Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

The best advice for students and their parents who are considering which college is the right choice is to spend as much time at the potential choices as possible. Students should discover all potential opportunities as each college being considere and test-run a few of these opportunities before a decision is made, whether it is viewing performing arts or attending a club meeting. Students should consider spending time at potential colleges without their parents, if possible, as different kinds of experiences arrise when parents are not present and it is best to have these experiences before officially moving to the school. To make the most out of one's college experience, students should take their education seriously. To avoid school-related stress, time should be devoted to time-management activities (i.e. keeping a planner, establishing a routine to check for class updates on e-mail and internet resources, establishing a studying place) and planning ahead. It is vital, however, that students do not forget to reserve time for relaxation and leisure, albeit in a safe and healthy way. It should always be remembered that fun comes with a plethora of types of activities and new experiences.

I believe that the most important advise to give to parents and/or students looking for the right college is to make sure that the student feels comfortable where they are at. I believe that if the student is most comfortable with their surroundings, then they are more likely to be more successful at their college. Too many students shy away from more expensive schools because they don't think that they can afford the tuition. I feel that even if a school may be out of their price range, there is always something that can be done to work around that. It may be hard to pay off student loans after college, but if you go the most out of your college experience, then it is worth the hard work afterwards to pay those loans off. As a freshman last year, I can attest to how much more difficult it was to assimilate myself into the college life. I did not think that it would be as difficult as it was for me and I knew that it would have been even harder if I wasn't at the school that I really wanted to be at.

After going through my college years I have learned a great deal about myself and people around me. I was an orientation leader for Indiana last summer and felt that there is so much more to a college experience than just a degree. I would tell parenets and students that finding the right college is about once you step on campus you feel welcomed and get a warm feeling in your stomach. The student must trust and feel comfrotable with the surrounding and be happy while driving through the campus for the first time. Do not judge the first people you interact with as the whole campus. Also even if it is a rainy day when looking at the college campus try and picture it when its sunny and 80 degrees and everyone is walking around smiling. My all around best advice is if you are intrested in a college campus visit it more than once so you get several difference experiences about that one campus becasue every day at college is a new and different day.

I would suggest visiting the college before choosing so you know which is right for you!

Choose the right school and make sure you have the support of your family.

Try to attend a college that works best with the type of person you are and what you need. If you're a frequent party goer then you should probably choose a school that doesn't focus much on socials that can hinder you from your academics. Also attend a school that is closer to your culture. It'll be easier to make friends. Choose a school where you know you'll achieve sucessfully.

I think in order for one to find the right college, it is not about what others may think. I know i relied upon academic reputation for my college decision until I decided that it shouldn't matter what others may think. I know that I have made the right decision becuase I looked into the situation deeper and found out how great the business school really is. Overall, the idea of choosing the right school depends on what the student is looking to get out of it. Some places are designed to set you up with a job opportunity whereas some places are designed to increase your knowledge about a general area. Finding the right school definitely takes patience as well as research.

I would encourage students to find the college that will best suit their needs. Find a college that has a degree you want. If you are unsure about what you want to major in, go to a college that has several reputable majors. Visit the campus and take a tour. Look at the different activities the school has to offer. Could you imagine yourself attending that college? Make the most of your college experience by getting involved! Find a club or organization that interests you. Take the time to try a new hobby or sport. Be open to meeting a diverse array of people. Really take the time to explore the things that you like as well as branching out to something new. You may discover you have a passion for something you had never even known about before college! Also, don't forget to study! College is what prepares you for your career. Get to know a few professors, because they want to get to know and help you! Finally...Make the most of every opportunity and have fun!

Make sure to pick a university that you are truly happy with and are not just going along with whatever your friendsare doing. Check out the academics to see if there is a variety of different programs are available because alot of people tend to change their major. Also look for a clean and nice campus because I believe a clean and beautiful campus aids to the students overall mood.

College is fun, but hard work. If you want to succeed don't take everything seriously. Be selective and set priorities.

I would tell them to visit the colleges multiple times. That way they can see what the campus is like during the seasons and events. While they are visiting they should go to the local places to become more familiar with the town that they may call their home. This way the student and the parent can start to become more comfortable with the new surroundings. By becoming more familiar with the campus they will not feel as overwhelmed when they are having to try to find their classes on their first day.

-- First, decide what you want to study. Go to schools that let you as a student excel in that field. -- Or, if you aren't sure, go somewhere where you can not only choose from a wide range of fields, but where you can excel with good school credentials. -- Public v. private matters. Private generally allows you better prospects later, but the numbers have to make sense. Don't spend $100,000 for an education that would be mostly the same at another school for $20,000. -- Finally, you must visit it before you decide. Don't go to a place that you can't imagine living in, making friends in, working in, & enjoying in all seasons.

My advice to students about finding the right college would be to visit each potential college and listen to yourself. Students should not base their decisons off of where their friends are going or where their parents want them to go. I think it is important to go somewhere different from high school friends because it is often easy to stray away from not meeting new people if there are already many people you know. There are so many great people and opportunitues in college and it is important not to let anything get in the way of finding them. One way to make the most of your college experience is to experience as much as possible! I came to Indiana University with an undecided major because I was unsure of what I wanted to do. This allowed me to take many different classes I had interests in and really find what I liked best. I also advise to take on a leadership position in one strong organization instead of being a member of many different organizations. This is shows dedication and responsibility to future employers and teaches students how to lead others.

Finding the right college and making the most of the college experience can be difficult and is one of the most important decisions anyone will make. I went off to a major university after graduating from high school not knowing what I wanted as a career. I would have saved a lot of money if I would have stayed home for a year or two and attended a smaller school that was close to home. This way I could have visited my friends at the universities they were at to get a better feel of the school and campus life there. You can also get a better idea of what you want to have as a major and what you want to do after graduation while staying at home for a year or two. To make the most of the college experience, I would advise students to get involved in extra-curricular activities such as joining clubs that relate to your major, playing intramurals, and attending sporting events. Lastly, I advise students to go to college with an open mind, meet as many people as possible, and create friendships and relationships with fellow students and faculty that will last forever.

I would advise students to visit all of the schools that they have even the vaguest interest in attending. If the school doesn't feel right, it doesn't matter how great of a program they have for what you want to do; you cannot succeed academically if you are uncomfortable with the learning environment. When visiting a school, talk to students around campus. I know that I've had both parents and prospective students stop me while I've been walking around campus, I'm always happy to answer questions about college life. If you click well with students at a school you're interested in, it's likely that you'll fit well with the school itself.

Find a place that feels like home from the very beginning. Don't worry about what your friends are doing, what your parents did, or what your siblings are doing. Don't go to a school you can tolerate - go to a school you love. Become involved, and manage your time well. If you treat this like a 9-5, your evenings and weekends will be yours to fill with clubs, volunteering, ball games, and hanging out. Make the most of these four (or five, or eight) years, because this is a great time when you are transitioning between dependence and independence. Remember who you are, what you stand for, and to not compromise those beliefs. The people who will try to make you change don't deserve your friendship, anyway. Work hard, play hard, and you will love your college experience.

First, find a career center in your home town and/or on a college campus and research future career options. After a few career options have been made, then search for those colleges that might be of interest relating to those fields. I recommend that every student should experience the full college experience by not living with their parents and living in student housing (dorms) for their freshman year of college. By doing this the students are able to socialize and meet students alike and make friends. By making friends as early as possible will not only help to do the same in the real world, but it will be helpful when tests and quizes come around and a student needs a study partner/group. Join an internship, student organization on campus, or a club that has to do with the major that he/she chose. Think, "What can I put on my resume that will make me a better candidate"? Do everything you can to make your resume better each semester. Finally, apply for grants and scholarships throughout your student career. School is only getting more expensive, so do everything possible that will limit the payments later in life.

You can fit into any college. I would recommend choosing a college that has your major and isn't costly. State schools are just as good as private schools, so I wouldn't get bogged down with the financial problems our country is facing.

VISIT THE CAMPUS, STAY WITH A STUDENT, AND GET FEEL FOR THE CAMPUS.

The most important part of making your college decision is to pick the school that is right for you. Once you find a school that you feel completely comfortable at and feel a sense of belonging and home, all the other important and necessary aspects of college will follow. You will have a greater desire to learn and succeed. You will make lasting friendships and memories, as well as gain lifetime experiences. In the end, titles like the "most prestigious" school or the "most expensive" school will not make any diference if you are not at home at your college.

The first step to finding the right college is determining whether or not you want to go to school with a few thousand others or 40,000 others. This is a big decision and it is not simply a question of whether you want to be in a city or a town. I go to school in Bloomington, Indiana which is dominated by the student population. This city was built around the college. Although I go to school with 40,000 others, Bloomington feels warm and close to home (even though it is 10 hours away from home). Being in a large city you may go to school with this many students, but it will not have the same feeling as a college town. Do you want to live in a small rural town? Do you want to live in a college town? Or do you want to live in a city? This is the set of questions that is most important when deciding where to attend college. Once you have this figured out you will be able to feel comfortable with your surroundings and make the most of your college career.

The advice that I would give to parents and students is to keep an open mind when looking at colleges. You will never find a school that is full of people that are exactly like you with the same beliefs and morals. Also, I think it important to look at as many schools as you can because, that is the only way to see what is out there. I encourage students to look at schools out of state and in state just to explore their options. Also, apply to more than just your first choice school because there are no gaurentees. Last but not least, enjoy your senior year and keep your relationships with family and friends strong so that when you do go off to college you already have a strong support system whenever you need it. That helped me have the confidence to try new things and branch out to make new friends. Do not ever give up and work hard when you do get to college; it is a great experience and will be well worth it : )

When telling others advice about choosing the right college, I would tell students and parents that they need to visit several campuses and talk to other students about their own experiences on their campus and figure out if what these students are saying is what he or she identifies with. The person should figure out if he or she wants a very academically focused school, a school with a large social scene, a big or small student body, a big or small campus/class size, how many activities they have the opportunity to become involved in, how diverse the school is, how much tutoring and academic support they could receive, how much financial aid is available, etc. A student needs to figure out what he or she wants and then choose a college that fits with their personality and interests, not the interests of their friends.

Have no regrets.

It's important to get involved early in your college career, so you can start to build a foundation in the beginning, rather than waiting until junior or senior year, when employers will be most interested in looking at your activities on your resume. Choose a school that fits your personal needs, rather it be for financial reasons, a learning disability, or location. It may seem like a good idea to pick a school where your friends will be, but in the end, it is your happiness that matters the most, not your friend's. Therefore, do what is best for you. Try to avoid feeling pressured by parents and/or school counselors to choose a certain school. Look at all of your options very carefully and take your time in deciding which school will fit YOU!

it's mostly in your attitude towards what you end up with, not in your choice. you'll get the most out of your experience if you make it unique and avoid just following a singular academic track or the aesthetic choices of one group of people. get to know lots of different kinds of people, get to know and respect the town (keep in mind most towns have mixed feelings about students, and be a productive community member!), and keep in touch with the faculty members you click with the most.

Step back and look at the programs that each individual school offers, not the sports team or the college life, but the actual classes you will be taking and the various activities that you may want to be involved in, for that will be where you spend most of your time throughout your four years. After finding the right matches in those areas, then look at the campus life and choose one what that best matches your personality and interests. The most important thing is to show up on the first day with a positive attitude and an openness to the future, do not discount any potential friend or opportunity based on first impressions, take a leap and enjoy your time having new expierences and meeting new and different people than those that you have grown up with, that will lead to a meaningful rewarding college career.

Parent and/or students should always visit a college and make sure that the size of the campus is to their liking. Also, depending on what the student wants to study, strengths in particular majors should be considered when determining what college one should attend. The atmosphere of the college should be fitting to the student's personality. Some colleges are known for their partying and commitment to athletics where others are focused on the arts and theatre departments. A student should consider the atmosphere in which they want to be placed before deciding which college is for them. Then, after visiting the college and getting a feel for what that particular university is like, make a decision. Make the decision that is right for you. Your decision may not always be the same as your friend, but as we all know, no one is alike. To succeed in college, one must be happy at the university they choose.

I think everyone should try out a college that's somewhat far away from home just to see how it is because i think everyone should have this experience and live your time here to the fullest.

I would encourage students to visit any college they are interested and also talk to the students who have attended or currently attend the college. The best way to see what a University is like is to see it for yourself and to see what others have thought about it. Finally, parents don't pressure your children to go to one college or another, ultimately it is up to them what they will enjoy. If the student is unhappy with their college, it is a waste of time and money. College is a time to enjoy yourself, and also learn a little bit.

Parents and students should visit as many colleges as possible in order to choose a school that the student will enjoy. The student, once in school, should enroll in classes that will be fun and sound interesting, whether or not they may apply to the student's major: often some classes are only available for a short time, and missing out on taking a class is disappointing. Students should live in a dorm for at least one year because that is a good way to meet people. Students should also not be afraid to talk to professors, instead of limiting their time together to only time in class. All students have different choices regarding the size of their campus. I don't know whether it would be more beneficial to attend a large or small school, but I think students need to consider this before deciding on a college.

There are so many colleges out there! If you get to college and think it isn't the right place for you spend a semester there before taking any action. And don't worry, there's no shame in being a transfer! You might just find the best college for you by trying somewhere new- I did. Also, make the best of your college experience- be whoever you want to be, and don't be afraid to do things you've only thought about doing. And parents, there are so many activities at college, that your offspring will have opportunities to see things they've never been exposed to- plays, concerts, lectures, and professors who really know what they are talking about. Once they get involved they won't have time to be homesick. No matter, there will be great places to be eat (thought it might take several trys to find the best one), and whatever you chose to do there will be people there who are interested in it too!

Simple: walk around campus and make sure you feel comfortable and at home there. Do not pick a college based on your friends or anyone else's opion besides your own. Even if you are dead set on a particular college visit other colleges to be positive. The best advice is to walk around a campus and see if you can imagine yourself there.

Go to IU!!!

Find a college that fits your needs, you do not want to be stuck somewhere that you are not happy with. Make the decision based not only on the academic environment but also the surroundings. Academics is a huge part of college, however, if you are not happy with the weather or surrounding landscape you will not be happy there. You need to look inside yourself and say "I know I will be happy here", if you can say that, then you know you have made the right choice. When you are at school, have fun. Get involved in anything that interestes you, if you do not do it now you will never do it. Join different clubs, go to sporting events, and meet as many people as you can. College is a once in a life time experience so make the best of it while you are there. And remember, haveing fun is important, but ultimately you are there for academics, so still have fun but do not let it get in the way of your school work.

Make sure you find a school that meets your needs both academically and socially. If you are unhappy it is hard to accelerate academically.

If you are looking for an all around school, Indiana University is the place to be. It offers you everything you can think of. Everyone here including the staff are so understanding and so supportive. It is a great feeling knowing your part of something so amazing.

Find a place where you can see yourself at. Somewhere you enjoy being, and surround yourself with friendly people. ALWAYS keep in contact with an advisor. They will not keep up with you, YOU must keep in touch with them if you want to stay on track. Enjoy your freshman year....don't get a drinking ticket.....try to go to class....after freshman year you have to work a little harder, but the benefits really pay off :0) Don't ever have more than 1 roommate...it will not end up good. Be safe...call your parents at least once a week....they miss you and are putting your butt through school. Go to football games...tailgate...go to basketball games.....take advantage of all the things a college has to offer you....your parents are paying for it so it's "free"...after college, nothing is free. Don't stress out.....and when you're 21...go to the bars....not during the week (you won't wake up for your 9am the next morning)....really pay attention to who you are....take lots of pictures. Savor the moment :*)

I would suggest finding a college that mainly focuses on that which you wish to do for the rest of your life. Even if you change your major, it would be best to try for a school that is based around your primary study, whether it be music or mathemetics. But make sure that the university also offers other fields that you might be interested in other than your orignal major. You might find something that you really enjoy later on in your career. You should also try applying for as many scholarships as you can, as soon as you can. You never know what could be out there!

The best advice that I could give to parents and/or students about finding the right college is to start the research process early in your high school career so that you feel prepared and confident when making your selection come senior year of high school. It is very easy to put of researching colleges and finding the right fit, some kids even feel that they already know what college they are going to attend because a friend or parent attended that college but come to find out that it's not the right fit for them. Also, take advantage of on campus visits and financial aid, such as scholarships and grants before you begin your freshmen year at college. When classes start you have enough to worry about other than financial issues and things that will disract your focus from getting off to the best start possible your first semester freshmen year. College can be whatever you want to make it. If you put forth the effort early on before college starts you will definitely have a leg up on your peers and have the right tools to succeed at whatever college you choose. Good Luck!

Make sure you visit the college before you decide!

In finding the right school for you, know your areas of interest, no matter the number. Look for schools that not only have your perferred areas, but others that are somewhat realted to those areas. Who knows, you might take a random class taht has some relative connection to an interest of yours, and find your calling! In the size of schools, use your high school population as a comparision. If you thought your high school was small, go for something bigger. If you went to a massive high school of multiple thousand students, there are amazing schools that are smaller. The whold point of college is to further your education, in all aspects! Embrace the new atmosphere! - take advantage of your new freedom. You will recieve an unmatchable education from the people you meet. So of course go to class and do your homework, but also get involved, go out on the weekends, and have those random philosophical talks and debates at two in the morning that unexpectedly happen. The things I've learned from the people I met while at college is an education that I wouldn't trade for the world.

Do your research and use opportunities that you have. I found out information about this school when I was in high school. On the career days we had in high school, I used one of the days to come visit this school to make sure this is the school I would want to go to. Parents and students do not make a last minute decision, plan accordingly. I think if I would have rushed and not did my research I would have just picked any school because I had different options, Indiana University was my first but that decision came after I found information on the school.

Well, to first look up the colleges that you or he/she have thought about and then to see if it offers what you or your daughter/son is looking for!

Make sure you pick a school the right size! Don't worry about where your friends from high school are going to college- when you get to school you'll branch out and meet new people who you'll grow to be life long friends with. Parents- take your kids to visit schools! Not just a few, a lot of schools. And don't just spend time going to college visits there. Take a day and just cruise around the town seeing what it has to offer as well as the school. Incoming freshmen- Don't be afraid to try new things. College isn't just school, it is a veritiable mine of opportunities and experiences that wait for you if you're willing to seek them out. Don't overload yourself with coursework no matter how ambitious you feel (I did that and the results were not good). Make sure you've got the right major, but don't take too long- you don't want to be in school six years for your bachelors. Remember to have fun. Unwind once in a while. That's all I've got. Good luck!

I would say just find a place you wanna be and are comfortable. Don't choose a school based solely on statistics or stereotypes. yeah, college is all about the degree you get, but at the same time it's so much more than that. It's the experience on being on you're own for the first time, finding out who you are and what you might want to become. Obviously going to classes and studying is the number 1 priority, but you can't ignore the weekends and having a social life. College is a unique once in a lifetime oppourtunity and the 4 years will fly by, so make the most of it and enjoy every minute.

You should figure out if you would prefer a small, medium, or large sized school. You should note the surroundings, the campus life activities, sports and recreational facilities offered, music and theatrical productions offered, greek life... You should focus on what program your major is in, and talk to alumni about their experience taking the same classes and what they have done since graduation. You should attend all campus events and try to meet as many people as you can! You should eat at the dining halls and try to be out going. You should join clubs! And you should always keep in contact with your friends from home, while still making new friends! Make sure you manage your money wisely! Do well in classes. SLEEP. DON'T SHARE FOOD/DRINKING UTENSILS. Always wash your hands, and try to stay healthy! and ENJOY YOURSELF!

Advice to incoming college students and their families would be to pick a school that offers a good program that they want to study and is the right size in terms of student body. Do not pick a school based on friends or boy/girlfriends. Pick a school that will allow you to do your best academically. Once at college, stay focused on the real reason you are there - academics! Do not get caught up in drinking or hanging out with the wrong crowd. College is stressful for many students beacuse of the pressure to do well set forth by parents. A good way to relieve stress is to workout, eat right, and go to bed early. By keeping a balanced mind and a balanced body a student will be better focused and determined to succeed. As far as classes go, do not fall behind. Study the notes and read the textbooks. Remember, keep a balanced mind and body and you will go far! Good luck!

Don't settle for the first place that accepts you. Apply yourself and try for the college that you really want to get into. There is no reason not to try...

Do what's right for you; don't be influenced by anyone for the wrong reasons.