In the final episode of season two, Maddie sits down with the Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Sara Mackenzie. Sara shares advice with newly admitted students, unpacks the meaning of "good fit" and tells the story of how one accidental college visit changed her entire journey.

Chapters:

0:00--4:39 - Introduction

4:39-7:12 - The Anxiety of Starting Your College Journey

7:12-9:33 - What Makes Illinois Different?

9:33-13:31 - How to Make a Balanced Decision

13:31-15:50 - Defining "Good Fit"

15:50-18:05 - Your College Decision is Not the End of the World

18:05-21:20 - Sara Loves a Campus Visit

21:20-25:53 - Sara's Journey to College via the Mall of America

25:53-27:11 - Final Thoughts and Trusting the Process

When admissions decisions are finally released, it's time to celebrate! But what comes next? Assistant Director of First Year Admissions Kristin Van Duyne tackles frequently asked questions to help Admitted First-Year students cross the admissions finish line as they prepare to become the next generation of Illini.

Sometimes our dreams are bigger than a single major can hold. At Illinois, students can mix, match, and combine areas of study to create a path that truly fits their passions. This month, we’re exploring the popular combination major CS + X with Kush, a sophomore studying Computer Science + Linguistics and Brain and Cognitive Science.

Sergeant Robert Chromniak of the Illinois Army National Guard and Senior in Urban Planning at Illinois opens up about what it means to be military connected, the transition from service to school, and the support he's found in the Chez Veterans Center to reach his full potential on campus and beyond.

Taylor Howard, M.S., has learned a lot since completing her bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism at Illinois just a few short years ago. In this episode, Taylor speaks on how she chose Illinois, navigating the daunting shift from college to the real world, and calls out the tension many young adults find between "the boxes" they are expected to check off and the reality of finding your own definition of success.

Sophia shares her experience transitioning from her small hometown in Southern Illinois to life on a big university campus. She talks about her passion for sustainability, her favorite ACES classes, and how Illinois helps you find your niche no matter where you’re from.

Michelle Wu, Assistant Director of Campus Visits at Illinois, shares why visiting campus is such a powerful part of the college search, what she loves most about helping future students explore Illinois, and her own journey to college and beyond.

Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. With over 30 years of experience, Lisa Micele, Director of College Counseling at University Laboratory High School, shares how using your resources, living holistically, and easing the pressure can make the journey more manageable—and even meaningful.

Believe it or not, a big part of the college journey happens outside of the classroom. We talked with University of Illinois senior Kenny about his experience with student employment-working everything from after school jobs in food service to summer internships in Chicago-and his advice to high schoolers as he reflects on college and prepares for graduation.

We're talking all things residence hall this week with University Housing Marketing Intern CyAnne! From early-move-in programs and packing tips to making friends and open door policies, she shares her stories and advice on how to get the most out of your campus living experience. 

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