Purdue University-Main Campus Top Questions

go to a college that will benefit your future, not where your friends or family want to go, do it for yourself

If you are a parent, you can't force your son or daughter to go to college. It's only a waste of time and money if they don't really want to go. If you're a student, know that it is a lot of fun, but also a lot of work.

The best advice I can give anyone about finding the right college is to just listen to where your heart is telling you to go. Money can be a big issue, but when you find the right college for you, money shouldn't always be the issue. If the particular place you feel at home is where you need to be, then you should go no matter what. There are so many ways to help fund college students as well. Distance can also be a big factor, but there will always be a college right for someone just close or far enough away from where they want to be. For me, Purdue University felt like home so I knew that I would be happy here. Money's tight but my family and I are working hard through it. Distance isn't that bad- there's always a way home.

I would simply have to say that you should visit every college you are interested in so that you can get a feel of the atmosphere that the campus and the students have to offer, so that you can choose the school at which you feel most comfortable at. Also, choosing an academically challenging school will help push you to learn, and it will help you excel in the job-market.

To the prospective student; do not base your college decision based on which friends of yours are going where, or how big the college or university is. Base your decision on the costs, the travel, and if the particular institution offers the academic program you are looking for. Because you dont't want to be trapped in loans for a school you didn't want to go to just because a friend went there, or it looked cuter on your Facebook network section.

Make sure you visit every school you attend. And look into social aspects of the college, and things that matter to you. If your really into politics and your a democrat dont attend a really conservative school. Look into that kind of stuff. Also, look into what kind of aid they have for post-graduation and job placement.

Look at lots of different schools. Really consider what you child is looking for, instead of trying to make the decision for them. After taking to much of my parents ideas into my decision, I picked the wrong school at first. Be sure to allow your student to make the decision, and support them either way. They will do better when they are happy and have made the right decision.

My advice to anyone looking for the right college for themselves is to look into what the college offers both academically and non-academically. The right college for you may have more to do with the sports or clubs rather than the academics, but always look into both aspects. To make the most of your college experience I would recommend getting involved and not being afraid to try new things. I was afraid of not being accepted, but it turns out that I never had anything to fear. Everyone is a newcomer and everyone feels the same way. It's not just you that's the new kid, don't think too much about trying to make new friends. The best advice anyone could give is to do your best and have fun while doing it. The right college for you is out there, it's only a matter of a little research.

Keep your options open in the beginning. Look for a school where your individual talents and goals can be accomodated and made to flourish. You need to be comfortable there being true to your own beliefs, feelings, and attitudes. Remember that, in the end, the school you attend is chosen solely by you; not your parent, not your best friend, not your boyfriend or girlfriend. Pick the place that feels right to you, a place you can look forward to coming back to every semester and that you will miss when you graduate. Once there, be receptive. Try new things that sound interesting and do not back down from a challenge. Use the school as an opportunity to face new responsibilities and trials while there are still people who care about you and your success. Talk to new people. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Embrace your freedom, but do not abuse it. Focus on your schoolwork first and make sure that you can remember your extracurricular activities. Keep in touch with your family. Finally, most importantly, have fun. It is your last hurrah before you are supposed to be a grown-up.

I believe you should let your children choose the college they want. This way they can easily fit in with the students, get involved, and become well-rounded students. Obviously, you should look into things if your kid is some slacker or stoner, but if your kid is the ambitious, intelligent person you brought him/her up to be, he or she will make the best decision for themselves. Also, be patient during finals week. Kids can only handle so much stress....

I think that you need to look at a college that best suits you. Not what best suits your friends or family . Look at what a college has to offer academicaly, athletically, and for extra-curriculars. Most importantly, think about what you want out of college and try to network with as many people as possible. I have made tons of friends since I have been at Purdue, and they are the people that I will most likely be friends with for the rest of my life. Also go to class, but make sure you balance your life between schoolwork and your social activities. And have a blast! I honestly think that these are the best four years of your life.

When finding the right college, I would say pick a college that's in-state - - they're cheaper. I would say go to a public school vs a private school because there's a greater diversity of people. Go to a college that has a lot of clubs available and a lot of resources available whenever you need help or have questions. As people that have been or go to the school you're considering if you're not quite sure about it. Make sure it's a safe environment and that have they a emergency notification system that they test from time to time. Look up the school's policy of having cars on campus - freshman at Purdue aren't allowed to have cars unless they live or work off-campus. Parents - when buying your kid's books, let them look for them. They most likely know what they're doing more than you do. And parents, please relax. There's nothing more nerve-racking for a student then having their parent's worry. Most importantly students - remember to have fun. Academics isn't everything. You gotta find that balance. If you do that, college will be a blast!!

For students and parents reading this, remember to always choose the lifestyle you want. As a student at Purdue University, I have realized that being an independent student and remembering that home is just a call away, makes things easier to explore the different activities on-campus and to embrace the opportunity of receiving the priviliege to attend a four-year university. In any event, to the parents and students, choosing the right college it is very important and significant to the student, but also very important for the parents to trust in their student as well. Also, students that leave from home and attend school elsewhere are actually giving there parents the opportunity to trust in them and to notify them that they are safe from harm and they are being advantageous young adults. Overall to all the students and parents reading this, understand that attending a four-year university is a mire depiction of a dream that is golden and very rare. The both of you must understand the opportunity awaiting you and you must not stop at anything (e.g., tuition troubles, no money, or transportation). Understand that this is the dream our founding fathers strived for.