University of Illinois at Chicago Top Questions

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

Michael

Have Fun!

Lauren

I would have to say that parents have to take into consideration the graduation rate, the success of the students coming out of the school, the costs of tuitions, financial aid possibilities and living expenses (if considering, on campus living). If you want to make the most out of your college experience, you should get to know as many people as possible. You will never know when you may need something and you know the right person for the job. Talk to your advisors, they know a lot about the tricks of succeeding and scholarship opportunities. They always some type of information that will help you in the long run. They always say this, but sometimes it is true. Knowledge is everything but at times, it's not what you know, it's who you know.

Natalie

My advice would be to check out each school. Statis, campus, dorms and neighborhood around campus. Also check out the program your child or yourself want to go into. It is best to go into a college where your field has good teachers and a good program to follow.

Kit

go to campus tours and ask a lot of questions

Melissa

During either a high school student's Junior and Senior year of high school, a prospective student should go with their parents on college visits to the schools that he or she are interested in. At these college visits, a prospective student will be able to get a feel of campus life and learn more information about their college. Prospective students should also research information about the different colleges that pertain to their major and what they want to do with their future careers. To make the most of their college experience, college students should keep an open mind when meeting different people from different backgrounds and countries. They should also join clubs to help them meet more people and life-long friends. College students should try to join clubs that pertain to their major or pre-health related tract. These clubs will allow students more exposure to their future careers. College students should also join clubs that interest them, some examples are Volleyball Club, a Rugby team, a dance troupe, Intramurals sports, or volunteering organizations. College students should also try to get an on-campus job because the jobs are convenient and a great way to meet new people.

Irene

My advice for parents and students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to take their time in their adventure of choosing a perfect college. College is a place where young adults grow into mature and knowledgeful adults. A good college consists of a diverse population and teachers and advisors that would be available to provide assistance to students. Location of a college is a crucial factor because the college is going to be like a second home to the student. Many colleges are best known for their specific research or major areas so it is for the student's best interest to start thinking about which major or occupation that would best suit them because it can be an important deciding factor for choosing a college.

Matt

Don't let money stand in the way from going to the school the person will feel the best in. The right atmosphere helps a lot with learning.

Joelitta

just to be prepared to do a lot of work.

Seweryn

Parents should come over and see the university themeselves. They should talk to academic advisers, professors and alumni in order to get some more information about the university and the way it works.

Crystal

visit campus before you apply; make sure its the right fit for you. also try to find some organizations to get involved in before you start.

Faria

To find the right college you have to look at more than just the eliteness of teh school. Parents should understand that it is the first time the child is officially independent, and therefore they need to be careful in what kind of company their child is going to be involved in. It is so important to make sure the student is mature enought to understand the importance of education, and not the fact that they are to to take advantage of the freedom they have been granted. Frankly, if a parent has doubts about the maturity of their child, they should encourage the student to attend a community college first in order to get a hold of the academic responsibilities that are much more important than drinking with friends. After you have decided that you are going to attend a university it is important that you look at what programs it offers, and whether it is worth the fortune you are going to spend on getting and education at that school.

Cagney

If you are undecided on your major or prone to changing your mind, it is a good idea to attend a school that has diverse academic options. The more broad a university's curriculum, the more opportunity a student will have in exploring their interests as well as the good possibility to stumble upon an interest you never knew you had. Most students change majors, and some more than once. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a major you don't want anymore with no where else to turn. Before applying, you need to consider what size of the university. Would you prefer a smaller school that may have a tighter knit community? Or would you prefer a larger school that will have more activities, sororities/fraternities, and sports for you to join? Location. Would you prefer to be in the city or a more rural environment? Is ethnic diversity important to you? If so, check out the university's ethnic composition. Last but not least, check out the campus life. If you are a serious student that doesn't want to get diestracted, it's a good idea not to choose a big party school.

Karthik

Find the college that you like best, and do not pay much attention to rankings by US news.

Jason

While there exists a multitude of choices for college, the truth is that most of the responsibility for the college experience is up to the pending student and not the institution. A potential student should not worry as much about the type of college (party, commuter, prestige, etc.) as, in the end, college is a fleeting time in one's life. What one takes out of college - education, experiences, self-discoveries - is what really stays with the person for life. So whether you dorm at an Ivy League school or commute to a community college, your potential is unlimited as the experience is entirely up to exactly how much you wish to make of your college life. In conclusion, while one needs to regard aspects such as financial viability, willingness to live far away from home, and need for a certain sized campus, in the end the important part is the student. So there is no need to worry excessively about college choice, as the potential for personal growth within the student is the same within the local community college as within Harvard.

Daniel

Be sure to spend siginficant time visiting each school. I did not do that and it was the worst decision I had ever made.

Abigail

First of all, look at the requirements for GPA and ACT/SAT score of each college you consider. This should give you an idea of how competitive the school is. Consider whether you would like to live in a large city or a smaller, typical college town. It is important to visit all of the campuses you are considering to see if the campus itself appeals to you. My best advice for making the most of the college experience is to live in Campus Housing and not commute. I know it saves money to commute, and it can be hard and scary to leave home. Still, the best way to make friends and get involved is to live on campus. You really grow as a person in the process of learning to be on your own. If you do live on campus, avoid the initial temptation to go home on weekends if you are close enough to do so. Socialize! As for academics, GO TO CLASS despite the fact that many are not mandatory. This will save you time in the long run because you will find it easier to understand and memorize the information for midterms and finals.

Sylvia

Visit many colleges and be open-minded. I believe that living on campus is a great way to meet new people and to learn more about yourself. Also, remember to go to class and be focused. College can be hard!

Omri

When determining to find a suitable college for students, it is important to understand the administrative procedures of the college. The most critical factor of all is the financial situation of the parents and the student. This factor will determine the financial ease of the family. When considering a college it is important to see the financial advisor of the college, who will calculate the amount of lown and down payment the family members will have to pay for a semester, annualy, or all four years, depending on the paying policy of the college. After figuring out the affordability ability, it is also important to explore the social and academic life of the college through guided orientation that the college provide. This will give the family members a sample of life inside the college. In coclusion, family members will learn to find the right college based on its paying policies along with social and acdemic support. Those variables will determine the personal values of the family members and students involved.

Alyssa

Don't just visit the school during the weekend... go when classes are held & talk to those who go there.

Ali

Visit every school you attend, including the surrounding areas to see if it's a place you really want to be. Talk to professors and students in additon to academic advisors. Make sure you know how much finacial aid you will be receiving, if any at all, and find as many scholarships as possible to avoid having to work a full time job while going to school full time.

Brandon

Well first ask yourself "Why college?" Once you've figured that out ask yourself "What do I expect from my professors? and lastly "What can I do for my school?" If you've found the answers to all those questions then you've made up your mind on what college and you've already began the blueprint of your social and service experiences therein. Good Luck!

Nabeel

UIC is a good school if you put in the work and time. If you can get couple of friends and get an apartment around campus, it would be ideal for you and your kid to mature.

Emily

Don't rush it, really. If you arent sure what you want to do yet, take your time. you could even take a year off, theres nothing wrong with that. Make sure you are ready for the commitment of college before going.

Laura

Ask the child: what they really want to study in college. (Major, minor, concentration) what they want to live with the parents or dorm. what they want to loan. what they want to study in the city or suburbs if they want small classes or large classes. if they want to be in the school team. if so, what field. (soccer, basketball, football, etc) want to attend a catholic or public school. By answering all those questions. Parents or the child should seek schools that meets their first priorities/ criterias. That's how they can be successful in college. Basically ask what their priorities in college are. My priorites in selecting the school I chose are living close to parents, affordable tuition, the major I'm interested in pursuing, accessible transportations, and friends that goes there.

Michael

When you start college, get involved! You'll have a better experience if you get involved in your college community. Pick a school that you like best.

Amanda

When chosig a college I would suggest that students do a lot of research. Students spend a lot of time and money at a university, and you want it to be worth it in the end. I would also advise students to take into consideration what their parents think, but do not let their opinions overrule your own. In the end it is the the students decision of what they want to major in and what college they want to attend. It is a huge decision and a great responsibility, but in the end the choice you make should fulfill all of what you hoped for. Do not settle for less than you deserve or desire. Even if you think you will not be accepted at a specific college, try applying anyways. You have nothing to lose and in the end you may be surprised.

james

I would tell students to choose a school that he or she likes. Don't worry about other people's opinions. All that matters is your own. Have fun and don't get too stressed. Get your work done. Work before play.

Shelagh

I defenitely think parents and students shouldn't stress about which college they are going to. My advice would be if you aren't sure what you want to do, pick the best state school and go there. Then even if you pick a speciality and want to go to a really prestigous school you can transfer or do graduate school. College isn't just about academics, its also the first time you're going to really be depending on yourself, and you should go to a school where you can really experience what that's going to be like. I really don't think students should have already decided their entire lives before they start college, college is a time of discovery, you find out what really interests you and what you're capable of.

Sarah

I would say that you should really consider what you want to do in the future during highschool, that way you won't have to waste time and money. I would also advise to really appreciate the college experience because I am a transfer student at UIC, and I really wished I had come here for all four years, instead of just two. Overall, just enjoy it as best as you can because college is a one time only experience, and the things you learn from professors as well as your peers can be just about the best thing that can happen to you in regards to learning more about life, what you want to do, and who you want to be.

meagan

look at schools all across america, VISIT THEM and talk to students from those schools!!!!Find out what those students love and hate about it. AND DON'T EVEN CONSIDER A PARTICULAR SCHOOL BECAUSE IT'S A KNOWN PARTY SCHOOL.

Adriana

The first thing students should know when selecting a college is the school's reputation for the major that they want to studey. They need to know if the university offers the courses they need for their field plus other programs they offer to help them out. Next they need to know the type of environment they are comfortable with, i.e. small campus. Finally they need to know where they are going to live while attending school because then they have to find out about the school's financial aid.

Layla

I would tell students to know what they are looking for. There are many different types of Schools like party and greek schools. Some schools have a good share of everything and some are way out there. Also make sure that you know if you want to go to A big school or a small school. Some students do better when they are are small high school like classes. Others find out they do better in large lecture halls. I think that one should visit there top choices and spend all day there, so they can get a feel of how it is during the day and at night!