is a growing experience that shapes a person for who they become in the future, and chosing the right college is an essential step toward the success of their life and career.

I would tell students to go with their gut feeling on college campus tours. If they feel at home right away, theres a chance it will stay that way, if they feel uncomfortable for any reason it will also probably remain that way. Also, I should recomend for them to pick a school that has a strong department in their area of study. It is also important to take time when selecting your school. It is important to pick a school that you will enjoy. When it comes to making the most of their college experience, the big thing is to get involved. I personally joined a sorority and am very involved in that. My college offers many different ways to get involved, being greek, volunteering, joining major areas of study groups, just to name a few. It is also important to pay attention to your grades, and many campus organizations put an emphasis on that. I personally love being in my sorority and the opportunities it will give me both now and in the future. Follow your heart and theres a good chance college will be a good experience for you.

It's not about what Mom and Dad want, it's about the student. Try to get as much information on the academic areas the student is interested in, some colleges have limited resources in some areas and you don't want to find out that a field you may be interested in isn't avalible after you've started and invested both time and money in an institution. Don't worry about where your friends are going, you will make new friends. Make sure you are comfortable on the campus and not overwhelmed, go on a campus tour. Look for extra curricular activities avalible that are similar to those you participated in during high school, they will be the most rewarding for you. When you get to school, don't go crazy with freedom; make smart choices, study and do your work as you will only get as much out of your education as you put into it; once you've failed a class or flunked out it is harder to pull your grades back up and do well. Most importantly, enjoy these years because they go by so quickly and the "real world" comes fast!

Make sure that if you came from a small high school like I did, that you find a college that isnt to big unless that is what you are purposely seeking. Being at Ball State University allowed me the medium size campus feel with the one on one attention I desired from faculty. College is the most influential time of someones life, here you begin to fully understand who you are as a person. Throughout college you are confronted with difficult situations, life changing events, and opportunities that allow you to grow. The opportunities that one has at college are beyond compare. A person can be a part of so much and learn some very valueable skills that can be utilized in the professional world. The most important thing about college is the networking and friendships you will make, high school was the time of your closest friends, college is where you make a second family. I can think of no better reason to be in college other then the ability to work with the futures best teachers, entertainers, athletes, and politicians......our fellow students!

The advice that I would give to parents would be to encourage your child/children to pick a major that includes or is similar to things he/she already enjoys and/or is interested in, let them know that the amount of money possibly made after graduation should not be the sole factor, because money is not everything and if you cannot stand your job no amount of money will change that. Advice I would give to students would be to make sure that you are ready to attend when you do, go into it focusing on getting good grades, but also make sure that you make time to have that once in a lifetime experence that is being in collage. This is the time to grow, to find out what you are made of and begin to form the path you will continue to follow for years to come, but don't let this deter you let it inspire!

Make close friends with people get friendly with your professors so that they know you and you can use them as a reference for internships, scholarships, or jobs.

I would tell the students to look at a variety of colleges. Try and find a college that has the best program fo your major, that way you can become more marketable. I would tell the parents to just be supportive. Support your child with any college choices they make.

I think students need to visit every college possible, even if they already have preconcieved notions about it. A schools reputation might not neccesarily be true so it is important to see for yourself all of the options that are available. Don't be afraid to try different things or new experiences just because you are scared. It is difficult adjusting to a new enviornment so don't decide you want to transfer after being at your school only one semester, sometimes it takes a while to adjust and find friends that are right for you.

It is always important to find a school that can operate as a second home. You will a majority of four years walking the grounds of the school so you must feel comfortable, sufficiently challenaged and welcomed in the school you pick. When considering a college, or university, see if they have the major you are interested in. Beyond that though, you need to consider the make-up of the college, is it in a city, or a smaller town? What are the various clubs, and varsity teams that you could potential become involved in? How far is it from your hometown? Is the cost of tuition acceptable? Once you are in the college, become involved! Freshman year is a whirlwind of meeting new people and it is easy to make friends that soon become as close as family. There are numerous ways to meet new people, such as clubs and school sponsored events, but sometimes all it take is saying hello to the person down the hall in your dorm.

When you pick colleges, research the programs of possible contenders and choose the colleges that focus the best on the concentration you plan to major in. To make the most of your expirience, go to seminars that will help with time management skills and learn to balance your social life and studies so that you will have time with friends and will get all of your credits on time. Most important is to choose a school you will have fun going to, and make friends while you're there.

Make every effort to visit the colleges/ universities you are seriously considering to attend. Often schools will look excellent on paper; however, that doesn't necessarily mean the school is compatible for you. For at least nine months out of a year, you will be eating, sleeping, studying and socializing on the campus of the university/college that you have chosen to attend. Obviously, it would be a good idea to visit the campus and get a feel for the environment. Do your homework before you go; have your questions ready, set up a campus tour and an appointment with the head of your major's department. If you are undecided try to meet with an advisor who might be able to recommend certain classes that will help you decide. It is also a good idea to look for schools that have an orientation program for new students and their parents. These types of programs are very helpful for stduents' transition and keeping parents informed, which reflects the school's priority in communication between students, parents, and its administration. Once you have YOUR college/university, get involved, challenge yourself, stay positive, and your unforgettable experience will all fall into place!

Tour some campuses at the beginning of your senior year of high school. Go with your gut instinct; you'll know when you've found the right one.

There are many factors that go into choosing the right school to further one's education. It is not a simple thing to do to choose the right school beause of all of the variable that go into it. One must consider a schools academic standing, its available extra cariculars and its fiscal relativity to you, including housing, tuition, and dining costs. One must also keep in mind that the majority of students who declair a major change it within the first year. In changing one's major, a student must consider the diversity of the University's available majors and wheather or not these are as significant as his or her later. It is important for every college student-to-be, to have a gross understanding of the factors that go into choosing the most fitting school that will futher his or her education and stimulate personal creativity and drive, both in and out of the classroom.

Finding the right college isn't necessarily about which one has the best programs in the nation, it's about finding the one that best fits the student. Knowing that you will have to work hard and study often before coming into college will help a great deal. The harder you work, the more rewarding it will be. In the long run, you'll see better grades, and even find better jobs come grduation time. Don't forget that college isn't all about work, it's about having fun, too. Find a group of friends that compliment your needs and personality. Once you're ready to work and find some good friends, it's great from there! College is one of the bext experiences of your life, and it's up to YOU how you're going to live it out. Make the most of these years, because you won't get them back once it's over.

Find a school that appeals to you, and do not wait till the last minute to make a decision. If you do happen to waste your time and end up in a school that you didn't want to go to, do not dismiss the school as worthless, because chances are if you give that institution a chance, you will find something there that you can enjoy and appreciate. Don't let your own opinions conflict with the material taught, because most professors will engage those differing opinions and make them seem less uncommon, and more intriscally attached to the subject matter. If you ever have problems, do not hesitate to talk to your professors, of the local counseling center. Both are more than willing to help you, and if you let them know as soon as it happens, the help you get will be better and more beneficial to your needs.