Purdue University-Main Campus Top Questions

The advice that i would give parents is to let their kid actually make the decision on where they want to go to college and not the parent. Although the parent may be giving financial help, the student is the one that actually has to live their and go to classes and if the student is not enthused and actually like the environment most likely they will do poorly because they dont want to be there. So to really get your money's worth choose the school that not only has a good price but what your child is attracted to also.

Choose what is best for you, not your parents, friends, or boyfriend/girlfriend.

I would say search for a college based on your major and location. I have seen students, including friends i have gone to high school with choose a school based on where they would have the most fun. I always say go based on your major, you can have a great social life anywhere. Also, if you really want to get away from home go for it, just be sure it won't take forever for your family to reach you. In other owrds, look at schools in states where you have relatives. Last , but not least, enjoy your college experience becauseit goes by quick.

It's hard to know what kind of person you are when you graduate from high school. Many people don't want to be separated from their best friends. I know that the main reason I came to Purdue was to be with my friends. Little did I know that many of my friends left Purdue after the first year and the ones that did stay, I hardly ever speak to anymore. I would be sure to go to the school that feels right for you, even if you are the only person from your high school to go to that college or university. You always make friends in college anyway. Don't waste four years somewhere where you will be unhappy. College is supposed to be the best time of your life and the time to learn who you are. Don't be afraid to branch out and try new things, that's what its all about.

Save your money. Try to participate in extra-curricular activities on campus. Volunteer while you are in high school - it looks good on your application. Plan how you are going to pay for extras like books (buy used!), lab fees, etc.

Finding the right college is more about the student's personality than the parents' wants/desires for that student. If the student is not comfortable in their surroundings (i.e. the campus is so large they are overwhelmed, so small they are bored etc.) they will not do as well in their studies. They will find excuses why they can't make it to class or don't need to etc. Also, take the weather into consideration when you decide on what college to attend and where to live. If the weather is going to be harsh for say winter or the rainy season make sure you live close so you can get to classes that won't be cancelled when the weather is so bad you can barely drive there if at all. Lastly, take finances into consideration because having to work to pay for school and rent and all that takes a significant portion of your time and it puts more stress than you think on your studies. You should be able to spend your time at internships and jobs that will give you experience in your proposed field.

When trying to find the right school or college, always visit the campus. I know the looks of a campus is not something you really focus on, but sonetimes you get to campus and you feel weird or uncomfortable (its happened to me) even though it has academically everything you wanted. There is always more than one school who will fit your academic needs that will also have that feeling of belonging.

After spending almost four disappointing years here at Purdue University, I can absolutely say that the right college makes all the difference toward maximizing one's college experience. While one can certainly make the most of any given college, whether they fit in with the social norms or are outcast into the outside cliques, time spent in finding the right college atmosphere may be the most important aspect of insuring an amazing college experience. Even though large colleges, such as Purdue, claim diversity in numbers, a majority of campus behaves according to the stereotype, in this case extremely conservative, which is difficult to overlook. Find the college that makes you happy. Find the college where you fit in. Find the college that feels like home. Only then will you have the foundation to make the most of your college career.

Visit every campus that you are interested in and take career consuling test before you decide your major

no point in going to the hardest school you can get into, you want to do WELL in college. An A from your state school and an A from a "better" school still give you a 4.0 and you want a HIGH gpa....if you can get a 4.0 from your state school but only a 3.5 from your "better" prospective school, go with the 4.0. Go to a school near the place you want to get a job. employers go searching for people near the places their located, they also try not to move people very far from home (then they'd have to give more and longer vacations and hear the employer complain about how much better home is) visit the school and make sure you like the atmosphere. city schools sound trendy, but they aren't for everyone, and you may not realize that until you've been on campus without mom and dad for a day or two.