University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

Know what aspects are important to you, whether you want a big or small university, have an idea of what your focus will be, be open to new experiences, push yourself, work hard, study, and have fun.

Always visit the schools you are applying to before deciding on one. Try to have a good idea of what you want to do before you go away to college; you will end up spending a lot of extra money and years at school if you jump into a major you're unsure of just because you're being pressured to go to college right after high school ends. Everyone at school with you the first year is experiencing the same freedom and new social scene as you are so don't be a recluse. Never skip class.

When deciding which college to choose, first take into account the opportunities available at the campus. The more the better! Then, factor in your financial needs. If the school is way out of budget, chances are that there is an equal academic school out there for less money. If you still have multiple schools to choose from, then go visit. All of them. And, try to stayin the dorms or with a student. Campus has a much different feel when experienced with other students, compared to just walking around with your parents. When I was deciding where to attend college, I was very set on going to a small, Christian school, mostly because I had visited there. Then, a few months later, I visited the University of Illinois, a much bigger state school and fell in love. Visiting the school opens your eyes to what it feels like to walk between classes, sample the dorm food, sleep in the noisy dorms, stay up late and enjoy the different experiences that college has to offer. Once you've visited, listen to your heart, if you fall in love with the school, then you're probably supposed to go there!

Do not leave out any options, make sure you put yourself or your kids in a situation where he or she can choose from a variety of schools. If the money is there, a good education is worth the price, it is an investment. If the money is not there, don't rule out anything yet, search for scholarships, grants and other forms of aid. The price of a good education may seem high, but the reward is always higher. And students, do not take it for granted.

To find the right college you should visit and sit in on a class or just observe the people around you. Try and spend a night with a person who will show you exactly what it is like to go there, not a glorified version of it. Also, to make the most of your college experience join a lot of different clubs and stick with the ones that you actually enjoy. Also, try to get a lot of different types of clubs like academic, social, service, athletics. Also, any type of leadership position is good.

Visit as many as you can while in high school. Find friends/family who currently attend a college you wish to go and ask to follow them for a day, I did this and it was an amazing time, no body said no because they thought it would be fun to do it.

Pick a college that best suits your academic needs. If you want to be a great lawyer then go to a school that will have the best chance at getting you into a great law school. Do not base desicions on "diversity" or "social life." There will be plenty of people for you to have a social life, with or without the college's help. The goal of going to college is to graduate and be prepared to take on a job in the field that you have studied, not drink yourself into a stupor, so worrying about the social life of a college is not the greatest idea in the world.

To students: follow your heart, don't be forced into attending a school you do not wish to attend. It is necessary to focus on activities that you think you may or may not interest you in the future. It is of great importance to visit the campus, ask tour guides or students around campus why they like it so much to help you guage if you will also like it. Once you make your decision, try to think of ways to get involved on campus, make new friends, and do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone sometimes and try new things.

Definitely make sure you visit the colleges you want to apply for before you decide to go there. You'll get a feeling for what college will suit you best. I definitely knew that U of I was the place for me as soon as I stepped on campus. Do your research. Make sure that the university will cater to your needs and is the best school for your education. Be open minded about different colleges and activites. You never know what you might enojy if you don't try it once. Get involved on campus. You will meet a lot of new people and those may turn into life long relationships. Do not give into peer pressure. There are a lot of temptations in the college life and it is ok to say no to certain things. Learn how to manage your time efficiently. Being able to allocate time for schoolwork and still be able to have a social life is very important and will help in the future. All in all, Have Fun! These are some of the best years of your life and you will never get that back. :)

There are all sorts of factors in making a decision, but the biggest thing that you should think about is if you can see yourself at the university you're thinking about. Can you picture yourself in a classroom here? Do you see yourself walking/biking down these sidewalks? If you have a major in mind, does the curriculum excite you or drive you away? If you can't, then maybe you should reconsider your choice. As for making the most of your college experience, you know what's important to you, what excites you. There are all sorts of things to do on campus... but it's up to you to find it. It doesn't have to be all about the coursework if you don't want it to be. My advice? Clubs generally have a day that they can advertise for themselves, and you should definitely go to that and sign up for the mailing lists (and get free stuff!). Try everything that interests you at least once before deciding on maybe two or three things that fit you best.

Go to a junior college and find out what you want to do with your life, then pick a college that fits your job.

I strongly believe that you need to find a school with the right kinds of people and with the right kind of faculty. I've come to realize that the friendships and the relationships you make during college are the ones that will stick with you for the rest of your life. With the right kind of people, your life will be more satisfying and you will be more happy on campus. This was the biggest thing I have learned from attending college. You must also choose a school that has a diverse faculty/teaching staff that are open to new ideas, new discussions, and research. This will give you the most out of your academic experience and will broaden your thoughts as well as your horizon. The University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign fulfills both of those requirements.

High School does not prepare you for college, it is a whole different playing field and to do well in college it is necessary to be prepared. When looking for the right college you should consider the different majors and oppurtunites offered at the different colleges you are considering and think about what you are interested in. I would recommend talking to upperclassmen for adivce because these students just experienced what you will be going to go through. It is good to have an idea of what you are interested in pursuing, before college or during the first semester so that you have the time to take advantage of all the oppertunities the college has to offer. If you start early then by junior year you will not be worrying too much about how many more classes you need to graduate, you will have figured out everything ahead of time. NO MATTER WHAT STUDY ABROAD BEACAUSE IT WILL BE THE ONE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NOT REGRET.

Understand that the person that you will enter college as is not the same as the person you will be upon graduation. College will change your perspective, your attitudes, and many aspects of your self that you may not even realize. The ultimate consideration is to find a college that allows for growth- personal, emotional, and professonal growth, in that order. What this means, in terms of finding the right college, is that you must strive to strike a balance between challenge and comfort. The overall rank of the school, any sort of prestige that the name of the school evokes, and the "value" of a school are all important considerations when deciding where to attend. But these are not as important as enjoying the city and surrounding area where the school is located, being surrounding by people that are different than those from high school, and remaining open to changes in major. Find a school that has strong academic programs that fulfill any interest of the potential student, is in a comfortable area for the student, and introduces them to new types of people. These will allow the student to grow into the graduate that they aspire to become.

Students: research careers and schools. My high school choices were narrowly focused upon my assumption that because I loved animals, if I chose and did well in science , I could easily become a veterinarian. Therefore, I selected a college with a great veterinary school. College classes soon made me discover that veterinarians have a deep understanding of the molecular level workings of animals, much more than I wanted to pursue. Researching this would have resulted in me choosing another school or another major earlier. Parents: plan ahead financially. Aid and scholarships are available but becoming harder to get and do not cover all of the ever-increasing college costs. Accept the fact that because of this, you, as a parent who is supporting you child's college choice, may have to do what my mom, a single parent with no aid from anyone, has been forced to do: come out of retirement at age sixty-two and go back to work when she would prefer to be relaxing and enjoying the fruits of her previous labors. Students: do your best and explore the many new and wonderful things being offered you! Parents: do your best to remain objective and sane!

When choosing a school...VISIT VISIT VISIT! Speak with multiple current students at the school and ask them about where they live, what they do for fun, how they balance social life and schoolwork, the campus food, etc. etc. etc. Stick around on campus for a few days, go to a bar, attend a cultural event, eat at the cafeteria, attend a lecture. Once you have chosen your school, focus on figuring out a good balance of social and school activities. It is easy to be swept up in the social scene of drinking and partying 5 nights a week and school can get lost in the background. Set a plan early on and stick to it! But on the other hand, don't be afraid to socialize and interact with as many people as possible! Your friends will be constantly changing depending on the activities you get involved in, but if you don't get involved in anything you will miss out on so much! Involve yourself in as much as you can handle. You won't regret it!

My first year of college was the hardest I've ever had to endure. I was positive I chose the right school, but now my parents won't let me leave. My advice is to think about what you really love, whatever it is, school-based or not, and go towards that goal. I had no idea what I wanted in high school, but if I looked at the little things I loved, like urban lifestyles, and diverse settings, the school I'm at now would have been at the bottom of my list, and now I'm forced to make the best of it. For parents, let your child make their own choice. If you force your kids to go somewhere, they will end up like me; a girl with thousands of dollars in debt, and a really bad GPA to show for it because I don't love where I am at. And as for the students, in the end the cliche stands true, do what you love and don't let numbers, figures, and counselors drive your decision. This is the time to find yourself. And don't leave home unless your ready to leave your friends!!!!!!

The most important thing is to VISIT the school, preferably without a parent if possible. This gives you a real sense of what it might be like living there on your own. Narrow your finals choices to within 5-6 schools for an easier choice. Money can seem scary, but there are always places to find more. Don't let a great school scare you away because of the price tag. Be prepared to WORK hard, because that is why you're in school. But another important aspect of college is the socialization experience, where a student learns to be independent and create friendships that will last forever.

Look into EVERY single possible school that you could possibly want to go to. Do not underestimate where you can get in because it doesn't hurt to try. Also, I really don't think you can base where you want to go based on statisitics, so the best way is to visit your schools of choice and try and network with people. That way, you can have people tell you what they think about the school and even give you a full tour of the school.

Make sure that your child feels good about the school they're planning to attend. Also, make sure that they have a back up major that is in line with curricla offered at the school.

Don't pay for a name on a degree, especially with this economy

Do the right thing for you and your family. Finances matter, if you can't afford it don't have the financial burden!

When choosing a college, but sure to connect with as many individuals at the college as possible, be it students, admissions counselors, or professors. Don't be afraid to as many and very specific questions about the program or major you are considering. Try to find out about the ups and downs of the day to day life of a student of that school. Always seek out the truth and not just what the school wants you to hear. Try to find a school that doesn't treat education too much like a business. A school that is too concerned with money or with its reputation will easily lose sight of the needs of the students who are already enrolled. When you do choose and enroll in a school , don't let your school work get away from you for the sake of your social life. But don't kill yourself over your grades. Invest in the friendships you make in college, as these are some of the people you will hopefully be in touch with for the rest of your life.

I bellieve that I'm in a great position to give advice, because I have now completed my four years at a Big 10 institution and can look back on my experience. To parents, I say guide your children to make the best decisions every chance they get. Remind them to go to every class, study for every test, do every homework assignment. Tell them that weekends are meant for friends and fun, because life isn't worthwhile otherwise. Teach them to treat others as they want to be treated, and that will provide them with the best outlook on life. To students, I say this: listen to your heart. If something doesn't feel right, it's not. Remember your parents are smarter than you. Work hard, play harder, but really....work hard. It will pay off in the long run. Involve yourself in everything you can and try new things on a daily basis. New food, cultures, races...everything will teach you something valuable. Apply for internships early, and use the resources on campus to help you. Remember, these are the only four years of your life you can live life as an undergraduate.

Every college has their pro's and con's. One of the important things about finding the "right" college, aside from being able to suit your academic needs, is to be able to find one that satisfies your social and personal needs as well. School doesn't have to be all work and no play. This is the time in your life where you may just find the friends you want to keep in your life forever and/or maybe even the love of your life. Go visit every college you're thinking of attending and get a feel for what it's like to go there. Go with your instinct--chances are you're probably right.

Realize that these four years define what you are going to be for the rest of your life. Choose a place where you see your potential being used the fullest.

You need to decide what type of school is right for you. Every school is different. Some important things to consider are the school's academic strengths, the size of the school/classes, quality of faculty, quality of labs/classrooms/facilities, and the geographical location. You want to attend a university that is well know for what you plan to be studying in order to find a god job after college. Some people don't like large schools while others would feel bored at a small school. Class size and student body population are important things to consider and everyone likes something different. You have to find what's right for you. Obviously, the quality of faculty, labs, classrooms, and other facilities will help stimulate your quest for knowledge. Sometimes the right teacher or class environment can make even the toughest class bearable. Another thing to consider is geography and location. Can you handle the cold? The hot? Do you want to be close to home, family, friends? Will attending school near a beach be too distracting? Do you want to get away from home and experience something new?

When deciding where to attend college it is important to look at the students interests, not what their parents think is best. It is important to research different sized schools and schools is different areas to see what type of college you think works with your personality. If you are big into sports, look into schools with big sports programs. If you do not like huge lecture classes, then look into smaller schools. It is important to make visits to colleges you think you are interested in because that is the only way you will be able to experience that school. Once you make a decision on what school is right for you, it is important to find different clubs or activities that interest you. This will help you meet new people and help you stay involved in your school. Keep you door open in your dorm when you first move in and try to make friends in your dorm. The most important thing is to make sure you don't lose sight of your goals and your passions when you get to college. Remember that everyone is trying to make new friends when they first get to school.

Don't worry about the future too much, but find a place that fits YOU. If you're unsure about what you want to do, find a place with more opportunity that you know what to do with. Be yourself and let your true interests guide you. Remember that it's your education and this is the chance to really explore the world around you and learn on your own terms before you need to worry about a paycheck. Don't worry too much about job training, but don't forget about it either. You're here to learn so keep yourself open to all information and opportunity. Always ask a lot of questions. Have fun!

When it comes to finding the right college, I would advice parents and students to take into account aspects such as financial aid, campus safety, campus accesibility, faculty and staff members. Also It is important to know the size of the average class in the instituion that one wants to attend. I would advice parents to take an active role in their children's education. In order to be an important emotional and psychological support, parents have to be aware of the difficulties and needs that their children face throughout college. In addition to that, parents are in a better position to demand changes, if neccesary, in the educational institutions. Students can make the most of their college experience if they allow themselves to learn outside the classroom. College is an excellent place to know people who are succesful in their respective fields and can also provide a great deal of insight and advices. Interships, research experiences, jobs, clubs and volunteering are ideal activities to enjoy, learn and discover about ourselves and the paths we want to take in life.

Sometimes, you may not get in a college that is right for your major. As long as you work hard to reach your goal in the college you will feel much worthy in the future.

Big universities may appear daunting, but remember they appear that way to almost everyone on their first arrival. The bigger the school, the more opportunities are often provided. Don't feel shy about being in such a large environment. More people means more opportunities to make friends!

First and most of all, I woud suggest to research more than just one or two schools in order to have a few good choices for yourself. It is also very important to know what you're looking for and reaseach schools based on your preferences so that it is easier to narrow down to the best choices. Once the right college is chosen, the work in not done however. Applying for financial aid, selecting the right classes, and starting to plan out your goals for the next four years is also a crucial part. It is so important to go into college having an idea of what one's goals are. If one has goals to achieve, things will come much easier and the college experience will be most fulfilled. Choosing he right college is one of the most crucial decisions to make in a lifetime therefore it is important to take it very seriously.

Be yourself. Get involved in anything and everything. Take advantage of the opportunities offered to you. Go to sporting events, attend guest lectures, do something you never though you would be interested in. This is the chance of a lifetime to find who you are. Make friends with those who are around you. Seek help when it is necessary.

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Don't push your child into something they say they don't want. For example, if they say they want to go to a larger school, don't pressure them into picking a small one.

Make sure to visit the campus and get involved your freshman year

Do not sell yourself short by not applying to schools because they may be somewhat unrealistic- don't settle for less.

Visit the university's that you are considering. What you see in brochures and what you get after the fact can truly be considered apples and oranges. Secondly, make sure to ask alot of questions. There are no dumb questions, and if you are going to be dishing that amount of time and money into an educational program, than you need all of the answers.

Evaluate what the career goal is. Be sure to have a strong idea as to what path you want to follow. If the student doesn't have any idea as what path to choose, then the student should be attend university that nutures the holistic student, a student who is truly experiencing the entire spectrum of learning.

Finding the perfect college can be overwhelming. There are so many crucial components to consider and so much at stake! Should your campus be urban or rural, large or moderate-sized, socially or strictly academically-focused? Campus tours can offer positive insight to these concerns. If possible, talk to current students; afterall, they know first-hand what the college is all about. Once you have completed the application process and arrive at your college of choice, embrace the extensive list of opportunities available. By all means, live in the dorms! If you can look past the some-what questionable food, they provide an incredible social network and expose you to services that you never even knew existed. Take advantage of the variety of courses offered; not only will they expand your horizons, but also lead you to find your true passion. Interact with your teachers and gain valuable connections. Become involved in campus activities. While being a wonderful supplement to your college experience, they are valuable for fast-approaching career interviews. Look to career centers for support as the pressure of job searching builds up. By following these suggestions, your experience will be memorable and your future will be great.

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Explore all the available options and - very importantly - visit the campus. If you can observe classes, do it. Walk around and see the sights. Once you get there, get involved. Find a club for something you're interested in, join a music ensemble, whatever. Getting involved nearly always helps you both to get adjusted, and to make some lasting friends on campus who share your interests. And if you live in a dorm, ALWAYS try to make friends with your roommate. They can make life fun or completely difficult.

Let?s be honest- the values of leadership, initiative, and respect are not typically found on many college syllabuses. The best advice I have for students looking for the right college for them is to go to a school where they would learn the most outside of the classroom. Being at a school with 40,000 students, ten years at college wouldn?t be enough for me to take advantage of all of the opportunities here. From leading an Alternative Spring Break trip on AIDS issues, helping teen moms with their childcare, and being the president of Allies for a Women?s Center, being busy is an understatement! Yet only being defined as a student was never satisfying to me; one of the titles that I am most proud to call myself is a volunteer. The amount of sociological understanding I have gained through advocacy work and service is worth the tuition price alone! In conclusion, there isn?t another time in life where you will have so many chances to challenge yourself. Get out of your comfort zone - you will not only be a better college graduate, but a better citizen of the world.

Be sure to find a school that best fits your personality. Besides gaining knowledge that will help you attain the career you're striving for, you can form meaningful relationships that will last you a lifetime. In addition to gaining a great education, you can also have a fulfilling social life. These can be some of the best days of your life. Take advantage of all the opportunities available to you on campus and don't be afraid to open yourself up to new and different ideas.

Think about the size of the school, because it will reflect the size of your classes. Think about how important individual attention is to you. Think about location and transportation. Will you have any? Are there cities near by? What can you do for entertainment and how can you get there? How far away from home do you want to be? Think about academically, what do you want to gain from your experience? What kind of credentials do you want to have? How important is a school's ranking to you? Once you're there, get involved. Don't be afraid to talk to new people and make new friends.

First get career couseling to find out what it is that you should/want ot major in. Then form there decide which college is best for you. Knowing what you want to do helps take prevent the feeling of 'why am I here?' and helps motivate you to do your best.

Come to Illinois! Or consider a list of colleges I'm sure will offer a comparable experience. Or try someplace completely different. You've got a whole lot of choices to make, but there are some criteria which prove helpful when narrowing it down. Financially, what are you prepared to spend? Community or Junior colleges are a viable option not to be brushed aside. Nevertheless, it's hard to top the experience of attending one of the state behemoths-- football games, sprawling campuses, well-known and respected faculty to name a few of the perks. Small private schools might provide a more intimate college experience. If money is not an issue, it's not a bad idea to consider what kind of career you're interested in and go from there. There are dozens of lists out there quantifying the strengths and specialties of most schools. And most importantly of all, visit the campuses you're considering. You wouldn't want to be stuck at a school for four years when you can't stand the look and feel of the campus environment. Besides, many high schools allow you to skip an afternoon for a college visit. Good Luck!

I thought the prize was a monetary reward rather than scholarship, but that's ok, if you give it to me, I'll enroll in an MBA program. Hope my insight was helpful. As much as I regret my major, I am working at a good job and the money isn't that bad, it's just to bad it doesn't have anything to do with my major.

You should take your time in researching schools and find one that is right for you. Once in college, never miss opportunities that arise. Take classes seriously from day one and try to do your best, because you don't want to look back as a senior and regret your choices. Finally, enjoy yourself - it's college.