Illinois Institute of Technology Top Questions

I would never take a school's advertising or school tours seriously. Staying on campus, no, living on campus, for as long as possible is the only way to see if a school fits. Remember that school should be more than academics.

My advice to students would be to start researching school choices in the sophomore or junior year. That way, once the student enters their senior year, they have an idea about their major and possible school choices. Also, it's best to start applying for financial aid early and to try and and apply for possible sholarships. It could be the difference between going to your dream school or not. In making the most out of college, try and find extracurriculars and activities that you're interested in doing. If there are none, find people who like the same things you do and start a new club. Managing your time well is also important too. If you party or are unfocused, you risk flunking. However, if you study nonstop and are anti-social you can miss out on a lot.

Visit the college and talk to students AND faculty. An online glance at the website can never do justice to the true environment. If you can't visit, contact a faculty member or ask to be put into contact with a current student. Find a chat forum about the school. Just get an INSIDE view. Also, be open-minded. Just because the school isn't your first choice doesn't mean it can't be wonderful.

The advice that I would give to parents who are helping their son or daughter to find the right college is to talk to as many students as possible and almost completely disregard the lip-service you get with any counselors or administrators that you meet with. Higher education is a service industry and the students are the customers so if the majority is unsatisfied then there is obviously something wrong. If on the otherhand students show pride in their school and are happy that they are there then your mind can be put to rest if your student chooses that school. My advice for students who are looking for schools are the same to the parents. If you are looking to get the most of the college experience do just that, experience. Try new things, don't be afraid to journey out of your comfort zone because you may find a new one. Secondly, become active in the campus community, participate in student organizations and run for executive board positions, try-out for a varsity team or a club team, stay active in the community and the chance of you getting the most out of college will be high.

Make sure you know what teh focus of the students and the university you are attending are before you go. Just because the school gives a good education does not mean that it is a good fit. I attended a school whioch gives a great education and dreaded all 4 years here. Make sure you know what your goals are.

The most important part is finding a college that fits your needs and personality. If the school doesn't fit you, you will be unhappy and unsuccessful. In order to have a good experience in college, it is important to be active. Meeting new people is the best way to have new experiences and to learn the most, both socially and academically.

Pick one that you will enjoy being at not one that only offers academics.

Always consider all options when applying to colleges and universities.

VISIT CAMPUS.

Be sure you like the campus when you visit otherwise you will regret it if you chose a school whose atmosphere you don't like.

Try to really get know the atmosphere and the coarse load, and typs of coarse offered. Remain focused and STUDY!

College is what you make of it. Focus less on reputation of the school and more on the student life. If you think you'd have a good life there then that's a good school for you as long as you work hard to make the academics worth it.

Make sure the college fits what you want to do.

Make sure to find a college that not only provides a good education, but is also situated in a place where you would like to live. The school's campus, surrounding area, and culture all play a huge role in your college experience. Don't underestimate the profound effect they will have on you; when it's time to take a short break from your schoolwork, you will want to enjoy it!

Research your school. Know what you want out of college. It's not all fun and games, and at times it is very time consuming. College is what you make of it, so come with a positive attitude, even in the light of people who aren't very positive. The friendships made here can last a lifetime, so choose wisely. This isn't high school so don't expect it to be. Be mature about the way you conduct yourself and try your best!

Guess. Take chances. Do what scares you.

Finding the best school is not always about money. If you think you'll be happy at one school then go there. Do not worry too much about cost, there are usally ways to get the money you need. Be accepting of your schoolmates. They really help you out through tough times. There were many times I was very close to transferring to a different school but having a close group of friends really help me keep focused (and on campus). Don't be afraid to explore. new things. Usually the best experiences you have in college are ones you've never done before. Drink, party, have fun, but remember to keep it in moderation. Finally, try to get away from home. You experience totally different things that in the long run, will make you a better person.

A big thing you should think about when selecting a college is to not be afraid of your options, embrace them. Limiting your higher education choices to a community college because of financial situations or the distance a school might be from home should not guide you to deciding the right college. Being in a completely different state with significant cultural differences and having to be responsible for oneself is how you/or your child will grow and develop for the corporate world. To make the most out of your college experience is to always get involved and be willing to get to know anyone and everyone. It might seem awkward and you can usually feel like you just want to deal with being in school and succeeding at it that you miss out on all the opportunities the school offers to have fun or get to know one another. This added interaction helps in the long run because not only is it a good destresser from the academic world, but it can be beneficial for the future when you need to get a job and can use those people skills while applying or working in a team.

I would advise them to attend the school for a day. Maybe get a tour but rely on your individual interaction. The tour guides tend to make the school seem alot alot better than it actually is. Ask students that are around how they like the school...they would be the most honest. Drive around the school to check out the campus or surrounding amenities. Let your son/daughter go to the offices and see if he/she can get questions answered without hassle. Find out how many computer labs exist as opposed to the attending students. You don't want your child to go somewhere where the resources are booked all the time. Besides that...take pictures if you are checking many colleges out. That way if you liike two of them alot for there educational services, the comfort of the campus is a deal breaker. The campus design is very important when it comes to comfort and convenience.

Make sure it's what you really want. If you think you are going to be homesick, you probably WILL be. Talk to current students at the university to find out what student life is really like. Current students give the best indication of work load, extracurricular activites, and overall condition of the classes. A college experience is what you make of it. If you continually look negatively on it, odds are you won't enjoy it. You need to make the right decision for you and your personality. Don't just go there because you have a friend who is or your parent is an alumni. Everybody is different and a crowded state school is probably not a great choice for someone who is really shy and introverted. Get involved with student organizations and clubs, it is the best way to meet people who share similar interests to yours.