Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis Top Questions

You have to visit the campus to get a real feel for the environment and character of the school. Keep an open mind otherwise you miss out on the school that could potentially be right for you. Have an idea as to what you want to study since some schools have programs that are recognized for being excellent, which can help you once your graduate and interview for jobs/internships.

Choosing the "right" college is not as important as a lot of people think. Sure, some values are learned during the college years, but most are already instilled in a person before they reach college age. A successfull person will always succeed, regardless of where they attend school. Choose a school that offers what you're interested in and aligns with your personal values. Not everything is in the name. Hang in there and don't sweat the small stuff.

I would go see the campus to be sure that the student will fit in and feel comfortable. I would try to stay over night to see what the on campus is like. Be sure that the school is accredited in the attended major. Check the retain rate of the incoming freshman. If money is an issue, start looking for scholarships and other ways to pay as soon as you pick the school so you won't go in to too much debt or have to transfer to another school. Meet with an advisor at the school before making final decision to see what classes are offered.

I would advise parents and/or students to look at the education of the schooling. You can make friends anywhere you go, but you are paying for an education so make the best of your education. Make sure that you are going to be comfortable with your decision because transftering can take more time to get a degree. Also, make sure their is a place for the student to study, whether it be a library or a study lounge because they will spend alot of time studying. Last of all, take the time a visit each college, get a tour of the campus and sit in one class to see if you can see yourself going to that college. Choosing a college is a big decision and takes time to decide.

My advice would be to make sure you do college visits to the colleges you are applying for so you get a feel for how the campus is. If you don't like the campus, it will be harder to want to get up everyday and go to class. Also, check into the different areas your interested in studying. Some places are better than others for different majors and so you want to make sure you are going to the best possible college that suits you. Go with your gut feeling. If your a little uneasy about moving 1000 miles away from your parents to go to school, then don't. It's ok to be afraid, almost everyone gets a little homesick, but it's a little easier if you are sure you're going where you need to go. The last piece of advice I have is be open-minded. In college, there are so many different kinds of people all put into the same area. It really gives you an opportunity to get to know people that are very different from yourself so embrace it while you have the chance.

Visit, not just the college, but also the surrounding areas of your college location. Start looking early, and make a decision. Focusing on one or two colleges your last 1-2 years of high school will be less of a burden than applying to several and making a blind choice.

I would suggest for them to narrow their college search based on what degree(s) they are interested in pursuing as well as the location and size, a tuition price range, and the available opportunities that the school has to offer. I believe that every person embarking on their college experience should make an informed decision on what school to attend. Each person is different and has different needs. Colleges tailor their tuition, curriculum, and overall environment to try and accomodate each students needs- It is just a matter of being able to find the best fit for that person. I advise for students looking at prospective colleges to keep in mind what they may need/want in the future. My advice on making the most of the college experience would be to try and stay involved, continually challenge oneself both in school and life and take advantage of the opportunities available. Opportunities and experiences in college serve as guidance for a person to learn more about oneself and what he/she may want to do with their life. The overall college experience is a preparatory course for the rest of one's life.

First of all, make out a priority list and decide what is most important to you in where you decide to get your education. A few things to consider are: cost (financial aid), prestige, location, sports, student activities, culture diversity, or religion. If you can put these things in order of importance, it will be easier to find a college that is the best fit for you. Next, I would try to talk to someone that has attended this college. Not a recruiter or faculty member, but someone who has attended and obtained a degree that has no bias. I also think scheduling a campus visit for an informative guided tour is beneficial. Research the school: academic statistics (pass/fail rates), rate of drop out, crime rate, and social events available to students. Also check out available housing on and off campus. This doesn't seem like the most important factor at first but when it comes down to being completely miserable or completly happy, where you live can make all the difference.

Figure out what you want to do in life before you jump into a program.

It is important for students to begin the selection process somewhere in their late junior year to early senior year of high school. A student can begin by talking to older friends, siblings, or adults whose opinions they respect. It's important to attend a school in a location that is comfortable for them. If a student has never been away from home, they may want to consider a college within a few hours of home. It is also important for students and parents to have effective communication about their expectations, fears, and ideas about the college selection. If it is important to a student to attend a school with many social opportunities, a parent needs to respect their need for socialization. College can be the best years of your life, if you find the campus that's right for you. Get to know your teachers and communicate with them frequently. Befriend someone different than you - you may learn more from them than in a class. Sit near the front of the class. Take notes. Study. Become a person known for integrity and compassion. Don't take shortcuts, you're only hurting yourself. Oh...and have fun.

Decide what is most important to you and remember to be fiscally responsible in your choices. It is not always the best idea to go to the most expensive college because you won't always get your money's worth out of it. Get involved on campus -make friends and get to know your professors. It will ensure you have the most opportunities and do the most good while you are in college.

Already coming from another college with my AA, I thought it was going to be very hard for me to start over. I moved from Michigan to Indiana not knowing anyone or ever being to this state. I first came to the college thinking "wow this place is big." Now looking at it, it seems to be just the right size four year college to attend. I looked for the area it was around (if there would be things to do, how many people were around, did it look safe, etc.). Another thing that I looked for were the facilities. Having my major in photography and art, I wanted to make sure the art department was a place I wanted to be most of my time. I really checked out the photography labs and equipment. So always check out the areas of your study or what you might be interested in studying. To make the best out of any college experiance I think is to make lots of friends. Also try to attend the events they will have, gallery walks, sports, and even volunteer to help out at your school. Not everything has to have alcohol to have fun!

allow students to research and find a campus that meets their wants and needs

When choosing a college base it primarily off what one will give you the best education. Don't just go to a certain college because your friends from high school are. Look into the teaching methods, availability of internships or jobs on campus, and the rate of students being hired as soon as they graduate. Once you get to college always remember, that you will get out what you put in. If you don't study and just party all the time you will never learn anything. If you don't make an effort to get internships or jobs, the professors or future employers may never know who you are. If you don't strive to join clubs, you may miss out on networking opportunities. While at college always keep in mind what is best for your future, but remember that it is ok to have a night out in order to relax and stop all the hard work you are doing everyday for just a few hours. Finally, don't forget about your parents, they can be some of the best support you have when times get hard.

Make sure they offer the courses required for your major and its affordable. The best advice is to go to a college in the state you are in because you will save alot money.

Find a shool that has the career goals you are lookng for in terms of academic programs. If you are not sure make sure there are many resources on campus to help you explore this so you are not going from one major to the next. Also find a school that has the programs you want and fits to your needs. Get to know as many people ass you can and network with not only students but professors as well. Professors are a great resource to have for references and to give advice when faced with hard life making decsions. If you are in a major you are not sure about get out and take the general core classes that can transfer into other major tracks. Make the most of your experience, it only happens once and you can also help others when you are done the way someone is helping you now!

Before deciding which college to attend based on price, location, and the quality of education, take a moment to make sure you will feel good at this school. Can you picture yourself making new friends and learning new things? To find the right college, be sure you feel at home on your campus. When touring schools it's important to try to visualize yourself in that environment and see if you feel like you fit. Many people will say that to make the most of the college experience, you need to get involved. While involvement in school activities is great, it's also important to choose your friends, clubs, and activities based on what you're interested in. Do not join random clubs simply to be able to say you're involved. The second way to make the most of college is just to relax, but not too much. Have a good time, but remember why you're at school.

Advice I would give would be to consider the following things; Have an idea of what you want your career to be and find the best school's suitable for that degree, decide how far you want to be away from home (I know you might want to get away but it's always nice to have family close), COST is a big thing, make sure you are not going to be in financial debt when you graduate, VISIT THE CAMPUS!! if you don't like your campus you will find school to be a lot harder, also check out the available acitivites and groups to get involved with (it helps you meet new people and feel more comforatable.) Parents, make sure you feel comforatable with the campus and classrooms and housing because as parents do, you will be constantly worried when your child has finally moved in. Overall make sure you are in love with the school you pick and that you know other friends attending. College is a great experience and it's preparing you for life goals and experiences. Remember, education comes first over parties, fun, and sports. That's why you're there.

My best advice for parents and students in choosing the right college for their needs is to definitely take a tour of the campus and get to see the staffs and students there. Seeing the campus in person could be the biggest deciding factor in knowing if the college is right for you. Furthermore, one thing that could really help in deciding the right college for you is to do your research to whether the college in mind has a strong program for your future needs. College can be really fun even with the challenging classes. To make the best of your college experience, you must be willin to get involved. Students are generally very nice and easy to interact with. All that you have to do is be willing to interact with others and you'll surely make friends. Furthermore, getting involved with the community in clubs and such is a great way to meet people, learn about what your community has offer, and feel good about yourself. The key to a great college experience is to put yourself out there and not be afraid to put yourself in unfamiliar situation and try new things that you haven't.

I think staying open minded when selecting colleges is the best whay to look at schools. Not thinking only about all the negatives about where it is or what the dorms look like but also thinking about the learning experience. Whether or not the school is going to support the major that you are choosing and whether or not the size of classes and the campus is condusive to the students learning style. I know that not everyone learns the same way. Also, to students wanting to enjoy the full experience get involved in something you care about personally whether it be something in the community or intramural sports you will meet more people make connections and most of all have fun. College is a great learning experience to grow academically but also socially and independantly.

Making the most of college is a two-step process. First, parents and students must evaluate the needs and wants of the individual and how those fit with prospective universities. Political leanings, religious affiliation, the academic-athletic balance, and environment all play a very important role in the type of experiance a student might have. Secondly, to maximize the college experience, students need to approach it understanding that they and their preferences will change. Not every college is right for everyone, but it is possible to initially dislike things about a school that a student may come to appreciate and value with time. An urban, commuter school may seem undesirable to students wanting a 'traditional college experience,' but they offer the kind of opportunities for employment, internships, and independence that are hard to find in a collegiate town. Similarly, an academically focused student may feel out of place at a school with a passion for athletics and Greek life but eventually finds a niche with campus groups that make them feel at home. No college experience is predictable, and the key is good planning and even better optimistic adaptation to the new situations ahead.

IUPUI is a wonderful school to attend to get a good education and also be able to be in a downtown environment where jobs can be readily available that associate to your major.

I would say to look at the acedemic side of the college. Don't go by how big the school is or how many students are there because a lot of students pick those schools for partying and although students want to go out and do that from time to time, Studying and graduating to become successful is a lot more important. Don't limit out a college until you've talked to a representative or visited the college to get some better information then a packet or a website because the ideal college may be a very small college. To follow that, some colleges are small or look boring to go to but they may have to best classes to meet your major and also have the best advisors and proffessors, which in turn can make the classes easier and making college more fun to be in then. Whatever the choice though, Don't only pick one college and apply to only that, pick 3-5 and look into them all and make your desicion after the acceptance letters have come back in so you have other options just in case something goes wrong.

Choose a college based on your needs. Do not make a desision based on what other family and friends have choosen for themsleves. Be an indivdual.

I would recommend that students take a long, hard look at the career they would love to do and not be concerned about the amount of money the career makes. I feel a student needs to be studying in a field they love. This seems to always enhance and boost grades and I feel the student will find some way of being successful in a career they love. The student's confidence and excitement will increase allowing them to be that much more successful in his/her career.

When trying to find a college you should go and visit any schools you're considering, take a tour, see what your average day may be like if you chose to go there. If you plan on living on campus ask to take a tour of their campus housing. Ask to sit down and talk with someone about your financial situation and what kind of help they have to offer you. I feel that in order to make the most of your college experience you need to go into it with an open mind. If you're not sure what your intended major is thats fine! You can use your freshman year to explore and find out what you may be interested in. There are alot more options in college than there were in high school. Just make sure that the credits for the classes you take can be used to meet general requirements.

Think about everything as a package. Don't let a location or the quality of a particular program make your decision for you because the other aspects you don't like will come back to haunt you. Visit campus, talk to students in your potential program, and compare financial aid and tuition. Take advantage of the fact you are a college student - eat weird stuff for breakfast, take odd jobs, save money, travel and study abroad.

The advice I would give to parents and mainly students about making your college decision is... if you want a REAL college experience, do not choose IUPUI. That is, do not choose IUPUI if you are going to commute there. If you are going to college at IUPUI and you live far away, then that is fine. If you are going to commute to IUPUI for college, do not do it because you will not get the "real college experience." The real college experience is rolling out of bed 10 minutes before class and making it there on time, meeting new people, meeting your new best friends, joining sororities and fraternities, having a meal plan, and going home on Thanksigiving and Christmas. When I commute, I go home everyday and I work too many hours to get the best possible GPA. IUPUI does not have meal plans, they have very few sororities and I don't believe they have any fraternities. I just feel that IUPUI does not give you one of those once in a lifetime college experiences that you'll share with your children someday.

try and figure out what it is that you love to do in life and go for it in college and if that is what you truly love do it with all your heart and never let any one let you think other wise. Avoid the idea of money and go for you dream full on and never look back for any thing.

Make sure that the school gives you what you want & need before you decide where to attend college.

Findthe college that fits you or your child needs and get out there and try to have fun expriences in college.

My main advice to parents or students is to go where you want to go. Don't attend a college because other people want you to attend that college, you may not fit in or it may not be the college for you. If you have a idea of what you would like to major in, try to base your college career of that and choose which college has better opportunities for you and for your major. In the end, the choice of college you decide to attend is your choice not your friends or family, but yours. Getting involved as much as possible, especially your freshman year in college is the best way to get a good college experience. It allows you to meet knew people and form friendships and it also allows you to figure out what you like about the clubs. Getting involved helps you have a better outlook about college and keeping yourself around good people and staying out of trouble to accomplish your goals in life at the university you decide to go to. Life is all about choices and dreams, so furfill those dreams with a good college experience.

Students and parents need to both consider the options of which college to attend. Students need to find the college that is right for them and that will give them the right education for what they want to do after school. For example, after high school I wanted to become an event planner. I was accepted to IUPUI and University of Indianapolis (U of I). U of I did not have a program for what I wanted to do, so I decided to go to IUPUI. I am really glad I did. I am so happy with my decision. If you do not choose the right college, then you will not be satisfied and you may have to pay more money than you had to. In order to gain college experience, just be who you are and do what you want to do. Join clubs, volunteer, or tutor other students. Getting more involved in your school will definitely pay off in the future. It will look good on your resume, to future employers, and you will feel good about yourself as well.

My advice to parents/ students is to research as much as you can the school that cater to your major.