University of Iowa Top Questions

When beginning the search for the ideal university, it is important to recognize that there isn't one. Every school has its flaws; the true value of your education comes from what you yourself put into it. Regardless of where you go to school you need to make the conscious effort to be outgoing and adventurous. Almost any school will provide a great experience. But if you are looking for the most beneficial experience, I recommend a simple university-gauging tool? I advise making a list of all of the amenities and programs you imagine your perfect school to have. Bring this list with you as you visit the schools you are interested in. Keep track of the pros and cons, as well as your overall impression of the environment; after all, this will become your new home! When I chose the University of Iowa, I simply asked myself if it met my criteria, and then very simply, "Can I see myself living here?" The answer was an enthusiastic yes and I have been very happy with my college experience.

Finding the right college is a very personal choice. The backgrounds and demographics of college students across the country vary immensely. You have to make the choice for yourself based on your situation. Academics, extracurricular activities, cost, location, and size are just a few of the many things to take into consideration when choosing a school that is right for you. Make sure to establish what you hope to gain from your college experience before making your choice. Once you are in college, don't be afraid to get involved. Try new things. College is an experience you'll only get once. Take academics seriously, afterall, that is what you're in school for. However, remember to pursue the things you enjoy. They will enchance your experience and give you an outlet when schoolwork stress sets in, because it will. Plus, those are the things you'll remember. Build new relationships. College is a place to start over and reinvent yourself if you choose. Just don't forget the things you've already learned and where you came from. Having a solid foundation, as well as a positive outlook for the future are the main keys for success in college.

Choosing a college is one of the biggest choices you will make in life. It is ok to be scared, but do not let those feelings get in the way of your future. Also, make sure to visit the school of your choice before you enroll in it becasue you are going to be spending 4 or more years of your life there and you do not want to have a horrible suprised if you end up not liking the atmosphere. Finally, do what feels most right, do not make your choice based on your friends decisions or your boyfriend or girlfriends decisions. If those people are your true friends they will remain true to you no matter how far you are from them. You will meet new people wherever you go and they will be your best friends for the rest of your life. Finally, shoot for the stars!

Be as sure as you can when entering college so you can best cater to your needs. Say you know you want to go into agriculture, choose a school that has an engaging program. Also, visit the campus determine if the surroundings and the community are what you want to live with for four or more years. Getting good ideas on how to jumpstart a career from advisors or professors is pretty key.

Don't be too uptight about the college you go to. Just make sure that the college has the program(s) you're interested in, has a decent looking campus, and is affordable. There's no reason to really obsess over a colleges ranking. Remember, college is as much about growing soccially and personally as it is academically. Enjoy your four years and do something you are interested in doing.

Sometimes what you want out of a college as you finish high school is not always what you need. Take the time to seriously consider what your needs are as a student going into a more specialized phase of your education. We may want a school that is very narrowly focused on our area of study, but what we actually need is a liberal arts education that will make us into more well-rounded people that are better able to function in our chosen careers. Or we may want a school with no distractions to focus on our work, but what we need is a college with a thriving social system to help us develop personal relationships. Wants and needs can get easily mixed up in the commotion of choosing and applying to schools. Keeping your needs in mind will help to make your choices simpler and clearer.

To find the right college it's very important to apply to a variety of different colleges and actually visit the campus, touring, and perhaps even sitting in on classes and meeting with students, before making a decision on where to attend.

Even if you don't want to do it, do it, because it always works out in the end.

Looking back on my experience in college, my advice is to seek out a college that have faculty who care and are invested in assisting you with your future endeavors. When visiting a college, or speaking to current students there, ask or look into the statistics in regard to the placement of students after college and what assistance is offered to students graduating. Also, look for a school that is diverse and offers a wide range of curricula. These aspects will better help a student explore their interests and hone an array of skills, while diversity enables a student to better appreciate and understand those around her which will yield a more competent and successful future professional. Also, pay close attention to how accomodating the institution will be in regard to financial assistance and scholarships because this may limit your future endeavors, especially if you consider graduate school. Finally, choose a school that offers a wide range of activities to pursue to embellish your college experience, and also an area that yields many businesses eager to take on student interns because an internship can be one of the most crucial ways that a student realizes what career pathway to take.

Do your research, prepare and plan ahead.

My best advice is to go on campus tours. This way you get a good feel for the school and see the student interaction and school life. To make the most out of college be open to trying new things, study hard, be friendly and be yourself.

When finding the right college that will suit parents or your son or daughter, you have to think long and hard about your core values and what means most to you. Once you have figured that out, your process in finding the right school for you will be easier and more rewarding. To make the most out of your college experience, go into it with an open mind and a fresh outlook on where you are. The most rewarding part of coming to a new school, is meeting all the new people who will soon become lifelong friends. Walking into a new situation with an open mind will not only get you friends but with those friends you will see new sides to the school that might have been hidden before. The best thing to do in a new school is go into what ever comes your way with an open mind and a smile.

Look for a school which will aloow you to explore who you are and what kinds of academic or other goals you may want to pursue in the future, rather than one which will streamline your experience too soon. Average undergraduates change their majors an average of 6 times, I believe, and it is vitally important to let yourself explore what is out there before you commit yourself to one path.

When looking at colleges do not be worried about how much it costs to go to a certain college because this is an important part of ones development, which you can not put a price tag on. So, take as many college visits as you can and pick the college that is right for your son or daughter or you as a student. Once the college is picked, try to get as involved as you can. Whatever you feel passionate about or just want to try, go for it! You only get four years to find yourself and do what you want to do!

Yes, it is hard. If it were not such a challenge, everyone would do it. This is where the elite of specialties are born. Yes, it isi competitive, it is after all the real world. Yes, there is a lot of work to be done in order to obtain A's, but it is worth it.

Some people think that within the Big 10 schools, every campus is basically the same. I cannot disagree more. Each campus within the Big 10 is completely different from the next one, so take the time to visit each one. Don't assume you're paying more or less for the same thing, each campus is a different size, different feel, and has different people. I have two older sisters who have gone to different Big 10 schools than I, and we have each had very different experiences. Also, distinguish between the type of campus you want (small or big college town, city, coastal, midwest) because the setting of you college has an enormous impact on your college experience.

Use all of the resources available in order to weigh in options for the best college. Talk to high school counselors, university admisisons, look at the schools website, try websites like the College Board, read books about different colleges. Once you choose a school, be open to anything and be sure to get involved.

Definitly go on as many college visits as possible. If there is a college that you or your child is interested in, check it out! You have nothing to lose just looking. I know when I stepped foot on the University of Iowa's campus, I knew it was perfect for me. Touring campus is most definitly a good indicator on wheter or not the college student will like the campus along with research on what the school is known for. Finding campus activities that the student enjoys such as programs like broadcasting, music, and clubs of the students interests, can attract a student to a college. My best advice is to go where you feel at home on campus and in the community. It is much easier to be yourself and get involved with many other activities that will only make you grow as a person.

Choose a college you believe you'll thrive at, regardless of cost. There are plenty of scholarships and financial aid available. My mom always tells me that "ninety percenty of life is just showing up". It is VERY important to attend all your classes and take lots of notes! Do NOT procrastinate and never give up! Study! Study! Study! Get involved in the community and extra-curriculars and try to volunteer if your schedule allows.

Pick what looks right for you in terms of education and not on other factors such as socialization.