Bradley University Top Questions

The best advise would be to visit all the colleges that a parents childs college adviser helped choose for them.

When finding the right college and making the most of the college experience, make sure that you can afford it financially. lack of financial support can lead to stress and frustration, which may ultimately lead to failure or minimal academic achievements.

Be serious about University, it is time to grow up and start making something of yourself. Far too often I see students who treat University just like highschool. You will get out what you put it, both academically and socially.

Join as many activities as you can and be social and active!

In looking for a college it is necessary to first identify the proximity of which you wish to reside away from your home. If you get really home sick than you might want to consider a school within 50 miles of your house and possibly living at home while taking classes for the first semester, just until you get aclamated. Following your decision on the general proximity of the school, one should consider both the academic standards of the school and the general school size. In most cases, both student and parent want a school that holds itself to high academic standards, size on the other hand is mainly attributed to that with which the student would be comfortable. Some students are very comfortable in large group situations and therefore would prefer a larger school, whereas others are much more apt to prefer small group settings, wtih individual student-teacher time, these students would be more likely to preside within a smaller school. Beyond these few criteria, the last of the significant aspects of any college would be the availability of financial aid and the over all social scene which must be evaluated on an individual student to student basis.

My advice is first, that they get an idea what they want to do with that major when they graduate. I am the first of my family to attend college so I asked my teacher for guidance. Second, a great career center, the job placement rate is important, the resources available for students with interview or resume building skills. Finally, 'the right' college should be a place the student feels comfortable. I thought what I wanted was a big school but in the end I chose a medium sized school! Making the best of college is simple. Don't let people influence your goals. In high school I was an achiever and when I went to high school people told me "It's okay if you don't do that great your first year," that comment made it seem I could just take things slowly instead of becoming more involved and working harder in school. The next thing is to manage your time very efficiently. Bradley has over 240 organizations, so get involved, it will make the college experience amazing! School is about academics but it is also about meeting new people, building networks and having an amazing time.

Don't just choose the school that is the most well known. Though there may be an excellent program, you may be sacraficing something else for that program. Always look into percentage of job placement after graduation, class sizes, and what kind of professors teach at that school. Private or public, every school is different so keep your eyes peeled.

I would tell them to absolutely visit the school before they send their kids there. I would also recommend meeting the president of the college personally and put them on the spot with questions that are not answered in an FAQ session. (personable, open door policy...etc.) I would also ask about the crime rates around the campus as well as activities.

My most ardent advice to future college students is not to sell themselves short. I understand money is an issue, but I had to take loans out regardless of the college. If I had known that while I was in high school, I would not have let my parents influence me to stay in the state of Illinois. I would have gone to the best school I could have for what I want to do. Luckily, there is such a thing as grad school and I am afforded the opputunity to again choose a great place to earn a degree. Bradley has been a wonderful college and home to me, but it does not completely offer what I was looking for. Bottom line: dream big or go home.

Really look into what size of college is right for you. A big impersonal school is a great place to get lost in the crowd and have a few really good friends, but if you would really like to get involved, matter, make a difference, and have a ton of friends during college I would say a small or medium sized school would be best. Also look at the ability to switch your major because you most likely will. Make sure they have a wide array of alternatives. I wouldn't worry too much about social life because you end up making your own no matter where you go. However remember that city schools without a tightly nit campus will not have much to offer you in the way of social options. Good Luck!