University of Iowa Top Questions

My advice would be just to be open. Don't pick schools just because you can identify with its religious or political affiliations. Have an idea of what you are interested in, and be informed about what that school has to offer in that area. Apply for as many scholarships as you can, its worth it. Once in college, don't necessarily drop your old friends, but be sure to make new ones. Study what interests you, that way when things get tough in that class, you still have a reason to stick with it. Participate in activities that your closest friends don't. Form study groups. Ask questions. Have fun, but keep in mind that college is first and foremost an educational experience.

Have fun.

I would let parents and students know that learning how to be an adult is just as important as the coursework. Balancing social and academic life is very important.

For students I would say to get involved and don't be afraid to be who you really are.

When looking for the right college it all comes down to what to want to get out of the experience. Some essential questions: Can you picture yourself there? Do you want to be close to/ far from home? Do you want it to be a small/big community? Does it include degrees that you are interested in? My advice would be to get involved! There are so many opportunities to make friends and it will all look great on your resume?. Someone wrote in my highschool year book to spend all of my money on education and travel becuase those are the two things that no one can take from you. This is the best advice I have ever recieved. Following this advice has made me grow into a responsible adult that is well rounded in academics and knowledgable of several cultures and languages. I was able to travel to both Australia and Europe through school related programs. Travelling as a student is much cheaper, and a great way to get to know yourself, as well as other people around the world!

Take everything into consideration including the quality of education, distance from home, and the campus. Definitely live in the dorms your first year, because it is a great way to meet people. The main thing to always remember is you are at school to learn. Do not let your grades fall because you are going out to much.

Don't just listen to the tour guides when visiting potential schools, try to talk to students who don't have an interest in selling the university to you. Go on more than one visit to the school, at different times of year to get a feel for the weather. If you need to find employment don't wait till after classes start, try applying at least a few weeks before. Don't pick your school based on its sports teams.

There are multiple topics that should be found out about each college the student and/or parent is interested in, like the diversity, class size, the majors and minors offered, and many more. The student and parent should visit the campus to find out more first hand on the campus environment and the on campus information. Find out about the activities that the student would like to be involved in and how difficult it is to get involved. Also find out about the major that the student was to pursue in. See if the major is offered there firstly. Then find out more about the college and the admissions requirements. See how competitive the college is to get into the program and if the student is motivated enough to attain those requirements. Lastly, don't be afraid to ask around to other students attending there about what they think of the campus. See what their reactions are and get involved on the first time your at the campus and see if it is the place you would like.

Research, research, research. Talk to more people that attend the school than JUST the person that gives you the tour or that work in an informational center. It's their job to convince you that the school is amazing. Sit down and make a list of what you really want out of a school and focus on that. You spend 4 years there, so don't compromise.

In order to find the right college for you, you must look deeper than the appearance of the college campus and its surroundings. Go to a lecture in progress. Is it the right size for you? Does the professor seem interested in what he/she is teaching? Find the right college is a hard decision to make, but students and parents have to consider everything the college has to offer. Pick a college that offers things that you like including sports, volunteer experiences and extra culicular activites. When I chose my college I looked at the price, the location and the social life. I did not pay attention to how large the classes were and how many bars were surrounding the campus. When you attend a college that is based on drinking it is hard to focus on your school work instead of your social life. College is supposed to be the time of your life, but you are supposed to learn things such as course work, how to make friends, and learn about people that are different than you. Chose a college where you feel comfortable being you!

I think you really need to look at what is the greatest fit for you, and not pay so much attention to what college books say about them, or how they are ranked in national surveys. (:

In order to find the best school, a student needs to find the one that best fits his or her's needs. A student and their parents need to determine what issues are most important to them. Such as educational level, cost, promixity to home, and other key factors. To make the best of the college experience a student needs to find the best balance of school and social life. It is important to get involved on campus, this is the best way to meet new people. One of the best parts about college is the new people one will meet.

Visit as many of the schools you apply to as possible. If you can't picture yourself there, being happy, learning, taking the next step in life then the school is not for you. If it doesn't feel right, then it probably isn't. Don't let money be the deciding factor because too many of my friends chose that way and ended up quite unhappy with the school they chose.

The advice I would give students is go to a school that you have always wanted to. If you have always wanted to go to USC or Nebraska, then go. College is the best time of your life. People say that all the time but it really is true. Except for the whole homework thing. That isn't so great but you learn to be responsible. Also, college is where you learn time management. You will meet so many new people and experience great things everyday. The college experience can be achieved in different ways. From studying, partying, volunteering, and to hanging out with friends. The funny thing about that list is all of that can happen in that order. College is a crazy, eye opening time and it is where you really find who you are.

I would encourage the families to visit a wide variety of schools in order to see what type of school fits their needs best. I would warn the parents to listen to their child when the student expresses their views about the college they want to go to because every parent wants their kid to have a great experience, and an experience they want to enjoy, so do not pressure your kid to go to Harvard or Yale if they really do not want to go there. Talk to the students when you visit schools, and ask them why they choose that school and if they are happy with their choice. That will tell you more about the college than any visitors guide ever could. Keep your options open because you never know what may surprise you, and turn out to be the best experience of your life.

When I was looking at colleges, the most helpful thing for me was going on a campus visit. Just seeing the campus and getting a feel for what life was like was a major factor in my decision process. I really had to learn to listen to my gut decision when I was on campus and weighing my options. Yes, money and location/climate where also factors, but I couldn't base my decision on that because that's not what the college experience is all about. After every visit I would get in te car and immediately write down my thoughts about the school which was a great resource to look back to when it came to be decision time. Once I got on campus, the best thing that I did was make connections with the people in my resident hall and meet some older students who gave me great advice about what was fun to do on campus. I am an avid sports fan, but even if you aren't, try going to at least one major sporting event. They are so much fun and it's a great way to show school spirit!

Get involved in extracurricular activities as early as possible. Be sure to focus on getting the grades you want your Freshman year, because otherwise you'll regret it later!

When you visit a school see where you feel the most comfortable. Finding where you fit in is the most important thing. Iowa has such friendly people that anyone will feel welcome here. If you are looking for a school with excellent academics, school spirit, and every type of extracurricular imaginagle, Iowa is the place for you. There are always new ways to become more involved on campus and there is something for everyone here. Be open minded to your college expereince and come to school with the attitude that you are going to have a good time here and that these will be the best four years of your life. GO HAWKS!

Don't follow your girlfriend/boyfriend to a school. Visit many schools and find the one that is the exact fit for you, not one that is ok and you think you can make work.

I would tell students, not to attend a college simply because his or her girlfriend or boyfriend is attending or because a best friend decided to go there. There are so many people on campus to meet, having people around you whom are already friends, may hold you back from meeting new people. Make sure to try your hardest your freshman year because it is hard to bring your GPA up once you have already brought it down. Joining a sorority of fraternity is a good idea, although I didn't rush, I wish I would have, if you don't like it, you can always quit, but its worth a shot. Out of state tuition may be expensive but if the college fits loans can always be paid off and student loans and financial aid have been a huge help to me! College is a great experience, and an experience you can choose what to make of.