Purdue University-Main Campus Top Questions

Pay attention to how the students and staff treat you on day on campus events and try to spend some time on campus away from guided tours, if possible, to really get a feel of what the campus is really like.

The advice that I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college is to take a look at all of the options. There are hundreds of colleges and universities and what is right for one student, may not be right for another. Whatever you do, as a student, don't limit yourself. Just because a college is big, that doesn't mean you will always feel ilke just a number. Similarly, just because a school is small that doesn't necessarily mean that your opportunities are limited. Choose the school that makes you feel at home. As for making the most of your college experience, I have two pieces of advice. First , study and get good grades. That is the reason that you are at college. Make use of your resources and your professors, so that later in life you are prepared for the career that you are pursuing. Second, have fun. While you are mainly going to college to get a degree, you are also going to have some great life experiences in new places with new people. College life is at its best when your grades are good, but your friends are better.

Go to the college that is right for you, and don't let anyone pressure you into choosing a certain school. You need to go to a college that is going to benefit you the best not only socially, but also academically. Don't ever let money stop you from going to a college because there is all sorts of scholarships and financial aid that you can receive.

When I was looking for a college, I too was having a hard time figuring out what would be right for me. I finally decided on Purdue just because as soon as I stepped on campus, I felt comfortable. I realize that other factors are important such as academic offerings and things like that, but honestly I would say to pick somewhere that you feel comfortable and that you could see yourself living contently for the next few years. Also, don't just base your college on where your friends are going. Make sure you are picking the school that is right for you individually. It is hard to separate from highschool friends, but if you brach out to where you feel you would fit in the best, you will meet so many new people who are just like you.

They're all the same, just pick the biggest one you can get into...so if you end up hating your major, you can switch and you'll have more options

Academics is important, but it is in no way the entirety of the college experience. Make sure you get involved on campus to get the most out of this experience. Make friends and enjoy a social life too, because in six years, no one is going to care what grade you got on your chemistry exam. Find a campus that you like, if you think it's ugly, you are not going to want to live there the next 4+ years of your life, no matter how good it will look. to have a diploma from there. Long story short, just think long term, and not just academically.

Make sure you visit! And if it's possible to do a sleepover with a current student I reccomend you do it! It gives you a real understanding of what dorm life is like or classes, if you go to class with a current student.

Try everywhere, even if it doesn't seem right, and talk to the advisors that's what they're there for.

Do your research to find the best school that suits your learning style and personality.

GET INVOLVED EARLY!!

Just finding the right college. Visit and ask students who already go to the college you are looking at. It is also best to look at the graduation rate in the field you want to go into.

I would say that you should really let the students choose where they need to be. Make sure that the school fits into your budget and make a visit to the college before you attend. Apply early, turn things in on time and look to the future about everything that you could do and become

I would advise them to research the college and make sure to visit the campus onece they decide which college he/she wants to attend.

I was just talking to a high school student that was interested in my university and these are the main things I stressed when I was telling him about how to choose the right school: school size, however this does not directly indicate class size; diversity in students and factulty; availablity of activities and opportunities, i.e. clubs, study abroad, career fairs; transition to college life through special programs and dormatories. I remember how hard to was to choose a school, but this student seemed very greatful that I shared my experiences.

If you are weary of being homesick then pick a college near home within 3 hour drive, but also one that fits your personality. Basically if you are a conservative, small-town kind of person then don't pick a college in a liberal, highly-populated area. Culture shock may be harder than you think. Make sure to visit the school before you send in the acceptance letter. Most schools have great freshmen orientations which are a great way to move in early and feel socially connected as well. Look into what type of extracurriclars you are interested in and see what they are like at the new college. Give it time and try to stay there the first few weekends if at all possible. Study hard but also allow yourself to have some fun. Live on campus for at least the first year so you can meet a larger number of people from a greater diversity. You learn more lifelong responsiblities.

There are many choices you can make, but choose one that you think that will make you happy. However always remember whatever you choose, its not the school's responsibility to make sure you learn. What you put in is what you get out. You don't need to go to an ivy league school to get a good education. Work hard and many doors you wouldn't expect will be opened.

Pick a school where it is known for your desired major. Pick the one that you can afford. And make sure you visit the school so you can have a feel of the school. In addition make sure just in case your major does not work out it has other majors that may interest you as well.

Be sure to take interest tests and decide upon a field of study and, ideally, a specific career, which the student has a passion for. It will bring confidence to the student if they have specific goals they are trying to achieve. They will be able to begin shaping their life and the things they do to make themselves more desirable to prospective employers. Once a major field of study is selected, college choice should be a matter of a few simple preferences.

Talk to people from the college. It doesn't matter if your student knows the major they want or has no idea. The biggest part of college is going to be the people you are around for 4 years. It's easy to find information about the school cirriculum from the college, but the only way to find out about the people is by talking. You don't want to go somewhere with great academics and then hate it because you can't stand the other students. So visit, walk around, and ask. College students love talking about themselves and their school!

My best advice for parents and students when picking the right college would be to look for a school that caters to what YOU want in your college experience, not with what your family and friends want from you. This is your education and college experience, not theirs. Once you choose your school, participate in things that you wouldn't have when you were in college. The opportunities on many campuses are endless and your participation in them will add to your overall experience. If your worried that the only groups and clubs on campus are academic ones then stop. There is a club for just about every interest you can imagine. Participating in these not only enhances your college experience but it will expand your social network as well. College is by no means a joy ride all the time, but if you learn what works for you, you can make it some of the best years of your life.