Columbia College Chicago Top Questions

Making sure WHAT you want, and how you want to get it. You can want to be the same thing as Tons of other kids in the same boat-but we all need differnt things, and view the same thing differntly. so you have to find the school that is perfect for you in every way.

The best advice I can give students in selecting a college would be to first discover what their values are. If they value rural tight nit communities, then by all means attend a school in a small town. I would urge both parents and students to seek a school with a very diverse falcuty as well as student body . I have learned so much just by being in a diverse community. Diversity allows them to learn in and out of the classroom. Because my school is so diverse, I now feel better equipt to communicate and work with people all over the world. To make the best of the college experience students get out, get involved, and try everything. They will not only learn who they are but they will certainly learn what they love to do and will do for the rest of your lives. Parents trust that you have raised your children to have a great since of focus and compassion for others and they will surley not dissapiont you. Chose your college based on the best community, academia, and productivity for you. Have fun taking in all the experiences.

Finding the right college is more than just how great the academics are. You have to take into consideration that you will be living there for the next four years, so unless you like the surrounding area and the type of people that go to that school, you're not going to be happy. The social aspect of school is just as important as the academic part, and can be a big determinent in how much you succeed. To make the most of the college experience, students should be open to new people and ideas because college introduces you to both. Get involved in as many things as you can, as that is a sure way to meet people who will share things in common with you. Don't be afraid to be yourself because college really does help you discover who you are. Last, but certainly not least, keep up on your schoolwork. It becomes too easy to fall behind, and you will regret this. Study, study, study and you should do fine. College life is a balancing act, and if done right, it can be an awesome experience.

I would tell parents to be very supportive and patient with their child as they search for schools. It's very important for both to communicate often about this very important decision. College can be an amazing time for growth, self-realization, and of course learning! Parents need to trust their child and students need to earn/keep that trust by making smart choices. Students should definitely think of college as a fresh slate. No more high school drama with teachers or coaches. Be optimistic and open to new ideas and people. It's exciting to know that you'll be entering this new atmospere where you might not know anyone and can start fresh. It's also very important for students to remain focused. I know how distracting college can be and especially when your campus could be downtown Chicago with hundreds of things to do ALL THE TIME. Remember why you're in school, what your goals are, and most importantly, HOW MUCH IT COSTS! Don't waste time and money by getting distracted from your goals. If you stay focused, friendly, and confident, college will be the best time of your life!

Choose the college you want based on how current students fit into the school, but how your specific qualifications and habits fit into the school. For example, if you know you do better in smaller classes or with more involved teachers, choose a school that offers this. Create a list of the top ten things that are important to you in a school, and make your decision based on this. This could include prestige, tradition, class size, student body size, liberal or conservative, groups within the school, sports, etc. Make sure you know yourself before you let a school shape you.

Some advice I would give to parents is this: make sure you don't pressure your child into doing a major that he/she does not want to do. My parents did that to me and I ended up wasting a year of schooling at a college that I didn't like, in a major that I didn't like and then I transferred schools. Money should not be the aspect of the college that you should be most worried about because if your child gets a good enough education they will make it in this world to be able to pay any loans back. Some advice I would give to students is this: visit your campus! And, apply for any and all scholarships that you can! Location, location, location. If you don't like your environment, you won't be able to learn. College isn't about drinking and partying all night long, it's about learning something you are passionate about and letting it consume your time. Don't bank on the notion that money will pop up out of nowhere. Apply early and make that your new part time job. You won't regret it!

College is an important step in a student's future. In choosing a college, there are many things that I recommend looking into before deciding on what college is best for you. First, look into the programs and majors offered at the school. If you know what you want to major in, its important that the college has the necessary classes. If you've found a couple schools that look good on a website or through other information you have found, go visit! I think this is the most important step. When I was applying for colleges, I went to visit a few that I was interested in. This made all the difference. Also, the key to making the most of the college experience is moderation! Don't study too hard and miss out on all the other experiences college has to offer, but don't forget that you are there to learn! Never leave sunday nights to do all your homework for the week, because its almost guarenteed that this will cause you to forget about assignments, not to mention the stress. Instead do a little here and there, and you will be able to enjoy the college experience!

I would tell the student to really consider what they enjoy doing and from there they will find the best career that fits them- but determining schools; I will tell them to consider how effective the school is with their graduation rate and how many successfulstudents went there. I would tell the parents to allow their children to choose which college and be supportive with financial situations and other things pertaining to school.

When searching for the best college or university, its best that you sit down and weigh your options. Considering your life goals and ambitions, write a list of higher learning facilities that you think will best fit you. Keep in mind expenses, tuition, learning environments, and other important factors. Now, from that list remove the few that offer your life passion. The universities that don?t make the cut are to be burned in an old shoebox. Of those last few colleges or universities; think about the one that would best fit you. Then finally follow your heart, because in the end money and venues won?t matter. The education and the experience will be the only things that hold importance.

Your first choice might not always be your best choice. My parents tried to choose for me, based on convenience, cost and location. Parents need to consider what their child would really like to do. I did not want to go to a college with large classrooms and cheerleaders. I wanted to live in the city. My parents accepted that and listened to all the positive things I had imagined about Columbia College. You begin to realize some of the resources are more abudant than the first choice. I know it's hard. The move was the hardest. Finalizing was the biggest challege. Make a pro and con list. Balance your costs and distance. Follow your heart. Once you're there, don't hold back. College is what you make it. You can get straight A's and learned more than you ever have while still meeting amazing new friends and interacting in the community. Don't stress yourself out. Embrace your new opportunities.