Illinois State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Illinois State University know before they start?

Britnee

Reseacrh !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kara

Apply to any and all schools you are interested in. Let no limit hold you back, all temperatures and places should be considered. You would be surprised the outcome you get. Then the hard part comes; choosing. Do not rush this decision, but do not fret; whatever your choice friends will follow. Do not forget to join clubs and talk to people in class and above all be yourself. Being true to yourself means that lasting friendships are inevitable. Then the hard part is telling them you have to study.

Kyle

Take risks, work hard on school work, and follow your dreams.

Erin

It is essential to visit many different colleges and campuses to determine whether the student envisions themselves to finish all four years and graduate. The power of the environment plays an imperative role to catering to the unique traits of every individual. No two people are alike, so the necessity of finding the college to suit the needs of a young adult is key. Many things have changed since parents have attended school, so the students should seek advice from those close to their age. They should ask questions concerning the programs/majors available at schools, campus social life, where the best place to live is and extra curricular activites offered at the school. It is crucial for students to manifest an open mind as going away to school is a huge transition and wil also be the greatest asset in their future. College is a time to discover who you are , who you want to be, and the process and path it takes to get there to find happiness and self-fufillment. College is by far the best decision I have made and attending college is i the best advice I can offer.

Heather

The best advice I could give would be to visit each of the colleges that the student is interested in. The college should also be strong in the sense of learning and education and a college shouldn't be chosen on the wrong reasons like partying. The college student should get involved with whatever interests them and try to meet as many people as possible a long the way. Friends made at college are friends for life. I would also tell the student to always keep up in their studies and to never give up. Education is a way to a better future and a better life.

Britany

Look at first financial situation. Next look at degrees offered and job placement. Then find a campus that you like the campus or extra activities at. I would say to go somewhere not too far from home. You will be syrprised how home sick you can become! Good Luck!!

steve

You must select a college based on how you feel when visiting the school. Don't select a school just because it has high academic standards. If you are not happy at the school, or it does not have activities that you love to participate in, your will never reach those high academic standards. The college has to have a balance of classes and activities that will help you to feel at home and thus, will enhance your ability and your desire to succeed. Wherever you are, you will be able to succeed in life based on your desire, and desire will come from the nurturing and welcoming feeling from selecting the right college for you.

Brittany

go the school that you feel will better you as a person, don't pick a school based on just the social life or just academics. there is much more learning about life outside of the classroom and you have to find the place that is right for you to do that learning!

Jeremy

You should dig deep into what they have to offer for a major to make sure what the school offer best fits your needs.

Alexandra

The advice that I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience would actually be advice that my band director gave to me when I was college searching. Make sure you only have one "reach school" and then apply to many schools that you are capable of getting into. The right school has a way of choosing you and even if you think you do not want to go there, give it a chance. I did not want to go to my school, which is in the middle of nowhere, because I wanted to be in the city but I ended up loving my school. Fate has a way of pairing students up with the school they are supposed to go to. So, do not stress if you do not get into your dream school because if you did not get in then that school should not be your dream anyway. Also, do not forget to join everything and get involved right away to make tons of friends and do not be shy. This is the time to try new things and be a whole new person.

Veronica

The best advice I can give anyone preparing for college is to take your time. A lot of time is spent deciding on what school to attend but not enough time is spent deciding what to study. Carefully chose a career field/major to go into and plan your college career around that choice. A lot of time and money can be wasted by chosing and changing majors while attending college. This is especially important for transfer students. If you are planning on transferring from a two year college to a four year college decide where you are going to transfer at the same time you decide where to start. Plan your classes at the two year college around what will transfer into your selected major at the four year college. Work closely with your advisors from both schools to ensure the smoothest transition. Always double check, multiple times and with multiple people, that what you have planned will work out like you want it to. When you get to college work hard and take it seriously. You can achieve anything if you work hard enough. Most importantly, study hard and be friends with your teachers.

Alyssa

The key ingredient to finding the right college and making the most of it is the environment in which the university provides the students. Visit each campus you are interested in for a day, longer if possible. Eat in the cafeteria, sit in on a class, talk to the students on the quad, or common area, spend a night in the university dorm if you can. Universities are never adequately described on paper. Just because a university has a great reputation doesnt mean that its the right fit for you. When I applied for college I had my heart set in on Suffolk University in Boston, but it turned out that I was more comfortable on a traditional campus, rather than a vertical (urban) one. Visiting a college makes you see the school in a different light, and for me, changed the entire path of my education for the better.

Kelsey

just make sure that you like everything about it! once you see the campus and get the feel for it you will know if its right for you or not

Michelle

Make sure it has a wide array of majors to choose from just in case you change your mind. Visit more than once. Stay overnight when you visit at least once. Make sure you pay attention to your gut feeling when choosing; pick a place for the right reasons, and pick a college YOU want to go to, not one your parents might want you to go to. Get involved and try your best to make friends. Go to plays and musical performances. Eat well and get enough sleep. Don't get caught up in the drinking scene; it's not the right vehicle through which good friendships are made and healthy relationships are started. Take at least one day per week to do something for yourself; relax. Stay in touch with friends and family. Keep a positive attitude and make the best of your situation and you will do great!

Kathryn

ISU rocks

Michelle

Go to as many college visits as you can, by looking at a campus on a tour. It really helped me figure out where i wanted to go and i recomend it.

Olivia

Its important to have an idea of wheather you want to me in a city or a small town: that ends up mattering. But otherwise, you can pretty much bank on having the same experience where ever you go. Also, college is really expensive and if you can, save WELL in advance. And try as hard as you can to be done in 4 years.

Daniel

When you to visit a campus ask to look in on classes and talk with some of the students there to see how they really feel about he school they are attending.

Stephanie

Do not look into schools solely for the familiarity of their name (i.e., Ivy Leage schools, or places like University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign). Take a look at what the schools are well known for, as well as what they have to offer outside of classes. It is not absolutely necessary to go to an east coast or west coast school, and there is no need to go to a school hundreds of miles away when there is a school that is just as decent within your state. If you are intimidated by big cities, it would be better to skip schools like DePaul or University of Chicago in Chicago. This also goes for students who like urban/populated areas. Attending a school located somewhere in the middle of miles of cornfields may not be a good choice. When you do find the right college, make sure you join something. There are many clubs, music ensembles and sports to choose from. You will find people who have the same interests as you, and it will give you something to do besides classes and school work, and have something fun to look forward to every day.

Anna

I would say to new students remember to try new things but dont forget who you are and where you came from.