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You've no doubt been told over and over how important it is to find the right College fit for you. In other words, it's not so much attending a big-name school that will make the difference in your future Career, but finding a match that will best help you achieve your personal goals. Cheryl Baldwin, assistant professor of human services at Aurora University near Chicago attests to that. She says in order to excel academically, you have to keep things interesting.

"Trust your instincts, pursue your interests, and challenge yourself. Make decisions that build happiness," she adds. If you're planning on choosing from among the many great universities in Illinois, you've already made a great start. Next, consider these steps...

Step 1: Consider Your Future When Making College Decisions
Before you even get to class, you'll find that "raising your hand" to ask questions about Illinois universities is one of the most important things you can do while you're in the college selection process. And, sometimes, says John Petrik, dean of career services at DeVry University's DuPage and Tinley Park, Illinois campuses, it's the questions about your future after Graduation that will actually help you narrow things down. "When looking at Colleges and Universities, it's important to ask about their career service programs, specifically if schools help students apply for internships and co-ops, offer employer/student networking opportunities, and provide assistance in drafting a resume," he says.

Even more important when narrowing down your list, Petrik adds, is selecting from among  

Illinois state universities

  that mesh with your personality. "It's important to identify a school that meets your individual skills, interests, and ability to help ensure you meet your academic goals," he explains.

Step 2: Find Your Niche
A smart way to work toward a happy College life at Illinois colleges and universities, is to explore your interests and take a chance at new things. Then, once you find your passion, you can run with it! Take for instance the Hollywood-bound students that are drawn to Columbia College Chicago's "Semester in L.A." Talk about a unique program ... it's the only one permanently housed in CBS' Studio Center. Students actually wear CBS lot badges and have full access to all the soundstages and studios, just like all the actors and Hollywood execs there. Even cooler, last year's producing class had the opportunity to visit the set of the film, "The Island," starring Scarlett Johansson and Ewan McGregor. No matter the academic path, students at Illinois universities can find great opportunities if they know where to look.

Step 3: Cultivate Good Classroom Habits
Of course, your experience at Illinois state universities need not be full of glitz and glamour in order to ensure success. In fact, says Eric Schwarze, director of Aurora University's Learning Center and humanities professor, a good GPA starts with excellent classroom habits that you can practice developing while your still in high school. "It's essential to take clear, accurate notes that reflect not only what information is given, but how information is provided (phrasing, emphasis, order, steps in a process, etc.)." And, he adds, the responsibility to ask questions in class and do close textbook reading is on you. Remember, you're not in high school anymore!

Think you're ready to find your academic fit? Be sure to ask questions, do your research, and get in academic gear, and success at Illinois state universities awaits.



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Dawn Papandrea is the Managing Editor of The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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