Columbia College Chicago Top Questions

Be yourself, let everyone know that you mean business, take risks, and get a damn job.

make sure it's what you both want. You never want to force somebody into what they don't want to do. Let them try it out and if they fail at it, at least they know they tried without regretting that they never did it.

Keep an open mind and try to find whats best for the students i would say to allow a student to go to a smaller college or university so they can get used to the classes and college life, but in the end it is all about where the student is most comfortable.

Be open and really consider your options. Make a list of pros and cons for each school and definitely go for the best choice. Don't settle because you are determining what you want to do for the rest of your life and wherever you feel in your gut will supply you with the greatest opportunities during and after school, choose that one! And be open minded. Try new things. And make the most of your four years because you don't want to regret what you "could have" done.

I would really try & visit different campuses. Ask A LOT of questions and try to see classrooms & meet faculty as well. In that way you can find out what you're really infor and won't be surprised when your education is not as good as you thought it would be.

I think there are three things that are paramount to not only finding the right college, but also in getting the most out of it. Those three things are visiting the schools you're looking at, entering a field of study that you're passionate about, and understanding that it's ok to be unsure or change your mind about what you decide you want to do. When I first applied to schools I didn't understand why college visits were so important, but once I started visiting schools I had the ability to see if I fit in with not only the people but the environment I would be surrounded by. Visiting aside, passion for what you plan to study is absolutely mandatory in your success in college. If you're not completely in love with what you want to do then you cannot expect to be happy doing it later in life. Finally, you need to have an understanding that being unsure or changing your mind about what you're studying is ok. It happens to thousands of people and its all part of the process of going to college in the first place.

Don't go into debt!

Going to and gruduating from college is the best thing you can do for yourself in your life. While keeping your own personal interests and goals mind, it is important that you find college that will accommodate your needs and will best facilitate your success. Don't just settle for what you think is ok for you, strive for the best.

I would tell parents and students to visit the orientations taking place on campus before making a final decision on schools. While there, I would speak to other students and faculty members about their experiences within the college or university. The one question that should be asked above all others should be "Will be son/daughter find work after graduation?" I volunteered as a guide for orientation this Fall and that question always came up. Another question parents and students should ask themselves should be "Is the education here really worth the cost?" and "Will the education at this institution challenge me and prepare me for life after graduation?" As far as making the most of the experience, the only advice I could give would be to take advantage of every resource offered whether it's internships , career centers, or accomplished faculty members. Each one of these resources are provided to help students succeed in the field of their choice. Also, networking is key. The one thing I've always been told to do is network. You don't know who will work for you or who you may work for so always network. It will help in the future.

Even though many kids look forward to the social life and partying of college, it is not all it is cracked up to be. If anything it hurts you academically. Yes, everyone does need to have fun especially when you are worked like a dog but with most kids that fun never seems to end. When trying to find the right campus check out all of its facilities not only class related but fitness centers, health centers, resource centers, etc. Its important that your campus is well rounded for things you need to stay healthy and sane. Try living on the campus for a night or two before you choose it. To make the most of your college experience make sure you stay on top of your studies, once you slip a little it makes it hard to get back on top. Take full advatage of all the resources available to you, whether it be study centers, the library, the gym, computer labs. There is no one holding your hand anymore and you need to walk yourself through it all. Never be afraid to admit that you may need some help that is what teachers and tudors are there for!