Purdue University-Main Campus Top Questions

I would suggest visiting different colleges and finding one that feels right and has a variety of majors in case your child decides to switch their major which happens quite frequently. Some people enjoy being on a large campus and others like a smaller one. It all depends on your student. You also need to take into consideration where the college is located. In state colleges are typically cheaper and allow your student to come home more often.

First and foremost, students and parents need to look at colleges that provide the field of study that best meets the student's interests. They almost must consider the atmosphere that would best encourage the best possible study habits for that student. I believe it is important for students to be around diverse groups of people as well, and that needs to be something that is considered before deciding where the best place for the student to learn would be. It is important to be around a variety of people in order to learn about different cultures and beliefs. This is benefical for the future as the students will probably be working with a diversity of different groups. It will help to develop further social skills in life.

Try to visit if possible; several times if the campus is high on your list. Talk to as many current and former students as possible. Make sure that you feel like you'll fit in socially, intellectually, and all the other ways that matter to you. Always pick the one that seems the best fit. That's what I did and I'm glad.

Dont picka major that is too hard. Enjoy your life.

pay attention to student to student relationships. In my experience, this is very important in the classroom; even more so than student to professor relationship. Make sure the college or university allows the student to get involved early in internships, research, and clubs. Almost any undergraduate college is the same, but reputation of the school is a big factor after graduation.

In finding the right college, look at your high school and decide what you like and don't like about it. Use those opinions in finding the college that's right for you. Definitely visit the colleges you are looking at and talk to students that currently attend it while you are there. Try to keep from talking to the people that are coached on what to say to you to get you to go to their college. They are told what to say about the college, not necessarily what they really feel. And just use your instincts. If you visit a campus and something just doesn't feel right, don't go there.

I complained about location in my previous responses, but it's really a moot point. Most students will only be at the school for four years, after which, if you went to the right school, you can live wherever you want. I would advise a new student to pick the school that has what they want to do as the most important feature. If you don't know what you want to do, then I would say go to a big school. A school like Purdue has pretty much everything, so life-changing academic decisions aren't all that difficult to make. Also, I would recommend a larger school simply for the experience. You will meet people from all over the world and have opportunities to try all kinds of new things. Secondly, reputation is very important, especially if you plan to go to graduate school. Make sure the school is known for what you want to do, and make sure you work hard and do well. Getting off to a good start your first year will make all the difference in getting internships and just enjoying life as an upperclassman.

As far as finding the right college is concerned, I would say that each person needs to evaluate what he loves. Not what he kind-of likes, or thinks would make the most money, but what he is really passionate about. Once a person knows what he is truly passionate about, he needs to select a school that is known to be a power in that area, and that will be appropriately priced, or will be able to provide sufficient financial aid. To make the most of the experience, I would say that a person needs to experience a little bit of everything -- working while taking classes, not working while taking classes, few credit hours and many activities (intramural sports and a technological users' group for example), and many credit hours with few extra-curricular activities. If a student will put forth the effort to try each of these things, he will meet plenty of new friends from all walks of life andunderstand how to develop a strong work ethic. If a person will do these things, he will be a much more well-rounded person overall than otherwise, and will be able to deal with almost anything in life.

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Students: Have fun and experience as much as you can, but remember that you're there for a degree. Also, remember to get enough rest. Parents: Don't worry about the 'party school' label because every school has it and it's easy to find. Focus more on the respectabilitiy of the degree and the opportunities the school provides. Also, keep in touch, but try not to hold on too tightly.