University of Northern Iowa Top Questions

Look around, visit campuses, and be open.

Find a place that feels right when your on your visit.

make sure you feel at home when you are on the college visit

If you can talk to an aquaintence or friend that goes to the school when you visit. Make sure to take all the tour guides and faculty statements with a grain of salt. The last thing I would recommend is visit the campus on a weekend to see if its really as "alive" as all the recruiters say it is.

I would say to make sure that you go out there and make friends. Don't be somebody who stays in their dorm room all the time. Make friends on your hall.

Don't be afraid to go and try various things. I have found that most people want to help so ask if you have any questions. Take some classes based on your extra-curriculars. I ended up changing my major to something I enjoy because of this. Don't rush you have at least 4 years. Start taking some major classes early in your education so you can see if it is for you.

The most basic and important advice I'd give to parents/students in search of the college that best fits their needs is to do your research. Don't simply read the brochures or check out the school's website. Find actual students (and NOT students who work for the school's "welcoming" or "touring" programs) to interview. They'll give you the most valuable, unbiased answers to your questions. When you are talking to students and faculty who's jobs ARE to recruit students for the school, don't be afraid to ask blunt, tough questions. It's your future and your money--- you have a right to know what you're getting yourself into. However, don't believe everything that the school's employees tell you--- they'll sugar-coat the truth. In regards to making the most out of your college experience, my advice is to take personal responsibility for all of your actions. Taking responsibility also involves invoking an open mind, and critical eye everyday of your college experience.

My best advice would be to do what you want for YOU. Don't choose a school because you're best friend goes there, or because the price is right. What you'll get out of school is much more important than that. You'll always have friends, and if you go to a school that's right for you, you can earn the money back that you spent on tuition. Look at all the options; not just the ones that are handed to you. Sometimes the best option is in the last place you look. After you do find the school that's right, don't be afraid to take risks. Talk to people you normally wouldn't, join a club that sounds half-way decent. Actually study. Once at college, the most important part is enjoying yourself while learning. If you're just learning, you're probably not having fun, but if you're just having fun, that means you're probably not learning, either. A combination of both will ensure the best college experience possible.

In order to pick the right college, you must make several college visits. Have your son or daughter sit in on classes, attend events, sleep in the dorms, visit fraternities/sororities, etc. Sometimes the college that seems to be the right fit actually isn't. One visit doesn't help because everyone puts on their best act and provides a one-sided sales pitch. Don't always utilize "official" campus visits. Get in touch with a friend, relative, or alumn from your child's school and see if they will provide you with a real tour. Education is the point of going to college, so make sure the atmosphere is best suited towards academics. It is very frustrating when a student isn't able to talk to their professor, get into the right classes, or receive proper instruction/aid. Therefore, ask around and see what the professors, library, and other academic centers are like. Check out princetonreview.com and see all the rankings that the institution received. Also, visit ratemyprofessor.com to see what the students think of their own college and its teachers. Never be satisfied with a school sponsored campus visit.

i would say if you child doesnt know what they want ot do send them to a community college, maybe they can find themself there at a minimal expense