California Baptist University Top Questions

The advice that I would tell parents and students is to find a college that is right for you and has what you are looking. GO and meet the people and see how people live on campus. Pick something that will make the student happy and not the parents because in the end if you dont like then you will have to go through the long process of changing schools. Also find a school that specializes in your particular field of study, because if they have a good program you will learn more and succeed in your future career. Don't follow friends or go for the fun, go for the education because that will benefit your future jobs.

The advice I would give them when seeking a college is to know what the child wants to do as a career. They should also have the idea for what type of school experience they want. I mean do they want a private or public univeisty, secular or religious. Then to make the most of the experience I would tell the students to live on campus. To expecially live in the dorms. I made my best friends there and the time I spent in my dorm was exciting. I would also say to stay on campus during the weekends becase that is when you actually have time to hangout and talk with people. Another thing I would tell the students is not to be afraid of taliking to there professors. The proffessors are there to help them and will give good adviece. The parents need to learn that their child has grown and to trtust they will make the right decision. By encouaging the student and hopeing they make the right choice the parenet makes the expeirnece so much better.

Your first choice may not always be your best choice. Just because a school is no Harvard does not mean that its academic programs are bad, it just means that it isn't Harvard. You can still get a great job after graduation and then with hard work you will get to where you want to be in 10 years. I go to school with 4000 students and my social life is very active. I am involved in campus in student government which has only created more oppurtunities for me to get involved. Usually with a smaller campus students are able to get more academic help than on a larger campus. My professors are readily available for help and know me by my first name. They give me their phone numbers in case I need help after they leave campus. Live on campus!!! When students live off campus, it creates a tension that they have when trying to get involved on campus. Although there will always be oppurtunities to get involved, the experience will never be the same as living on campus. My friends for life because we have lived together and know what is needed to help each other.

I would most definitely reccommend that you research the different schools in the area you would like to go. After you discover the many different campuses, keep in mind the student/teacher ratio, campus meal plans, campus housing, off-campus housing, extra curricular activities, boy/girl ratio, overall academic excellence, as well as surrounding ammenities. It is important to find out not only the academic side of the school, but also what surrounds the school - most students, if not all, tend to go off campus rather than be cooped up in their room on campus; so if that is the case, you need to make sure there are fun things to do around you (amusement parks, beaches, mountains, arcades, plaza's, etc.). The last thing i would reccommend is to take a tour of the schools that interest you, then narrow down to about two or three schools. Visit those campuses again, and find out if they have any overnight stays or programs for prospective students (California Baptist University allows prospective students to stay the night in a dorm room with actual students, go to classes with them, and see how campus life really works).

My advice would be to go with the one that your heart is set on. Also to visit the school, and if all possible stay over night and try to attend a few classes and eat in the cafeteria so that you can really get a hang of how the school is.

Out of so many options, finding the right college for you is not always the easiest task. It is important to be sure you will be recieving great education from inspiring, approachable, and intelligent professors. It should be a place where you may openly ask questions and give answers. Taking a trip to see the college and attending classes is a great way to get a glimpse of what you may be entering into. It is also important to surround yourself in an environment you feel most comfortable and welcomed. It should be a place where you feel at home. Some people do not want to be far from home while many others want to be as far as they can get. Keeping in mind, you can be a far as you want even if you are only ten miles away, don't let distance be a deciding factor. Enroll into a college where you love the weather and the atmosphere surrounding it. Being there is a time in your life to have fun meeting as many friends as possible, experiencing the college life, and making the most out of everything. Get involved in every opportunity given.

My first word of advice is that parents allow the student to look for their own college. Do not choose their college for them. It is the students responsibility and is always a great idea to be involved in their search but parents must allow the student to make the ultimate decision. It is their future and their future only. Parents can help look for colleges, help the student to figure out whats good or bad about a particular college, aid them in university tours, etc. Parents should be involved. Also, when applying for colleges as a student, do not put all your eggs in one basket. In other words, do not apply for just one. Give yourself options by applying for several or as many as you want. As a student, the single best piece of advice I can offer is to not procrastinate...with anything. Get the applications out of the way before their deadlines; apply for fafsa right away; apply for loans and scholarships right away. Once in school do not put off assignments or studying. Thats ok if you work well under pressure, some people do. Other than that, study first, play later and have fun.

I would tell them to find a college where they can feel comfortable enough to call that college their second "home". that's exactly how I feel about CBU and I would never change my experience so far for any other. I have people around me to encourage and support me as I pursue. Look for a college where you wouldn't get distracted by outside activities. there are plenty activities at CBU, but I know what my priority is and I have full support from those around me both on and off campus.

It is important to find an environment specific to the student. Being comfortable in the environment in which you attend college is key. The student should be able to successfully study while enjoying themselves and their surroundings. Also, the student should have the resources and activities available to them that are most important to them.