California State University-Channel Islands Top Questions

My advice to those looking into college or helping someone find a college is to really search for the colleges that fit you individual needs. They should take the time to think about what they want to get out of college and in what type of setting do they thrive in learning. Literally, a person should make a list of their wants and needs like location, diversity, extra-curricular activities, school mission statement, student to teacher ratio, graduate rate, average number of years students take to graduate, job availabilty, housing choices and numerous other wants and needs. Also, you should really take the time to spend a day at the campus and speak with some of the students and not just your assigned tour guide because that is how you will really get to know the campus and look up the teachers on ratemyprofessor.com which will give you an idea of the types of teachers you will possibly encounter. My one advice is DO YOU RESEARCH!

Visit the colleges first before going to them.

If I had to give parents and future students advise about picking colleges I would advise them to take a trips to the colleges you like the most to see what the enviornment is like. Then I would look at the school's weebsite and determine if they have a wide variety of degree programs to choose from because smaller colleges don't offer as many majors as bigger schools. Lastly I would ask students who attend the college you like to offer some more incite as to how the school really is as far as professors and classes go.

For students - try your best to stretch yourself and meet as many new people as possible freshman year. While it's easy to meet people in later years of college (because most of us have matured and stopped caring about cliques and "being cool"), it's still not as easy as it is during freshman year. Every other freshman (with the exception of some commuters) is just like you and wants to meet more people, constantly looking to create/join a group of friends! Not to mention the lasting relationships they can lead to. So, push yourself and take that extra step to say a word or two to someone next to you about the professor, class, dining, whatever - that's all it takes. From there on, the other person will feel more comfortable and the next time you see him/her, a conversation and then perhaps a plan will develop. A great thing about college is how easy it is to make aquaintences. That's just about the worst that can happen when you say a word or two to the person sitting next to you. So, even if you're a shy senior, go for it.

Try to find a campus that makes you feel comfortable, not intimidated. Also, don't look at the campus and its facilities alone, spend the time looking into their academic programs and see what they have to offer you, this is the most important thing. Also, apply to a few different colleges that you like just to stay safe in the event that one school doesn't accept you.

College is about how much you and your family put into not where you go.

It all depends if your willing to make an effort for your college experience.

I believe it is very important for a prospective student and their parents to understand how vital finding the right school really is. The student may be spending four or more years at this campus and they should be proud of their college of choice. Once a student has narrowed down their possible choices, I would highly recommend visiting the campus for an overnight stay so that they may experience the school's atmosphere for themselves. Most importantly, the student should be very excited for a life-changing experience which will influence and develop thier individual futures. College is a place where young adults have the opportunity to grow as individuals and really begin to develop a true sense of self. It is here where our opinions and thoughts are challenged, strengthened, and truly understood by fellow classmates and professors. There is no right or wrong and the population is largely diversified which helps to promote a wide range of learning. College may have its challenging moments, yet I know I will look back fondly on these years and be extremely grateful for the opportunity I was given and for the friends I have made.

Chose the college based on YOU not based on what seems to be the better choice.

I think it is key to learn about the school, it's students, the programs they offer and all other aspects about the area and school itself. It is great to get involved and to feel a sense of community, so it is important to find a place that the student feels comfortable and welcomed in right away. Choosing a college is not always about price and location, it should fit the student's needs and interests. If a student has this type of environment, they will have a great experience and be most likely to succeed. Getting involved in internships and other career advancing activities is also an important key to advancing once the student graduates, so that should also be an important aspect of the school. Security and safeness is also one of the most important, if not the most important thing about a school as well. If a student feels comfortable and safe, they will do well and be happy, and so will the parents.

vist college campuses early in high school and once in college be involved!

Parents and students, beginners on the incomparable voyage toward and through your first year of college, welcome. This may be the most grueling phase you have yet to pass through, especially you students. Finding the right college isn't simple busy work; it is nothing short of painstaking. Given this oppurtunity, I am here, offering advice after a year of college under my belt. Students: Use your resources. The libraries, open-minded parents, even high school counselors, are all rooting for your team. Asking, seeking, and researching where, why, and how you are going to find your college is accessible and only going to benefit you, so play your cards right. Parents: Don't pressure. Of course you want the best for your kid, perhaps even more than they want it. Suggest, don't demand. Be interested, but don't pry. This is the hugest transition period of their adolescent life, so far. Stand back so their wings don't hit you on their flight out. To all: Put yourself out there. Don't be afraid to mess up, but learn from it. Let your mind be a sponge; absorb every aspect that interests you. Take it slow. Now, Go.

Take the time to find the college that fits your personality.

I would recommend that both the student and parents identify what they are looking for in a college/university so that you can evaluate potential schools via the website and/or school tours. Also, ask plenty of questions to current students, advisors, and faculty to not only get an answer in return, but to also get to know the attitude of your students future surroundings. Do some research online or check out recent reviews in magazines of which colleges/universities rate highest or lowest in a particular area of your interest. Getting to know the community such as the distance to the supermarket or place of worship/church. This will allow the family and/or student to get a feel for what the community has to offer, the condition that each of the neighborhoods are in, and if parking is going to be an issue...maybe another form of transportation might be a better choice.

I think the most important thing when looking for a college is really discovering first what you want to get out of your college experience. That way when you visit schools or even just read about them, you are able to determine whether that school would be a good fit for you or not. It is also important for students and parents to go and visit possible school options together, and if they school has some sort of program where you can stay overnight to learn what it would be like to actually live there, it is a good idea to try it out to truly get the full expericence of the school. Finally, the most important thing to remember for students when it comes time to choose a school, is to pick a school based on how you think you will do there and whether you will be happy there, not how established the school is or how many people you know that are going there because although it is possible to switch schools, you will be a lot happier picking the right school the first time.

I would visit the school of your choice before you commit to attend. That was very helpful for me in determining which school I would be attending.

You should definitely visit the interested campus; it is worth it! Don't be afraid to stay close to home. You will end up saving money in the long run. Plus, you get to keep your old friends close, and you get to make new friends as well. Sometimes big campus seem like the real experience, but what makes the experience is the people around you and how you interact with your campus. Definitely get involved, or find a job on campus. This will alow you to have a greater appreciate of your environment. Remember, this isn't high school anymore, so your parents won't be there to bail out- you're responsible for yourself now! On that note, there are no extreme clicks like high school, so don't be afraid of trying out for someting or ruhing for Greek-no one is going to sit there and make fun of you or point fingers. Everyone is there to find themselves and fiure what they want to do with their lives, so remember to put your goals first.

Deciding what college you should go to may seem almost impossible at times. I know people want to choose a college that is high in rankings for their major, or one that has a name, or even one where they will get an easy ride into a great paying job. Though in the end, when you decide on a college it should be one you like. Just because your parents went to a college doesn't mean that's the one for you. Picking a college is the first step into the real world. It should be your choice, and your choice only. Also, don't get disappointed if the college of your dreams turns you down. You can fight on, work hard for two years then transfer. Once at college, absorb yourself in the atmosphere of your campus. College is the best time of my life so far. It can easily be yours as well. You just have to not look down upon it. so what if it wasn't your first choice? Mine wasn't my first choice, and couldn't be happier! Good luck!