Illinois Institute of Technology Top Questions

People don't change between high school and college. Make friends with friendly people. Don't limit your experiences unless you're uncomfortable, but don't be afraid to try new things. Don't ignore your schoolwork, since thats what you're at college for after all. Most importantly, if you aren't having fun, you're doing it wrong!

First and foremost, I would suggest that the student know what they want out of a school. If the student most values their education or social life or career, this will greatly effect the type of school that the student should choose to attend. For example, if a student is most looking for a wild social life, a technical or engineering school would generally not satisfy the student. Also, if a student is most concerned about their career, a school in a big city is generally a good idea since there are many internship opportunities nearby that the student could pursue while still in classes. Once the right school is chosen, it's very important to try new things when you're there. College campuses are nothing if not a huge variety of people and activities waiting to be experienced. Learn about other cultures, befriend people that aren't like you, serve in the surrounding community and find out what life is like away from home! If you play your cards right, college will expand your view of the world and form you into a more well-rounded and confident individual.

The most imporant thing is to know the field you want to be in before aplying to schools and look for schools that are known for supplying the work force with the best graduates in the market. it is important to look through the faculty's real world experience, their private practice if they have any, where they got their degrees from. if the student is interested in art and architecture related majors it is very important to see the schools' student exhibitions and make sure that he/she knows what they are getting themself into. visiting the campus before admission is also important to have an idea of what 4 years of your life could be like. focusing on getting the work load done and then look for having fun. and finally for parents, a good school is worth taking an educational loan instead of going for the cheapest school, it is a worthwhile investment and the outcome will exceed your expectations

College is not about going to the most prestigious university willing to accept you. The days of thinking that your GPA separates you from the rest of your peers are over. College is about becoming an adult, and investing in your future. You do not have to leave your past friends behind, but you do have to be open to making new ones, and having new experiences. Apply to a college that you know you will be comfortable at and will be able to get involved on campus in whatever your passion is outside of academics. This does not mean that you should not challenge yourself, and it does not mean that academics do not come first. Any leader of an organization on any campus will agree. Also, realize that the amount of money it costs to attend an institution does not reflect on its benefit to you. There are thousands of colleges in the United States, and more and more people are attending them each year. In the end you will receive the same piece of paper, and that will set you on the track to becoming what you want to be in your life.

To find the right college, one must consider many important factors. Every college is different and unique, so one must find the college that fits what they are looking for. Some important factors to consider are size, location, tuition, degrees, financial aid, professor rating, student life, etc. These are some of the major factors, but there are many more for one to consider. The best way to figure out if a school is right for you is to visit it multiple times and even spend a night or two on campus to see how the dorm life is and how students interact. Another way to get information is to ask questions, either from admission counselors or from current students. The best way to make the most of the college experience to try many things. It can be as simple as joining many clubs and then weeding out the ones that aren't interesting or making many friends. You don't have to be best friends, but make connections, get involved and it will reward your sense of belonging to the university which will improve your experience in college and for the rest of your life. Also, enjoy and be yourself!

Try to visit the campus and talk to a few students who are not the tour guides, they will let you know what the school is really like.

For the parents I would suggest reading and understanding the college process before their child even applies to the college. They should be prepared for the financial portion as well as getting familiar with the process of taking out loans. Parents should also understand that the first year of college is going to be a life changing experiance for their child and should support their decisions. As for the students, they have a lot to look into before choosing the right college. They need to research a lot of information about the school to see if it would be a possible option for them. They should also visit the campus and try to meet some current students just to get a feel of what they would be experiancing. Once they feel comfortable in the area that they are in, they should start thinking about the next couple of years. This means they should think about what carrer they would like to go into and start thinking about the future; this is probably the hardest thing a college student has to do. Finding who you are and making the right choices in your life is what college is truely about.

I know that college is expensive, but the decision should be up to soley up to the students. It is the students who are going to spend 4-5-6 years there. I don't believe that parents should force their children into going to a particular college just because that is where they went or is the cheapest. College is what helps the maturation and growth of an 18 year. They develop mental and physically into young adults, newbies in profession, with a vast amount of knowledge. The choice should be theirs, because if they do pick the right college and they go there to learn, the most important reason to go, then the college loans will be paid off within a couple of years out of college when they get a high paying job.

The University ranking does not matter. It is up to you to make something of yourself. Care less about getting that A and more about experimenting with new ideas and applying what you have learned. Do not repeat the similiar tasks in the same way, but always try something new. Every week or so try to meet someone that is not of your country's origin. It helps you become more aware of the world around you. Finally, when you attend college you must accept the fact that "ignorance is bliss."

College is more than just a place to learn. It will be home to you and your friends for at least 4 years. When you pick out a college make sure you pick one that has a positive learning enviroment. I would advise not chooseind a party school but pick a school where the students genuinly enjoy what they are studying. This attidude rubs off and if you surrond yourself with people who love learning then it will be easier for you to enjoy school. Im not saying never party, Because college is your home as well as school. Make friends, study with them, talk to your professors. Hopefully you can do these things easily at the college that is right for you.