Illinois Wesleyan University Top Questions

Many students tend to worry about the right school to choose for undergraduate studies; the reality of the situation is, however, that no matter where you end up going (barring a terrible roommate or homesickeness), college will be fun! Living on your own, being independent, oppening yourself up to new cultural and social experiences are situations you will find yourself in at nearly any school you choose to attend. The most important choice comes down to where you will be most comfortable making those new decisions, finding those new friends, and finding out who you are as a person living on your own. Someone once told me, "you'll just know it when you step on that campus, that you could spend the rest of your life there." Now, I don't know about the rest of my life, but when I stepped on the campus that I ended up attending, those words rang true, and I felt very comfortable there with the people and the prevalent attitude on campus. The best advice I could give is to make the visits, get a feel for the school, and don't worry about having fun, because it will still happen!

Make sure not to force a student to pick a school based on either a parent's preferences or what they want to do now as it might change in a few years anyway.

Look around at several options before making a decision. Parents, allow for your student to choose for themselves with some advice from you. Find out what college will work with your income and financial situation. Students look for what you'll love, not just what you'll like, because it will be your home for atleast 4 years. Find a place that you are most comfortable and will get you money's worth. Never be afraid to ask questions, actually, ask a lot of questions. Enjoy the search because it only happens once in your life. It's a fun, bonding experience!

Start your search on the internet to find a school that meets your interests, both academically and socially (and even athletically if you are looking to be a student-athlete). Once you have a list of potential schools, VISIT THEM. The campus visit is perhaps the most important of the search process; a school may look good on paper, but you need to actually set foot on the campus to make sure that it is the right fit for you. But most importantly, don't make the decision based on one factor alone. For example, I originally ruled out a particular school because it was in my hometown and I did not want to be one of "those people" that never left their hometown. However, it had all of the components I was looking for in a school and I liked it better than any of the other schools I visited. Despite the geography, I chose to attend the school in my hometown, and if I had to make the decision again, I definitely wouldn't change it. I know I picked the right school for me.

Don't take it for granted. Enjoy it, because it's over sooner than you could ever want it to be.

When choosing a school be very aware of your own personality and how well you make friends and how you meet people. It's easy to lose yourself at a big school and likewise easy to not find your place at a small school just the same. Also make time for fun and socializing, without it school work will make you crazy.

To parents: regardless of what you thing, or where you went to college, or what you want for your children, college is for them. The worst thing a parent can do is say "when I was at school I studied this, and you should too". Giving advice in this way isn't seen by your children as you giving them advice. It's actually interpreted as our parents telling us what to do, and where to go, and we resent it. Encourage your students to choose based on what they are interested in. The final choice in school and program of study has to be your child's decision for them to make the most out of the college experience. To Students: make the most out of every opportunity. Even if you feel like going Greek might not be right for you, give it a shot and chances are you'll meet a lot of people--in Greek Life--that felt the same way. Don't ever stop giving the most you can give and remember college isn't about getting all a's. It's about finding and sharing life-long experiences with life-long friends.

My advice is to go with your gut. I picked Wesleyan because it just felt right to me. I knew I would regret it if I didn't come. I'm glad I did because I love my school and couldn't imagine myself anywhere else.

Finding the right college is an experience in itself. The student must choose a college that is right for them; he or she should make the decision with their mind and heart. Choosing a college is one of the most important opportunities of a lifetime, and with the decision one must be knowledgable and patient. The student and his or her parents should research schools, tour, and visit a variety of schools prior to making the decision. Once the decision is made, the student should know, that if they ever have doubts, or are unhappy, they always have options! Every experience and every decision happens and is made for a reason; the student and his or her parents should make the most out of the college experience. Live, learn, have fun, and prepare for the rest of life's journey.

Do what feels right. Visit the schools you are intersted in and talk not only to the administrators, but the professors and actual students, as scary as that sounds. They will tell you real information most of the time, not just what the admassions counslor wants you to know. Also, ask about the social aspects as well as academic. See if the school you want to go to is greek dominated or independent, or if there is a good mix. find otu what dorms are teh best for meeting people and where are the good parties are so you will know whats up when you get there. Also, realize that it isn't liek high school. There is noone lookinf aver your schoulder making sure youare getting your work done and going to class, that all on you. take advantage of it but don't abuse it., but remember they say teh first semester freshmen year doesn't count., but try to make it worth while. And get to know one of your professors or advisors so that when you have a question you can ask then without the awkwardness that results form a first encounter. relax and have fun!