Ball State University Top Questions

No college is ever the perfect fit for every one, when looking for the right school, what's most important is to find a place where you can feel at home and make a name for yourself. Also, sometimes the school that seems like the only one that will work is really the last one you should be going to, don't let yourself be put into a mold.

I would definitely visit every school you are considering as a potential college student. What mattered to me was the size of the campus. I love my college because its not too small but its not too big either. Also, find out what type of academic help the school offers. I love that my school has a tutoring center run by fellow college students that I can go to throughout the week and ask for help in any of my subjects. Look for a school that will do anything to help you succeed. Go to as many games, productions, meetings as you can because you never know who you could meet. College is a once in a lifetime experience so make the best of it!

As someone who is about to start her junior year of college; I would have many pieces of advice and wisdom ready to hand down to any parent or future college student. First of all, I would tell both parents and students that it is important to check out numerous colleges when searching for the right one. I would also encourage them to start very early in their search. I myself started my own search my sophomore year of high school. My mom and I went on tours of so many schools! But, it helped me find the perfect one. My second piece of advice would be to talk to current students of the schools that you look at to get their opinions and to hear their insights. Once you are enrolled in a school, my best piece of wisdom would be to get out there. Don't be afraid to sit right between two students on the first day of class. You'll be surprised at how friendly people really can be. I would also encourage students to not hesitate to talk to their professors, even if they don't have a question about coursework.

I would tell parents and students going through the process of finding the right college to not stress the finiancial part until the student has narrowed down choices of colleges they feel comfortable and feel they would fit into. College is not only a time for students to get an education, but to also expand their social lives as well. I strongly believe that a student has to feel comfortable and be enjoying their time away at college in order to succeed to their best ability academically. After the student has picked what they believe is their perfect fit then the finiancial part comes into play and scholarships and loans can be dealt with. I would also tell the students that the more involved you become at your college the more you will enjoy your time there. So many colleges provide clubs and organizations of all sorts, making it easy for everyone to join. This is truly the perfect way to make many friends and enjoy your time when not in class or studying. The quote, "What you put in, is what you get out," most definitely applys to the college process.

Choosing a college can be a hard decision, but its important to pick a college that suits your dreams and aspirations now and in the future. College is not just about excelling in academics, but finding and leading a well rounded life; whether that means participating in sports, clubs, sororities or fraternities, college is what you make of it. College is a life time of memories, successes, and friendships; find what you enjoy, what makes you happy, and what will make you succeed and get involved, participate, and make a difference for you and your future.

Finding the right college for your son/daughter is essental for the positive growth of an individual, and parents must be willing to help their child prosper to become the best person achieveable academically, mentally, and spiritually. Depending on the childs intented academic direction, the parent must become informed on the right college for the intended major. Parents can easily access the information through websites to obtain the upper hand of the academics and atmosphere of the campus life. For a more personal approach, campus tours are always encouraged. Reading information on the school website through the students oppinions, reading information on the professors and teachers, looking at the extra-curricular activities available, checking out the housing, and student health services are also great ways of discovering if a college is right for your child. College is a growing experience that shapes a person for who they become in the future, and chosing the right college is an essential step toward the success of their life and career.

I would tell students to go with their gut feeling on college campus tours. If they feel at home right away, theres a chance it will stay that way, if they feel uncomfortable for any reason it will also probably remain that way. Also, I should recomend for them to pick a school that has a strong department in their area of study. It is also important to take time when selecting your school. It is important to pick a school that you will enjoy. When it comes to making the most of their college experience, the big thing is to get involved. I personally joined a sorority and am very involved in that. My college offers many different ways to get involved, being greek, volunteering, joining major areas of study groups, just to name a few. It is also important to pay attention to your grades, and many campus organizations put an emphasis on that. I personally love being in my sorority and the opportunities it will give me both now and in the future. Follow your heart and theres a good chance college will be a good experience for you.

It's not about what Mom and Dad want, it's about the student. Try to get as much information on the academic areas the student is interested in, some colleges have limited resources in some areas and you don't want to find out that a field you may be interested in isn't avalible after you've started and invested both time and money in an institution. Don't worry about where your friends are going, you will make new friends. Make sure you are comfortable on the campus and not overwhelmed, go on a campus tour. Look for extra curricular activities avalible that are similar to those you participated in during high school, they will be the most rewarding for you. When you get to school, don't go crazy with freedom; make smart choices, study and do your work as you will only get as much out of your education as you put into it; once you've failed a class or flunked out it is harder to pull your grades back up and do well. Most importantly, enjoy these years because they go by so quickly and the "real world" comes fast!

Make sure that if you came from a small high school like I did, that you find a college that isnt to big unless that is what you are purposely seeking. Being at Ball State University allowed me the medium size campus feel with the one on one attention I desired from faculty. College is the most influential time of someones life, here you begin to fully understand who you are as a person. Throughout college you are confronted with difficult situations, life changing events, and opportunities that allow you to grow. The opportunities that one has at college are beyond compare. A person can be a part of so much and learn some very valueable skills that can be utilized in the professional world. The most important thing about college is the networking and friendships you will make, high school was the time of your closest friends, college is where you make a second family. I can think of no better reason to be in college other then the ability to work with the futures best teachers, entertainers, athletes, and politicians......our fellow students!

The advice that I would give to parents would be to encourage your child/children to pick a major that includes or is similar to things he/she already enjoys and/or is interested in, let them know that the amount of money possibly made after graduation should not be the sole factor, because money is not everything and if you cannot stand your job no amount of money will change that. Advice I would give to students would be to make sure that you are ready to attend when you do, go into it focusing on getting good grades, but also make sure that you make time to have that once in a lifetime experence that is being in collage. This is the time to grow, to find out what you are made of and begin to form the path you will continue to follow for years to come, but don't let this deter you let it inspire!

Make close friends with people get friendly with your professors so that they know you and you can use them as a reference for internships, scholarships, or jobs.

I would tell the students to look at a variety of colleges. Try and find a college that has the best program fo your major, that way you can become more marketable. I would tell the parents to just be supportive. Support your child with any college choices they make.

I think students need to visit every college possible, even if they already have preconcieved notions about it. A schools reputation might not neccesarily be true so it is important to see for yourself all of the options that are available. Don't be afraid to try different things or new experiences just because you are scared. It is difficult adjusting to a new enviornment so don't decide you want to transfer after being at your school only one semester, sometimes it takes a while to adjust and find friends that are right for you.

It is always important to find a school that can operate as a second home. You will a majority of four years walking the grounds of the school so you must feel comfortable, sufficiently challenaged and welcomed in the school you pick. When considering a college, or university, see if they have the major you are interested in. Beyond that though, you need to consider the make-up of the college, is it in a city, or a smaller town? What are the various clubs, and varsity teams that you could potential become involved in? How far is it from your hometown? Is the cost of tuition acceptable? Once you are in the college, become involved! Freshman year is a whirlwind of meeting new people and it is easy to make friends that soon become as close as family. There are numerous ways to meet new people, such as clubs and school sponsored events, but sometimes all it take is saying hello to the person down the hall in your dorm.

When you pick colleges, research the programs of possible contenders and choose the colleges that focus the best on the concentration you plan to major in. To make the most of your expirience, go to seminars that will help with time management skills and learn to balance your social life and studies so that you will have time with friends and will get all of your credits on time. Most important is to choose a school you will have fun going to, and make friends while you're there.

Make every effort to visit the colleges/ universities you are seriously considering to attend. Often schools will look excellent on paper; however, that doesn't necessarily mean the school is compatible for you. For at least nine months out of a year, you will be eating, sleeping, studying and socializing on the campus of the university/college that you have chosen to attend. Obviously, it would be a good idea to visit the campus and get a feel for the environment. Do your homework before you go; have your questions ready, set up a campus tour and an appointment with the head of your major's department. If you are undecided try to meet with an advisor who might be able to recommend certain classes that will help you decide. It is also a good idea to look for schools that have an orientation program for new students and their parents. These types of programs are very helpful for stduents' transition and keeping parents informed, which reflects the school's priority in communication between students, parents, and its administration. Once you have YOUR college/university, get involved, challenge yourself, stay positive, and your unforgettable experience will all fall into place!

Tour some campuses at the beginning of your senior year of high school. Go with your gut instinct; you'll know when you've found the right one.

There are many factors that go into choosing the right school to further one's education. It is not a simple thing to do to choose the right school beause of all of the variable that go into it. One must consider a schools academic standing, its available extra cariculars and its fiscal relativity to you, including housing, tuition, and dining costs. One must also keep in mind that the majority of students who declair a major change it within the first year. In changing one's major, a student must consider the diversity of the University's available majors and wheather or not these are as significant as his or her later. It is important for every college student-to-be, to have a gross understanding of the factors that go into choosing the most fitting school that will futher his or her education and stimulate personal creativity and drive, both in and out of the classroom.

Finding the right college isn't necessarily about which one has the best programs in the nation, it's about finding the one that best fits the student. Knowing that you will have to work hard and study often before coming into college will help a great deal. The harder you work, the more rewarding it will be. In the long run, you'll see better grades, and even find better jobs come grduation time. Don't forget that college isn't all about work, it's about having fun, too. Find a group of friends that compliment your needs and personality. Once you're ready to work and find some good friends, it's great from there! College is one of the bext experiences of your life, and it's up to YOU how you're going to live it out. Make the most of these years, because you won't get them back once it's over.

Find a school that appeals to you, and do not wait till the last minute to make a decision. If you do happen to waste your time and end up in a school that you didn't want to go to, do not dismiss the school as worthless, because chances are if you give that institution a chance, you will find something there that you can enjoy and appreciate. Don't let your own opinions conflict with the material taught, because most professors will engage those differing opinions and make them seem less uncommon, and more intriscally attached to the subject matter. If you ever have problems, do not hesitate to talk to your professors, of the local counseling center. Both are more than willing to help you, and if you let them know as soon as it happens, the help you get will be better and more beneficial to your needs.

University of Michigan was my dream school. I wanted to be a student there so badly. It seemed so prestigous and elite. I was devastated when I was wait-listed, and I had to begin searching for an alternate school. I came across Ball State while searching for BFA programs in musical theatre, and was pleasantly surprised. It was no Michigan, but it would do. I went and auditioned for the program, and was accepted on the spot. Now that I am at the school, I realize that Ball State was clearly the right choice. My advice is that you may be trying to go for a dream school, but sometimes the most successful thing in life is the healthy execution of plan B. You have to determine was size option is most important, and which school is strong in specific social circles, in which you see yourself in. Most importantly, contact people from schools you are interested in. Communication has never been easier with Facebook and Myspace, so look up the name of a school and just check some of the people out. Always follow your heart, and know you will end up where you need to be.

First you have to decide what size school you want to attend, that is the hardest part. Deciding whether you want large or small classes mixed with a large or small campus, is the hardest question. Once you pick a school, making the best of the college experience depends on you. You have to get involved and just be yourself all the time. Making friends and doing well in classes go hand in hand. If you are miserable because you have no friends you will not do as well in classes. You need social time as much as study time.

Always visit the campus before choosing if its right for you. I came to Ball State and took the official campus tour which was great and then I stayed with a friend of mine in the dorm over night and went to class with her to get an idea of what it would be like to go there. I fell in love with Ball State that weekend. If you are not sure what you want to major in, I would recommend looking into bigger schools, no smaller than Ball State size, cause the bigger schools have more programs where you can "window shop" for what you want to do. Do not be afraid to ask professors about their area of expertise to help you choose. They really are there to help and are passionate about what they do, talking about it to students is something they love to do. Make your decisions based on what you truly want for yourself. Relax, have fun, and use the time to discover who you are. Don't be afraid to take risks and experience new things, that's what college is all about.

Do your research. Visit the college several times during different times of day. What size school do you want. do you want to be able to walk everywhere?

I would tell the students that they need to find a school that is going to be best for them. They need to find a school that has a great program for what they may be studying. They need to look at how much they can afford as well. Also how big of a campus they may want to be on. Some people just want to be on a small campus so that is something to look at. When you do find the right college you want to get out there. Go to the football games and different activities that they offer to everyone there. You can meet some great people and become life long friends with them.

The first and most important thing I would tell both parents and students while trying to find the right college is make sure and take a college visit day to the school of choice. Having done this helped me eliminate a few colleges that I thought would be good for me. Going to the school really helped me get a feel for what it was all about. Also, another piece of advice that I would give would be have an open mind about things. When I was applying for colleges there was one that I was dead-set on going to. After researching, visiting and thinking I decided it was not the best for me. There are many other aspects that I think are important when trying to make decisions about college but for me these were the most important. A student just needs to find a place where they feel they can fit in and do well and the parent can make sure they are going to be safe and will be able to succeed.

Make sure taht it's a good match for you student, academically, socially, and physically!

I strongly recommend future college students visit potential schools before they make any final decisions. It is imperative that you find a school that fits you socially and academically. In order for you to succeed to your fullest potential, the school needs to match your personality; the school will not change to meet yours. I recommend talking with current students of the school you are visiting to get a better understanding of the daily acitivities that occur there, instead of listening soley to the tour guides. Upon entering school for the first time, I strongly recommend getting to know people that live near you (especially if you live in the dorms). This is a great way to meet new friends and discover new possibilities. Without having a group of friends in college, it can be tough living away from home and everyone you know. I would also encourage new students to get out and try many clubs or other extracurricular activities. These groups are not only a great social networking tool, but are also a great addition to your academics. You can learn new valuable skills while participating in many of the groups your school offers.

It is important to know your current direction when picking a college. Pick a college that has several good programs that you could be interested in, or pick a college that has a wide variety of programs so you can explore your different options. Really get involved, whether it's in a school-supported program or just a group of people meeting up, it's important to get involved in the community to make friendships and connections. Your own motivation is key. Find a major you enjoy and really make the most of it!

First lets address the parents about finding the right college. Let's set this up in an easier and more appealing fashion. Questions to ask yourself about finding the right college for your son/daughter. 1. What does my little child want to study in college? - If your child doesn't know, go with a bigger school that has plenty of options. 2. What colleges/universities are available in the state that I live in? - Going to school that is away from home but still close can be good for those holiday visits. This is the part where you and your soon to be educated child go to the campus. 3. What kind of resources can be used to pay for my son/daughters education? Now to wrap it up for the student-to be. You've got four long years (give or take) ahead of you, so take advantage of this opportunity to live and learn. Being involved in school can be fun, but so can late night parties. Try to manage your school load with your social life and you'll be more confident in your abilities and happier in the long run.

Find somewhere that works with you on financial aid.

I would have to say, in order to find a college thats right for you, visit as many as possible to get the feel of each one. Take the tours that are offered and find out what courses and majors are offered.

Choose a place where you feel you fit in the best. There is know greater feeling than waking up every morning, getting ready for class and having a feeling that you belong. This is a feeling that I have every day here at Ball State. A student looking for a college has to take this into factor or their college experience won't be all that it can be. Being at a college I love is just more incentive to study and do well in classes. When I started classes here I knew it was going to be a challenge but I also knew that if I tried hard and gave it my all it would make me a better person.

Just go in with an open mind and have fun.

To students - Do include others' experiences and advice in making your decision, but remember that ultimately, YOU are the one who will be spending time at the school for the next 4+ years. Try to find a student at the school and spend some time visiting the school outside of tours and campus-sponsered programs. To get the real "pulse" of the school, visit during the week and during the middle of the semester. Visit several different schools. Don't just stick to one type of school - visit technical schools, community colleges, 4-year universities, private schools, public schools, big and small schools - keep your options open! And be honest with yourself - college may not be the right choice for you right out of high school. It's better to be honest right off the bat and avoid wasting time and money on unneeded semesters. Basically, the biggest part of searching for a school is to keep an open mind - you'll be spending a lot of time at this place, so you want to make sure you pick the best place for YOU. To parents - show support and interest, but avoid hovering. Helicopter parents hinder a student's growth.

When I started looking at colleges the one piece of advice I kept in mind I heard from my sister. She told me to pick the school I WANTED and not the school my family or friends wanted. I think it is very important for the student to like and enjoy the school more than anything. Also, the school must have programs with good job placement percentages and backgrounds. DO some background reading on your school not just what the school tells you about itself. Ask students that attend the school, and talk to students in the program you are looking at. Make sure there are other options there you would want, because chances are you will change your major at least four times. GOOD LUCK and don't stress out.

you will konw it when you see it! I didn't believe that but when I got to see Ball State, I just knew that it was the shcool for me. I couldn't imagine going any where else I love it so much, everything about it is home to me. Now when I tell people I am "going home" I mean that I am going back to school because it has become my home. You want to find something that is home to you, and don't give up if you don't find it right away, it's out there!

I would advise any prospective college student to do their research early and visit all the schools in which they apply. Also talk with some of the current students to get their point of view on the quality of campus life and the experience in the classroom. Get to know the surrounding city as well so you have a good idea of what is around.

Visit as many schools as you can. You can not make a very good decision if you have only visited one or two. Also, look for a school that is recognozed for being an all around good school in many areas, because more than likely your major is going to change. Ask current students what they think of the school because that is what you might think of the school if you go there. Learn as much as you can about the schools that you are interested in and narrow your decision down to two or three of the schools that you like most. From there, go and visit those two or three schools again. When i did this, my opinions changed on the schools i was looking at drastically. The school I did not like as much at first was the school that I thought I would fit in the best at when I was ready to choose schools. I asked the students what they thought about each school I visited and that helped a lot. This coould be one of the bigger decisions in a persons life, so you want to choose the right one.

The advice that I would give to parents and/or students is this: Visit the campus and if it feels right then it is probably the right college for you. I was sure that I was going to attend a college other than this one but when I visited that campus something just didnt feel right. On the other hand, when I visited the college that I attend now, I felt something that said to me "This is where I belong." Advice that I can give for students on making the most of their college experience is to be involved in organizations. However, do not join so many organizations that you do not have time for school work. Also we all came from different backgrounds, therefore, we are all likely to have differing opinions so stick with you yours and respect others.

Try to look for a college/university that fits the kind of school you're looking for. Class size, campus size, and the surrounding area can make all of a difference. Go and observe schools around you to get an idea of what you might want out of a school. Make sure you know what you're getting into. Once you're at school, don't forget to have fun. Work hard and be involved.

Do not choose a college simply based on your financial situation. Choose the college you will feel the most comfortable at. Visit the college, and make sure it can offer everything you need academically.

The best advice I have is that you need to find the school that can provide you with the best education possible while also offering the kind of services that you will need during your time there. If you are in a research-oriented major, make sure your school has a great library. If you are in an artistic major, look for schools that have adequate studios, theaters, or other facilities. But I would suggest that while you look for schools that provide what you want, you should also consider schools that would be putting you out of your comfort zone or require you to learn to adapt to a situation. I think this is one of the most important things to take from the college experience. You need to learn to open up to new experiences and people in order to be prepared for life after college. Also, you should take your acadedmics seriously, but not so seriously that you forget to enjoy the ride. Don't stress over it all so much that you miss out on friends and fun. Like they say, 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy'.

The best advice that I can give is explore as many universities as you can to see what fits the student the best. It is always good to go on college visits and/or stays to get a feel of what a school will be like. I think it is very important to do research on every school to find out what the school is about and what it can offer you. Never be ashamed to ask as many questions as you can to get an understanding of the school. The way to make the most out of a college experience is to throw out other people's impressions of what their experience was like and discover your own through your own journey. Remember that no two people will have the same experience. The way to make the best out of the college experience is to take full advantage of everything that is being offered there. That way when you leave college, you will look back and be able to say you enjoyed it as opposed to thinking of it as being held captive only to do academics and nothing else. There is a fuller experience awaiting than solely academically.

Decide on a major before you go to college, even if it means taking a year off after high school. Getting out there in the workforce might help you decide what you want to do - whether it be for solely money or pleasure, it's important to find what you want to do before you go to college. Otherwise, if you have infinite amount of money then going to college and deciding from there is alright too. One of the most important ways to decide what you want to do with your life is to make something of it. Get out there in the community, volunteer, talk to professionals in different fields. While the world is changing and getting a college degree is important for getting a job, finding out what you want out of life is even more important.

Look locally, since a college is way more expensive out of state. A college degree from any school means more money in the long run, so why spend more? Also, make sure the school has more than one program you think you would be interested in. Many friends have changed their majors because they found out that what they thought they wanted to do and what they were actually doing where not much the same.

My advice to parents and students about choosing the right college is a little out of the ordinary. The advice is that when a student is visiting a school, they must feel at home. They should not feel uncomfortable in any way, maybe scared, but the scariest things in life are the most worthwhile. When I visited my school for the first time, I felt as though I had already belonged there. It helped a tremendous amount when beginning school in such a new place.

To students: follow your own instincts when picking your school. Your parents, friends and neighbors don't know what college campus is going to be best for you, you do. Don't be afraid to tell your parents you feel like a little distance will be better than living at home and don't go somewhere because your friends will be there. You'll make new, amazing friends in college, and your parents will understand as long as you're making your decision for you.

I would tell students to find a school that you like and that they will feel comfortable at.

I believe a lot of research goes into finding a college that is right for you. You need to make sure it's not too big or too small for your taste. And financial research would be a good thing to do as well. One thing that is very important is knowing if a school you are interested in offers the degree or area of study you would like to do into. Of course if you do not know it doesn't matter as much. I think an overall look at everything is the right way to finding a college. And to make the most of your college experience you would need to definitely have an open mind about everything and be social. If you are not a social person you are pretty much going to be somewhat of a loner you entire college life. And keep up with your studies to keep up good grades. The better your grades and the more social you are the happier you will be.