Indiana State University Top Questions

I would tell parents and students to do as much research as possinble when selecting a university. Thoroughly browse through the website, call the department chair of the field of your choice, and schedule a campus visit and tour to ensure that the college is right for you. The visit is a very important step in which some people choose not to partake, but it is the only way to know whether the campus "feels right" to you. To make the most of the college experience, students should find the balance between fun and academics. I had a wonderful time in college but still maintained a 3.91 GPA and graduated with honors. Most campuses have numerous activities in which students can get involved. Find the ones that interest you, do your research, and sign up early! An important point to remember is don't overload yourself! Although there are hundreds of campus activities, you cannot participate in them all and must be sure not to let your schoolwork suffer. On the other hand, be sure not to let schoolwork overwhelm you- take breaks and have fun, because four years will be over before you know it!

If you can stay at home and save money do it, but expect to give your kid some lose rules.

Finding the right college is like finding the pair of shoes which fit the most. Students must make sure they are comfortable with the institution they are going to attend, and parents need be supportive of the student's decision. Although academics are the primary reason for college, the student is the one who lives there. College opens up a whole new world for students; for some it is the first time away from home, for others its the first time they have control of when their "bedtime" is and which kind of people to associate with. Students must learn to function socially while focusing on why they are attending college in the first place: for their academics. Its a tough life and hard to find balance between work and play. Through determination and a few personal experiences, students will figure out how to succeed in college. It is up to the parents to be there for the students when they need it, but not necessarily to know their student's activities on a daily basis. Students may or may not tell their parents how their personal lives are, and this is something parents should be ready to deal with.

Make sure your kids pick a place that they are going to get the most out of. College is an experience like no other and kids should enjoy their college experience.

Try to find a college that is close to home. It will be a lot cheaper. Also pick one that is located in a good town, that way you won't get bored.

I am very lucky to have found the right university for me. I encourage all incoming freshman to visit many campuses and apply to all universityies you may want to attend. The size of the campus and living conditions of the town will have an impact on you time at the university; seeing a variety of campuses will help you choose the best college for you. I would also encourage incoming freshman to talk to students who attend the university; see how their experience has gone, learn their dislikes and likes about the campus. Finally I would advise the future students to research colleges and what major areas are focused there. Certain universities focus are certain major topics and can be more helpful when job hunting. I know I am an Education major and at Indiana State they offer early experience in community schools to better prepare future teachers. This is great and I know some schools do the same activities for other majors, so definately reasearch universities for your area of study.

Find a college that fits you! Remember that this will be your home for the next 2-4 years. Look at what the university has to offer you if they have sports you like, clubs you may want to join, activites to do or if they are good with job placement. We as students go off to college to get an education, but we also have to realize that college isn't just school, its an experience. For most this will be the first time we will be living on our own, making our own rules, making decisions for ourselves and being responsible for those decisions. If you attend a university for the wrong reasons you will be miserable and 4 years is a long time to be miserable. So my advice is to research lots of schools, make visits see the campus for yourself. Not only that talk to students as you see them around get a current students opinion. Just remember college will be your home and as the old saying goes "Home is where the heart is!"

Look at as many places as you can!

Different schools are known for their different majors; thus, if the student has decided a major, I would first look at schools who have excellent programs in that area. Also, the student needs to consider in what environment he or she thrives. I prefer smaller class sizes on a campus with a community type feeling, which is why I choose the school I did. In addition, it is important to discover what the campus has to offer, including transition programs and extracurricular activities. It is also important to speak with current students to learn more about the campus environment. For instance, I do best with challenging professors, and I found out that my university had many professors like this through speaking with students. To make the most out of college, it is very important to get invovled. Students can do this by playing sports, joining clubs, attending events on campus, finding employment on campus, etc. Students need to create a home away from home at college. In addition, students need to remember why they are at college: to learn. I believe it is important to go above and beyond; let curiosity lead and do more work than is expected.

Make sure they are ready for the whole experience . Let them know that this is a SERIOUS EXPERIENCE, and that they can have fun with out alcohol and drugs.