Illinois College Top Questions

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to work harder for better grades. I could make the grades, but didn't push myself to go above and beyond. I would have spent more time studying rather than just getting by, because now I see the financial burden I have put on my parents for getting those average grades and not the grades that I was very capable of receiving had I just applied myself. I would also have been more outgoing, although I played sports, I would have joined more clubs to get better awareness of just what a difference I could make in my life and someone else's. Illinois College pushes for community involvement and now looking back I wish I would have done more of that. My little brother is autistic, I should have done something in our community to bring awarenss to this disability as so many people don't understand why he acts like he does sometimes. He has been a blessing in my life and I just wish I would have shared that more with my friends.

I would tell myself to never lose that confidence I had in myself and my abilities that I had as a senior. I knew what I wanted in high school and I always worked to get it. I wish I would have kept that attitude because my freshman year, I slacked a little on my grades. It wasn't anything dramatic just not as good as I was used to getting. I know now that as long as you put in the effort and time you will get the results you want. I would also tell my younger self that it is okay to be an individual and stick out. I came into college wanting to fit in, but eventually found that being an individual is a lot more fun. People seem to follow your lead when you decide to be yourself and they realize how happy you are. They last thing I would tell myself, is that you only go to college once and then it's reality. Work hard on your school work, but don't forget to experience everything you can while you are there.

My transition into college went surprisingly better than I expected. I was nervous going to school three hours away from home because I am super close to my family, especially my twin sister. We decided to go to different schools, which I think helped us both in many ways. I was paired with a really awesome roommate. We became best friends with in the first few weeks of school. Now that I am a senoir in college, honestly, I don't think there is anything I could have told myself that would have made the transition into college any better. I was just really lucky. I was from a small town and high school, so going to Illinois College was a good fit for me. Everyone on campus is extremely nice and the professor are really helpful. The only thing that I can think of that I wished I would have done as a freshman was actually take the time to get help from my professors. All of my professors have been extremely nice and I wished I would have taken advantage of going to get help from them more often.

I would say that I need to be ready to study! As long as you show up to class and pay attention you will have no problem making grades in college!

Scholarships. Seek and apply now. Do not think that they are not out there. I have lost thousands of potential dollars by being unaware of Eagle Scout scholarships. Those are valuable, and along with others, will not be available beyond your first year. Many are easy, just filling out basic information and writing essays. Do them. Majors. Wait to declare. Do not be like others going in with one decided major only to choose differently later. Such students often result with classes not applying towards the new major. Wait until you are absolutely sure what you want to do. It is worth it. Extracurriculars. Join groups. They are a great way to meet people. Sigma Pi is the literary society to choose, but go to more “smokers” so you know more of the actives and brothers during the pledging process. Also, do sports. Cross Country and Track are fantastic at Illinois College. Lastly, I am glad I was recognized for six years of community service by our mayor, earned my Eagle Scout, participated in church groups, and worked for good grades. It is all worth it when you get here. It is the character you and your future stands on.

I would encourage and advise myself to get involved in lots of activities right off the bat. It is the easiest way to find and meet new friends who have the same interests that you do. I started out quiet and shy like I was in high school, when I wish I had become more sociable. Remember that college is a chance to start over again and a chance to try all sorts of new things. I signed up for chorus and took voice lessons, something I would never have done in high school and I am so glad I did. I found that I really enjoy music and had the experience of taking a bus trip to New Orleans and performing in many places along the way! If I had not tried this new interest I would have missed a great time! I now intend to try anything I think I might enjoy.

I have learned a lot about current events, even though I am a science major. Before I started college here I had a very limited understanding of the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but my freshman seminar class taught me that and much more. I have also made some great friends and met very interesting people. I know that what I have learned in my first semester will stay with me for the rest of my life. So it has been a valuable experience so far and I know that I am just getting started.

Illinois College is a small college. The fact that I have received such a great education from some of the best professors is really important to me. In fact, it outweighs the fact that this is such a small school and can be boring at times. The hunger for knowledge this school has given me is incredible. I have always been a good student, but here I have to work to be a good student, and it is work I like doing. I love forming relationships with students, professors, and even the president of the college who invites every student over to his house for dinner. I have learned so much here and have had the opportunity to work with actual people and make actual differences both on and off campus. It was the best decision I have ever made.

I have learned much about teaching children through my schooling at Illinois College. I find the skills I have learned a great way for me to become a great teacher one day. Even though the college is expensive to attend, I have great skills now to run my own classroom. Also, I have made many lifelong friends.

My college experience has strengthened me as an individual, and I feel as if I have matured greatly in the short two years of attending. For example, I had the unique experience of participating in a group that works with first generation students by preparing them for college; by having them come to campus a few weeks before the other students and doing core subjects with professors and college students. Transitioning from high school to college was rather difficult, but I endured the challenges that change presented and used it to better myself as an individual. College has changed me as a person, and I feel if this change keeps up then I will be ready to take on the world. Attending college is crucial for anybody even considering getting a over minimum wage job, even though its hard it will be well worth it once it is all done.