The Illinois Institute of Art-Schaumburg Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Juliann

The best advice I could give my high school self is to dedicate my heart and soul into my work. Take all the help I can get and to really focus on being the best within each course I took. I would tell myself not to stress over personal relationships and focus on growing as an individual vs depending on someone else for my happiness. The jobs I had in college were great at influencing my passion for design and I truly should be grateful for all the experiences I had in school. I would tell myself to cherish all the moments I had because some of them as well as the people in them would become my best friends even after.

Jennifer

My advice would be to not give up. Don't let anyone tell you you're not good enough. If you want to do something or be something, go for it. Talk to everyone you can. You never know who you're talking to. Take your studies seriously but not too seriously. Grades are not everything but everything you can learn is. Go above and beyond because that shows you understand the material presented and can use it. Pick a diverse group for a project. Never judge the person sitting next to you. Weigh every opinion, they could be useful. Don't be afraid to ask questions. You're not in college because you know everything, you're there to learn more. Be creative. Use common sense. Talk to your parents, they know more than you think and can help you. Have fun, you're only young once.

Sharon

In high school we all think we know everything. Like exactly what we want to do for our occupation - which for some, sure, that can happen. However, through friends, families and everyone in between, I've heard horror stories regarding the amount of times these guys and gals have changed their major. And in the end - how much money can you imagine they're spending on tuition just on these constant changes! So my advice - do some research, intern, assist, take up hobbies before choosing your major. It could potentially save you thousands of dollars.

Rachel

Take your time. Find your intention. Doing these things will allow you deepen and enrichen your innate abilities. There is not grand prize at the other end, so there's no need to rush. Learn to find ease and enjoyment in this process. This experiences is as much about helping yourself grow as it is about connecting with other people. The better the relationship you have to yourself, the more confidence, poise and success you will encounter out in the world. Your sensitivies are a gift, and you absolutely can decide your desitiny. Have faith in yourself and you will find deep contentment and enjoyment in life.

ashley

What I would tell myself is to never be afraid to ask for help. You will always need at least a little help and double check everything you do. Another thing I would tell myself is that no matter how far down you slide or how many mistakes you've made; as long as you try and work hard you can always clinb out of the hole youv'e dug. Also, it's ok to take a break from school work every once in a while. You don't have to finish everything at one time. There are a lot of things I would like to tell myself back in high school, though those hand full of things would have really been a world of help.

Amanda

Don't listen to your parents, follow your dreams, and don't let the price of school deter you from what you want to do. It's your life and you are the one who has to live it, no one else.

Eamon

I wish I was afforded the opportunity to go back in time and speak with a younger version of myself about what college life would be like. I would make sure I had a better understanding of the competitiveness and commitment that would be required so I could get off to a better start and not find myself quite as overwhelmed while making the transition to college life.

Josh

I bet I know what you are thinking. As it is the time for you to do a final performance of this year’s musical, but it’s also the last time that you will ever work on a high school play. I’m aware of how you are feeling. But think of it as the same feeling that you always get in previous productions when you realize it is the very last day of the show. Nevertheless you don’t moue about it, instead you perform the show and give it all your best with a bang. Think of me as someone who will give you the most important advice you will ever hear. First, live your life to the fullest. Cherish it and be grateful for what you have, it will come in handy. Finally, don’t worry too much about your future. There are going to be hard times in college and beyond. But as long as you have a positive attitude and know what you want to do in life, you will be fine. You have the strength, stamina, dedication and courage to fulfill your dreams and without a doubt, you’re going to be something.

Amanda

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Rachel

So far I have learned more about drawing and design. I improved my writing skills, and am learning about psychology. By taking the online classes I have been able to take the class with people from all over the US, and that has been a great experience. It has been valuable to attend the college because it helps me improve my artistic ability.

Veronica

Considering the fact that I absolutely love my college and feel strongly that I have made the right choice, I would not have any advice for myself. Before I even enrolled at my school I thought very long and hard about everything. I am extremely happy about the program I am enrolled in and I know once I earn my degree I will make it very far in life.

Samantha

I would tell myself, "Take life as it comes at you, dont think, just do and everything will turn out in the end."

Natalie

If I were to go back and give myself knowledge about College, i would say that in college you have a lot more freedom to choose and do what you think is right for you. College helps to push you to succeed to do your best, so that you can take on the real world when you graduate. In college you will meet people who will help you to be successful, and also meet the ones that you will keep for the rest of your life. College is a big difference than highschool, you are treated as an adult opposed to being treated like an immature child. College helps you to discover who you truely are, and what you want to do with the rest of your life.

Francesca

Were I given the chance to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely have told myself to breathe a little bit. You see, I'm a triplet, and college was a major source of stress in my senior year of high school because no future decisions were definite. I got a large scolarship to a specific and expensive school, but at the last second, I was denied for the amount of loans I needed and couldn't go. Instead, I ended up attending the Illinois Institute of Art - Schaumburg and contrary to what I thought it would be, it's been absolutely amazing. Never could I have imagined that things could go so well. At first, I was devastated when I couldn't go to what I thought was my dream school, but it turns out the school I hadn't given any thought to really was the school of my dreams. I am looking for this scholarship to help continue my schooling this year to press on toward my dreams. I don't want that stress to rule my life like it did my senior year and I'm looking forward to the unexpected future.

samantha

dont rush through homework. Dont procrastinate and study extra hard in math.

Josh

If I could go back in time and speak to myself about college, I would hold no punches. College is and isn't what you expect. It is much more serious than high school but at the same time its more relaxing. Be prepared to really focus but don't let that discourage you from having fun with it. College is a journey, a voyage, a worthwhile and unforgetable experience. It is the locked door to your future. The degree you will recieve upon completion is your only key to unlock that door. Remain always willing to go above and beyond to make your dreams happen, including not letting transportation stop you from anything. Always remember that where there is a will there is always a way. Whenever things may seem impossible, no matter how hard it may be to find, there is a way to work things out for the best. Now finish up strong here in high school so you can hurry up and get to your future career!

Melissa

If I could go back in time, and give my high school senior-self college advice, I would tell myself to look right in front of my face. I am from Illinois, and I spent so much of my final year in highschool worrying about moving out of my parents' house, moving far away to attend college and looking for adventure elsewhere, that I almost missed what was right at home all along. I'd tell my younger self to study at the Illinois Institute of Art-Schaumburg, and take advantage of every opportunity I will be given. I would say to her, "Beware procrastination, reject fear, failure, and laziness, and welcome new experiences, new friends, new knowledge, hard work, and above all new challenges. You will never meet friends in highschool like the ones you will meet at ILIS, you wil never work harder to achieve your goals than you have in college, you will have greater adventures than you ever expected, and you will be proud of yourself. You may be afraid now, but I promise you that you will learn so much, and succeed where you never thought possible. One day, you will be a great animator."

Jessica

College is definitely a test of one's independence and ability to take responsibility as a young adult. Typical university settings are matched with campus life, dorm rooms, parties, fraternities and sororities, and cramming for finals. An Institute of Art is such a diverse setting from the stereotypical "college life." Rather than testing knowledge with traditional final and midterms exams, my education is tested through projects (about 18-20 projects a quarter, which is 1 or 2 a week, on average), and preparation for realistic application of the information. Also, university-style education programs are designed for the student to complete general education courses before enrolling in major-specific courses, which typically do not begin until Junior year. Since the first day at ILIS, I have been in specific Graphic Design focused courses. It is upon preference of the student which setting they are most comfortable. Through my experience, there are not dorms, but apartment complexes, no cafeteria, but discounts to local restaurants, and few textbooks, but mounds of art supplies. It is difficult to prepare for college, mentally and emotionally, but my "college life" is unbelievably extraordinary, as it fits my needs as a passionate artist and independent individual.

Theresa

Theresa! I'm here 30 years later looking back wondering what I could say to help you. I remember leaving Arlington High School for the last time on our Graduation day. I know that you are very confused about your future. You have had to change your hopes and dreams since Dad died last summer. Right now your just trying to find your way and for the most part you've done a good job and will do a good job in the future. I guess the best advice I can give you is don't be afraid. Hang in there and find a way to continue with school. When you go forward trust your heart, trust your dreams. Believe in yourself! Just so you know when you are 44 years old you will walk out of an airport bathroom with the toilet seat cover hanging out of your pants. A nice person will let you know and in that life changing moment you will survive and decide to laugh! You will loose a lot in life but in the end the joys, the things to smile about, the lovely parts of life will far out weigh the bad.

Jennifer

The advice that I would give myself 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} is to strive for large success. When I was a senior, I wanted nothing more than to leave Illinois and get on my own. I had no idea what I wanted to do, I never wanted to listen to my parents advice and I didnt push myself to take the honors classes/ AP classes. I was paying for college on my own and I ended up throwing away a lot of money just to make myself think that I knew what I was doing. Just to show that I was on my own and "cool". I have been out of school for 5 years now (with exception to this past semester) and I have been working full time. I have been married for 2.5 years to my best friend, who is away from home 1/2 the year (Army) and I finally know what I want to do. I want the chance to get my degree and challenge myself in a career that I know I can suceed at.

Christine

If I was given the opportunity to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that going to college doesn't mean you're going to instantaneously find yourself and turn into a responsible adult. College is a transitional period from which you begin to see yourself as a responsible adult because you are making responsible decisions about your future. Sometimes you make mistakes, but mistakes are a valuable lesson in college if you learn from them. You'll also find yourself divided between school, work, family, and friends. In fact, money will be the most frustrating issue you are going to deal with, but when you're frustrated remember you will be able to accomplish anything you put your mind to. The teachers at the Art Institute are rough and sometimes you'll want to give up, but stay strong and keep your style because that what makes you special and sets you apart from everyone else. Your friends and family will always be supportive, but most importantly be supportive of yourself.

Tiffany

Work as hard as you can and get involved in every school activity you can. Make as many friends as possible and get to know everyone at the school. And lastly just take everything one day at a time. It may be a struggle to get through the day sometimes but in the end its worth it.

Jessica

When I was senior in high school I knew I wanted to do something big with my life and my career. And the place I had to start was college, the best years of my life. I didn't know where to look so I applied to all the state schools as a safety net; knowing there had to be a future somewhere there for me. But I was just being safe, I wasn't looking for the school that would let me spread my wings and learn. You have to make the best out of college. So go big, and look for the school that will give you the education you need to be happy with your life, not to be just successful in your field. When you go on college tours ask alot of questions; like where you can get a job, or whats the best building to live in, what to expect when your in your last semester etc. And get the tour guides email to keep in touch, it always helps to have someone there you already know. Go with the school that makes your dreams come true not just your income for the future.

Elizabeth

Make sure that you go to a college that has the courses that you are interested in, good faculty who are willing to teach you the skills that you'll need for when ever you get out of college, and are willing to put your money into or your just going to be wasting your time and money. I already went to a previous college before this, that didn't have the exact program I wanted and I felt like I was wasting my time, so with the little bit of money my parents had sent me to a college to where I can finally say that I'm learning what I need to be learning and enjoying what I'm learning.

Heather

Please consider another school.

Daina

Ask other students what they think of the classes and professors before attending. School is for learning, and if the teachers choose not to do so, you're just wasting a whole lot of money for a piece of paper.