University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

Go away to school! Do not have your child live at home while attending college. Campus life is a huge part of the entire college experience. Students will learn the most about themselves and their abilities while away.

When I was applying for college, I tended to only look at the "ranking" of the schools, but now that I'm hereI feel that I could have done much better with choosing which colleges to apply. There is so much more practical issues in choosing a college-- how it will provide for you in making the right choices, how the weather will be, or how accessible resources are. Once you're here, you also have to have an open mind on revising career plans and also actually go to people to find out about what is available to you. Even if there are tons of resources and help, it will not come find you. Also, try not to miss any classes. Nobody's watching you, but just being there physically may help you in the longer run. Always be grateful that you can be there to learn all those things, especially if you are a dependant(like me).

Equilibrium is the important thing to consider when choosing a college, because a balanced and healthy life is the key for success and happiness. It is crucial to have strong academic focus and diligence, but also to maintain a healthy level of fitness and enjoyable social activities in order to be a well-rounded and capable individual. Consider your personal interests and values, and then think about how they may or may not amalgamate with those of each college that you are considering. Keep in mind that you will grow and change no matter where you go. You have control over many aspects of your experiences to come, but you will also be forced to adapt and make the best of things when your plans go awry or external factors get in the way. Ultimately, do not let your fears prevent you from having the wonderful college experience that is awaiting you! You can accomplish anything if you try hard enough.

make sure to visit the campus. Once the choices have narrowed spend a day and night with a student at the university. Find out what activities and services the university can provide. Also ask students how they get help in classes they struggle in.

I think the road I took in finding the right college worked pretty well. It definitely helps if you know what you want to major in because then you can look into the top schools in that field. The biggest part in finding the right school was actually going to the school for a visit. I don't think I can stress that enough; find a couple schools you think you might like and go take the provided tour at each one. Apply to as many schools as you want, but get the applications done early. Once you've been accepted and visited the schools you like, make your decision and get back to them as soon as possible. In order to make the most of your college experience, I think you need to live your life. Go out and find things you want to do, but don't get too crazy. I think the most important thing in college is to simply go to class; don't start making excuses to skip becasue that will hurt you in the end. Overall, just remember that you will make mistakes, but you need to learn from them to succeed.

Find one that feels right. Most people like schools in the big ten, and I have friends who were disappointed they went to a smaller school.

Consider the individual needs of student and disregard most of marketing materials from colleges.

Try to visit the colleges you apply to first and stay with a student for a day or two. Stay with someone you know if possible, but it's not necessary. Visit on a Friday so you can attend classes and experience the academic side of campus, but then go out with the student that night and experience the social side of campus. This way you get a glimpse of what it feels like to be a student at that school and if it feels right for you. Do not wholly base your college choice on facts and figures. When I chose the Univeristy of Illinois, I was worried it was too large and that I would feel overwhelmed. However, after spending three semesters here I've discovered ways get comfortable, to find a niche. By living in a dorm, joining clubs, and a fraternity I have found a close circle of friends with whom I can hang out, study, share my concerns, and share my joys. My friends from my dorm last year and my fraternity brothers serve as my own community of support and help me feel at home, even at this large and, at times, intimidating school.

be open minded, make new friends

If you're very particular about where you live then it's important to think about what kind of environment you would thrive in. If not, it's easy to find your niche in any campus. If you aren't sure what direction you're going in terms of your future profession, then it would also be wisest to choose a college that offers a great variety of majors and pre-professional programs.