University of Iowa Top Questions

I think you really need to look at what is the greatest fit for you, and not pay so much attention to what college books say about them, or how they are ranked in national surveys. (:

In order to find the best school, a student needs to find the one that best fits his or her's needs. A student and their parents need to determine what issues are most important to them. Such as educational level, cost, promixity to home, and other key factors. To make the best of the college experience a student needs to find the best balance of school and social life. It is important to get involved on campus, this is the best way to meet new people. One of the best parts about college is the new people one will meet.

Visit as many of the schools you apply to as possible. If you can't picture yourself there, being happy, learning, taking the next step in life then the school is not for you. If it doesn't feel right, then it probably isn't. Don't let money be the deciding factor because too many of my friends chose that way and ended up quite unhappy with the school they chose.

The advice I would give students is go to a school that you have always wanted to. If you have always wanted to go to USC or Nebraska, then go. College is the best time of your life. People say that all the time but it really is true. Except for the whole homework thing. That isn't so great but you learn to be responsible. Also, college is where you learn time management. You will meet so many new people and experience great things everyday. The college experience can be achieved in different ways. From studying, partying, volunteering, and to hanging out with friends. The funny thing about that list is all of that can happen in that order. College is a crazy, eye opening time and it is where you really find who you are.

I would encourage the families to visit a wide variety of schools in order to see what type of school fits their needs best. I would warn the parents to listen to their child when the student expresses their views about the college they want to go to because every parent wants their kid to have a great experience, and an experience they want to enjoy, so do not pressure your kid to go to Harvard or Yale if they really do not want to go there. Talk to the students when you visit schools, and ask them why they choose that school and if they are happy with their choice. That will tell you more about the college than any visitors guide ever could. Keep your options open because you never know what may surprise you, and turn out to be the best experience of your life.

When I was looking at colleges, the most helpful thing for me was going on a campus visit. Just seeing the campus and getting a feel for what life was like was a major factor in my decision process. I really had to learn to listen to my gut decision when I was on campus and weighing my options. Yes, money and location/climate where also factors, but I couldn't base my decision on that because that's not what the college experience is all about. After every visit I would get in te car and immediately write down my thoughts about the school which was a great resource to look back to when it came to be decision time. Once I got on campus, the best thing that I did was make connections with the people in my resident hall and meet some older students who gave me great advice about what was fun to do on campus. I am an avid sports fan, but even if you aren't, try going to at least one major sporting event. They are so much fun and it's a great way to show school spirit!

Get involved in extracurricular activities as early as possible. Be sure to focus on getting the grades you want your Freshman year, because otherwise you'll regret it later!

When you visit a school see where you feel the most comfortable. Finding where you fit in is the most important thing. Iowa has such friendly people that anyone will feel welcome here. If you are looking for a school with excellent academics, school spirit, and every type of extracurricular imaginagle, Iowa is the place for you. There are always new ways to become more involved on campus and there is something for everyone here. Be open minded to your college expereince and come to school with the attitude that you are going to have a good time here and that these will be the best four years of your life. GO HAWKS!

Don't follow your girlfriend/boyfriend to a school. Visit many schools and find the one that is the exact fit for you, not one that is ok and you think you can make work.

I would tell students, not to attend a college simply because his or her girlfriend or boyfriend is attending or because a best friend decided to go there. There are so many people on campus to meet, having people around you whom are already friends, may hold you back from meeting new people. Make sure to try your hardest your freshman year because it is hard to bring your GPA up once you have already brought it down. Joining a sorority of fraternity is a good idea, although I didn't rush, I wish I would have, if you don't like it, you can always quit, but its worth a shot. Out of state tuition may be expensive but if the college fits loans can always be paid off and student loans and financial aid have been a huge help to me! College is a great experience, and an experience you can choose what to make of.

Research, read, visit. This is a timely and costly decision and one that shouldn't be made on a whim or simply by word of mouth. First, try to understand yourself (the student) and what you're looking to get out of college. Does the college offer your major? Is the Financial Aid department willing to work with your case? How large are the classes? The way to pick the best college pick for you is to know yourself and your needs. Just as importantly as the curriculum and class loads is the off-campus activities. Rarely do people want to join a community that lacks culture of interesting outlets to express yourself that the university may not offer. Remember, a lot of jobs look at how you got involved in your community, be it school community or off-campus community, so find a college that you can adhere to, mesh with, and fully enjoy in and out of the classroom. College is the most exciting part of your life and the people you meet and the experiences you have will shape your entire life. Enjoy finding the right fit for you and your school.

Go to the college that is best rated in the program that you are wishing to enter. At college, attend every class and you should do fine.

got to a school that have a lot of different options once you get there

Don't be afraid to try something different. There are tons of oppurtunites to do things that you would never think of trying. Just do it.

The choice you make will be the right one. Things always work out. Just because you fail your first exam doesn't mean it is the end of the world. Learn from your mistake and realize the opportunities that your school has to offers. Your professor will be willing to help you just "ask." Also, never give up in anything you do. Their is always a light at the end of that tunnel your going though. Stay focused on your goals and you will acheieve them. Be positive in anyway that you can and remember only "YOU" can make your dreams come true!!!!

In order to make the best out of your college experience I recomend getting involved with extra cirricular activities. Also when get to know your professors. They love to have thier students stop in even if they don't have a question about the class. It's easier to succed when you know your professors and find the right balance between school work and social work. Most importantly have fun!

Talk to students who currently attend the school and attend the same college (major) you plan on attending.

College can be one of the most important doorway into adult life. When you leave home, life gets tougher. The responsibilities that you had in High School suddenly seem ridiculously easy. Most prospective students visit the few colleges that are top picks, and start asking questions: what is the cafeteria like? What do weekends look like? Though these questions are important, you first should ask yourself: "Do I have the commitment that it takes to invest in myself daily for the next four to five years?" This is by far the most important. Make each moment as a student count. Homework begins to pile up, and you feel the instinctual desire to fit into the crowd of new faces that surrounds you. Avoid the urge. Fitting into a crowd will make you feel good now, but that same quality of invisibleness will make you just another applicant when you are ready to apply for your first job. Students often take too long to realize that investing in their own unique talents and abilities is what sets him or her apart in the first place. The moment to stand up and be a true leader is right now.

Visit, ask questions, and make sure where you go gives you options. One of the hardest things is to find you have no options if you dislike your original choice of major.

I would reccomend applying to many colleges at first that include schools you really wish to attend and some back-up schools as well. After applying, go and visit the colleges you desire and get a better feel for what you think you would benefit from on college campuses. Look at the classrooms, the nightlife, the people surrounding you and the available housing. Once you have decided on a school, go into it with an open mind. Be friendly to your roommate freshman year because that person is an essential lifeline to your first year of your college experience. Enjoy what the campus has to offer like art exhibits or museums. Do not choose a school strictly on the nightlife because you will regret your decision if you do so. Work hard to earn the grades you deserve but remember to make time for fun on the weekends. Good luck!

As much as education and major is important in choosing a college, I think it's more important to find the right social fit. If you can't find your niche, you're not going to get what you need out of your classes. It's also important to make lifelong friends because they mature you more than four years of classes ever can.

I my honest opinion I would say that a student should find a place where they can feel comfortable to express themselves. The most amazing things that have occured in my past year in college have been directly linked to my transition from a reserved high school student from "small-town" Iowa to my becoming a fully fledged individual. The most important thing you can learn in college is who you are. That having been said, a student should also find a university that doesn't feel academically intimidating. A student needs to be encouraged to learn, after all you will be expected to form a career following your stay. Find out what sorts of academic support are available, one may never actually use every utility but having varried support available means a world of difference. Furthermore, a student should find a school that provides room to grow. This ties in with my first statement in regards to a students development and transition. The more diverse your campus the better it will be suited to accomodate your ever changing needs. As change is the spice of life. Finally don't be afraid to try something new, you might like it.

I would suggest to prospective students to look carefully at the academic programs that is offered at the school, because I strongly believe socially a student can fit in practically anywhere and find friends, wheras the quality of education differs from school to school. The priority should always be education, but secondarily look at what kind of campus activities are offered and how well participated they are. I find that campus activities are a great outlit for stress and great social activities when the pressure of school is getting to be too much. Lastly, I encourage students to make campus visits and try to imagine living on the university grounds: would you find the campus agreable? Do the students seem happy? Is the campus a condusive learning environment? These are all very important questions that you should be asking yourself. I know it cana be a difficult choice, but try to enjoy it! Good luck!

Always visit the colleges you apply to, and if possible, spend the night with friends that already attend that school. Go out to eat, shop, and drink (if you choose) to get a feel for the type of people that you will be surrounded by for the next four years of your life.

When I was looking at colleges, almost everyone told me that when I found the right one, I would just know. I never got that feeling. However, when I was comparing all eight of the schools that I applied to, I slowly began to weed out the ones I didn't want to go to, one by one. Eventually, I was left with two choices. Even thought I never had that automatic gut reaction to the school I chose, once I finally did choose to go there, I committed fully and never looked back. As far as making the most of the college experience, I believe it is really important to find a balance. A lot of kids stress out too much about studying while others flunk out due to lack of effort. You can have fun and still get good grades, and that balance is going to be essential to getting the most out of your college experience.

This is it. This is the four years of your life that will shape you the most as a person. You will meet new people and meet people that will change your life forever. You will make mistakes, but you will learn from them. Go out on a Saturday, stay in on a Tuesday. Choose the school that "feels" right. If nothing feels right, think about what you liked/disliked about your high school, and let that help you make your decision. I love the University of Iowa, and I would never ever change my decision, but it's not for everyone. GO HAWKEYES!

Just make sur e you find a place by looking at every aspect of the college. This will help your son or daughter have the bext college experience.

I would simply suggest that any parent or student go and visit the campus themselves. There is nothing like a first hand experience. Stay at the college for a night or two, and meet as many people from that area possible. Make sure that it is during the school year as well. Sometimes, colleges turn into completely different areas in the summer time. Meet teachers and sit in on a few lectures. Also, if there is a night life/social activity available, join in and become part of it. There's nothing quite like meeting new people and new friends after a routine 4 years of highschool!

Find a college that offers the resources you need, not what your friends need. Just because a school isn't close to home doesn't mean that your child won't be home to visit you. Make sure you communicate with your family and friends from back home because they will be a huge crutch for you to lean on as you get used to college life. Pay attention to your studies first before your social activities.

make sure the college is a place where you can feel comfortable at and has all your goals in mind for yourself.

Do not trust all you read, as there are always organizations available to students who may want something more out of their college experience. While classes are the primary draw, they are not where the student learns the most.