Illinois College Top Questions

Spend an hour or two each night researching for the best college. Decide which regions of the country seem most ideal. A few very important aspects to take into account is the size of the college, and if a public or private institution is more suitable. Weigh the advantages of a liberal arts education, or a more technical educational field such as engineering. Once a list of five to seven schools has been made, arrange to have the administrations of those schools send more information, and if possible schedule a time to visit the institution. When in college, go ahead! Take advantage of some of the opportunities such as study abroad and a campus activity or two. This will open up ways to meet other students and create friendships that could very well be for life. Do not forget to balance all that is scheduled so that stress will be at a healthy level. Make sure to continue to search for scholarships and use any tool or opportunity that is feasible. Last but not least, always remember college students are predominately young adults without real world responsibility, which allows students to make the most out of their collegiate experience!

I believe that students must pick the school that meets their needs. In order to find that school, one must visit numerous types of colleges and not wait until second semester of their senior year to start. When visiting these schools, one must ask questions, sit in on a class, and go on a tour. Perhaps make notes of the good and bad things of each college and do not limit oneself to one school. It is important to have a ranked set of universities after visiting and it is important to get one's application in early. After deciding on a school and moving in, one should attend the orientation programs or different social activities on campus in order to meet people. In order to have a great college experience, I recommend joining many different organizations that one is interested in. Being involved is a great way to meet people with similar interests that one might not have met otherwise. It is also important to be open to new things and accepting of different people. I believe that following this advice will lead to great success in college and in one's further pursuits of education.

I believe that finding the right college can be a life-changing experience. In my personal opinion, attending a four-year college or university and living on- campus is the best college experience, although I am probably biased because I do attend a four-year college and live on- campus. Four-year schools offer many types of opportunities, such as travel, research, and internships that may only be available at these schools. My school offers "Breakaway" programs, in which a one or two week trip is made possible by taking a travel course. I plan to travel to Peru this summer via this program. I also have experience with a two-year school. I have taken a class at a local community college, and I felt that learning did not extend beyond the classroom. When class was finished, everyone immediately left to return home for the day. At a four-year school, students extend their learning, as they spend much time together studying outside of class. I have a regular study group that meets in our science building most evenings; this would not be possible if we were not living on- campus and therefore available many more hours.

For parents, I would highly recomend that they stay interested in their student's college choices. I know my parents gave me some information that I was completely oblivious to at the time when doing my college search. After looking at their point of view, it made me realize that some of the colleges I thought I really wanted to go to I no longer did. For the students, I would recomend visiting the colleges they like. Sometimes just walking onto campus and seeing the different people there will tell you if it is a place you would like to spend the next for years of your life. Also while at college, do not be afraid to try new things. You will meet many new people this way who may become life long friends. You may also find out that you enjoy what you tried. Also, while you are there for academics, always remember that having a social life is very important as well. The experiences you will find yourself in are just as educating as the material you are learning in the classroom.

I would tell them to look for a college that offers the best program you want to go in to. Do not go because of prestige or because it is where all of your friends are going, choose a college that meets your needs and will be better for you in the long run. Also, I would say to get the most out of the experience is to be ready to say "Hi" to many new faces. Being friendly is the number one thing to get you on a path of success at a college with many other faces.

Visit a school as many times as possible before you make a final decision. It will be your home for possibly 4 years, so make sure it's one that you want to be a part of. Also, don't let the cost factor rule your decision. Money is important, but there are scholarships and aid available to help offset the cost. Don't let a high price tag rule out a school that you are considering.

When choosing the right college, parents and students should research as many schools as possible. Resources for this research should include internet research, campus visits, interviewing former and current students and faculty, and financial aid offices. The knowledge they wish to gain through these resources should include: suitability of the college for the student, class size, finacial aid opportunities, employment rate and safety. To make the most of college, students need to set of goal of getting a 3.0 GPA every semester and ultimately achieving a 3.0+ average upon graduation. When sorting through applications, many employers do not concider applicants under 3.0. Students need to attend class regularly and need to stay on task. It is too easy for students in college to fall behind in their studies because there isn't a parent constantly keeping them on task. Every student should keep an agenda of what assignments are due and should constantly make plans on how to complete each assignment on time.

Never just choose one college, visit atleast 2 times, and dont force your child to go somewhere they dont want to go.

Making a college visit is key. When I walked onto the Illinois College campus I could just tell that it was where I belonged. I didn't even bother applying for other schools because this is the only place I wanted to go. By visiting a school you get a real feel for how it would be to live and learn there and how you would fit in. By meeting other students and professors you learn a lot about the school which can greatly aid your decision. You will feel it in your gut that you belong, and that's an instinct you need to go with.

Finding the right college is a difficult, pain staking, and long process. It requires hours of time, effort, and money to apply. Scheduling campus visits, orientations, tests, etc can be nerve racking. However, in doing so, these are all steps in deciding which college is right for you. Personally, I needed the campus visit to Illinois College to determine that it was a great fit for me. Seeing the small class sizes, around 15 on average, the friendly environment, and interaction among students made me decide to attend here. Making the most of the college experience is essential. Don't sit in your dorm room and watch TV eating food, GET INVOLVED! It's the most rewarding experience you can ever have. Getting involved creates long lasting friendships that can last for a life time. Not only friendships, it can create experiences in different situations that you will not receive sitting in your room. Get involved, stay active, and it will be the time of your life.