California State University-Northridge Top Questions

Research is key when finding the right college. Explore all of the programs your school has to offer and make sure that these programs will fit you. There are so many choices out there. Schedule a road-trip to the campuses that you are interested in and experience the campus atmosphere. You will know from your first visit if the school is right for you. Look at the financial aspects as well. If you are not interested in taking out hefty student loans to pay for school, explore the scholarship programs and financial aid that the schools have. Every college has programs that they are nationally recognized for whether it is music, communications, business, medicine, computer science, etc. Take a look at on and off campus housing as well. The key is to cover all of the questions you have about your school and experience day to day life on those campuses of choice. Make sure that the colleges of interest to you, are going to be a good fit financially and academically.

Apply to all and any schools, even if you think you will not make it in. Keep your GPA over 3.0. Look up organizations that are available at your college of choice and see if they some things that interest you. That way college will not be a boring place to be at.

Make sure it's a place where you feel comfortable and where you know you cang row. Leave the nest and go away. Choose a school that will not only help you grow academically but as a person also.

It is mostly the connection between the student and the school. I highly recommend to take a tour of all the schools of interest and by the end of the touring process that person should know which school id right. As for the 'college experience' be outgoing but don't fall behind on your studies.

I feel it is important to consider factors such as location, future career options, safety, environment , and living costs when considering finding the right college. It is wise to visit college campuses prior to making a final decision about where to go. I've seen first hand students that start to attend college, but realize two months into the semester that particular college isn't "for them." For me personally, making the most out of the college experience is enhanced by finding a fitting balance between academics, family, work, and social life. It is important manage time between all of those things so that a colege student can be well-rounded, not feel overwhelmed by one particular part of their life, and enjoy their experiences.

The best advice is that the prospective student choose a college that will ake him or her comfortable. And to make most of the college experience, never regret any decision made, for even if that decision is a mistake, you will always learn and grow as a person

One of the things I learned during my freshman year in college was that I was all alone and was responsible for my own future and Happiness. My advise to parents is letting go of your young adults because they are growing up and college is all about learning for their future (academically and real world experience). To Future students my advice is just enjoy your new sense of freedom, if you ever need any help you will make new friends to lean on and have any resources on campus to make your college experience great.

There are many factors that parents must take into consideration when selecting the right university for their student to attend. First, consider the student?s fields of interest, and narrow the choices down to two or three potential majors. Next, look at the different colleges that are known to have excellent programs in the student?s choices of majors, and determine a few campuses that would meet the academic needs of the student. When looking at universities, consider the financial aspect of attend the institution. If the cost to attend the student?s first choice of schools appears to be prohibitive, consider having the student attend a community college to satisfy their general education requirements. In addition to the academics and the cost to attend a certain university, consider the community of the campus. Visit the campus and explore the various services and activities offered at the university. Visit the dormitories, and see if the facilities will be able to accommodate the needs of the student. The final consideration is whether you and the student are both comfortable with your choice of school. Following these few guidelines should provide for a smooth transition from high school graduate to college student.

When thinking about college, it is easy to be distracted by the sheer size of the decision. It is very important to think beyond the institution itself and focus more on what is to be gained educationally, personally, socially, and how those factors will affect your career and ultimately the rest of your life. So, even if one were to be accepted to a great school, if the education received did not work to the student's advantage, the acceptance is irrelevant. To put it metaphorically, think about where you are now, and where you want to be in 10, 20, or 50 years. Now, use the college choice decision as a bridge to get to where you want to be. Finally, remember that no cost is too great to invest in your own future. Do whatever it takes in order to ensure your own success, and when you get a taste of success, remember to share that with those who helped you along the way.

Research is the beast way of finding out whether a college is the right choice. Everyone can have a different opinion and it is not fair to base your future on one persons opinion. I would suggest visit the campus and become familiar with staff members. My experiences have ranged from my undergrad studies to my graduate education. Going from a public university to a private universtiy has its pros and cons. Is it worth it? That is the question you must answer for yourself. If the college is worth it then you have nothing to fear. Of course money is an issue, but you have the rest of your life to pay back a great education, amazing experiences, and wonderful opportunities. Do not make money a priority, you will find it one way or another. The caliber of your education should be your priority.

The old saying "you get what you put in" held true in my undergraduate experience. One should recognize the fact that nobody is going to hand you anything on a silver platter. However, one should also know that the faculty and your fellow students are (or at least should be) there to guide and help you accomplish your goals. Push yourself harder than anyone else pushes you, seek your own way when one is not shown to you, and always search for a way to put a personal twist into any skills and knowledge you absorb. It is okay to be a little greedy with your school experience; you are paying for the experience, and you are entitled to use your school's resources to the greatest extent. That said, be generous with your own knowledge and experiences, especially with your fellow students. Collaboration is the way to expand yourself intelectually, creatively, spiritually, and socially. You should be serious about your work, but have a sense of humor about yourself and others. Life is misterious and funny, so enjoy it and get all out of it that you can.

For Students: As scary and overwhelming as college may initially seem, please do not allow that fear or weariness hinder you from taking that step to further your education. The best advice I can over is even if you have to sign every school application with trembling hands and walk on to campuses with an unsettling stomach...DO IT ANYWAY! Push forward and allow your ultimate aspiration and/or dream guide your steps. Lastly, college is not always "pie in the sky" but believe me when I say "It is worth your while!" And to the loving parents... The most important thing you can do for your children as they enter college and embark on their journey into the "real World," is be there! Not necessarily side by side, hand in hand in the flesh but be that support system and backbone that they will need when things get tough. However, do allow them to experience what reality is all about and provide your love and care from a distance.

Pick a place that you would enjoy and where you can meet new people. Explore, do not stay at home because it is good to learn how to "grow up" and become independent. Parents, let your children grow up and make mistakes we have to learn how to become great adults. You should trust us enough to make the right choices in our lives.

To the parents and students, the advice that I give for finding the right college is that you first deeply research all the schools that you desire to attend. Narrow down your first and second choice major and choose a school that offers programs for those majors. In case the student realizes that the major chosen is not what they would like to pursue a degree in, students should make sure the college offers the option of changing majors. Before choosing a final school, students and parents need to plan how tuition is going to be paid for, whether the school will be providing financial aid, loans, or are parents going to pay out of their account. For students to make the most of their college experience, I recommend to get involved in school as much as possible. There are all sorts of clubs and organizations to choose from. Through these extra-curricular activities, I was able to meet other college students that motivated me in my studies. Also, take advantage of the services that the school offers, such as free printing, counseling, tutoring, and many others. Help is always provided by the university for the students who need guidance.

I would give them the same advice that I wish I would have been told when I was going through the college selection process, which is to find somewhere that has your major, where a good amount of students share your interests and beliefs, and that is affordable for you. Everything else in your college experience is up to you, but those three factors cannot be changed. If you attend somewhere that doesn't have your major available, you won't end up staying there in the long run, and transferring is becoming more difficult each year. Your classmates are also important, because they are the people you will spend your next four years associating with, and where you will build lifelong friendships. Finally, is finding somewhere affordable. Money is a major stress factor in almost every student's life, and the less you have to stress about jobs and money. the more you can focus on school and enjoying the time you have at your campus.

I would simply say to make sure that you find a place that makes you or your child happy. You need to be in a peacful, happy enviroment in order for you to complelty succed in college.

MY ADVICE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS ABOUT FINDING THE RIGHT COLLEGE IS TO DEFINITELY VISIT THE CAMPUS, SPEAK TO OTHERS WHO HAVE ATTENDED THE SCHOOL, AND TO SPEAK TO THOSE WHO ARE PRESENTLY ATTENDING THE SCHOOL. FIND OUT WHAT KIND OF CLUBS ARE ALREADY THERE AND WHAT ISN'T THERE SO THAT YOU MIGHT ONE DAY CREATE ONE OF YOUR OWN. DIVERSITY REALLY MAKES THE SCHOOL ENGAGING SO BE PREPARED FOR AN ETHNIC BOILING POT OF PEOPLE. BE PREPARED FOR READING MORE THAN YOU'VE EVER READ IN YOUR LIFE AND TO ALWAYS STAY ON TOP OF YOUR SCHOOL WORK. LEARN TO BALANCE YOUR SOCIAL LIFE AND ACADEMIC LIFE. TRY SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY AND ENJOY COLLEGE BECAUSE IT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE IN YOUR LIFE. MAKE THE MOST OUT OF COMMUTER SCHOOLS BY STAYING ON CAMPUS FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES. STAY FIT BY BICYCLING AND SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT AT THE SAME TIME. THE ONE THING I'VE LEARNED AT THIS SCHOOL, AFTER CHANGING MAJORS IS TO REALLY STICK TO WHAT YOU LIKE AND STUDY WHAT YOU LOVE. IF YOU HATE WHAT YOU'RE STUDYING, YOU TEND TO DO POORLY. TALK TO PROFESSORS ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR GOALS, AND LEARN ABOUT THEM TOO.

The advise I would give is weigh out your options if possibly try to find a University or College outside of the area where you grew up in. It wil help broaden your horizon and allow you to see how differently others live from one another.

Research is the most important thing! Try to narrow down what area of study you or your son/daughter would be interested in. Don't feel obligated to choose a major early (freshman or sophomore year), but make sure the school you are considering has a good program in something that interests you. In my experience, most students change their major during their freshman and sophomore years at least once. Also, research the employment statistics for alumni of the school. High placement percentages will provide insight on what to expect after graduation. A social life is important, and on campus activities can vary depending on the size of the school. For example, my school is a large commuter school with 30,000+ students. There are social events, but they are not frequent as it costs the school a considerable amount of money to accomodate everyone. Smaller schools tend to have more social events, which I participated in when I went to a small 8,000 student community college (prior to transferring to my current school). Time management is extremely important, and you need to determine how the school you are considering will fit among existing obligations (work, family, etc.).

One's college experience is one of the most important times in one's life. It provides the opportunity to learn in a variety of ways: academically, socially, and personally. This is a time for gaining insite, expanding one's worldview, making friends, and discovering whom one is and who one wants to be. For these reasons, finding the right college is accompanied by one's personal reasons (i.e. thoughts, beliefs, and desires) about what college should be. Starting one's decision-making process early and having an idea of the qualities one is looking for in one's prospective choices is the most important part of this process. By thinking about what one wants and about what one wants to attain from their education, one is capable of controlling their future academic path.

Be as involved as you can, and do as much research as you can to make sure you're picking the correct field. Love what you do! If you can avoid working, so that you can be as involved in school as you can, try to!

My advice is to prepare yourself during Senior year of high school as much as you can. I didn't, and I'm not as ready as I could have been. I didn't do so well on my SAT's and that set me back a whole semester, having to take developmental courses rather than start off in the entry level course. Live in the dorms and go through sorority/fraternity recruitment if you're comfortable. It has been the best experience I've ever had and the most amazing friendships I will ever know. These friends and peers you meet will stay with you for the rest of your life and they help guide you along the way. Play, but work twice as hard. Keep yourself social, but also, know when to go home and study. Understand that there is a time and place for fun and a completely different section of time for being studious. Always remember that there are people willing to help you and remember that you are not the first person to go through this. That's what I wish someone would have told me three years ago.

join a club!!!

Students who plan on pursuing any sort of education out of high school should have an idea of what they want out of their life. Some people say that a degree is a degree no matter what the field of study is but really, when one finishes college i believe it is best to have a background and understanding of ones desired career. When deciding what college may be right for you/ your child it is important to always consider the location, the size, and the diversity of the campus, as well as what extra clubs and organizations are offered. Because believe it or not, a student needs time away from their studies to prevent any overload... Lastly, deeply think about and decide how much one really can handly when it comes to class work and how many units can and will be ideal for ones academic success.

When looking for the college that is right for you, really check out all the schools you are interested in. Visiting schools and the programs are a great way to see if you like the vibe, if you could see your self there. I wish I would have known to save a lot more money then I had saved. Then while at school you should work hard but also take time for yourself to have fun , you don't want to get burned out.

Go with what kind of programs the school offers. When looking at private schools, do not just look at the price tag, because a lot of times, that is not what you will have to end up paying. Private schools offer vast number of scholarships.

when looking for a college make sure you take a tour and ask all the questions in the world about the school. Make sure you research the school and know that it is definetly the right school for you.

I would tell parents to make sure there children go to school that has a good program for their major. Always look for smaller class sizes. Make sure that school your interested in offers good internships because that is good way to get hands on experience in their future career.

Go see the campus first. Both during the day and at night. When my parents and I visited the different campuses we only saw them during the day. When I got to my campus and had to walk around at night I was a little scared because there was less lights than I thought.

Pick a school with high-quality but accessible faculty, and take your education into your own hands. Study what you want beyond what is required of you.

Although it is not UCLA or USC, CSUN is a great University in Los Angeles. Many of the professors have taught or concurrently teach at these schools. It is a diverse campus, with more than just one racial ethnic background. Many people have families, are working full time and going to school full-time, and many are coming back to school after 40 years of deciding whether or not to go to college. You will find people from all walks of life at CSUN.

I do not know if there is a "right college" for anyone. I feel like the college experience is something the student makes for themselves.

Dont take money under consideration, look for the best wchool for the students interests, also look at the staff and the school/class size

Pick a college or university where you find the most helpful faculty and staff. Going to school is hard enough without the added pressure of unhelpful staff. CSUN is all of the above, at least in the history department, and I would recommend it to anyone. However, CSUN is a commuters university and has less school spirit than USC and UCLA.

make sure you pay what you get out of the school

Go for some place that you will be happy.

It is essential to know what your talents and interests are and what your personality type is like.. For further guidance on discovering what your path in life may be, it would be a good idea to ask your friends and family about what they have observed of you. Also there are resources at high schools and colleges that can provide you with advisors that are suppose to help guide you to making a decision on a school that might work best for you based on your current academic progress. It is also a good idea to talk to as many people as possible who have attended the schools that you're considering, because you may then get a better perspective based on their subjective experiences. Also it is extremely helpful to visit any school that you're considering to attend because if it is a school that is going to make you change your lifestyle then you want to make sure that the school will suit your priorities and provide the environment that will help you accomplish your goals. Now with your own thoughts and other people?s considerations, you can better narrow down your choices on a school

Dream big and go for it!!!!

Your college experience is what you make of it. If you can't or don't want to make friends, you won't. If you don't try, you won't succeed. My best advice is make sure you find what you are interested in and stick to it! Without passion, you will never enjoy what you're doing. Don't become a business major if you're drawn to fashion design. Don't pursue a career path you're not absolutely in love with. Once you graduate, it will be hard enough to find a job. But if you thoroughly enjoy what you do, you won't care how long it takes to make your dream come true.

Let kids have fun and start saving becuase school is reallly expensive

Visiting colleges might not be the first choice for a student but it will definately help. Just getting to know what college will be like can greatly improve how a student can choose where they want to go. This bring's up another point: this is a student's choice. Parents are there to guide and assist their children in the college application and selection process, not to choose the school for them. However, it is near impossible for someone to know which college will be the right choice only by visiting. It is impossible to know until you spend at least a month attending. The whole process of college, which does not end once you have arrived for your first class, is a learning experience within itself. Maybe a student wont finish his or her college career at the same college they first attend, but that's okay. Maybe a student wont earn a degree in four years, but that's okay. College can be a tough place to be sometimes, but take advantage of it all, both the education and the downtime.

Do your research and choose wisely. :)

no

Enjoy the college experience and take the time to get to known an individual that shares different views that you. Whether that is socially, culturally, or religiously, you will learn something new and see the word from a different view point, a view point that may be able to benefit you through out your college experience and life in general. Do not disregard another individuals views becuase they are different than your own. Embrace and except different viewpoints, by doing so, you will be able to become a better rounded more empathetic individual. Loving and seeing individuals for who they really are is a quality that must be practiced to ensure the peace and harmony of the human race as a whole.

I would tell parents: if your child is planning to go to college, let them make the choice and understand why they decided that school. In my own experience, being from a Latino family, it was expected to stay close to home but that was not going to let me grow as a person. To grow sometimes means to leave the nest. Also, be open about your child's majors. Just because business makes the most money doesn't mean we all want to be business majors. There are opprotunities for people to achieve what they want in life within a major they want: if its dance, philosophy, chicano/a studies, or even history. It s the childs future and parents should realize how important it is for them to do what the child LOVES, not what will give them the most money.

For parents it is challenging to go through the steps with their children and try to match-up what they feel is fit for their child, especially if the college is far away there is always that fear. Even with the fear that should never be an issue, parents should take the time to ask their child questions and help them even though they are out of high school parental guidance is still nedded, and it is always best to have someone in support of decisions made. Money should not be a barrier, but unfortunately it is difficult as I have experienced my self. What I do strongly believe is that the student makes the best of their experience and they should set the goals they want and what they are passionate about. When it comes down to it college is important, even if an individuals mind set is to get a decent carreer that is part of it, but an individuals education is something that can be valued so much more. The ability to say that you worked hard and achieved what you wanted out of life is what a college education can give.

Study hard. Remember that while college is a great opportunity to socialize, your main focus is to learn. Utilize your teacher's office hours. Make sure your teachers know who you are even when you are in large survey courses. Study something you really like and are passionate about, do not just study something because you think a career in that field will yield a high income. The purpose of life is to life a life of purpose

One thing that I wish I had done was to look for colleges in places that I never thought to look before. I grew up in the Northeast, and I only looked at colleges close to me, never thinking to look anywhere else in the country. After two years in a school close to home that I didn't enjoy, I decided to transfer to a west coast school. It has been one of the best experiences of my life. Taking the risk to move to a new place and meet all kinds new of people really helps to broadensyour horizons and allows you to learn and take advantage of experiences that otherwise would not be available to you. Whenever you have the chance to move to a new place and to meet new people, you can only really benefit from the things you will learn. So go ahead and think outside of the box, you just may just find that moving 3,000 miles away from home isn't really that bad.

My biggest advice to students is this: get involved. Get involved in as many campus activities as you can. These are the things that build the golden memories you will have of your college days. Parties are fun, but you wont remember them. You will, however, remember being involved in clubs, teams and other groups. You will remember going to rallies and talks. You will build lifelong friendships. Campus activities will help you learn who you are. My second biggest advice is to take an internship while in college. Like campus activities they are only available in the brief window while you are in school. Take advantage of them.

First, make sure you're ready for college--if you don't have the desire then you probably won't do well. The key is to find something that you're really interested in AND you will do well at. I find many students think a career sounds interesting and are quickly discouraged when they realize that other students are doing much better in the classroom. If you're fortunate enough to find a major that fits then go for it with everything you've got! Don't limit yourself to the college down the street, find the best school in the country and apply there first. There's many ways to help with the expense of college so don't let that hold you back either. Keep a possitive attitude and something will work out. Once you've started you have to make school your #1 priority. This doesn't mean your social life is over, but if school doesn't come first than your just wasting everyones time. Don't worry, it will fly by and before you know it you'll be a college graduate, everyone will be proud and you be one your way to happiness!