University of California-Irvine Top Questions

Visit the campuses of the colleges you are considering and talk to students who are already there to find out what life on the campus is really like. Even if you live relatively close, you should still dorm the first year if at all possible. You make friends that you will be with for the rest of college, if not life. Commuters have a hard time meeting people and making friends. Dorms may be a distraction, but they also provide you with a lot of people in your classes to study with. Look at the area around the campus to find out what activities there are. Much of what you can do with your friends is decided by the surrounding area, because not a lot of people have cars and those that do don't always want to drive a long way. Always try to be friendly and talk to people no matter what they may look like, because you don't know what they are really like as a person. You'll make a lot more friends that way.

Parents: Remember even if the school is great that doesn't gaurantee and internship, or a good job. All schools are the same they all have libraries, teachers etc. What matters most is where your son/daughter wants to be (for reasonable reasons) when they're happy, they'll be able to operate better. This also goes for a major, this is THEIR life, (art major? that can = museum restoration artist). This is when we leave home (sorry) so reminder: the more you covet us the farther we will run, try to see your son/ daughter as an adult and treat them like one (mom DON'T do their laundry!!!). Students: Keep your head, college is fun but its not so fun if you flunk out cuz you didn't realize how much work is covered in those days that you ditched. try to time manage and you'll have a great time. Try to put yourself out there and be open to new ideas and people, having a narrow mind set will land you in a corner...by yourself. People at college usually have zero tolerance for any racial or discriminatory slurs, leave ur dirty shoes at the door.

I would tell all students to take a trip and look at the campus, you will know right away if the campus is right for you. Make smart choices when applying for college, if you don't like snow, don't go somewhere it snows. Find a school that will challenge you academically and that is known for having a strong program for the major you are declaring. If you don't quite know what you want to do with your life yet, then go to a community college first and take fun classes and have fun for a year while figuring it all out. Once you know go to a school that excels in your chosen field, all of the hard work will be worth it in the end.

Make sure to actually visit the campus and take a look at the people who go to that college. Ask yourself, do those people look like my child, or who I want my child to become? I know that I, as a person, have changed drastically since I have come to college, and UCI has helped me make that change for the better. Make sure to take all aspects of college life into account, not just academic. Will it be fun? Your son or daughter is about to spend four of the best years of his/her life there. It should be enjoyable. On the flip side, make sure that the they will actually learn something as well. Take a look at the surrounding companies. Will there be god jobs there after graduation or will they have to move to find work? Most of all, be supportive of your child's choice. It's his/her life, after all.

The UC system is the best.

I don't think you can really tell how your college life will be like from looking at the school. It often times depends on what you get involved in when you get into college, and you should definitely get involved, but i highly recommend visiting the school and exploring the area around it also. Go up to a current student at that school and talk to them about how much they like it there. Talk to an enthusiastic counselor Try going into a big lecture hall and see if you like it; some people don't like big classrooms so this may not be right for you. But all in all, choose the school that feels right to you, not to your parents or your friends; follow your own heart and instincts and you should be happy.

Apply to a college that you can walk away with a 4 year degree. Many colleges don't make transfering easy.

Colleges around the country are all generally the same. You pay money to attend a class taught by a research professor, get good enough grades to pass, then receive your diploma in the mail. Choosing the right college is not just about statistics or great job placement, it is also where you will feel the most at home. Too many students experience burn out from high school or after college so pick the college that fits your personality and daily needs the best, and get active on campus. Pick the school where your investment won't go to waste. When you feel comfortable, you will excel, naturally. Oh and of course, don't procrastinate!

Have fun is essential to being successful in college. All science and no philosophy makes for a very poor experience. Being well prepared is key. As we know chance favors the prepared mind, so it is necessary to plan according. One of the most important things that I have learned thus far is that sometimes you must take things in stride because, things will not always go your way. It is important to stay positive and embrace change. Those who remain static will not thrive in a college environment. College is a time for a person to explore new things and meet new people. Many people focus on what they learn in class, however, there is so much more to school than learning about what is in a text book. To make the most of your college experience you must go beyond just books and lectures. Some of the most important things you learn in college will be about who you are as a person. To be sucessful in college you must go into it with an open mind and realize that learning comes in many shapes and forms. Navigate college with this in mind and you will be successful.!

The first bit of advice I would say is to actually check out the campus before choosing. Most people seem to have a gut feeling about a place once they've arrived. If you don't see yourself making a home there, then it's not for you, simple as that. A school with many different major choices is also ideal as most people seem to change their mind about what they want out of the college experience. If they school has endless possibilities, so do you. Also, to make the very best of your time at college you should get involved either with sports or clubs or the greek system. For the first 2 years of my college experience I did not participate in anything and I thought that I hated college. I was however extremely wrong. I came back for my Junior year and decided to trun over a new leaf. I rushed a sorority and joined 2 clubs. Now, I don't ever want to leave! I've made friends that I'll have for life and made memories I'll cherish forever. There is no right and wrong answer here, just follow your heart.

It really doesnt matter too much where you go (unless you really know what you want to do) because college is what you make of it. If you want to learn and succede, you will.

I would visit the campus during school session to really see what life is like on that campus.

Finding the right college depends on many personal factors, such as your career choice. A major distinction between schools is that the career outlook after college is either a professional or normal career. If you know you want to be a professional, you should choose a school that is research-based. However, if you want to be something such as a teacher or accountant, I suggest a school that is career-based. I want to be a teacher; I should have gone to a career-based university. People told me not to choose my school based on prestigiousness, but I did it anyway, and am now working harder to keep up with those around me who strive to become doctors, engineers and lawyers. College is about meeting new people and doing new things. The more you put into extracurricular activities, the more you will make out of your college experience. The more clubs and organizations you join, the more you interact with others. I think that involvement in extracurricular activities creates opportunities to meet so many new people who you would never meet if you just depend on meeting people in classes. Get out there and be involved!

I still don't know anything about most colleges. What it's really like to go somewhere is pretty inaccessible. Talking to people who go there is probably the best approach, but everyone has a different perspective, especially at a school where there's a strong division between sciences and humanities, so you should really talk to a lot of people. Making sure you're somewhere with a lot of options is probably a good idea, because you never know if you'll want to change your major later.

Go with the school that you really want, disrefarding any obsticals!

Students and parents both should definately check out what each potential school has to offer for the student. Prospective students should also make sure that their potential college offers classes, clubs, job opportunities, etc. that will ultimately help the student in achieving his/her career goal. College is an expensive investment, and therefore students must be sure that they are comfortable with the campus, community, courses, and other students before making the commitment of attending that school.

visit the campus. talk to current students about their impressions before and after attending the school

Try not to think too much about the career or future of the student, unless they have their mind completely set, because chances are they're going to change their minds in school. Research the average housing costs and make sure that there are enough agreeable social options. Find out if public transportation is a good option. Dont be discouraged about the high costs; where theres a will theres a way. Try not to dictate the student too much , but give only necessary concerns. Visit the campus to get a feel for what it would be like to attend classes there. Make sure the school offers the classes that the STUDENT is interested in. Make sure that the school's location is agreeable. Dont be afraid to put yourself out there. Your college experience is truely what you make of it. Get out there and live.

For parents and students finding the right college: Always go somewhere you think you will thrive (for example- You want to study biology, find a school that caters to your academic needs). I also feel that students who would like to stay close to home should find a campus that is around an hour away from their homes (if possible). It is really hard for people to adjust when they are accustomed to living at home and if they are family oriented. College is where you want to grow as a person and want to learn how to be independent. But in order to do that you have to feel comfortable with where you live and where you study. Also do not feel pressured to join a sorority or fraternity because you want to "fit" in. College is totally different from high school. Be yourself and find friends who love you for who you are and not what you pretend to be. Be true to yourself and the people around you, then you'll find friends that will last even past college (lifetime friends). Enjoy life and don't stress too much. Although grades are important, life experiences build character.

Realize that as a 17-year-old high school graduate, you probably don't have a clear idea of what path you want to take in life, so don't be afraid of the stigma associated with Junior Colleges as an option to give you some time to figure yourself out. Four-year-universities cost a lot of money, so unless you are completely determined on your path when you enter, you probably shouldn't make the investment just yet.

To find the right college, keep your child's interest in mind because that is the one of the decisions that will impact his/her life the most. Even if you did not get accepted to the college of your choice, keep following your dream. If you love art, don't go majoring in Biology; that'll only make you regret and change majors later, thus a waste of time and money. Enjoy college for what it's worth: Study hard, play hard, and never let anyone put you down. It's what you make of it!

To look long and hard before deciding where to go. Choose one with a football team.

I think that parents should let their child choose, and be supportive. When looking at schools, try to think about positive aspects about each school. I know a lot of people didn't get into the school they wanted to get into and went to a school they didn't like. If parents and the child find good things about each school that he or she applies to, then it wouldn't be so bad to go to the alternative school if rejected from the one that the child wants to go to. It's best that child go to a school with a positive attitude rather than a negative, it changes the way he or she experiences college.

I believe the most important thing to choosing the right college is how comfortable you are at the campus. Before choosing, I suggest you take a trip to look at the campus so you know what it truly has to offer, the surrounding neighborhood and the people in the community. Looking at all of these aspects, if you're comfortable at that college, you will not regret your decision. I also believe that in order to make the most of your college experience, you should be yourself and find people who share the same interests and values as you. Many different people will attend your college, giving you the opportunity to make true friends. I'd also suggest joining a club or getting involved. This can help you extend your social network and you'll have a lot of fun in the process!

I would make sure to take tours of every college that you are considering applying to. A huge part of college is social interactions, and I regret not spending more time at my college before deciding to apply because I never knew whether or not I would fit in before I actually got accepted. Also, make sure that there are enough things to do around campus to keep you occupied so that you can be independent in case you feel that you do not fit in with the people around you. If you enjoy a lot of the physical aspects of the school, chances are that you will enjoy what the school itself represents and has to offer. Parents, be supportive of your child's involvement with the school because it will help them to become excited and spirited for the importance of their education.

All colleges are different, so make sure that you look at all of its aspects. Academic or otherwise are both equally as important. There is a difference between strong programs and strong schools, learn to differentiate a school from its history.

Making the most out of your college experience begins with choosing a college that you or your duaghter and/ or son will fit well into. When I went around to colleges , UCI stood out as most comfortable. It has a great program for my major and has a very impressive research department which was even more appealing. Also, it had the beach nearby and great shopping! To make the most of your experience get involved on campus and live in the dorms. Living in the dorms helped me meet many different types of people that i otherwise would have never even thought to talk to on campus. Also, joining a fraternity or sorority is a wonderful way to get involved. Join a sorority or fraternity gives you many opportunities to meet new people , do community service, teach leadership and social skills as well as improve academics (since the fraternity/sorority average GPA is higher than the average university student GPA.). In other words, find things that sound interesting to you and check them out, this is the time to try new things. Trying new things makes the most out of the college experience.

The right college might not always be your first choice so don't focus too much on wanting to attend one specific college. Keep an open mind. A major factor in choosing and making the most out of the college experience that may be overlooked is the area of the college. Some students attend a college for their rankings in education but overlook the fact that you need to live in an environment that is comfortable and allows for efficiency to succeed as well.

Financial issues aside, I would recommend students to chose a college by the type of atmosphere they can relate to the most or to simply take a risk. College is suppose to be a fun intellectual experience where some one is able to really see who she is and what her goals in life are going to be. The atmosphere of the college is vey important because college experience is more enjoyable if you enjoy being around the people who go there and the enjoy the place itself. Having fun should not be the reason why you go to a certain college because in the end students go to college for one reason and that is to broaden their intellectual self. Academics should always be one of the top priorities in the life of a college student.

I would tell parents to be a great source of support especially because their kids have to adapt to a new environment. I would encourage them to not pressure the students into a specific major,but rather encourage them to explore various possibilities. Also to tour the campus before deciding on a college if possible. The student should feel comfortable. Also students should find out about all the resources available to them such as tutoring,acadamic counseling ,and health services. Also to get involved in clubs that they feel that they can contribute to. Do not procrastinate because cramming does not work in college. Be friends with people who want you to succeed. Get enough sleep and actually go to class. Have fun. College is great and you are in for the time of your life.

My advice to parents and/or students is to thoroughly research each potential college. Don't just look at the academic aspect of it. A certain college can look good to you but to others will think differently. Look for colleges that can give you the things that you are looking for. Parents should not worry about the financial aspect of college. College do provide some sort of financial assistance that can help greatly in paying for college.

First of all, start early!!!! Start when they start high school. Look into colleges and financial packages right away. Lots of scholarships on line can be applied for when your child is as young as 13 yrs old. Hire a private guidance counselor, who will help your child all through high school to select classes and activities that will look good on a resume. Resume, you ask? Absolutely. Especially if your child is interested in a private college, a resume of activities, volunteerism and classes will put your child a step above. GPA is not enough anymore. Schools are interested in what your child can bring, as well as what the college offers to help make a good fit. Activities do not all have to be school oriented. They can be church related or community related. Community related activities are especially attractive to colleges. Start a college fund as early as possible. Have your child work in the summer to contribute to this fund, making him a part of his own future, and teaching responsibility (also looks good on a resume!). I must stress that it is never too early to begin to prepare for college. Just do it.

As a college student, I find it is absolutely necessary for prospective students to consider all their options before choosing the right school. When I received my acceptance letters, I was unsure of what I wanted but after visiting the schools, I knew exactly what I wanted. College is what you make of it. There are no "party schools" or other classifications, it is only how you make your experience. Every school has different features but overall, they are all very similar. I suggest being open to anything and participating in different activities to see what your true interests are. No one can automatically say they know what they want or what will happen in college because the experience is different for everyone. Thus, I sugest visiting different campuses and seeing what you enjoy the most and remember, while college is for learning, one must also consider that they will be spending the next four years at that school.

I would make sure that your child feels comfortable at the campus and can see themselves walking around not only the school but to stores and shops off-campus. It is important that your child feels safe in possibly the first environment they will be in without supervision from a parent. It is also wise to consider that this campus may as well be located in the city your child will stay in after they graduate. As for the students, you should look for a college that you believe will challenge you to your highest potential and aid you in your journey from childhood to adulthood. This is where you will create lasting relationships with students and faculty alike. Make sure the school speaks to you on whatever level you hold most dear to yourself, weather it is religion, sports, academics or personality!

Go with your gut instinct!

The best college to attend is one that you think will not only put you on the best path for your career, but will also provide a positive life changing environment . Stay on top of your work but don't forget to plug yourself in to all the programs, groups and oppourtunities your school will provide. Don't be afraid to try out new things and experience cultures outside of your own; the more actively involved you are the more you will benefit from your school. Professors, as demanding as they may appear, are often more flexible than you would think; but make sure you try to get to know your professor on a personal level, not only do they appreciate the consideration but it might also open doors that were not available to you before. I can't stress enough how import it is to create a calender or schedule for yourself, you will be inundated with so many fun and stimulating experiences it can become easy to lose track of your workload. You only get to go to college once, so enjoy yourself and have fun.

College is an absolutely vital time in one's life and the decision of which to attend should not be taken lightly. One's choice of a college should not be focused primarily on academics, social life, location, finances, friends, or any other single area. The decision should be based upon a strong mix of all of these things. With a primary focus on what will help the future student to develop as an individual. College's primary goal should not be to educate one self but rather to prepare the individual for life as a self-supporting individual. This cannot be accomplished by having another four years of high school; one must press beyond high school and leave it behind. One must embrace independence and all of the costs associated with it if one truly hopes to reap the full benefits of college.

The best advice I can give parents is to be there for your children in a way that allows them to reach for you if they need you. Basically, kids who go to college need to spread their wings a bit, but they also need to know that they have someone to back them up while they make decisions that could impact the rest of their professional career. Ask them about their classes and let them know that you are available to discuss their academic choices. For students, the best advice I can give is to follow your heart. Study what you love and try to get an internship in college. You have the opportunity to do amazing things at school and you should take advantage of it. Take interesting classes, explore your campus, and learn as much as you can about the things that inspire you. Carpe Diem.

Students, have an open mind and think what you really want out of college. It is not always about ranking. Many other factors play into choosing a college. It really depends on what kind of personality you have and what you want. Think about everything, including academics, social life, clubs/organizations, know about the campus and the stuff surround it. Don't be obssessed over it though, it will just give you a hard time, especially during senior year. And no matter what, every college has its plus. Obviously it is smart to research college and see what you will really want, but generally, college is what you make of it. When going into college, have an open mind. Try new things. Even if you were active in high school. KEEP BEING ACTIVE! if you feel burned out maybe just wait out a quarter or two but being active opens up so many opportunities. You gain friends and networks and you tend to love your college much more. A lot of it is really mental. I gave my college a chance after first year, and this second year has been much better since I became more active.

study hard

Spend more time on looking for interns are more important than attending school non-career related social events.

Understanding the experience in college is just as important as anything else. However, understand that the 4 years in college will be over even quicker than the 4 years of high school that seemed to just go by at warp speed. Because of this, maintain an attitude that makes it a priority to understand that your college education, both in the classroom, and in the surrounding area, is going to shape and mold your understanding of the world, and this understanding is what is going to either propell or hinder you to success in your life. There are many people with college degrees, and they will be the first to tell you that , especially nowadays, degrees don't mean much in the real world. So, when decided on a college, make sure you understand the type of practical, experience driven, real world education you'll be recieving. Are your professors leading researchers in their fields? Are top notch firms across industry involved with the university? What networking opportunities exist in the surrounding region if you decide to attend each particular school? Keep those in mind, and you'll pick the right school for you.

My advice to future undergrads would be to take some time researching before you pick the college you will attend. Most people see college as the logical next step without fully realizing the consequences of picking the wrong college. Once you have researched a college and visited it, make sure to get an early start on you perspective major. If you can, ask current students what their honest opinion of the major, department and school is. Find out what kind of research the professors in the department are doing and decide whether you think this could possibly be something you could do in the future. Also, make sure that you pick a college that you will be happy not only academically but socially, mentally, and spiritually as well. Do not go to a school solely based on name or location or you will be stuck in an awful situation. While in college, try to branch and do things that you had not done or experienced before. College is the perfect time to discover what it is you want to be and who it is you want to become as a person, so do all the searching you want.

First of all, no matter what happens, no matter where you end up for college, the ultimate advice is to MAKE THE MOST OF IT. Never regret your decision, do not look back; instead, truly engage in your university and what it has to offer and you shall be the better for it. To find the right college for you, apply to as many places as you can, looking into the different areas you may wish to study and research on their websites. If you can, visit a few, although some people cannot always afford traveling to check out schools. The internet is a great resource, try finding people on facebook that attend the university you are interested and see if you can get some inside advice! In order to accomplish the greatest experience of your life, you must embrace the programs offered, and explore your opportunities. Enter university with a flexible mind and check out a few departments before you settle on a major. Changing your major is not as scary as it sounds. You can take lower division classes in a plethora of areas to see what really strikes your fancy.

Getting involved on campus. Also I would recommend using the resources on campus, such as the career center, the library and tutor programs.

Don't be afraid to branch out. It's ok if you don't like your school the first year. There's nothing to say you can't switch. And don't feel like it's required you enter college with your major already picked out. It's more than ok to explore different subjects and pick oneyou like best.

If possible, always visit the campus first. Take a tour, look around, and see the academic life. Ask friends or family who've attended or is currently attending the college for their experiences and stories.

Take time and really visit the campus. Don't be afraid to sit in on lectures, or watch studio classes. Drive around campus as well and see what resturants, theatres, bars are around. That will also give a glimpse of what student life is like.

Pick what you want and go for it. If you want the name, go for the college with a good name. If you want it solely for its academics, do that as well. When you get to college, do everything possible to meet people. Go out and climb out of your shell. It is imperative you start college with a clean social slate. You are essentially a new person with a new outlook. Make the best of your new situation because what you do in college with mold your personality and character for the remainder of your life. Don't be afraid to try new things no matter how dangerous or taboo. Remember that music is an important part of your youth, listen to good music and read alot of good material. It is your responsibility to be up to date with current events and trends. Don't be the same person you came to college as, and leave college as someone new you wouldn't even recognize.

Choosing the right college is a mysterious process- no one methodology or guide can ever tell you how to choose. You will of course weigh the regular factors such as rankings, ratios, location and courses offered. However, I think the single most-important aspect of your choice is how you will FEEL there. There is no substitute for feeling at home and comfortable at your college. You will be living there for the next several years and your ability to perform at that location. Your success may well hinge on how satisified you are with your college atmosphere, so don't think that any place will do or that the best ranked campus is right for you. I recommend doing a "stay-over" type program at your top choices: staying overnight with a current student, and shadowing them for a day. It will offer the best insight into what going to school at that campus is really going to be like, which is invaluable. Good luck!