University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

When looking for a college, base your decision on your own needs and what you want in a school. Take into view others opinions, but make your final choice based on your decision. On making the most of your college experience, be proactive! Don't sit around and be lonely, but get involved with organizations and clubs. Take classes that appeal to you and that are new to you. Do things that you never thought you would do. You never know, you may just find something that you love that changes the path of your life. That's what happened for me anyways. Step out of that comfort zone, for you'll never find your true self if you don't let yourself search. Happy hunting.

Always get involved in campus activities. Making friends will make you happier, regardless of the classes you take.

make sure the kids visit a couple times to a few top choices. the first and second visits can be deceiving. also even if its a school the student has visited many times make sure they get a proper visit tour and all.

In order to decide which college is right for you or your student, first you have to figure out what you want from the college experience. If the most important thing is just to get a degree, maybe going to a Junior college first would be a smart fiscal decision, then transferring to a 4 year University to finish up. If you want to have a active social life, perhaps you should look at all your prospective choices and think about which of them offers the most of what you're interested in, whether it be athletics, clubs/organizations, night life, etc. Also, maybe you have concerns about the size of the college and of the class sizes offered at that college. Third, you need to find out what learning environment you or your student will learn best in and pick a college that fosters that type of education. Most importantly, you should pick a college that offers a strong program in the field of education that you or your student is interested in. Once you have synthesized all of this information, the search will be narrowed significantly and you can make the decision of which school is the best.

Finding the right college is possibly one of the toughest decisions that you will have to make in your life thus far. It is extremely important that you begin visiting potential colleges during your junior year of high school. Also, it helps a great deal if you have an idea of what field you would like to go into so that you can find a college that has a good program for this field. Talking to people who currently attend or have attended your perspective college is always beneficial; it is always helpful to gain a student?s perspective of the school. Lastly, be sure to apply to your potential schools on time and make sure that you have filled out the applications completely (including supplementary materials such as portfolios). Even if you are not sure that you will be able to get into a certain school, it is important that you still apply. If you do not apply, you will have a 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} chance of not getting in, however, if you do apply, you will have a chance of being accepted to that college.

You really have to visit a college first before you committ to going there. You never know what you are going to like until you try it and going and visiting is a great help. Sometimes you may think that just because a university is held in high regard that it is right for you but that is not always the case. You dont know if the size of a school is going to bother you until you get there and realize it for yourself. So the biggest piece of advice I have is to go, during the fall or spring preferrably, and visit multiple schools of varying sizes so you can figure out what fits you best.

Visit every school you could imagine. It is extremely cliche, but you will know when you have found the right school. If you visit schools and you have not gotten that feeling try visiting more. If that never ends up happening, find a school that fits your lifestyle and it won't matter. College is what you make it. If you go out all the time you cannot be mad at yourself if you are failing a class, and if you study all the time try and make time for a social life. The people you meet here will most likely be in your life longer than most friends from high school so make the most of it!

Go to the highest caliber school you can make it to. You will find friends and you will have fun no matter where you go.

Visit the college, and not just for the night life. Check it out, take a tour with a program on campus. Get as much information as possible about financial aid, tuition, etc. before accepting an offer. Apply to as many places as you can!

yup

Go away to school! Do not have your child live at home while attending college. Campus life is a huge part of the entire college experience. Students will learn the most about themselves and their abilities while away.

When I was applying for college, I tended to only look at the "ranking" of the schools, but now that I'm hereI feel that I could have done much better with choosing which colleges to apply. There is so much more practical issues in choosing a college-- how it will provide for you in making the right choices, how the weather will be, or how accessible resources are. Once you're here, you also have to have an open mind on revising career plans and also actually go to people to find out about what is available to you. Even if there are tons of resources and help, it will not come find you. Also, try not to miss any classes. Nobody's watching you, but just being there physically may help you in the longer run. Always be grateful that you can be there to learn all those things, especially if you are a dependant(like me).

Equilibrium is the important thing to consider when choosing a college, because a balanced and healthy life is the key for success and happiness. It is crucial to have strong academic focus and diligence, but also to maintain a healthy level of fitness and enjoyable social activities in order to be a well-rounded and capable individual. Consider your personal interests and values, and then think about how they may or may not amalgamate with those of each college that you are considering. Keep in mind that you will grow and change no matter where you go. You have control over many aspects of your experiences to come, but you will also be forced to adapt and make the best of things when your plans go awry or external factors get in the way. Ultimately, do not let your fears prevent you from having the wonderful college experience that is awaiting you! You can accomplish anything if you try hard enough.

make sure to visit the campus. Once the choices have narrowed spend a day and night with a student at the university. Find out what activities and services the university can provide. Also ask students how they get help in classes they struggle in.

I think the road I took in finding the right college worked pretty well. It definitely helps if you know what you want to major in because then you can look into the top schools in that field. The biggest part in finding the right school was actually going to the school for a visit. I don't think I can stress that enough; find a couple schools you think you might like and go take the provided tour at each one. Apply to as many schools as you want, but get the applications done early. Once you've been accepted and visited the schools you like, make your decision and get back to them as soon as possible. In order to make the most of your college experience, I think you need to live your life. Go out and find things you want to do, but don't get too crazy. I think the most important thing in college is to simply go to class; don't start making excuses to skip becasue that will hurt you in the end. Overall, just remember that you will make mistakes, but you need to learn from them to succeed.

Find one that feels right. Most people like schools in the big ten, and I have friends who were disappointed they went to a smaller school.

Consider the individual needs of student and disregard most of marketing materials from colleges.

Try to visit the colleges you apply to first and stay with a student for a day or two. Stay with someone you know if possible, but it's not necessary. Visit on a Friday so you can attend classes and experience the academic side of campus, but then go out with the student that night and experience the social side of campus. This way you get a glimpse of what it feels like to be a student at that school and if it feels right for you. Do not wholly base your college choice on facts and figures. When I chose the Univeristy of Illinois, I was worried it was too large and that I would feel overwhelmed. However, after spending three semesters here I've discovered ways get comfortable, to find a niche. By living in a dorm, joining clubs, and a fraternity I have found a close circle of friends with whom I can hang out, study, share my concerns, and share my joys. My friends from my dorm last year and my fraternity brothers serve as my own community of support and help me feel at home, even at this large and, at times, intimidating school.

be open minded, make new friends

If you're very particular about where you live then it's important to think about what kind of environment you would thrive in. If not, it's easy to find your niche in any campus. If you aren't sure what direction you're going in terms of your future profession, then it would also be wisest to choose a college that offers a great variety of majors and pre-professional programs.

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Listen to your heart!

Talk to people that go to the school. There is no better way to know what a school is like than to talk to the students. Colleges will give so you much information to try and wow you but its not going to be helpful if you don't know what your're looking for.

Dear Future College Student, You have a big decision to make and you are probably wondering how to do it. There are a few important factors you should consider about your potential school: Tuition, Location, Athletics, and Prestige. You should research each school you are interested in and find out about all 4 of these factors, and then consider which factors are most imporant to you and your family. If you are looking for prestige, stick with Yale. If you want athletics, try a Big 10 school. Once you have chosen a school and are moved in for the year, you should focus on making yourself feel at home. An important and overlooked step is decorating your dorm. Also, it is helpful to join clubs or fraternities/sororities to give yourself built-in friends. Having a ton of people to say hi to as you pass them on your way to class will definitely brighten your day. Also, keep a dry-erase board calendar by your desk so you can keep on top of your work and make sure you remember to do everything you need to do. Good luck with your decision and take advantage of the education!

While academics are a core part of college, it is important to find out what other things your school has to offer. My biggest piece of advice is to GET INVOLVED as soon as possible. It helps you find out who you are, and it helps you get to where you want to be. By involving yourself on campus you are able to find your niche and turn your college into a HOME. Being involved with causes you believe in gives you a purpose outside of studying and helps you make a variety of friends. Outside of being involved, take advantage of everything that your school has to offer. Many colleges have outstanding student acting, choral and dance troupes. They also offer smaller concerts for lower prices. Take in as much culture as you can, and always be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. If it sounds fun, you should try it. College is an opportunity to experience things like studying abroad, joining a skiing team, or rallying for a cause you feel strongly about. Take advantage of every opportunity that you can!

I would definatly visit the college first. It is also helpfull to know someone who goes there or went there to talk to. Find out what makes this college more special compared to other choices. It is also important to check out the department of interest. Some schools have better departments than others. Another obvious consideration is the cost but I don't think this should be the number one decision maker. Education is a precius, untangible, rewarding and most importantly priceless. Another choice to consider is difficulty of the school. I personally would consider choosing the "smartest" school because like I said education is priceless. It is an unexplainable feeling one gets when he or she realizes how much knowledge they've encompassed. The last but not least aspect to consider is social life. Are you interested in fraternity/sorority life? Then join a school who is big on that. If not, then you might want to consider a smaller school. Greek life dominates such schools and if you are not into that those people will irritate you. Big schools are a lot of fun and out of the world experience, but for some its not the best choice.

Pick a college that fits you academically and the rest will follow. People get so stressed about picking between 2 or 3 colleges that are essentially the same thing. College is a big decision, but it's less hard to make the wrong choice than people think. Also, come prepared for the environment you're entering. If you're going to be a partier, plan accordingly. If you hate the party scene, even if you're not participating, don't consider a large university. People are always going to drink, do drugs, have sex, and all those other terrible things. Don't freak out. Be aware that it happens and move on.

I would advise parents and students to make a list the student's junior year, and visit top school choices. The schools should have a solid base in the area that the student wishes to study. Then make visits to each school. If the schools vary in size, choose what environment the student felt most comfortable in, and be sure to visit the schools while classes are in session to truly get a feel of campus. Before college, try to find out as much about yourself as possible; what are your interest, goal, hobbies, so that when you get to school, you are able to jump right in with involvement. One piece of advice: if you are hestitant about joining or participating in a college experience, just go for it! Otherwise you'll never know what you're missing.

Ask students who attend the school to see what it is really like. I think orientations glamorize schools and leave out a lot of the negative. Get involved as often as possible with as many different groups as possible, especially academic or major related groups. Internships are incredibly important, and take the opportunity even if the internship can be costly, because it will help the job hunt.

As a student who looks back on his college experience and sees missed oportunities, I would suggest getting out there and trying everything at least twice. I say twice because maybe once isn't enough. I look back as a senior on my three previous years at the University of Illinois and I cannot figure out where the time has gone. There was a multitude of opportunities to join organizations that I liked and was excited about, but never got around to. So the best advice I can give is to go out, join some clubs, and make some friends because you only get one shot at it. You have the rest of your life to lay around and watch TV, but you will mostly remember the times you had just living the college lifestyle. To this I would also add, when looking to attend a college, make sure you go visit. Don't just walk around a campus over Thanksgiving break though, that's not visiting. Go to a class, interact with people, find out how people with similar interests as yourself like the campus. College only last a brief time, use the most of it.

The right college is everything you have ever wanted. You shouldn't need to settle. If you want sports, a large campus, and proximity to a city, there is a college. If you want research orientated staff, small classes, and a thriving Greek system, you can find that, too. Don't let cost be an issue; you can always find a way to make it happen if you truely want it. Financial aid and private scholarships can really go a long way. Honestly, get to know as much as you can about a school. Visit the campus, talk to students, meet with faculty, and then apply. Go for your dream school. The worst that can happen is that you don't get in, but if you never try, you might regret it in the future. As for making the most of college, the same applies. Just know what you want, and go for it. Don't let anybody tell you that you can't. Find a club that you enjoy, and make lasting friendships. College is what you make it. Apply to where you want to go, and when you get there, make it as fun as possible.

don't need a scholorship

It's not the college but what you make of the experience and the friends you meet.

Stop worrying about anyone or anything else but yourself. You go to college for two things: to land a career that you can be proud of and to find out who you really are. So stop worrying about what your parent want, what people think of you, who your friends are, where you came from, how you look, how much money you have, and whether or not you might fail, and just do what's best for you. Go where you want, study what you want, be friends with who you want, strive for what you want, get what you want and be who you want to be.

Students and parents have a lot to consider when selecting the right college. It is important to have a general idea of what career path the student wants to take. Whether the student wants to pursue performing arts, or wants to become a doctor, these career aspirations will help narrow down the college choices. A student attending college must put their education first and choosing a school that has a good program for their desired major will prove to be beneficial beyond the collegiate years. Finances also need to be considered when applying for college, and a financial plan should be established. The family's available income, the student's income, available scholarships, and financial aid all need to be considered. Finances will effect the choices between in-state or out-of-state schools, living in a dorm or an apartment, types of meal plans, and living on-campus or off-campus. It is also important to have multiple college choices, because obviously not everyone can have their first choice. There are plenty of good schools out there, but you must keep in mind what schools are good for the student's chosen career and what the family can afford.

As a senior in high school, I had no idea where I wanted to go to school. I was attracted to both the perks of a small school and the vast opportunities that a large school had to offer. Being a music student, I auditioned at both types of schools. After much deliberating, I decided to attend a very large school: the University of Illinois. The University of Illinois is a big family school for me and I always grew up just assuming that I would attend someday. I just had a connection to it. Sure, I would've enjoyed attending a small school and experiencing that close knit community that is very common at that type of school, but inside I knew I belonged at the University of Illinois. So, my advice to high school students searching for the right school is: "Listen to your instincts." College is one of the most exciting experiences of your life, so once you are there you should: explore, try new things, and talk to new people. Expand yourself in everyway possible. In the beginning it might be hard, but the things that are the hardest in life are often the most rewarding.

Follow your gut. Make sure to visit the college and ask a lot of questions. Remember to have fun.

Don't settle, and make sure to visit the campuses before you decide. Ask a lot of questions about student life and academic support, as well as financial aid.

In order to make the most of your college experience, get involved in one-two co-curricular activities. You should do something you enjoy doing outside of the classroom, but do not spread yourself too thin. Co-curriculars will often expand your social network and will produce good friends. Additionally, they will break up monotonous schedules and give you something to look forward to. Once you join the working world, opportunities to participate in groups like these will not be as prevalent. On the academic side, take ownership of your education. Don't spend college barely paying attention to lectures and then struggling when you go back to study. Engage yourself with the lectures and ask questions. Questions will break up lectures and hopefully lead to good discussion. Chances are other students have the same questions, so you will also be doing the class a service. In terms of choosing the right college, try to visualize yourself on that campus for an extended period of time while you are making college visits. Can you handle a big school? Does the layout of the campus suit you? Do you like the classrooms. These are all questions you need to answer.

Don't be afraid to try new things. Actually being afraid might be a good thing, but that shouldn't stop you from trying new things. Experience things that you may not otherwise get to experience. Challenge yourself and go outside your comfort zone. Finding the right college will be easy, because when you go to visit or first get there you'll just know this can be your home away from home.

You have to really know what size of a school you want to go to. Even if a school is nationally recognized as a academically superior, if it doesn't fit your needs it will still not be your optimum school.

Dont just go to any college! When making your decision make sure you go to the college first so that you can get a feel for it yourself. Dont just go off what other people say or what your parents want. If you want to have the best college experience make sure you get your grades so when you go out you can enjoy it more and you wont feel depressed!

Pick the college that your first instinct tells you too. There will be many things that you think are very important to stress over but in the long run all the classes and all the housing situations will settle themselves. The most important thing is to feel comfortable at the school that you are at. The best advice is to not sweat the small stuff because learning how to take care of your own academics, finances, and social life is what makes the college experience so great. Growing up requires a person to take big risks, and then capalizing on those risks when they pay off. Making yourself sucessful and getting the most out of your college experience means letting go a little and opening up to the world that is out there for you to enjoy!

Pick a place that fits you. Do not just go somewhere where your friends go. Be your own person.

Know what you want from your school before you begin your search, specifically what size school suits you

It's ok if you don't know what you want. Visiting the schools you are interested in helps a lot in figuring out which one you feel comfortable with. Going to a school or even looking at pictures can give you a feel for the campus, and feeling welcome and at home is the most important thing. After that, it is good to see if there is the right kind of study area you want to enroll in. If you don't know, then it's good to think about campuses that have a lot of options for undecided students or ones who want to change majors at some point. Also, applying to top rated school is great, but keeping backups is a good idea. So, looking for the right kind of academics for you is always important in choosing a school, but it is just as important to be able to picture yourself living and having fun and being happy on the campus and with the other students you'll be sharing your college years with. It's fun to go searching and finally choose a school that is your best choice, so stay calm and good luck!

The best way for parents and students to find the right college is to research. By going on college visits, campus tours, and orientation days one can really get a good feel for what the college has to offer. Researching the college's website can provide loads of information from majors all the way to extracurriculars or housing. By writing down the the pros and cons of each school one is interested it, it easy to see which school is the best choice. A student will get the most out of his or her college experience by getting involved on campus. While this can be overwhelming in the beginning, it will pay vast dividends in the end. The point of going to college to start a career path. There are so many organizations on campus that can really help one with that process by providing the tools and resources that can be carried all through life. Quite simply, a student will get out of college what he or she puts in to it. Through preparation, college will provide the opportunities for anyone to be successful.

I would encourage students to spend 24 hours with a college student, known or unknown, in order to feel what it is like to be a college student, through a college student's life. Seeing the college campus through the eyes of a tour guide only leaves the potential student with a biased point -of-view. Ask real students in your major what they think about their program at that college. Strive for the real answers, not the typical tour guide answers. When a student arrives at college, take opportunities as they come to you and look for interesting opportunities to engage in. College is all about exploring things outside your comfort zone, in terms of meeting new people, getting involved in extracurriculars, attending social or cultural events, and overcoming fears. Always be open to trying new things because you'll never know if you're missing out on a new favorite hobby or new favorite person. Live the college experience by getting to know the world around you. You have four fast years so make every day count.

Finding the right college is crucial in furthering your education. Students shouldn't attend a college because they're expected to or because that's where their parents want them to go. Parents should be supportive and open to college options. While at school, students shouldn't cut their parents out of their lives. They should call home once or twice a week, at least. Visiting home when the opportunity arises is great! You get a home cooked meal, your own bed to sleep in, and moms to wait on you! Who would pass that up. If a student lives at home, their parents should be considerate of the fact that their kids are in college and adults and have lives in college.

If you are unsure about what you want to study, look at schools that are strong in many different fields (like the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign). Also, look at everything the school has to offer: academics, extracurriculars, research, etc.