School of the Art Institute of Chicago Top Questions

Be patient. It took me a whole year after high school to find the school that was best for me. I went to two other schools before I ended up where I am now. Looking for the right school deserves great consideration. Think about the academic program, but also think about the social life, the city that encompasses your school as well as the accessibility of that city. the world outside of your academic institution is often just as important as the school itself, as this is where you will be spending four years of your life while you're not studying. When you finally get to that dream school, take it all in. don't waste too much time partying (though some of those parties will no doubt be important college memories). Most of all, be open to your professors as well as your fellow students, both will teach you things about the world and about yourself that may prove to be important in future careers and friendships.

No mater what hurdles are in you'r way, wither it be money or location, don't let it keep you from you'r dream.

From personal experience I knew I needed time to get my self ready for school. I took a year off (having already been accepted to my first choice) between high school and college. I got my act together and went in with an open mind which is what made all the difference. If you want it, you will find it. At first I was trying to enjoy my college experience without seeking out the things I really needed or wanted to make my college experince all that I knew it could be. Luckly I attend a school where all the things I would ever want are accessible, so I went after them. Becuase I had the determination, I was noticed and have been working hard since. My college experience has been one in which I met the university half way. If it is what you make it then you have to make it the best you can or dont go until your ready. And dont forget that if your school doesnt have what you want and need to be a creative, gorwing induvidual then move on and find the best place for you, becuase you are what matters.

Now that I learned first hand what it's like. The advice I would give parents and/or students is that they shouldn't just stick to whatever available in their states. There are many colleges and universities around the US and many that will have the career major they wanted to go into. It's always best to search for informations regarding the college they want to apply for whether it's by word of mouth from someone who previously went there or from the internet. No matter how great a college or universities may be, what goes on inside is what will determine how great your experiences at the school will be. School is not free. It cost a lot of money. Just having good proffessor at the school is not enough if the school financial advisor doesn't help you to maximize your experiences and lower your worries. So, always do your research about the school. Don't just take the admission advisors' words for it because, like it or not, half the time it's sugar coated. They don't know the hardship of the student when it comes to their financial advisors.

Take in as much as you can. The fours years go by very fast. By appreciating and taking seriously what your being taught and what your school your at, at the end of the day there are no regrets. At the same time you can have a social life and have lots of fun AND keep good grades. Evaluate how much time you have and weigh your options on what's more important in order to not flunk out. Also, a lot of the teachers are good, and know what they are doing, don't take them for granted! Take in as much as you can from them. Same goes for class mates. Every aspect of college life helps you in the "real" world, by learning how to sociallize and communicate goes a long way in any carrer feild. Your only 18 once so enjoy every second and make sure you have NO REGRETS!

Visit the college in person and talk to students who are currently attending that college. Also consider housing and financing options, as well as scholarships. It is good to know what kind of advising, learning, and extracurricular services that the college is offering. Don't think too much about school's name value and its reputation, but instead, think about what college is really making you feel comfortable and right for you!

Schools are becoming more expensive and unaccesable for the common Americas' today. As many socio-economical hurdles remain in our path, making college choices are only the more nerve wracking in the desision process. This being the case, I would still provoke the parent/student to follow thier interests and dreams. If you are deeply aware of the passions that drive you and the center that your interests hover around, the best bet is that the educational program that mirrors these qualities will best fit your needs. Education is not always made up of banal text books or boring classes, but a way to grow and develop your attitude in life, and define your position as a participant in today's society. In picking a college program, the student/parent should be aware of this fact, and find a program that feels like it houses and supports this general sentiment towards education. Overall, the goal of going to school is to not feel like you are in school at all, but in an institution that provides an abundence of resources and people that are driven to excel in the very same set of passions that you share.

have more money than you anticipated. when attending this school you have to be very very self motivating

Get to know the place, apply for scholarships, and do not, whatever you do, go to a place that requires you to live in a dorm or buy a food plan. Get a place outside of the school but which makes for easy campus access. Buy a bike. Research. Be ready to be on your own. Get a GOOD SAT or ACT score. Make trouble.

Maybe to meet older friends that are already in college to tell you about their experiences there.

Be attentive of the finacial aid process, and use all resources provided. There are many resources given to students that most don't take advantage of, like counseling, library facilities, on-campus group events, student exhibition opportunities, etc. When trying to find the right college, research it thoroughly at least a year before applying. Finding the right school that fits your needs is crucial considering the money you will putting toward your education.

Go to the school and feel it out, if it feels right inside your heart and you believe that this place will help foster the inner being as well as the being that will be an active member of society, then choose that school. The school that makes you feel that you will be a success. And allow yourself to be surrounded with those thoughts. Parents allow your children to make their own choices, they are growing adults and are on the path to becoming responsible people and you have to allow them to choose what they believe is best for them, if they love their experiences at the school they believe is best for them, you will be happy that your young adult ius enjoying their experiences in life. As for students, practice time mangement, make time for work, but also make time for healthy play, and you time. College is full of all kinds of choices and you have to be able to know what is right for you, and what is not in every aspect form study to health. Take risks, live, and love your life, and dont let college fly past you. Carpe Diem.

The advice I would give about finding the right college and making the most of it is to attend a two year college before a four year if it is possible. It gives the student more time to figure out the direction they would like to head in life as well as gets Gen. Ed. classes out of the way so when you do attend a 4 year college you are ready to jump right into your field of choice! As for making the most of the college experience my advice is to make friends withe people in your classes, attend the "free icecream in the pit" day, talk to the people in your dorm, and find people who are interested in the same subjects you are so you are able to do your school work with them, gain inspiration from them, and have company during long nights in the studio!

when you've found it, you'll know in your heart, in your gut--nobody can choose "the right college" for you; you have to want to be there for it to be a fruitful and defining experience. don't worry, parents, your child is at "the right school" when they learn more about themselves than they have about any subject it could offer. you don't have to be at harvard or yale to get the best education; the most valuable part of the college experience is not learning about a subject, but learning about yourself and where you fit into it. you make the most out of college when you are in a place that nurtures personal growth and experimental thought; a place where you feel safe to question you, it, them, and us, and it's a place that gives you the confidence to answer in your own way, there or elsewhere. you know it's right because, there, it feels like you're home--afraid to leave but excited to have the chance to go out into another world and contribute in your own way, the way that best reflects you and your message.

Be excellent to each other, and party on, dude!

College is a wonderful and extremely important part of anyone's life, whether it be a student or parent. It is important to start researching schools early for there is an enormous amout of crucial information one must absorb. When choosing a school make a list of what is important to you. A few factors to consider might be: distance from home, tuition/scholarships, school history, degrees offered, dorm life, male to female ratio, campus size, average income of graduates, student diversity, and study abroad programs. Also, never ever take the opportunity for higher education for granted. College is a window to the rest of the world, it is a place to grow and explore not only the world but also, yourself. And parents, though as hard as it sometimes seems, letting go can be one of the single best things you could do for your child. Scarey? Yes. However, watching your child make a journey of a lifetime is not something every parent has the amazing opportunity to be a part of. When making descisions about college the best thing to do is to simply keep an open mind and thoroughly weigh out the options in front of you

There's simply no way to know how you're going to react to a college other than to experience it. Keep your options open.

Find a school that will guide you towards a situation in which you will be able to do something you truly love to do for the rest of your life.

Go to the school that will benifit and nurture your interests the most.

DO YOUR RESEARCH. VISIT THE CAMPUS, ASK TO SIT IN ON A CLASS, CHECK CLASS SIZES, TEACHER'S RESUMES AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS.

Visit schools and find the place that feels the most comfortable for you, alot of good programs exist for any field, and finding the right one is more than just looking at on paper statistics, you have to go there and see for yourself to pick a school that works for you.

The initial search for the right college is always the hardest. I find the best way in narrowing down colleges to top 3 is asking yourself what it is you're looking for and what it is you want to accomplish in school; what type of degree? Then determine which schools offer that or will help you achieve your career goals. Then one must take into consideration the location of the school. How far from home are you willing to be? If that isn't an issue then think about what sort of climate you can live in comfortably. Visiting the college is also very important. Make appointments for interviews and tours. It's crucial when selecting a college that you know you feel comfortable in that environment. It has to suit you and your expectations. When you have 3 top choices, you should decide which is your number one choice, which is your second choice, etc. To make the best of the college experience , get to know your professors, ask questions. Make use of the resources they offer as much as you can. For what you are paying, the school expects you to use it's resources.

I will keep it bold and simple: firstly parents, you are not required to help kids financial make it through college therefore, allow the child to decide what school would be best for them, but let them know that they may have to find their OWN financial way. Secondly students, don't allow the tuition/house costs determine where you go--loans can be paid back throughout time and a good education will get you places to make that repayment happen. Also students, look at everything about the school--residential and campus life. Make sure it's a well-rounded campus; however, remember that your indented major is the most important aspect. Good luck...and don't get too frustrated with it all! Have fun!!!

college is going to be expensive so dont pick based on price. Choose the college that will benifit you in the long run either personaly or professionally. i mean, the whole point of college is to CONTINUE your education.

When choosing a college you should consider what you are interested in studying, and if you are unsure of what you want to major in, then you should choose a school that does not make you declare a major in your first year. Once at school you should try taking some courses that are not under the umbrella of your major; because they will expose you to new ideas, and can be a great way to meet people outside of your department. Work-study jobs are also an interesting way to learn about a different department, and meet people you would not have met through your coursework. In addition to taking classes, you should explore the area around your campus, if you live in a metroppolitan area, go see concerts, exhibits, or whatever strikes your fancy. If you go to school in a rural area, go camping, and spend time in the town, meeting people who are not affliated with your college. College is a time to explore your interests and educate yourself, so try out as many things as possible, and remember, education is not limited to classes, make sure you enjoy the location of your college as well.

Choose schools to look into not based on prestige, but upon what really interests you. Even in schools that deal with specific fields, each has their own personality that should be researched not only through their promotional materials, but outside through reviews. As for the college experience, each year will pass faster than the one that came before, but with that will come more confidence in your daily college life. Try to solidify what major or focus you would like to pursue early instead of later. Finding the balance between course work, your social life, and a healthy lifestyle will take time, but it is something to strive for. Surround yourself with those that will push you to achieve the most fulfilling college years possible.

The advice I would give to parents and or students about finding the right college would to be really sit down and consider all of the pros and cons of the schools. Before making a decision, decide what is most important to them. I would tell them to make the most out of their college experience by balanceing their activities and take advantage of all of the opportunities that come their way.

Answers to this question will be used to select the winner of the scholarship? thats really lame. i just wasted quite some time helping out this college survey- providing you with considered information, with the small chance of a scholarship. this website if very well designed. its rather misguiding. i feel used. anyways, my schools great. i just costs a lot. a lot. i hope whoever is reading this feels the comany is paying them something worth their while. lovvvvvveeeeee, tate.

I would make sure to visit the campus so that you could ask a student or a group of students how they feel about the school. It's important to get a feel for where you're going to be spending the next four years of your life.

The best advice I could give to any student/parent in choosing a school is to pick a subject that you are passionate about, one that you can be happy doing every day of your life. Make sure it is your dream subject, because you will need to harbour youthful energy, curiosity, and determination to make the most out of your education. After you realize your passion, find the schools that cater to that passion. Don't compromise on a lesser school; take the risk and aim for the top, because you'll notice the difference in quality immediately. A reputable name may mean a hefty price tage, but that name and reputation are testament to the caliber of what you can expect. A golden reputation can mean the key to diverse and wonderful opportunities, such as guest speakers, working, established, expert-teachers, services, and tools and resources. Lastly, consider the location/city your school is in. Take into account all the local resources: natural, cultural, and services. The host city and its ammenities and experiences can easily make the difference in your educational experience. Never give up on your dream or doubt your ability, because you can make it.

Take your basics at your local college, it'll save money. For the majority of students, they don't know what they want to do, so this will also give them some time to realize what they really want out of life. Also, students, remember. This sacrifice won't be so bad, since this will be the last time you'll live in the same city as your parents. Once you do go to your dream school, just focus. Your first year will be brutal, but once you've gone through that battle, everything else is a breeze.

college is all about what you make of it. you can easily slide by and not learn anything, but if you're focused and determined, you can learn a lot. realize that you are studying with hundreds of people who want the exact same jobs as you, and the only way to compete is by being the most knowlegable and hard working. also, maintaining a social life is equally important to completing school work. i didn't realize this til after graduation, but friends and teachers will help a lot in your career search, and make connections. especially in art/creative industries. it's very important to meet and make connections with young professionals in your field. additionally, having a few good friends and healthy social life will be just about the only thing keeping you from depression and/or insanity in college... it's rough. college is the best time to learn how to be responsible, and one can do so by balancing a healthy social life in addition to building a career.

It is definitely vital to learn about the school and to visit/take tours before committing to the school in order to understand what kind of environment you or your child is going to be immersed in. For someone like me who was looking forward to a typical college experience, choosing a private art school was a terrible mistake. The biggest factor is deciding what is most important in the school to the student: whether it's the education, the social atmosphere, the preparation/access to readying him/her for a career, all of these factors will all influence what type of school they should be looking into. Really getting to know the school before attending will make the entire process so much easier, and less likely for the student to end up transferring schools.

Find a college in order to pursue your passion, not a financial career that will not make you happy in 10 years.