Bradley University Top Questions

Remember that home sickness only lasts for the first year of school. Go to a school where you will enjoy your time, and that has all of your passions available to you, while still getting a great education, regardless of its location. College, the first four years especially, is a once in a lifetime experience, so why not make it different and exciting? Remember to stay yourself, be passionate about things that are important to you, and find people who make you laugh and will be there for you. Stay focused on school, you are paying thirty thousand a year for it, but do it while making memories that make you smile when you look back on them.

College isn't easy! Picking the right university is a decision that will affect you for the next four years as well as your whole life! College is about academics of course, but it also teaches you social skills, and how to succeed in your future. You will meet friends you will have forever, build relationships with faculty that will teach you to believe in yourself and learn who you truly are! I first came to Bradley University in 1998, I failed out in 1999 after my Mom passed away from cancer. I returned again in 2002 and failed out again. I was petrified to return in 2007, in fear of recreating my past, but this time was different! I chose to focus on getting involved and getting to know my professors and classmates. My sorority sisters kept me motivated and taught me to be successful! My professors worked one on one with me when I needed help! I got involved and it TRULY made a difference! I graduated on December 19, 2009 with a 3.55/4.0 GPA and 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} believe I would not have been successful without the welcoming of the students and faculty at Bradley University!

the most important advice i would give myself is to continue working hard and look and apply for as many scholarships as i can find because higher education is really expensive. I would also tell myself to give up some negative friends that held me back a little.

I would definitely have gotten more involved right away. I was too shy and timid to start the semester and while I started off with a small group of friends it was hard to stay in touch when I was always working off campus. I would have liked to try and find a way to work less throughout the semester to focus more on school and a social life. Unfortunately, I think that would have meant taking out loans, and it is hard for my family to get them. My experience at Bradley University would have been much more positive had I managed to get involved earlier.

Always keep an open mind, dont burn bridges and keep friends close. Find a job, money is tight. Especially where you come from, its all on you and mom so keep those grades up. Apply for lots of scholarships and keep up with community service. Be a great leader, you didnt become and eagle scout for nothing. Keep the family close, they're the best resouce and the biggest support you have. Theres a time to party and a time to work, know how to balance your time properly. Stand out and speak up, dont fall by the wayside and miss opportunities. All of this is key, you have worked hard to get here. Don't let ma down, she has sacraficed a lot to get you here. Other than that just keep your head high and continue to work hard. Your littile brother is looking up to you to set the example for him.

Make good friends but make sure to stay close with the friends you have now. Study hard because if you don't your grades will never be as good as they are now. Get involved because you will love being involved. Do things for other people because sometimes others need help. Be careful with money because in college you will have none. Make sure you know how to manage your time because due dates will come sooner then you expect. Last but not least Have Fun college only comes once.

Young lady, I've seen your future and although it is not all bad, a few differences in your choices going from this point forward will make a major difference in the life you are certainly capable of achieving. But only if you trust and believe what I'm going to tell you. This is me, or should I say you at 41 years old. We're working at a global manufacturing company in IT. So we are on schedule with our career goals, but a few changes in the choices you make in college need to be reconcidered in order to make the road to that choice, just a little bit easier. First of all, you must make a plan for your college life and stick to it. That plan should entail a study schedule that doesn't falter, no matter how grand the party may be. When you have questions or concerns regarding your classes, do not hesitate to seek guidance from your professor, they are there to assist you whenever you need them. The bottom line, GREAT grades allow you to write your ticket to any social or professional venue, so make studying your first priority!

Don't "wait a year"! Go now otherwise you won't go back for 7 years. It'll be easier now to go without kids, a husband, a job, and a house to take care of.

Go through school. Don't stop after two years at a community college. Just stick through school and you will get done!

I would tell myself to not feel pressure about what you are going to major in. You know that your parents support you no matter what you do, so just go to college and major in exactly what you want to do, not what other people want you to do. I would also tell myself to start studying hard, because the transition from high school to college is an immense one. It's one that not many Americans are ready for, and it's one that you aren't ready for either. I'd tell myself to not get stressed out over silly things and to just enjoy life as it happens. Don't get too worked up over everything. C'est la vie.

College is in some ways very like high school. You go to your classes, you do your homework, you have fun with your friends and your extracurricular activities. But in others ways, college could not be more different from what you are used to coming out of your senior year of high school. In college, no one wakes you up if you sleep in, no one meets with your teachers or checks your report card to make sure that you're not failing, no one buys all of your stuff for you, and no one makes you clean your room when it gets messy. You have so much more freedom, but it's not always a good thing. It takes so much more self-dicipline and focus to succeed in college than it does in high school. So go to your classes, do your work, and then have some fun on the weekends, because college isn't as easy as high school, but if you do it right, it will be a lot more rewarding.

Have fun, be safe, and be yourself!

I feel that choosing the right college could be one of the most important choices in a students life. It is like finding the perfect pair of shoes; if they fit right, you will have such a good time but if they are too big or too small or too flashy you will be too self-concious and uncomfortable to enjoy yourself. Students and parents need to remember that college will shape a persons lives and develop them into a functioning part of society. Go with your gut and visit/research all your choices.

students learn to live. get out and meet new people but stay focused on work though. however its not all about studing you have to have a life as well. Parents get ready your child is growing up and dont get concerned when they dont call home everyday it only means they are having fun and enjoying their new home. give them space and let them breath they will always come back to you dont worry

I didn't get into to my first choice school, and I'm glad I didn't. Finding a college should not be about the appearance or the reputation of the school. Finding a college should be about finding an atmosphere that each individual loves and wants to join. My freshmen year at Bradley University changed my life. I found professors that listen to me, friends that understand me, and a speech team that forces me to keep growing. I only hope that every student can find what I found--a place that makes me feel comfortable and makes me want to flourish. Once you have a school in mind, visit the school. Talk to people at that school who share your interests. Go with your gut instinct. Most importantly, once you choose a school, devote yourself to making it an even better place. Don't worry about the money; it can be repaid. Worry instead about everything you can possibly learn in four years and find the school that can help you on that journey. No matter where you go, ultimately the value of your college experience is up to you.

You just need to look at what you can afford and where your son or daughter feels most comfortable and if you have to spend a little more to make them happy you should do it/

As clich? as the saying is, college is all about finding who you are. After having completed my first year of college, I know this to be true. I also know that the process of finding, applying to, and deciding to attend a certain college is a difficult one. The most important piece of advice I have is that the student must make these decisions. Parents are there to help their student explore their options and open up their student's mind to new ideas, new types of schools that perhaps the student has not considered yet. However, the student alone must decide where he or she wants to go. I visited six campuses, applied to five schools, and was accepted to all of them. I decided to go to my school based on a feeling. I felt right there on that campus. Only the student knows how they feel at a particular school. My advice is to follow that feeling. Once at your school, be open, be friendly, work hard, and be yourself. Make the most of this new and wonderful time of your life!

Do not procrastinate looking at colleges, it is such a big decision that it should not be left until the Fall semester of senior year, trust me I kow. Start looking early or at least making decisions based on what size campus you are looking for and how far you want to be from home. So many people kept telling me when I found the "right" college I "would just know". It does not work out that way, at least it did not for me. In fact it took me my entire freshman year to realize I chose the right school. Pick a school that matches in the size, major, and most of all atmosphere you are looking for, but do not expect it to be an easy adjustment. Once you get to move in day and the first week of school everyone's experience is different so I cannot give you direct advice except to do the best you can, meet as may people as possible, and really get to know the people on your dorm floor. Freshman year is difficult because it is new exeriences, but enjoy these experiences they make freshman year challenging, unique, and fun.

When trying to pick the perfect college..there are many factors to consider. Do you like a small campus setting with more one on one interaction or do you like a large setting where you won't be noticed? Would you prefer living at home or on campus? Out of state or in state? Make sure your dream college has your major..thats number one. Overall just make the best of your college experience..mingle with new people and participate in a few extra-curricular activities. But the biggest hurdle in college is learning how to balance your social life along with your studies. Just create time management skills and you'll be just fine in college. Hey look at me? I made it through my freshman year. I'll admit it was kind of tough in the beginning but I quickly adjusted well and managed to make the Deans List.

When you begin your college search, it is key that you do your research on the college. For example, find out the location, its ranking, and what other people say about the school. Also make sure that you actually take time out to visit the college. Make sure you like it enough to the point where you can see yourself being there for the next 4 years. You will learn that food is everything so, ask about the quality of the food. Because, eventually you will get sick of eating Ramen Noddles! Also make sure that you will recieve the same financial package for the following year. Here's a hint, college is what you make it. So, get involved!! That way you make friends, create a social life, and will have something to do on your free time. Joining study groups is also a great way of meeting people from your classes. They are a plus because you are able to study with others. But don't let your social life effect your grades. You will have to learn how to balance you social life with your studies. That is a great skill to master.

Take the time to find out how far from home you will feel comfortable with, and maybe look into schools in that area. Also visit that campus because it may sound good online or in their brochure, but until you experience for yourself what could be happening everyday the decision shouldn't be final.

Learn about the degree programs, and get involved.. the more involved you are, the more welcoming the community is.

My name is Daniel Shore and as a senior with 20/20 hindsight I'd like to provide a few suggestions for choosing a college where you can ensure you will have a prosperous four years: 1) look at the program or department you're interested in studying. Academics is the primary reason to go on to, and pay for, a higher education. 2) Look at opportunities for practical experience. 3) This step requires visitng campuses--a very important/highly recommended part of the process--and that is to take note of that intuitive feel from your campus visit. Did the campus "feel" right. Yeah, it's not the most convincing argument, but that personal instinct goes along way. You have to feel comfortable to happily spend four years somewhere. Using myself as an example, my major is Radio/TV and thus, I chose a school with a strong TV broadcasting program, plenty of internship opportunities in a strong media market, and on my visit the people were friendly, helpful, and easy to talk to. Remember: students have the ability to make the most of their college experience no matter where they are at. Good Luck with your college search!!

Our economy isn't the greatest is has been, but that shouldn't hurt a student's desire to get a college education. I suggested planning your finances out as carefully as you can. There are ways to pay for college, you need to get out there and look for them! When visiting a college, spend a night or two there, and really feel out the campus life, don't just pick a college just because it's the best in a certain field. You need to feel comfortable there, and really feel like you could spend four (or more) year there. When you do get to college, don't hold yourself back from enjoying the atmosphere. Be Responsible. Many students don't know how to survive responsibly in an open atmosphere. Have fun but be safe. Enjoy college, it's the time of your life!

Keep an open mind.

First and formost, don't feel like you have to get drunk every weekend or every single time you go out. You don't. There are fewer people out there getting "totally smashed"than you think. You have four years of weekends to have fun and unwind - so take your time and whenever you have a study day before finals us the day to study not sleep it will pay off. Study abroad if you can because the experience is incredible. Get involved in organizations on campus never be afraid to show your talents with the organization. Become a part of your campus community. There are some fun and enjoyable community service events you may find that you love outside of campus. Also keep in touch with your parents they are your biggest fans and even become some of your closest friends in college. Finally remember don't work yourself to death but don't slack off because college is one of the greatest opportunities in life.

My advice would be to determine a few main characteristics that you find extremely important the school have, and seek out schools that fit those characteristics, but select kind of a lot of them. And vary them as much as possible. Then simply go and visit those schools, nothing is more valuable, in my opinion, than a gut feeling.

Bradley is really a great school. It's just the right size so that you don't get lost in the shuffle but you don't get bored of seeing the same people every day. It's very diverse and there's always something to do. The teachers are great, as are the students. You'll always be able to find an eager helping hand.

Start saving early because college tuition prices continue to go up and it becomes very hard for students and their families to pay for school. Also, make sure you know how many years it will take you to get a degree. Most schools charge by semester or by year and I was told I could make it out in four years, but now it looks like I may have to be here five years.

Visit the colleges that you are looking at during a day when classes are actually going on. It will give a more realistic view of what that campus is like, compared to a "exploration visitor day" for potential students.

The best advise would be to visit all the colleges that a parents childs college adviser helped choose for them.

When finding the right college and making the most of the college experience, make sure that you can afford it financially. lack of financial support can lead to stress and frustration, which may ultimately lead to failure or minimal academic achievements.

Be serious about University, it is time to grow up and start making something of yourself. Far too often I see students who treat University just like highschool. You will get out what you put it, both academically and socially.

Join as many activities as you can and be social and active!

In looking for a college it is necessary to first identify the proximity of which you wish to reside away from your home. If you get really home sick than you might want to consider a school within 50 miles of your house and possibly living at home while taking classes for the first semester, just until you get aclamated. Following your decision on the general proximity of the school, one should consider both the academic standards of the school and the general school size. In most cases, both student and parent want a school that holds itself to high academic standards, size on the other hand is mainly attributed to that with which the student would be comfortable. Some students are very comfortable in large group situations and therefore would prefer a larger school, whereas others are much more apt to prefer small group settings, wtih individual student-teacher time, these students would be more likely to preside within a smaller school. Beyond these few criteria, the last of the significant aspects of any college would be the availability of financial aid and the over all social scene which must be evaluated on an individual student to student basis.

My advice is first, that they get an idea what they want to do with that major when they graduate. I am the first of my family to attend college so I asked my teacher for guidance. Second, a great career center, the job placement rate is important, the resources available for students with interview or resume building skills. Finally, 'the right' college should be a place the student feels comfortable. I thought what I wanted was a big school but in the end I chose a medium sized school! Making the best of college is simple. Don't let people influence your goals. In high school I was an achiever and when I went to high school people told me "It's okay if you don't do that great your first year," that comment made it seem I could just take things slowly instead of becoming more involved and working harder in school. The next thing is to manage your time very efficiently. Bradley has over 240 organizations, so get involved, it will make the college experience amazing! School is about academics but it is also about meeting new people, building networks and having an amazing time.

Don't just choose the school that is the most well known. Though there may be an excellent program, you may be sacraficing something else for that program. Always look into percentage of job placement after graduation, class sizes, and what kind of professors teach at that school. Private or public, every school is different so keep your eyes peeled.

I would tell them to absolutely visit the school before they send their kids there. I would also recommend meeting the president of the college personally and put them on the spot with questions that are not answered in an FAQ session. (personable, open door policy...etc.) I would also ask about the crime rates around the campus as well as activities.

My most ardent advice to future college students is not to sell themselves short. I understand money is an issue, but I had to take loans out regardless of the college. If I had known that while I was in high school, I would not have let my parents influence me to stay in the state of Illinois. I would have gone to the best school I could have for what I want to do. Luckily, there is such a thing as grad school and I am afforded the opputunity to again choose a great place to earn a degree. Bradley has been a wonderful college and home to me, but it does not completely offer what I was looking for. Bottom line: dream big or go home.

Really look into what size of college is right for you. A big impersonal school is a great place to get lost in the crowd and have a few really good friends, but if you would really like to get involved, matter, make a difference, and have a ton of friends during college I would say a small or medium sized school would be best. Also look at the ability to switch your major because you most likely will. Make sure they have a wide array of alternatives. I wouldn't worry too much about social life because you end up making your own no matter where you go. However remember that city schools without a tightly nit campus will not have much to offer you in the way of social options. Good Luck!

I went out of state for my education, and although I visited the school before enrolling, I wasn't prepared for the distance, with not being able to go home and see family and friends. I think prospective students should research schools, and maybe find a few campuses close to home and far from home, visit them, and consider how well they're going to fit in and how much they're going to miss their support group from home. Those first few months are key, making friends may not come easily for some, which can make the away-from-home experience horrible, and others will find it's the best thing that has happened for them. The parent's should support where they're child wants to go, let them know they'll be there if they need them. Students should feel like they're making a move towards independance, even if they're still depending on their parents.

Visit a lot of different schools and go with your gut. You will know when you find the right choice for yourself. When you get to school just make sure you get involved in as much as possible. That is the easiest way to meet people with whom you have much in common.

I would advise for parents and students to take their time in deciding but know you still have a deadline. Students do not need to have a set idea of where they want to go in life, they can find that on their own where ever they go, whether they decide to stay home or go away to school. Parents should encourage and go with their students to visit colleges so they can see where their student is thinking and how the school looks. This way the student will feel supported in his/her decision of where to go. the student should be comfortable when visiting a campus he/she should feel welcome not just thurst into the wolrd of another set of classes. Also be aware of the surrounding areas and where inportant places are like hospitals and banks and what their security force is like. You may want to check cell service too. Be ready for change, it should always be an enjoyable experience for both parents and students.

Do not base your decisions about how the school looks or how many different parties there are. No matter where you go there will be parties. Base your decision one education. Education is the reason why you are going to college in the first place. Get as much out of college as you possibly can and continue your life knowing how hard you worked to get where you are now.

I believe that students need to understand the reasons thier parents wish for them to go to a certain school, but ultimatly need to listen to thier own voice. I picked a school that wasn't soley art-based because my parents wanted me to get a "well-rounded" education. Because I listened to them and not my heart, my school carrer has been quite difficult. Even if you don't know what you want to do with your life, pick a school that will give you the best options for finding that goal. As for when you get to school, the first and most important rule to know is to remember to balance education with fun. Your school work will suffer if you don't figure out how to play with your friends too and vice versa. College is supposed to be the time of your life, so learn what that means to you and make it happen!

Make your career focus the main variable in your choosing, not cost. I chose my school because it's highly rated or my major, and has an almost 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} job-placement rating post-graduation. The bottom line is that you get what you pay for, so do not be afraid of student loans! Also, keep in mind the type of environment that you want while in school. A smaller school means smaller classes and more one-on-one time with professors, not to mention better equipment, typically, as well as having real professors teaching all of your classes instead of graduate assistants. A larger school provides a busier feel, because of more people. And most importantly, when you choose your school, and being attending, GET INVOLVED! Have fun, study, and enjoy your experience. It truly is life-changing.

In order to find the right school, you have to know what you're looking for first. If you are absolutely positive that you want to go to a small school, then look into colleges with a small population. Also, research your school. Make sure it can help you accomplish your goals as a student. Finally, look into the social scene; that will be the most memorable part of college. You're going to remember the people you met and the fun things you did in school, not the formula for a standard deviation from a statistics class.

A college should be somewhere you feel at home. You want it to be a place you will succeed and be involved in new adventures. Make the most of your college experiences by being open to those new adventures.

Pick a campus that speaks to you and when you get there do not be scared to be outgoing. College life is what you make it and you can make life at college great or not so great so be ready to make life great.

Finding the college that is right for you or your son/daughter is about the feel. A college may look great on paper but that says nothing compared to the feel. My first college visit was to the college I thought I was going to. However, the moment I walked onto campus I knew that I hated it. When I came to Bradley, however, I knew instantly that it was for me. I feel as if people will know the feeling when they experience it for themselves. The school obviously has to have the appeal of cost, location, and academics, but a lot of the decision relies on "feel". We were given five senses for a reason, we should use them all to make decisions that affect us greatly. Make the most of your college experience. Go to floor programs, visit the campus social atmosphere, and join many organizations. You will never have the opportunity to see a band or movie for a low price right next door ever again. Take advantage of it all. Do everything! I repeat, do everything!