California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Minh

Don't choose a college base on its title. Do your research, find out what the college has to offer. Choose a campus that will offer courses and resources that will help you achieve the career you want. Pick what you're interested in and take advantage of what the college has to offer to help you get where you want to be. The last thing you want is to spend year after year working towards something you don't even like to begin with. It's important to determine what you want out of the college and let the people there help you take full advantage of the available resources. Don't be afraid to explore new things/places, you never know who you'll meet in the process.

Cory

In order to maximize the said 'college experience,' students and parents must talk with recent alumni, departmental deans and professionals in the possible fields of study. Day to day I find that some of my classmates are dabbling in a BS program that they are not too interested in; perhaps if they where advised and facilitated to dig a little deeper before entering college they would have chose a different major. Shadowing a professional for a couple weeks and picking the brain of college faculty would be easy, inexpensive, and very informative activities. Information is definitely available although not easily attainable from your home computer; genuine hands on knowledge will mostly be aquired by questioning professors and professionals. A message to parents and students, "Explore all options, go out and get information, meet people and be sure to meet admission deadlines!"

Vincent

If possibly, live on campus for at least one year. Once your major is decided get involved as much as possible whether its TAing or participating in large group events. Joining a club for your major is also a great way to meet more people as well.

Pakiza

When the decision time comes for students to choose their college, parents play a vital role in helping them determine that. Parents can help their student by taking them to see professions and career paths that the students are interested in. Seeing teachers, business officials, or even engineers will strongly help students see the possibilities. Once students determine their majors, it is important to choose a college that is well-known for that major so your degree is valued more than others. Once you choose the university/college, parents should take a step to examine the various programs the college has to offer and the ways to fully know that their child?s education will be covered whether financial aid or loans. When students are able to choose their living situation, I highly encourage them to live on campus housing so that they get more networking, meeting new friends, and just having a positive surrounding of other students onto a great future, just like them. This will help when students have to interact with professors, group projects, or simply attaining extra help from other people among your major. College is an important step, take full advantage of it.

A.

In regards to finding the right college and making the most of one's college experience truly depends on the student. I lived on a commuter school campus for five years. I didn't have a car and focused on my studies the first few years. After becoming a Resident Advisor in my dorms (a go-to person in the hall way), I was exposed to all the opportunities on campus. I worked part-time on campus in a secretarial job, helped my fellow students in the dorms, and maintained above a 3.5 GPA. I think ultimately when deciding which University to select, one should consider the size of the campus, the price, classroom size, and any other factors that are important to the person applying. For me, I was happy with all the above. After being a Resident Advisor in the dorms for three years I have seen incoming freshman during their first year. Those who got involved on campus appeared to be happier than those who only travelled back and forth from their rooms to their classes. Therefore, my best advice would be, once you've made your decision, get involved on campus!

Yong

I strongly recommend to think early and decide the field of interest before choosing the college. There are many colleges, but choose the one that are top ranked in the field that you decided. Also, having a goal early in your life might help you focus to achieve your goal.

Briana

The advice I would give to parents and students for finding the right college fit and making the most of it is simply to do research and make the most of the experience. Now that I have completed my degree, I feel that the atmosphere and social aspect of my decision of a school is just as important as the academic aspect. You will undoubtedly make some of the best friendships of your life while in college and have some of the best memories once you're gone. It is important to love where you are to make the most of those friendships and experiences so that they will last you a lifetime. It is also fundemental that the student and the parent remember that there is life beyond college and not everything must be decided prior to its completion. Most important is to love what you're learning and who you are with. The right major will come in time if you open your mind to the many options in front of you.

Brittany

I chose the right school for me the first year, but had to transfer due to financial issues. Plan ahead and think wisely. This choice affects your future and your happiness for at least four years of your life. Take the time to really look at the schools you are interested and make a list of the most important qualities a school should have, including class size, if you want a research school, what the housing is like, honor societies on campus, intramural sports. varsity sports, usual financial aid given, etc. All these things really add up.

Alex

Do some research before you give a final decision, prestigue means nothing if it does not have your field of interest.

Rebecka

My advice to choosing the best college for you is to make sure that you are comfortable to with the enivronment of the campus. It would be best to go and visit the college, talk to the students, try to sit in on a class, take a tour, and check out the surrounding area. Also make sure that the school offers your major, and if possible talk to professors who teach in the subject of your choice. Most importantly, when you visit look around and listen to your instincts. A college may look great on paper, but you will never really know unles you go there and see it for yourself.

Natasha

Before choosing a college, it is important to decide what major you a wishing to study. Once you have narrowed down your selection, you should consider the type of geographic location you are most comfortable with. Some people are not comfortable with big cities and others need the city in order to survive. By selecting a geographic location you are now closer to determining your college. For each college you are considering, it would be best to visit the campus and take a tour. This will allow you to get a rough idea in determining the population and the dynamics of the campus. Finally, a visit to the department you are interested in would be helpful. From here you would be able to receive an idea of the coursework involved and everything that will be expected of you.

Ken

Choose the colleges at the level of your study, and choose the major of your interest.

Heather

College is a journey. The right college (for you) will have multidimensional effects on you. It will challenge you mentally, physically, and emotionally. However, the experience will allow you to grow and change as a person. Therefore, finding the right college (for you) is extremely important. Do not make the common mistake of choosing a college solely based upon its prestige and academic history. Of course, the academic prestige of a university weighs heavily upon which college you choose to attend. However, you also need to consider your prospective colleges from a holistic perspective. Visit the college and talk to the students, faculty, and administration, even sit in on a class lecture. Most importantly, spend all of your day at the prospective college. This simple task is commonly overlooked, yet it is extremely important in the process to find the right college. Spending the day on campus allows you really "feel" the campus. It enables you get a glimpse of what your life would feel like for the next four years. My advice is simple and short however, if followed it will enable and embolden you to choose the right college (for you) where you will begin your college journey.

Steven

In high school I had already determined that I was going to attend Cal Poly Pomona, but for those of you that don't, i recommend that you do your research. Make sure to visit several of your top choices and take tours of the campuses. Not ever campus is ment for you and you should make sure you figure that out before you enroll and not after. I also recommend getting involved with the school, in order to be apart of the college life and to learn more during your college experience. College can change your life and it molds you into the person that your going to be for the rest of your life. So in conclusion, it is a big decision in your life so make sure you make it wisely. Good luck to everyone in your future endevors.

Jennifer

If you know what your major is, try to find a college with an environment that will better your education. I am an urban and regional planning major, who got accepted to cal poly, san louis obispo and pomona. Even though my first choice was SLO, I chose Pomona, due to the city environment that I would be able to study and live in, while going to school. I dont think i will ever regret my choice.

Daniel

I would suggest to any parent and/or student to make a list of colleges they think the student would be best interested in. When creating said list, take into account the environment surrounding the campus, size of the campus, student life, success rate of students graduating, and teacher to student ratio. Once the student has chosen a campus after having been accepted, the student should then do his best to acquire on-campus housing. Living on campus, the student will then be able to meet many students and get to experience the wide array of lifestyles and cultures within the same building. He should also look towards joining clubs to be more involved with extra curriculars around the school. Meeting new people through clubs, dorms, and in class, the student will be able to create a vast network of friends for future reference when he pursues his career in whatever he chooses to do. This, I believe, is the best way to make the most of the college experience.

Brittany

I would suggest that students, when finding the right college, chose more than choice because you will have a briad range of colleges that can pick you. I know many students who pick one college to attend, and when they don't get in, they wish they had picked more colleges to attend. Also, make sure you know the college before you attend, such as their majors, the campus, the location, etc (important things to keep in mind). Making the most of the college experience is very important, especially during the first year. From making new "college" friends to joining clubs and/or fraternities/sororities, you want to make the most of the college years because you will always have those four, successful years to look back on. Besides high school, college will be the best four years of your life!

Sara

Choose whats right for you; not your friends, or family; just for you.

Tien

Go to the campus' and see what you like and dislike. Go to the school which has more things you like.

beatriz

Get informed and not hope that someone will tell you what you need to know for college. Research different colleges and the majors they offer and go with what interests you best. Once you have an idea of what schools best fit you academically, my suggestions is to go on campus tours to those campuses. This will help both parents and students see the learning environment the student will be in during their college years. In order to get the most of your college experince it is hight recomended to GET INVOLVED! This way you meet new people, be active with school activites and you will never be bored.

David

Always visit the campus and research on the particular program of the potential college the student could possibly major in.

Anne

If they want there child to be safe but not trapped and to have fun and learn a lot, they should attend Cal Poly Pomona. You also get your money's worth because it is pretty affordable compared to other campuses.

Melissa

Students (and parents) should realize that even if they don't get into their first-choice school, they still will learn, which is what college is all about. Students can get the most out of their college experience by actively participating on campus through clubs and organizations or through joining sport teams. Students should make time to spend with their friends, but also take their studies seriously, which means turning in homework on time, not ditching class, and studying an appropriate amount of time before tests. Students should get to know their classmates, advisers, and professors because it will greatly enhance their enjoyment of college if they get to know lots of people. Even if students don't end up earning a degree , they should still understand that the knowledge they gained and the friendships they developed and cultivated in college can last a lifetime.

Jill

Dont let the name of the school or the reputation affect where your child goes, i got alot of weird looks and sighs when i said where i was going and now i am happier than any of my friends who went to places such as brown, stanford and ucla. My friends were pressured into going to big names school and was not given the chance to go somewhere they loved like i was. I consider myself very lucky.

Marni

When your major is decided research all schools that offer that major and different areas within your major. Once various schools are found go and visit them, walk around campus, meet with some advisors, administration, and talk to some students that attend that school. Doing that will allow you to judge if that school is right for you in different ways. When you choose the college that is right for you sign up for clubs, get involved and get to know your professors and peers. The more involved you are the better chances you have in succeeding in your futrue area of interest. You make long life friends, career connections, and get help from professors in getting into graduate schools.

Sonam

Study hard when necessary but have a social life also. College is the greatest experience of my life so far.

Charles

To find the right college, you need to look for diversity in the majors and the clubs and organizations that are offered. Definitely, your first-choice major should be available. Like many college students, you may have doubts about your major and may want to change it. If you do decide to change, you may want to consider back-up majors that you may also be interested in. Simply taking classes and going home is quite boring and is not part of the full college experience. That is why it is important that the university you are considering should to have a wide variety of clubs and organizations so that at least one suits your interests. Clubs and organizations are a great way to pursue an interest and share it with others, network, and make many friends, hopefully forging lifelong friendships.