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.

Make sure to visit a lot of campuses, that way you can compare one to the other.

Don't hesitate to throw anything out. Something you never think you would be interested in might surprise you later. Research hard and find what you like, but keep in mind, every campus produces success, because every campus has successful people on it. It's not about which campus has the best fraternities or food venues, it's about how hard you work and the time you put into your work. You are your success, not your campus.

Finding the right college is about finding a place where you would be happy; this is not necessarily the most prestigious school. Some people do better at really big schools where they can be anonymous; others like a more intimate setting where they can really get to know their professors. I think that what you get out of your education is what you put into it; for example, I came out of a little-known state school (that is not even close to being "prestigious") that happened to have an excellent program in chemistry that really nurtured me and gave me a lot of opportunities; now, I am attending a top-20 medical school. It's all about what you put into it - you should get involved with things you are passionate about and learn as much as you can in your classes - after all, you are paying for your education, so you may as well get your money's worth! College is all about finding what you want to do for the rest of your life, so you have to experience things to get a sense of who you are and what you would be successful doing.

visit the college often and don't make this decision without your parents and pray.

I would tell them to look at all aspects of the colleges they are interested in. It is important to know how the university stands academically including the student-teacher ratio, the types of classes offered and the availability of extra help if needed. I also think it is important to look at the campus. You want to make sure who are going to be going somewhere you are comfortable since this is going to be your home for the next few years. Extracurricular activities are also sgnificant. Many employers look for this part of a persons resume and base some of their decisions to hire you on what extra things you did in college.

When I was applying for college, I took the advice of an instructor. I had not planned on attending Indiana State University because it was located in the city where I was raised. However, after hearing that the school offered the program that I was interested in, I acted on the instructors advice and applied for the school. Although I never visited the campus or took a day off from school to come and walk around the campus, I visited the financial aid office with my father. I would advise parents, along with their son or daughter, to visit the campus and to become aware of what the school has to offer. Whatever program the son or daughter is wanting to investigate, have them talk with the instructors about the work that is required in the program; the overall workload and expectations of the professors. Also, have the students and his or her parents visit the financial aid office and find out what programs or scholarships are offered for their child, as well as jobs on or off campus. This will give them a head start. Lastly, pray about the major and see what desires God puts on your heart.

Pray about what college to attend. I was advised by a teacher in high school who is an alum of I.S.U. to attend the university for the particular degree program that I was seeking. I have found the college to be super in terms of availability of professors, faculty, and staff. The university is riddled with hard-working individuals and people who really want to help make the campus a better environment for potential students. For making most of the college experience, parents should invest in their child's future. Get to know the financial aid staff and make yourself known to them. They will be working with you for the next 4-6 years. Also, make yourself aware of what goes on in the campus; any extra-curricular activies. Students, invest in your campus. Get to know people and get to know your professors. Whatever profession you choose, the professors know a lot and want to help you become better prepared for the future. Enjoy the studies that you are in, but also know that good study habits and recreational activities will benefit you in the future. Develop good habits early.

Students should find a school that lets them be themselves.

Start early, keep focused and remember it's always attainable. Parents need to start early on talking about college and the importants of a good education. Also start early in looking for scholarships with their children as early as middle school, there are many out there awarded to 13 year olds. Students need to be reminded from middle school on, grades are important, from freshman on your GPA + ACT or SAT can get you in or keep you out. Your college experience is all up to you. Get involved with your college, get to know your school both academically & socially. Your professors & advisors can be one of your best resources to attain your goals. Friends you make in college can last a lifetime. The end result of college can influence a lifetime.

I strongly urge students and their parents to go on as many college visits as possible. Visit any college you, the student, have interest in. Be sure to take into consideration the atmosphere and environment. Once you have visited all the colleges you want, make a top five list and decide on at least three of the top five to apply for admission. Students and parents should research the colleges and find out classroom sizes, campus size, the amount of help financially and academically offered, and the college's rate of job placements. Parents need to be supportive and listen to all ideas the flow through the students. Parents also should not push their student in one direction or the other. It is the student?s life, not parents. While in college, I encourage students to be active in sports, whether it is intramurals or varsity. Get active in organizations or clubs that interest you. Use all the help that is offered if you need it. Be sure to get involved the first few weeks because that is where you meet most of your friends.