Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

Dear Future College Students (and Parents), Deciding what college you want to attend after high school can be a tough decision, so it's best to make sure you are making your choice for yourself and no one else. I know it is tempting to the school that all of your high school friends are at, but that is not always the best bet. So much personal growth can happen at a college where you don't have your whole high school judging and influencing you. If you do go to a college with most of your friends, be sure to make room in your social schedule to make new friends, so that you are not in the same clique for another 4 years. Also be sure to pick a school that you feel fits you and your interests. If you feel accepted there, you are more likely to get the most out of your college years. When you finally choose and start your classes -- make sure to actually go to class and pay attention! Skipping class is a waste of money, and it's hard to do well when you are not present to learn. Sincerely, Breanna Weidner

Drink often, bang lots. College only happens once and you'll be broke and jobless afterwards regardless of what you do.

Any college can be the right choice for you, as long as you are always open-minded and motivated! With these two qualities you can make the most of any academic setting and meet a variety of people!

Finding the right college is an important task for both parents and students. There are many important factors that need to be considered by both parties. Especially in a time of economic hardship, in-state vs. out-of-state is probably one of the first decisions that should be made. Once this has been decided, the student needs to consider whether they would feel more comfortable at a small school or if they're looking for the full out Big-Ten experience. Upon narrowing the choices down with these preliminary decisions, the most important factor should be the academic quality of the school, more specifically the department of the school that the student wishes to major in. After deciding upon a few schools that both the parents and student are happy with, visits should be made to each campus. From here it is simply a matter of which school has the most to offer both the parents and the student and which campus feels the most comfortable for the student. College is a very important part of a person's life and the process of choosing the right one should not be rushed.

Go where ou want to go and where you can see yourself spending your undergraduate and maybe graduate years. Because if you do not feel it is the right place for you, then you are usually right. Go with your gut. Don't let other people pressure you into it. Your parents aren't going to college. You are. So you need to make your own decisions. Starting now.

As a senior at a Big Ten out-of-state school I have lots of advise to give to parents and future freshmen, and 200 words is not nearly enough to share my experinces and hesitations. My first piece of advise is to visit as many schools as you can. Take advantage of talking to advisors while you're there (students and parents), and definately take a tour of the campus if they offer them, preferably given by a student because I feel they can connect with potential freshmen better than anyone. Look into what clubs or organizations the school has, and find something that excites you. My passion my whole life was ballet, and IU offered so many ways to incorperate my dancing along with my education, that I knew I would feel comfortable attending this school whether it was to dance, or to find a completely new career. College is a huge transition, so being able to fit your passion into your new life keeps you grounded when you're feeling overwhelmed in an unfamiliar environment. Finally, don't regret it if you can't afford it, there are people there to help you.

To make the most of the college experience, it's important to find a University you feel comfortable at. Visit Universities and meet the people there. Look into the activities that the school has to offer along with the types of classes. Sit in on classes when it's exceptable, and talk to professors. Once you choose you school become active in something. It's important to make the effort to meet as many new people as possible, and be open to new ideas. Go to class, and work hard. Remeber you're there for an education.

Narrow the college search first by deciding whether or not you want to attend a large school or small school. From there i would suggest taking as many tours as possible. In order to get the full feel for the college i find it imperative to visit the school at least twice. The tours would be even more beneficial if the prospective student knew a current student at that school, because a more personal tour makes the learning experience better. As for making the most of your college experience i would suggest to get out there and be active in the community. Become part of a team or engage in a group that fits your interests. It's one of the best ways of meeting genuine friends that last a lifetime. I also find it helps shape you into a better, more ambitious person in general.

First of all to find the right college for the student, you have to look at what colleges offer your degree of interest. I would then suggest a school that fits your lifestyle suggesting, small school with closer more involved classes, or a big school with lecture halls. For me being involved in the community and organization helped me in organizing my life and be able to manage time. Another thing to consider for an incoming freshman, it is never to early to gain more resume experience. Also to ensure that you have the best chances of getting a job after college make sure that you get involved and know your teachers , because later in your college career you will need letters of recommendation. Finally once you know what school you want to attend and what organizations you want to be in, you absolutely must attend class.

To start off the college search, I would begin to think about the area where you would like to go to school. Think about how far away you want to be from home, taking into consideration transportation for breaks and holidays. Also think about if you would want to go school in a big city or small town. You should definitely visit the schools you are thinking about applying to. Obviously you will have to think about price and what you can afford. Once you choose your school you should start researching campus life and what activities you want to get involved with right away. Getting involved right away will make you feel more at home when you get to school. It is also a great way to meet new people and make friends. The more people you meet at campus the better you will like the school. You will have a better college experience if you make sure you keep on top at your work. Know when to play and know when to stay in a night to get caught up.

The most important thing to do is visit a wide variety of schools. You're often asked in high school whether you want a big school or a small school, or how important athletics are to you- but a lot of people don't know what a "big" or "small" school is actually like. Visit lots of schools and try to picture yourself not just attending that school, but living in that city. Talk to current students at the schools you visit- we don't bite. There isn't just one school that is a perfect fit. But by visiting a lot of schools, you can get a sense of where you would fit and where you wouldn't. Once you get to school, try new things- it's what college is for. Join groups, do intramural sports, volunteer, and allow yourself to make new friends. Doing all of this will ensure that you're taking advantage of everything your college has to offer, and getting your money's worth!

I would advise to look at many different schools. Also make sure that the school is actually within the price range you are looking for. Although some out of state colleges look amazing the cost may not be worth it. Looking at how fun a school is should be in mind but also you must remember that we are there for an education and the credentials should be checked out. Once in college is where you get to break away and be anybody you want to be. If you dont want to hang out with the same people in college as you did in high school you dont have to, there are thousands of new people to meet just like yourself. Also get involved with things on campus. Join a fraternity, join a club, play intramural sports. Staying inside studying and playing video games is not a true college experience. This is the time to be free and do stuff you never got to do and may never get the chance to do again in the future. Life is all about experiences and college is one experience that i will never forget.

Visit as many as you can. Think about everything, from weather, classes, majors, size. Its amazing how much goes into it, but once you find it. You have found another home and a place where you love to be

If I could give any advice to parents and students about finding the right college and making the most of it I would have to say to pick a college that fits your interests of study and a campus that is very diverse and open in order to be exposed to cultures and ideas that will challenge the your current one's and be open minded and get involved in order to make the best of it.

Stick to it early on and really focus on your classes. Don't fall behind. But don't let yourself get stressed, make sure you are always having fun and making the most of your time here. It goes by so fast it's scary.

Make sure to pick the school that feels right. To make the most of the college experience, be open to new things and be friendly to everyone you meet.

Don't stress and feel pressured about what other peers and friends are doing, just worry about what is good for you as the student and make the right decision based on what you feel is best for you. The worst thing you could do is follow the dreams of others and leave your dreams unanswered, unchallenged, and unfulfilled. Be analytical and logical, but most of all good luck!

Find a place that offers a lot and has a lot of stuff going on.

Dont live off camps the first year!

make sure the college is the right one for you.

Just do what feels right

To have the most effective and beneficial college experience it is essential that one selects a school based on his or her personal needs and preferences. This decision?s importance is not to be underestimated and, therefore, must be examined from several different angles. Size, cost, location, and academic prestige are critical, but to get the most out of his or her college experience a student must also consider their social goals. Though often overlooked, it is universally true that to consistently excel one must be satisfied with life as a whole. Once enrolled, it is to the student?s benefit to join some sort of organization. This will aid in launching friendships and providing a sense of purpose. Consider each aspect carefully, visit potential schools of interest, meet students and staff, and ultimately, find a place to feel at home. It is through this that a student will find his or her place and will have the best college experience one can ask for.

Weigh all your options! Take a seat with your child and go through the brochures and see what the schools have to offer. Take your time this should not be a decision that you make very quickly. This decision will have a huge impact on your child's life so take it slow, weigh your options and try to choose wisely. For the students, come to school with an open mind. You will be introduced to new ideas. Take each one in because then you will be able to see everything your school has to offer. Find activities that interest you. Then get involved. The same goes with your classes. Get involved in your classes. Do not just show up and take notes. Engage in discussion, form study groups, form a teacher-student relationship with all your teachers. Get to know them! This will help your college experience be less stressful and more fun.

I made the mistake of not searching thoroughly enough to find the right university. Actually, I did no searching in highschool because IU was right in my backyard. Looking back on it I should have not been so lazy. So, my advice is to not take college planning in a nonchalant manner.

When deciding which college is right for you or your child, a big emphasis should be put on the reputation of the school's department in which your child will be focusing their college career. You should always take the time to visit the college's campus. By doing so, you get a true, honest feel for the environment, student life, and overall experience that you will receive should you choose to attend. I can't stress enough that you should not choose a school based on distance from home, who you know that will be attending, or reputation of the school.

I would say use as many resources as possible in trying to find a college. Look online, talk to students, and visit as many colleges as you can to get a real sense of what it's like there and how you would fit in. In making the most of the college experience, it's important to try to put yourself out there and try new things. Make new friends! Try an activity that you normally wouldn't try. And most importantly, go to class and stay on top of your schoolwork. Because that's why you're really there and that's what you're paying money for.

It is important to find a university/college that has a culture that will help your child grow as a person and introduce him/her to new ideas and ways of looking at the world. The student should be open-minded and eager to participate in campus life and mature enough to begin to try and manage his/her own life.

Students and parents should start as early as possible in the student's high school career to find the most appropriate college. I started my freshman year and it still took until my junior year to decide what I like most. Actually visiting the campuses is crucial. You'll see what the college is really like a lot better than if you only looked at some brochures. I wanted to attend one university since I was very young, but once I took a tour of the campus, I realized that it was poorly set up and that the setting was far from intimate. Once you find your perfect college, there are some steps you might have to take to settle yourself. If you're in a large university, you will want to find your "niche" by attending groups and extracurricular activities related to your interests. In a smaller university, you might not have to take these steps, but you might also not have the same variety of people and groups to choose from, which is important to keep in mind. And, regardless of the university you attend, you should invest in a good planner to keep yourself on track.

My advice to parents and students would be to look for a place where a student can feel at home. It is important to look for a place that offers everything you want and need academically, but it is also something that many don't think about that you are in fact going to LIVE there for about four years. The people you are surrounded by will be your friends and neighbors and the surroundings will be your neighborhood. Those streets you see on the tour will be what you walk home on at midnight after long study sessions at the library or after a late night dinner with friends. Find something where you can be at home and find yourself. Thats what I did and it was one of the best choices I ever made. So thats the only advice I know to give.

Rather not say

The first thing someone needs to do in selecting a college is to pick the University that has the program you want to pursue. It never makes sense when a prospective student chooses a school based on whether or not their friends are going. Choosing the right univeristy is extremely important. Not only will you spend the next four or more years there, it is where you will cultivate your knowledge, experience and people skills. A university is not just a school but also a home. Once your ideal college is chosen, new students should enter with an open mind. Colleges such as Indiana University have so much to offer to the students. If a student does not open up nor want to get involved with something new, then they are not getting the most out of their experiance. Although college is about getting a degree, it is also a place where students grow, learn and build relationships that will build a lifetime.

My one word of advice is, get involved. As a freshman it is easy to feel connected to the school you are attending because you are generally living on campus and provided with activities and programs to attend. However, as you continue your education it becomes harder to keep that connection alive. I found this out while living off-campus sophomore year. To change things up, junior year I became a Resident Assistant in the dorms and the president of our legal studies club. It was the best decision I ever made, because now, I have a greater appreciation for my school and the knowledge that I made a difference, even if it may be small, I made a difference at IU.

Do not base your college decision on where your friends go. Learn about the colleges that interest YOU. Find out everything there is to know. Visit all the colleges your interested in. Narrow your choices down to 2 or 3 and visit those schools again. Think of where you can see yourself for four years. Think about the campus, the other students, the activities, what their known for and what is important to you. If you make the right college choice for yourself, you will make friends that will last you a lifetime.

I would tell them to make sure to get a degree in something they love. If they just settle for any degree they will find themselves unhappy and possible have to go back to school to get the right degree. They should also try to get involved. I never did and I feel that really held me back in school.

To save money and start saving as soon as possible because college is expensive. Kids that go to college should be focused so they do not get into too much debt because they are drinking anf not working on school.

Most people worry too much about finding a college that fits them. The problem with this approach is that they don't take into account the fact that their college experience will, most likely, actively change who that person is. A person's college years are a time of self discovery and growth. This does not, however, mean that all experiences will be positive. In fact, many experiences may push students to their limits. Although that may not sound like a pleasurable experience, it can be extremely valuable to the process of "finding" one's self, and clarifying one's worldview. All in all, one should be much more concerned with having an open mind and being willing to consider new ideas - no matter which college they find themselves at.

Find one that has so much to offer: excellent teachers, a wide variety of extracurricular activities, the right class size, a reasonable price, etc. Whatever best meets your needs. Then take advantage of all this as much as you can. College will always be hard, but while you're there you should make the best of it. While studying is important and partying is fun, it is best to stay in the middle of either extreme for a fun college experience.

Apply to as many colleges that match your preference. Then visit these colleges to so that you can get a personal connection as to whether or not this is where you would like to be for the next four years. Depending on you situation, you may want to keep in mind the proximity of the school and whether or not it is an in-state school. This could greatly affect your decision merely based on cost. Talk to your relatives, friends, and even alumni as there experiences with the college they have chosen. Also, think of what the reputation is on the school towards the community and industry. If you are staying on campus for the first year, I would recommend staying in a dorm just to get the full college experience. Often times the people you meet there tend to be the friends you hang out with for years to come. The dorms however can be noisy and distractive so ask around from others as to what dorm may fit you best. Lasty, try to get involved with extra curricular activies as it will heighten your experience. Remember though to keep a good balance with your acadmeic work load.

Pick a school that fits you. Don't try to impress people with the name or even pick the top school in whatever field you want to do if that isn't where you are going to be happy. Visit the campus, do research, and make sure you pick the school that is right for you, while ignoring the costs. Try and imagine your dream school before you go out and look, and make sure it fits that mold; don't settle for less! These should be the best few years of your life, so don't waste them on a school that isn't right for you.

I would advise choosing a college that provides a number of opportunities for a student and does not have a lot of limits on what the student can choose from in regards to their career and majors. A lot of colleges and universities provide a wealth of resources and activities for students, and I would advise getting as involved as one can in the areas that the student is interested in. This helps students flourish and grow as adults and also provides a good networking tool.

When looking at colleges with your son or daughter make sure to visit them. Get a tour of the campus and make sure to ask students walking around about what they think of the school. Also I would suggest setting up a meeting with an advisor while on your visit to make sure that not only is your son or daughters degree there, but also that they will be able to graduate in four years and the job placement after graduation is high. Your son or daughter should get involved and do things that they would never normally do at the college they decide to attend. If that means seeing a play or going to a football game they should. I decided to take a class in fencing because I knew I would never in a lifetime be able to do something like that. Basically make sure that they are open to new experiences and opportunities.

I think the most important advice to picking a college is to go with the school that has the most appealing opportunities and offers the most interesting subjects. It's important to looks at all aspects like class descriptions and living arangements in the city and on campus. A student must be able to let loose and relax. It is easiest to make good friends when a student is natural and themselves. They should experience all the college has to offer, academically, vocationally, and the entertainment life.

I would suggest that parents stay involved in their childrens' lives, know what they are involved in, and encourage them to be involved in campus activities, stand up for what they believe in, and take advantage of any help sessions if they are struggling to get through classes. I would also suggest to bother parents and students that they should continually look for and apply for scholarships because college is expensive. One should go to college for an education and if they can get any financial assistance, it should be appreciated. It is hard to hear society talk about the need for a college education but know that it is not affordable to many families. Students need to research and visit as many colleges as possible, and they should apply to colleges based on their needs and focus and not because of friends or family pressuring them to go to a specific one. Students should take advantage of any orientaion offered at they beginning of the year to get to know the campus better. Students should also know that they should not be afraid to try new things, meet new people, and stand up for what they believe in.

Seek professional services outside of your high school to help find the university of best fit. Listen to friends and relatives more than relying on ranking institutions that tend to overexaggerate both positive and less than ideal aspects of particular universities. Speaking with employers in cities you'd like to work in to determine whether or not they recruit from your school of choice would be beneficial as well. With regards to making the most of your college experience...Study Abroad! I spent a semester in Sydney, Australia and it was the most amazing experience of my life. It was like I had a second chance at my freshman year. You learn things and mature throughout your first couple of years at an American university, and when you're ready to travel abroad for a semester of studies, you know what you're looking for and are ready to take full advantage of any opportunity that arises.

Don't limit yourself based upon your preconcieved notions of what you want college to be--always be open, and ready to accept whatever changes come your way. Don't go into college with a set major--experience everything, and let that help you decide whether or not your first impressions were the right ones.

Apply every where and visit as many colleges as you can before deciding. Take advantage of all the visitation activities that the schools offer, but also spend some time with other students. Observe a few classes, talk to students on campus, don't be afraid to ask them about their experiences. Parents, let you kids spend a night or weekend on campus by themselves, let them get a feel for the social life. As much as college is about education, a students social life will affect their attitude about the school and their time there. Never underestimate the power of beauty, being able to look at a beautiful campus every day can surprisingly lighten a persons mood and give them a boost of motivation. Try something new every week, a restaurant, store, class, guest lecture, campus social or sports event, a student performance, ect. Read the newspaper, both school and world. Attend group call out meetings, they give out free food. Buy books online. Don't let money be a deciding factor; there are plenty of options available for financial aid. A students college experience will determine the direction of the rest of their life, set them up for success.

For parents, I would encourage them to find the right college that will be supportive both financially and academically for their children. However, some parents will not have to worry about the financial aspect, it's just the academic aspect. However, do not go to a college that is a rip-off, make sure it adds up to the value of the education provided. Parents should also not be dominating and choosing their child's school for them. Make sure that your child will be comfortable at the school and listen to their reasoning of why they want to attend this particular college or university. By keeping an open mind and letting your child go to a reasonable school of their choice, this can affect their performance in school, leading to successful working individuals. I would encourage students to make the best out of their college career both socially and academically. Students should make wise decisions, and use time-management. If you need to be studying, rather than going out, then these sacrifices have to be made because at the end of your college experience, your grades matter. Take advantage of the career-related opportunities and campus involvement.

My advice for students is to determine the path you want to take early and stay focused on your goals. I have looked forward to this opportunity to attend a great college since I was a freshman in high school. I came to this college this year (my freshman year) with 32 college credit hours. I excelled in high school and took every opportunity to stretch out and take college courses. I had hoped for a scholarship given my excellent academic standing but that did not happen. If this does not happen for you, don't let it derail your plans. With the help of financial aid loans and my parents support by also getting loans for me, I was able to be here this year. If I can do this, so can you. My parents are helping not only me but my two siblings who also are in college right now and believe me it is not easy for any of us but we are making it happen and SO CAN YOU!

To find out if a school is right for you my advice would definately be to go visit different schools and connect with people from them so you can get a good idea of what it would be like. To make the most out of the college experience I encourage students to live on campus for their first two years and to have fun and connect with people but not to get too caught up with partying because it can be a major distraction. The best thing to keep in mind is how important your education is to you so you can focus on your priorities and know what sacrifices you'll have to make.

Financing college is a burden, but don't let that bog you down.