Iowa State University Top Questions

Simply find somewhere YOU (the student) want to go. Don't listen to family, friends, counselors...do what will make you happy. Also you need to get involoved. There are so many clubs to get involved with, intramural activities, and even shows to go watch. Don't sit at home all of the time and study...become diverse. Finally, make friends. Living in the dorms freshman year was the best thing I could have done. I become best friends with 99{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the people living on my floor and cherish that experience. This is something that you will tell your kids about someday so make it enjoyable and learn at the same time!!

I think it is very important that students go to the college that they want, not the one that their parents think is the best for them. It also helps to have a little distance between the college where the student will be attending and the parents home.

My advice to future students and their parents is to start the search for college early and don't let let state boundary lines or financial obligations stand in the way of choosing the right school. Students: make friends outside of your major, forge lasting relationships with your professors and take time to try out different ideas and styles. Do not forget your academic responsibilities but go ahead and make a few mistakes because only then can you truly learn more about yourself and who you want to be in the future. Parents: allow your child to forge their own way but always be their to support them and offer guidance. You've already scrificed so much to get them to this point so trust that your behavior has taught them well. In college you only get a short amount of time and making the most of your experience is essential to feeling prepared when you graduate. Make those four years last forever so that when your children come to this point you can fondly say this is where I went, this is what I learned and this is who I am and that has made all the difference.

College is a chance to start over. It doesn't matter who you were in high school, or what you were known for; When you come to college, you can redefine yourself. For this reason, it's so important to know going into college what kind of person you want to be. You could choose to drink and party, and that might make you happy for your four years of college, but you'll have nothing to show at the end. Or, you could choose to live for something, to put your time and energy into something worthwhile. When looking for a college, look for one that will help you be that person you want to be. And when you finally get to college, stand firm in your convictions. If you decide not to drink, don't let anyone talk you into it. It might be hard at first, but eventually, people will leave you alone about it. Finally, visit the college you are planning to attend. The tour might be neat and informative, but really pay attention to the atmosphere and friendliness of the students. That's what will make your time in college enjoyable and worth while.

Ask many questions

It's important to know what you want out of your college time. You get four years to create a resume to carry you into your career, and four years to create memories you'll have for a lifetime. You've got to decide which school will best help you to accomplish those two things, as well as balancing your financial and family constraints. If there's a particular program you're interested in, look for that. If you're into a certain activity, look for a school that offers it. Otherwise look for a school that offers a wide variety of majors and opportunities, so that whatever you decide you want to do, you'll be able to find it there.

Have fun!

Be financially prepared and have great study habits.

Let your future students explore, and don't let grades get in the way. From my experience and the people that I have talked to grades don't always matter. Don't let money ruin your college experience, there is always money around.

View a variety of universities. Having a variety of schools to compare between is helpful. When searching, take into mind the size of the school. During my search I only looked at small schools. The last school I visited was a large university and it turned out to be my favorite. Whether you know what you want to study or not, trust your instincts on which school 'feels' the best. You will know the feeling when you visit. You just feel comfortable. I think you will be much happier with your choice if you pick the university that feels right over (for example) the university that has the perfect academic record. Trust your instinct. Get involved in as many activities as possible. Explore! Check out the clubs, intramurals, student government, etc. and find out what you enjoy. There are so many incredible opportunities- take advantage of them. Studying abroad is a must! Spend a semester abroad and discover a new culture. You will discover more about yourself than you thought possible. Finally, party hard, but work hard too. Get the academic and practical acumen you need to get the job of your dreams.

Don't be fooled by a "flashy" campus, don't be fooled by promises of job fairs and certainly don't be fooled by cheerful students showing you around campus. The best advice I can give anybody looking for the right "fit" is to go somewhere you know you will be happy. Vague? let me explain. If you like the town you grew up in then find a town as similar as possible! If you did not like the town you grew up in decide what you did not like then pick a town that has the qualities you're looking for. Nothing is more essential and vital then your personal happiness when picking a college and the town or city it comes with. From firsthand experience I can tell you that if you are not happy where you live you will not learn, and I mean actually learn and absorb. A good GPA will follow a positive learning experience, which ultimately leeds to a career you will love.

Fill out your FAFSA by February 1 to get the maximum available scholarships you can. Also, get a tour of campus with a current student and get the scoop on what goes on where. Realize that in any major, college cannot teach you every little detail but rather it gives you the tools so you can graduate, accept a job and learn exactly what your boss wants you to do, copuled with your ability to build on an idea and make it better. Also, realize that a college education is equally as important as your personality and ability to handle people in the eyes of a future employer.

As far as finding the right college goes, you definitely have to find a place that will be able to teach you the things that you want to learn. You have to pick a school that has a good program for the area that you want to study. Location is also a factor in deciding what school you want to go to, and it's completely up to you to decide that. Another worry for most people is cost, but it is very easy to get loans that can be paid off after college, so I dont think cost should be that great of a concern. To make the most of the college experience I think you should study hard and make sure you are doing well in your classes. Once you have that taken care of, and get an idea of how to handle everything, I think it's time to go out and have some fun. College is always thought of as being a fun time, so as long as you are learning what you need to know while you're there, you might as well have some fun too.

MAKE SURE YOU RESEARCH YOUR MAJOR BEFOREHAND. I originaly went into Architecture at Iowa State University and was completely surprised at how different it was from what I thought it would be. Try asking older students in your major what they think of it and if they would reccommend it to you.

make sure to find a college that puts learning first. and talk to the current students and faculty to get a good feel for the school

It is important to identify your priorities before you start college. It will help you to use your time more wisely and stay true to who you are.

When you or your son/daughter begin the college search keep an open mind. You may have your heart set on going to a certain school, but don't let that get in the way of looking at several others. You never no what could happen. The best advice I can give to you about college visits is to ask lots of questions about the school, classes, getting involved, etc. When you or your son/daughter is all moved in don't linger and students don't let your parents linger. Parents, it's time to cut the cord and students, it's time to get used to being on your own. Don't hesitate to get to know the people you are going to be living with for the next year. After all they will be the ones you will be relying on to study for a test or having fun on the weekends with. Definitey get involved as early as possible. Ask your RA or other students how to get involved. The earlier you get involved the more people you will meet and the better your college experience will be!

Don't pass up better schools becuase of financial aid, or out of state tution. Also, having a good educational experience is as much about the city that the school is in as the school it's self. If you are a serious student most of the time you can get aid once you start school.

The right college for an intended career path should stick out among other choices of schools. The campus will be a place that you could see yourself walking among the students for years to come and one where the classes aren?t intimidating. The extracurricular activities should have something that draws you in and is fun to do in spare time. The availability of help for school work and other problems should be another factor in the decision for the right school. A lot of people feel a slight twinge of home sickness at some point in the first two years of college. Having a place on campus that is available to help with mental issues like this are key in making sure students are able to succeed on their own at college. Student help sessions, for school work, should be readily available and easy to find on campus. The right college will be a place where you can walk from class to class and feel safe at all times.

I would tell students to have fun and remember to only choose a college where they feel truly comfortable, regardless of what other people tell them.

Visit the school more times than just the orientation days

The decision of which college to attend is very daunting. The first piece of advise I give to high school seniors is to visit each school they are interested in. Pay attention to how you feel when you are walking through the campus, the current students you meet on the sidewalk, and the overall environment. Think of the things that relax you, and see if that campus has it. For example, nature, coffee shops, or a comedy club. Second, explore the city each school is in. Even if you like the campus, if the location is not a fit, college life may be difficult. Make sure they have the kinds of activities you enjoy, and services you need. An enjoyable college experience can be grealy improved through two steps. The first step, be open to change. This involves making new friends who may not be like your friends at home. That doesn't mean you can't be friends with your old friends too, really you will just have more friends! Second, learn how to separate work and play. Set a time to study, get the work done, and your relaxation time will be much more enjoyable. Best wishes!

Dont be dead set on any particular college. Have an open mind to other colleges and make visits to them. I would have never picked this college had I not made a visit here, but in the end, it is the place that fits me best.

Make sure when looking for schools that you are looking for the school you want to go to, not just where your parents want you to go, or where your friends are going. It is important that you make your own path and go on your own journey. College isn't just about the schoolwork. It is also about learning who are you are , who you want to be someday, and what you want to acomplish!

Do lots of research, but in the end, go with your gut instinct on where you think you or your student would be most happy.

Make sure the campus has the lifestyle the student is looking for. Small witha bunch of close friends, large with a night life. Make sure you really know socially what you want in college. The school will fall into place. But if you are uncomfortable socially you will be unsuccessful uin your school work.

Finding the right college is a complex process that involves many considerations. Do not base your decision solely on financial reasoning. I feel the best school is the one in which a person feels most comfortable, and has the opportunity to study many areas under well-known and knowledgeable faculty and professors. If it doesn't feel right or comfortable, it probably isn't. In order to make the most of a college experience, live in the dorms for at least a year and keep your door open! It's a great way to make friends and get to know those living around you. Secondly, get involved in at least one club or organization that interests you. These are a great way to meet other people, including upper classmen and faculty, and provide a unique learning experience. Do not feel that the only way to have fun at college is by attending frat parties every weekend. There are many sporting event and cultural activities that an adviser or resident assistant should be able to help you find. Remember, college is a great time to discover the world and learn more about the unique person you are. Make it count!

Visit the college on your own and see how the normal students treat you. A good college like Iowa State University will have helpful, kind, and happy students- given you don't come during finals week!

Parents should let the student do whatever they want in school without trying to sway them one way or another. As long as they're going somewhere they will get a career, so they might as well do what they enjoy.

Anyone who is considering college should first decide what is most important to them, research and visit many different schools, and then make a decision based on their findings. They must also accept the fact that college life is very different than living with parents, and be willing to accept that change.

Visit the school you wish to attend before you choose to attend there. If you don't like the atmosphere for any reason, it is much easier to decide that you shouldn't be there before you actually arrive and move in. Make connections- go to orientation program activities and meet your future classmates before school starts. This process will also help you learn where different facilities on campus are and it will put your parents at ease about where their child is going to school. Prepare academically. Learn good study habits before college so you're not struggling to keep up with curriculum that is far advanced from high school methods. Even if you are good at school, study habits are your most valuable companion. Find out about housing accomodations ahead of time- all housing accomodations. This will help provide you with security in case you end up without good roommates and need a new place or simply want something different from year to year and want to get a good deal. Learn how to research and how to use the library! These are the tools that will get you through some of your more difficult assignments with ease.

It might not seem like the most scientific way of picking a college. However when you go for a campus visit, you must ask yourself one thing, "Do I feel like this is my home." If you don't feel like the school is your home, or you don't have that perfect feeling, Then it simply is not the school for you. You must feel comfortable at your school in order to do a good job. People who are happy simply do better. In order to make the most of your college experience you must do what makes you happy. Pick a major that interests you. Don't pick a major because of what your parents want. Pick a major that makes you happy. If you go through college doing something you have no interest in, it will be the worst years of your life. In my opinion, happy people succeed.

As a student of Iowa State University I realized that having a campus enviornment that fits my lifestyle is important. My school acts as a "Jack-of-all-trades". Unfortunately this variety appeals to many students and therefore makes many majors overcrowded. If you like a small classroom where it is easy to ask questions then make sure you pick a school accordingly. If your mood is affected by the weather, as mine sometimes is, research the town or city on City-data.com. If you go on a campus tour, ask the guide to take you someplace close by that wasn't on the agenda so you can see how that area compares. It is amazing how schools can prepare some areas specifically for the tour, yet unfurnished residence halls next door. I asked my guide to open a lecture hall door so we could peer into class while it was in session. Two students were playing World of Warcraft. That kind of thing says a lot. I believe that it is possible to have a good time wherever a student goes, but it is through close preperation that a student finds one school that compliments them best.

Where ever you end up going make the best of it. Iowa State wasn't my first choice and in the beginning I didn't want to be there. But because of a couple of seniors that still lived in the dorms, it has been the best experiance in my life. I have made lasting friends and it is very beautiful. Again no matter where you end up make the most of the experience and get invovled. Thank you.

To have the best college experience, you have to immerse yourself in campus life. Find out what's happening at your school and in the community, and make friends that you can enjoy it with. It's easy to make lifelong friends in college because many share the same interests and have similar goals. It's also crucial to pick a college that's the right size for you. I considered smaller colleges, but ended up choosing a large one because my somewhat rare major, advertising, was available, the school had many ways to get involved, and so many opportunities to take advantage of. This spring, I'll travel to Greece to study for an entire semester and Iowa State is helping me pay for it! When else in life will you have the chances you do in college? Make the most of your experience by giving your all in classes, making wonderful friends and seizing opportunities. All of these things will allow you to create the best possible life for yourself -- maybe even in your dream job! -- by continuing to teach you even after you graduate.

Make sure to visit some campuses. My final decision came after I saw how great the campus was and how nice the people seemed. Also, talk to your proffessors and show geniune interest; you never know when they may need some extra help on a project. Another thing is to vary your schedule a bit. Take an Liberal Arts course with your standard course load. It may add more work, but it can help balance out your GPA if one of your core courses goes south.

The advice that I would give both parents and students would be to make sure and research the college your considering attending thouroughly. Make sure it fits who you are personally and will be the most beneficial in helping you succeed. Another piece of advice I would give is to pay attention to the small things you wouldn't normally consider. For example, check the crime rate on campus and make sure it's going to be a safe place to go to class everyday. Also, check into what activities are available for fun on the weekends. Especially if you're someone like me, make sure there are going to be other things to do besides drink every weekend. Lastly, I would say go into college with the right mindset and make sure you're fully prepared to work hard. There is nothing worse than slacking off and learning the hard way that you have to try hard to earn your grades in college. Above all, don't take your time at college for granted. Before you know it you'll be working the rest of your life, so enjoy college while it lasts.

I would tell them to focus on wether they want to be close to home or have a completely different experience and move really far away. Then I would definitely do what I did and try to find the best colleges for your major around the area you want to go to college in and then try to choose one that is not only affordable but where you would feel comfortable in. It is really important to be aware of where the college is located, because if youdont like the city, you definitely will not feel comfortable going to college in New York City. There are all factors that you need to be aware of before you go to college because these will all affect you when it comes to being successful or not at the college that you chose to attend.

The best way to find a college that makes the college experience best for you is getting a good view of all the prospect colleges. You must visit all the colleges you have as prospects and then make a choice from there. When choosing you must choose the one that you feel fits YOU the best. Never choose a college based on the decision of others.

The advice I would give is basic; pick a college or univeristy where you will enjoy living, learning, and spending most your time. Chose a school that you feel reflects you. For example, I chose a school that would make me feel at home because it reminded of the location I came from. The people are nice and I enjoy my classes. Do not chose a school for only one reason, make a list of what you expect out of your education and money and then check them off as you visit colleges. I did and the choice I made was the best ever. I am 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} satisfied with the students, faculty, location, academics, and quality of living. It met my needs and has provided me with an excellent education and experience.

Choosing a college is like deciding what to wear in the morning. You simply need to choose something that suits you without regard to what others may think. After you narrow it down to about ten or fifteen schools, it is helpful to make a visit to each one while school is in session in order to get a firsthand look at the student population and the general ambiance of the school. On the school visit, you need to talk to students and professors for an in-depth personal analysis of where their priorities lie. If after your review of the school you find your goals in line with theirs, then in is probably a good fit for you. The biggest key to making the most of your college experience is being happy with your college choice. After finding satisfaction in what you have chosen, you need to make the experience personal by pursuing what interests and motivates you. If you can follow this tried and true advice, you will have no trouble succeeding in college.

When choosing your college look for a place that not only has the high academic standards in your prospective area of study but some where that you will fit in. When you tour the campus look at the way the students interact are they polite and kind and helpful or are they rude. I know what why I was drawn to the campus I attend was the why that people would hold the doors open for you, say please and thank you and just smile when you are walking by. Just remember the chose of where to go to college should be left to the student for it is he/she that will be attending the college.

The first thing to look into when deciding to find the right college is if wanting to be far from home. This should be dicided by how close you are to your immediate family. Also, look into what college your friends are going to because one may not be able to make friends easily. Another important thing to look at is how much the college costs and how much financial aid you could get at the colleges. I suggest finding a college that is close enough to drive back and forth between home and school because it may be hard to be away from home for awhile. Make sure to look into a college that can transfer into another college because you may change your mind later in college. When at college, try to get involved with activities because they help you make friends and get confortable with campus.

Visit as many colleges that you can just so you can get the feel of small and big schools feel like. Visit schools that offer different things so you can find the one that fits you best. When looking for schools apply early and apply for loans and scholarships as early as you can.

Make sure that you go on college visits to check out the campus size and layout. Make sure that the college offers a good program that is focused on your intended major.

Go with your gut! Don't worry about anything other than yourself--college is for you. Pick a school with school spirit--you want to be a proud alum!

Look at all of the college possibilites and do not choose too soon. Even if you do not intend to go someplace, still apply because it is an interesting procedure and you could get accepted.

My advice is that the main choice isn't what college you go to, but what you do when you get there. My best advice is to make visits to the schools you plan on attending, and walk around and talk to the students who are there already. Orientation and prospective student programs are great, but they are trying to put their best face forward because they want you to go there. Make sure to find some time to talk to the average student. Ask if you can observe a class. These will tell you more than any brochure a school will give out. Once you are at college, it is essential to find a group of friends who will push you to be successful in school and in life outside of classes. Become active in some club, organization, or intramural activity. These will help you to take the strain off of the day-to-day grind of classes. Make sure to get out of your room and be outside in nature. Most of all, don't lose communication with your parents. Let them know how college is going and visit back home every once in a while.

The most important advice I would give is trust your first impressions of the campus and its advisors. I felt very comfortable at Iowa State. Since being the first generation in my family going to college it was a little stressful for me, becasue i had no help from my parents. I am a minority and Iowa State gave me a lot of help in fitting in, clubs to join, and many other resources if I needed any help.

Make sure you go to as many college tours as possible. Make sure you visit a combination of small private and large public schools as possible in order to get a feel for the size of school you want. Think of the following things when deciding: cost, live on/off campus, area of study, what kind of recreation, clubs, and organiztions are you wanting to particiapte in. In order to make the most out of your college experience GET INVOLVED. It's a great way to make friends, find people to organize study groups with, and extra curricular activities not only look good on resumes-but they also give you actual experience that you can take with you into the workforce.