Bradley University Top Questions

Know what you want to do after college before looking for a school. Deciding where you want to live and work after college should dictate where you choose to go to school. A school closest to where you want to live and work will be able to give you connections, but a school too far removed will make it difficult to end up where you want to.

Finding the right college is all about the feel. Of course you need everything to look right on paper, such as academic majors, financial aid, size, etc. But when you walk on to a campus and you already feel accepted, cared for, and comfortable, there is no better indicator. Once you get to that place, it is important to reflect on who you truly are and what you want to do. There will be so many different kinds of people on your campus, so there is no need to pretend to be someone you're not. College is a time to enjoy yourself and figure out your mission in life. There will be so many resources, so utilize them while you can and make it the best experience for you.

I would suggest visiting the school you are interested in and really stay long enough to gain the atomosphere. Feeling it for yourself will really give you an idea of what it'll be like there every single day. It's also good to research the different majors offered and the quality of those majors. Many students switch majors at least once during their college career. My biggest mistake was rushing the process of visiting schools, and I didn't really learn too much about the social life on campus until I was already here. It was too late when I realized the school wasn't for me. Look at the clubs/organizations before accepting admittance because if you don't know anyone beforehand that is the best way to meet new people.

That you should go and visit the colleges that you are looking for. Because you might not know it's the right school unless you actually go there and look at it. Getting to know the students or seeing the college while there are students there to understand what goes on there. Also don't make the choice based on major alone. Make sure that there are some majors that you might be interested in as well not just that one major because you will more then likely change it at some point in time.

Make sure to shop around. Sit in on classes. Speak to real students. Wander campus by yourself.

I would have to say that one of the more important things to do when choosing a school is to go take a tour, see the campus and talk to real students about life on campus. I've had many friends go to schools they've never toured, or tour a school they thought they'd like only to find out that it's not really that good of a fit for them. A tour can tell you so much, much more than you can lear by reading about it online or in brochures.

The most important thing is to go where you feel is right. Don't where somewhere just because a friend goes there!!!

They should really go and visit the schools. When you go to visit a school, your child can really understand whether or not you feel like you fit in or not. Seeing a college brochure rarely gives a great indicator as to whether or not that school is a good fit. It's also important to consider that schools that are far away cost a lot for traveling, so staying closer to home is not that bad of an idea.

Go on as many college visits, and overnight visits, to make the best choice. It's important to see and "experience" all your options.

Visit as many of your possible schools as possible! This is the best way to get a real feel for the environment you will be in. Also, make sure to apply to enough schools! Apply to several "out-of-reach" schools, several "reach" schools, and of course apply to several safeties. Do your research in deciding which schools to apply to. Talk to as many alum or current students about schools. Also, use resources such as Petersons.com to compare different schools. Don't put your applications off until the last minute! Devote time to completing and proofreading all of your applications. As far as making the most of your college experience, get out of your room! Meet people, join clubs, get out there and keep an open mind. Be friendly and don't be afraid to meet different people or try new things! Take the opportunity of being on your own to learn/improve time management and organizational skills. Don't neglect your classes just because you think they're easy! Missing easy points can reallly affect your grade unnecessarily. Have fun!