University of California-San Diego Top Questions

find a college that you like and dont go by names meet people and get out there

college will open your views on things and help your future... it will determine who you will become. Picking a good college is important.

I would recommend for parents not to pressure students to choose a school that is local. they should allow students to make the decision that is best for them. i would also recommend to students to not be afraid to try new things and keep an open mind, not to mention that they should not be afraid to work for what they want. loans and part time work to make a dream come true is better than never getting to have your dream. Parents should help with everything they can, even the small things, because doing it alone is so hard and isolating, not to mention frustrating.

Your college experience is what you make of it. Just because the repuation of a school may be that it is not a party school-socially dead, doesn't mean that you won't get your party on. Just because it may seem that everyone is way to preoccupied with what exact percentage they will be getting in class, doesn't mean that there aren't people like you out there, that perhaps are more preoccupied with other issues, such as social justice. It may take a little extra effort to find your niche, but it is definitely worth the effort. After all, you make your own experiences worthwhile. This is what I've learned being a student at UC San Diego. Although it may be so frustrating to see people too caught up in their own individual bubbles, the friends I've made being involved and working toward similar visions are friends that are making my experience here completely meaningful and that I hope to have for the rest of my life.

Talk to someone who goes to the college you're considering, and ask thoroughly about their experience, and what they like and what they didn't like about going to that school. Find out what you can be involved in, and what you are interested in. Location, as well as weather and student atmosphere is all very important, in addition to the school reputation, so don't skimp on any thing.

In order to find the right college, visiting the campus and asking questions may help. However, once you decide on a college with your desired expertise or qualities, the value of your college experience primarily reflects the experiences you choose more than it reflects the quality of the school. For example, if you choose to study more frequently than you spend time with friends, then your college life will be mostly defined by studying. On the other hand, if you choose to step out of your comfort zone and venture into activities you would never normally do, then your college experience may take interesting turns. Also, the relationships you choose to have and keep are pivotal to the meaningful memories you make. Most importantly, it's the last oopen opportunity to travel and learn anything and everything that you want. Once a person becomes a working adult, the opportunity to learn academically or travel is regrettably miniscule. So, please study your arts, theater, music, or sciences even if you don't want a profession in it. People rarely get jobs within the field they get a degree for, anyway. Study hard, play hard, and make the memories of your life!

When I was choosing which college to attend, I based my decision on emotions and other short-term factors. I wanted to go to the farthest college from my home that was still in my state and didn't think twice. However, I soon realized that decisions should be based on other more important things. I'd recommend that students visit the school and talk to current students about their own experiences. It's important to feel both comfortable and inspired at college. It's also extremely fulfilling to be involved in college and try out new things. I think that college is a time where people grow and also develop new perspectives on life. If you're only studying and worrying about tests all the time, you won't enjoy your time in college. College is about opening up your mind so it is important to choose a school with an environment that encourages this.

let your student go where they want to go, not where you want them to go.

To be perfectly honest, I think that the thing that truly makes a school "right" for a person is the person's ability to find a connection to the school. Even if you get into your school of choice doesn't mean you'll absolutely love being there. There is a higher probability, but in the end it's up to your own adventures, experiences, and attitudes at the school that make it fun, exciting, and memorable. As for finding a school towards your career, it takes a lot of time and research. Although it'll be senior year and you're graduating, make sure that you have looked through all the aspects of the school that are important to you. Basically, make a sound plan and be optimistic no matter where you end up.

visit the place to get a feel of the atmosphere.

I would recommend visiting each college that your interested in and sit in some of the classes and get a feel for the professor, students and campus first. See if it fits you and what your interested in. I am from San Diego and I went to campuses in Hawaii, New York and France before I realized that the campus I lived near worked well for me and all my needs. Take the time to find what will help you be successful in your educational goals and believe in yourself.

Make sure their kids find a major that they like and attend a college that is strong in that field. Do not pressure your kids to go to a well known college because in the end, it's the kind of education and what you learn that is the most important. Also, be aware that party schools are a distraction to your child's education. However, it is good to let them know that studying is not the only thing they should do on campus. Be sure that they meet friends, and get to know professors, so find a college that has teachers that are open with their schedule to meet with their students. In the end, it's good to always have balance. Good luck.

Interview current students. Visit the campus. Know that research schools differ from academically oriented schools.

students: choose what you will be satisfied with. remember that on any college campus, there's a little bit of everything: partying, studying, friends, sports, good food, etc. you'll find it. but you have to be open to it first. don't go somewhere you think you "should" go. attend the university you think will make you the happiest. parents: don't pressure your child to go to a school with a higher or lower rank. money problems can always be solved by scholarships -- just get on your child to complete those applications. let your student go where he or she wants. advise, don't insist.

Talk to actual students who have been there for at least 2-3 years. Hopefully they give you the real breakdown, not the fluffed up version of the college.

College is an experience- it is truly a place of learning. More learning in done outside of the classroom and classes than within. The most is learned within these four years of time about oneself. The best way to find the right school is to visit it and experience the atmosphere. A comfortable atmosphere makes all the difference in the world. Meet the students within the school and notice if they will be the ones that will help you grow and be good friends to you. Do not base your decision on the fame of the school. Make your own experiences in any place you go.

In order to find the dream school, the student needs to prioritize their interests and expectations. From personal experience, attend a school that will challenge you and that exceeds in the area you wish to major in. Don't be afraid of the distance because of friends or family and do not let money be an issue because there is always a way to make ends meet. Bottom line is that you should make your selection by what you know feels right and that instinct beats any advice or guidelines. As for making the most of your college experience, remember one rule, never let your social life come second to your academics. In your first year take an easy load of courses in order to get your feet wet without hurting your fragile GPA and never buy books from the bookstore, look online or buy off students who have already taken the class. Also, break from your bubble and socialize because your first friends will remain for a long time. Never pass on a concert, school dance, or any other extrcurricular activity. The greatest piece of advice boils down to find a balance and you will be happy and successful.

Pick a college that has a good balance of extra-curriculars and academics and one can budget when it comes to paying for living, books, and other expenses.

Parents, remember that this upcoming college experience is for your children, not for yourselves: you should seek the very best for them; be aware of any of your own selfish desires, such as wanting your children to stay physically close to you for your own sake or aiming to live vicariously through them, and don?t let such desires influence the advice you give them. Be understanding, especially during your children?s first year of college, a period of transition and growth. Their lives will most likely be very busy at this time, so you may have to remind them to stay in touch. Students, before you start to find the right college, ask yourself why you want to attend college in the first place. If it?s because "everyone else is doing it," college is probably not for you--at least not at this time in your life--and you may not achieve academic success and happiness if you attend college anyway. Upon deciding to attend college for the right reasons (e.g. college prepares you for your future career), choose the right college out of your list of viable options ultimately by deciding where you most "feel right."

The best advice I could give about deciding what college to attend is to pick a college that you feel comfortable with. Parents, let your "child" decide. He/she may say they are ok with whatever you choose, but its probably because they havent thought about it too much. College is a big decision. For myself i wanted a college that would get me ahead in life, but at the same time i wouldnt be afraid to say "eh, its just college" and skate through a class or homework assignment. That last part wasnt what my parents wanted, but thats who i am. Parents, you can guide and advise all you want, but you cant choose. Students, cant decide between several choices? Chances are you will have fun in either of these schools, so dont be afraid to just make a decision. I know you like them all, but if you like all your options then whichever school you choose, you will like. Its a win-win situation. In my parting thought, remember its called " the college try", not "try the college" . Think about this decision.

If you are happy somewhere, you will be happy most anywhere

Regardless of where or what you decide to study, have your heart set foremost on a university that will teach you something you love to learn. Some students will make their final decision based on whether the school has better club soccer teams or two more fraternities than another, but ultimately the common thread that runs through everyone's ?college experience? is that each student must attend some classes, take tests, write papers, etc. No matter what college you choose, or what its final selling point is, academic work is a reality. This raises an important question prospective freshmen: will you be the student who drags himself through each lecture, lamenting the fifty- to eighty-minute blocks of torture between parties, or will you be that pupil who finds some value in trivial lectures, knowing that there are more engaging ones to come? To simplify the college selection process to this question is, admittedly, unfair given all of the extracurricular options. There is, however, much value in this type of thinking; obsessing about the relative merits of the schools' nearby beaches, for instance, will do little for your academic betterment. So, please, do ask yourself that question one last time.

Students! Think of what is most important to you in regards to your goals for the future as well as the environment that will be most conducive in helping you to materialize those dreams. And it's not too late to dream about who or what you really want to be! Even if you're unsure of what to do, look into some different avenues for potential future possibilities. You'll find opportunities to learn about different possibilities almost anywhere. Most schools will have ways for students to get involved in activites, making it easier to meet people and learn what they really enjoy doing, so definitely get involved in the activities that interest you. And be inquisitive! The minute you start getting interested in the world around you (including class material) is the moment you start to really live in college. This includes learning about the world on- and off-campus. Learn about the city/town in which you live and really try to become a member of the community, because you never know--you could fall in love with it and live there for a long time!

I highly recommend that you visit the school, ask students that already attend what it is like, and read-up on what the school's focuses are. Just remember you will end up where you belong and college is whatever you make it; so make the most out it!

To a prospective student I write, you shouldn?t choose a college based on its ranking. That is greatest mistake a person could do sometimes. Just because a school is highly prestigious does not mean you will fit into the social environment or you will excel in school. The very common way to choose a college is to go visit the college but that is not enough because during the visits you will just hear the great things the school has accomplished. It would be wise if you could get in contact with a student there and actually go to lectures and experience the college life. Once you are in the school of your choice, try to make the best out of it. Not just academically but also socially. There are various groups and organizations providing valuable information on volunteering services and internships. Try to take all these steps by yourself because you might not find someone with your needs who would want to do all the things you would want to do. So, the take in the harsh truth and be independent. That way you will get a lot accomplished. Most importantly, take advantage of all the resources!

Begin by making a list of the top 5 things you want in your dream college. Research colleges based on this list and choose the ones that interest you the most to apply to. Visit the colleges that you get accepted to and see whether the campus and the environment as well as the courses offered are compatible with your goals and with your personality. If the college offers a chance for you to spend the night with a student at that college, take that opportunity, because it will give you a glimpse of what college life is like and you can learn a lot from the student that is hosting you. To lessen the financial burden, use credible scholarship engines and sign up for as many scholarships as you can in your senior year. Every small scholarship you get will add up in the very end. Take advantage of your high school experiences and chances to work in laboratories or do research if you are interested in science, as a college student you will most likely not get that oppotunity till the second year of college. Last but not least, get involved at your college and join clubs!

I would look into various colleges and how that school's lifestyle will fit into my own. Have a positive attitude and will to learn about many things including education, people, and life.

I would advise students to think about what their specific interests are and find a college that offers activites that interest them, and more importanty pick a location you can see yourself maturing and developing at for the next 4 or so years.

It really takes a while to find the right college, but when you find it, the reward is tremendous. I encourage you to start researching the colleges that attract you. However, sometimes choosing blindly might even cause a surprise! If you are thinking of attending college oversea, my suggestion is this: "DO IT." You've only got one life, and you've only got one chance to do it, so just GO! You will not regret your decision in a long run.

Finding and applying to the right college is going to be a very stressful time in your life, as anyone who has been through the process will tell you. When I applied, I sent applications to many schools all over the country without much regard for the costs of tuition for each institution. That was one mistake I made in the application process. I think there are some schools that are worth the time and the application fee just to see if you can get in. From a practical standpoint, however, I would recommend only choosing a couple of these schools to apply to. Another piece of advice I can give is to be open minded about the experience. I had all these high hopes of going to a school on the east coast that I paid very little attention to a handful of schools on the west coast, most of which I had to decide between when it came time to enroll. If you keep an open mind and try to think of a couple key things that you know you want in a college environment, you should be able to find a school that is right for you.

The student should have the most say in where he/she wants to go; the parent should ultimately be supportive in the student's decisions. To the student: I suggest visiting the college on a weekday and taking a campus provided tour. But, the most important thing is to talk to students that go to that college and ask them all the questions you can think of. Those opinions will really help you make your decision. Once you are at a college, it is YOU that shapes your experience. So, get involved! There are so many organizations on college campuses. And if there isn't one that you like, start your own! Not into campus orgs? Join a sports team, offical or intermural, join a fraternity/sorority, volunteer, TA, join student government, take a recreational class. You have so many options! Finding your niche in college is the most important thing in making the most out of your college experience, especially if you have moved away from home and your high school friends are at different colleges. This is what I learned and it worked out great for me. Remeber, college can only be as great as YOU make it!

be taugh and enjoy the campus life as possible as you can.

Think abou the school that fits your lifestyle and your temperament because once you get there, it is up to you to actually take what you've been given and have a great time. Be open to new experiences because these are the best ways to meet new people and find interests you never knew you could have.

Choosing the right college can seem a daunting task. It helps to begin with what area of study you would like to pursue. If you aren't exactly sure, that's fine; try breaking it up between liberal arts/humanitites and science/engineering. Look at schools that are known for what you want to study. These schools will have the best professors and resources for you, and importantly, you will be surrounded by people who share your interests. Consider whether you would like to be in a big city, out in the country, or somewhere in between. If possible, visit the schools you are deciding between to better judge their location, anemities, people and overall energy. Then, when you are at the college you have chosen, check out the clubs as soon as you get there. Many people wait a semester before thinking about joining a student organization, but it is through these extracurricular activities--ranging from volunteer groups, to student councils, to academic clubs, and more--that most of the closest, and lasting, friendships are formed.

Try out different options. What you think you want or what your parents want is not always going to be the best for you over time. You will become a different person throughout your college years so you should look for the thing that you know would make you happy because that in the end will fulfill your life.

Make sure you take campus tours before you apply for colleges. This gives you a feel for what kind of environment you will feel most comfortable in. Make sure you can envision yourself at that school and loving every moment you have and spend there whether good or bad. It's you who makes your college experience. Put yourself out there and check out as many organizations as possible. This helps with networking for friendships, jobs, and much more.

Go visit the place on a regular school day, not just admit day. Also, be open minded and step out of your comfort zone when you get to school, Get involved!

College is what you make it. Even if you don't get into your top choice, you can still have an amazing college experience. Sometimes the school you actually end up going to is a better fit for you than your top choice. Get outside of your comfort zone, get involved, and become independent. College can be one of the greatest experiences of your life so far. You're surrounded by so many of your peers from different backgrounds and lifestyles, and there are so many opportunities available to you. Don't go to a school with your high school friends just to be with them. The ones you are close to will stay your friends no matter the difference, and you'll replace any of the ones you lose with new college friends. Parents, don't be afraid to let your kids move away from home. I think going away from home was the best experience for me. I love my family, but being away from home forced me to grow up and take charge of my own life.

My best advice to parents is to let go of your child. He/she must experience the college life and find their path on their own without family pressure.

Though the expectations to finding the perfect college are high, colleges can grow on you. Ever since I walked on campus, I kept asking to myself, why am I here? At first I felt unqualified for the education I was getting. All my peers were smarter than average . It was difficult adjusting academically becasue I would come home I faced the complaints of my roommates that they had gotten their first A-, whereas I, struggling and happy to even get a C, comforted them silently. I kept saying I could do it though. as I look back, I realized that all my experiences were worth it, as I eill apply to dental school soon with the help of encouraging advisors who tell me I'm going to make it. So in general, you never know what your going to get. You'll find your niche and its not the end of the world if you need to change schools. Find people that support you. Love every minute. Tough times are unevitable, but do something great with the experience. Remember you aren't the only one and there are far more people who are going though the same things as you.

Choose the university or college that you feel will make you most happy, because I believe that you will end up where you're supposed to end up, ragardless of what school name shows up on your degree.

To the parents, the only advice I would give would be to guide your child to the school that is best tailored to both his/her academic and intellectual capabilities (meaning, a challenging school that will allow even further development), as well as a school that accentuates his/her social background. It is a joint decision between the parent and child, a decision that ultimately rests solely with the child. Students need to understand the exact scope of universities and understand how that can factor into their social and academic lives. Smaller schools might allow for more intimate relationships and a smaller classroom ratio, but the student might find a larger school with greater social opportunities to be a better fit for him/her. For the student, the most important thing is to find a school that satisfies both the mind and the heart, something that will allow for a greater development for both and not just one over the other.

The main advice that i would give parents would be to become very involved with their children's choices of colleges. Also to make sure they visit the campus before making decisions. Take campus tours and ask many questions. Dont forget to support your child in whatever decision they make, lots of support is needed to secure well being of the student. I give this advice because my parents weren't involved at all with my college process and I really needed the support and protection of a parent. Students, my advice is to focus on your studies more than the people around you. Once you have secured your academic standing you can go out and meet people, dont wait until your GPA is too low that you become depressed and start questioning your decisions in going to that school. Its a new and different environment, establish yourself before expanding yourself. Happy hunting!!!

Visit the college and make sure you know what you're getting into. Every college is different and you need to find the one that fits you the best.

College is all about goals. Finding a college, attending college, post-graduate studies and a career all involve some sort of goals. For students: make a list of things that you want to do in college and things you might want to do after college. Take that list and focus on the most important one or two features of the list and pick a school that you think has the best fit for those priorities. You will end up realizing all of your other priorities at any college you attend, just make it a goal. College's are all flexible to new ideas so anything that they lack they will often support if you make it your goal to develop a program in ballroom dancing or ultimate frisbee. For parents: do your reasearch as well. Think about what you want for your child and guide them to a school that satisfies both your child's top choices and fits with what you think your child wants (and honestly what they can handle). Don't send your child to a school that does not accomodate their basic needs, and they will flourish in their new academic environment.

Before deciding where to attend college, I believe that the student should have at least some idea of what he or she wants to major in, or have a career goal. Different schools have different academic strengths so a students choice in major should affect his or her choice in school. Plus, having direction and a goal in mind is necessary to make the most out of the college experience. If a student is unclear on what he or she wants to do after college, there is nothing wrong with taking time off from school to get work experience and explore personal interests. Going to college just because it seems like the thing to do after high school is a waste of time and money. It would be better to take time off to formulate a clear goal than it would be to attend college and study a subject that doesn't truly interest the student just for the sake of getting a degree. Once the college and major have been chosen it is important to join extracurricular activities, meet people, and have fun. The college experience should be about growing personally as well as academically.

Many students have an idea of what college they want to attend. Visiting each prospective campus is important to gain an idea of what college life there will be like. If unable to visit a campus, then most college websites have virtual tours online. Getting information from current students, professors and staff may help parents and students gain an impression about each school and help them decide which is best. When it all comes down to choosing the right college, the most important thing is financial aid, distance, and the student's personality. Each college has its' merits and flaws. From the past two years of college, I realized that it's not the college you attend that will determine your college experience, but what you make out of it. If you want a crazy sociable college experience, then you have to go out there and make the effort to be the social butterfly and find attractions yourself. Even the dullest and boringest college can give a student an ideal college experience. If a student wants to make the most out of college, then she/he has to take action and pursue what kind of experience they want.

live on campus first year

EXPLORE! Take trips to the colleges!! Ask alumni questions! Find current students while touring campus and bombard them with questions. Usually you hear about things that you would from students that actually attend the college from a website or a campus tour. Explore the websites of the school, taking note of organization, presentation, and the majors offered by each college. Research heavily on the majors the college offers and what other extracurricular activities are available. Make sure the school is in an area that the student would enjoy living in for four years! Get involved, be outgoing, focus on school, but have fun!

Research what classes the school offers and ask students who go there what it's like, workload, acitivty-wise and socially. Get involved with extra-curriculars, make friends and network with people in your class to form study groups. Make good relationships with your professors and study as much as you can!