Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis Top Questions

I would tell others that it is very important to choose a school with people, professors, and a campus that fits the prospective students idea of what he/she is looking for in life. Look deeply into the program that you want to go in to, and make sure that not only does it fit the criteria that the work world sets forth, but also your own. I would also say that it is very important to get multiple opinions from persons that already attend the schools that you are looking at. Another important factor is advising. From personal experience I know how frustrating it can be to receive bad advising which can cause numerous problems including more time in school than originally planned. Another factor to consider would be the statistics of that particulr school's graduation rates, as well as out of that number how many students did or did not graduate in 4 years. Most of all I would reccomend a visit to each prospective school during a normal (non-orientation) day. This will allow you to see what campus 'really' looks like.

Whatever your first choice, stick it out for at least a year- even if you don't like it at first.

Make sure the college you find will not only fit the needs of your child, but also a place they can have fun and live independenly as they live out their lives working for their future.

Do not apply here they do not value you as a student.

Make sure you do yourself a favor and do research. The internet is the biggest help!! You can to any school website and get all the information you need. And when you find that college, stay focused and be active in your classes. The main goal comes sooner than you think.

I would like to tell the future college students that they should choose the college that fits their interests. Factors like if you like a large environment, variety of classes, on-campus house, diversity, more activities and other choices can help decide which college is right for you. Parents can decide by determining how they want their children to learn, whether is a big, social environment or a small, conservative limited community, or whatever they prefer. The students can make the most of their experience by participating very actively in classes, clubs, and sororites/fraternities, etc. Also, they can help out with campus activities and this way can make a lot of new friends, who can be their supports through their college career and even after.

Finding the right college can be tough. There are so many colleges out there! But after having gone through the process myself (twice), I realized there are a few criteria to be aware of while looking. One of the most important qualities to look for is good academics. If the school doesn't have good teachers, degree programs, and hands-on, enriching programs, it's not worth spending your money there. For that matter, as I have experienced myself, know your major before you make a decision about a school. That way, you have already looked at the school's program for that major. Some universities have wonderful science programs but horrible education programs, for example. Also many schools offer hefty scholarships often, pertaining to your major, when entering as a freshman. If you switch majors or transfer later on, you lose those scholarships, and chances are that your new program or school will not provide that kind of money. And of course, schools differ in their price and how they handle money. Look at your financial situation before choosing your school. Doing all of this will hopefully help you have a more pleasant time in college. Good luck!

Find a place that has an admirable area that pertains to the field you want to study.

Make sure that you or your child has an idea of what they want to do, as changing majors is very costly and can be a big hinderance.

Look hard, and make sure you know what you are getting.

Do what you want to do! Don't think about what will make you the most money in the future, go after what you are most passionate about and your school years will be so much more fun and will be alot less stressful.

My advice to parents and students would be to first of all narrow your choices down to 3-4 colleges and take at least 1 trip to visit and look around. When you have narrowed it down to 1-2, take a second trip and really look around as well as talk to admissions and academic advisors for your certain area. When deciding, not only look at the college for your carrer choice, but also look at it for your comfort, you will be there for at least 4 years, you want to enjoy those years. Look at their activites and what would interest you. Last, while in college enjoy your time, but remember why you are there. If you major in only socializing, your academics and career will be in jepordy. Find a balance between school, work and social activities.

Do not rush into what seems to be the easiest or most attractive college at first; often you will find that many of the best choices are less flashy than others and contain more subtle, but far more beneficial characteristics than the common first picks.

My advice to a parent of future college student would be to figure out what you want from a college and what you hope to gain from college. After you do that research and visit colleges in order to determine if they even meet your criteria in what you want from a college. Then if they offer what you want look at post-graduation employment record, housing facilities, and how they plan on personally helping the student to exceed. Each one of these is important in determining where you should attend school. Remember that sometimes your first choice isn't always your best choice and that it is okay to change your mind trust me I say that with lots of experience and now I am completely happy with my choice. Good luck.

Most importantly, understand the financing of school and understand your loans, grants, and financial aid! Second, be patient and take your time. You learn an incredible amount about yourself and who you are while you attend college. Make sure you enjoy the experience, you're there to learn how to be smarter than everyone else! When you go to college, you are part of the elite. Make sure you don't waste your time, money, and education! Make sure that you make friends while you're there and just have a good time. Don't stress out on everything, but don't put everything off. Get your work done, then have some fun.

Choose the school that suites your academic needs. Sure, it's fun to go to the big school that has all the athletics and sororities/fraternities, but school is only four years and if you don't get a quality education and don't stay focused at school and instead let other factors hinder your performance, then you will have wasted so much time and money. Get involved in other campus activities to meet new friends yet, always keep your academics as your number one priority. :)

When choosing a school, make sure that you visit the campus and talk with advisors and professors. It is even a great idea to talk to students of different ages to see if they are getting the proper education and experience out of the school that they chose. If your thoughts and wants are similar to theirs, it will be likely that you will be satisfies with your choice. Do not base your decisions of those of your friends, because you may not end up wanting the same things out of life. Every school has something to offer, but there is always a right choice for everyone. Don't be afraid to expand your horizons and research!

I would recommend parents to not make their children work over 15-20 hrs a week, unless it is financially impossible for the student to live at home and the parents supporting him/her. I would also recommend that the parents encourage their child and make sure they are doing well in their classes. College is a big deal and is usually a life changing experience for those that apply themselves.

Plan your financial future early, and don't go to a school because of its name. Look to make sure that they have programs that you are interested in.

Research your prospective schools.