University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

As a high school senior I was anxious to get to college. I wanted a change of pace from what i thought was a dull school experience in high school. But even though I knew college would be different I I looked at college as just more school, and not as "higher" education. And so transitioning in to my first quarter in college I treated it like high school and got straight B's, instead of my usual A's in high school. But after seeing the B's on the school website it changed my whole view of college. If I could go back to my senior self I would advise myself not to underestimate college. It comes fast, the workload gets much heavier, and its not high school at all. I would make sure i knew that keeping up with work and reading is one of the most important aspects because it is easy to fall behind, and i would warn myself that although it's fun to be on my own and structure my own life, I also have to be mature about every decision I make, for it will affect me the rest of my life.

Primarily I would tell myself to have visited more colleges so I could have weighed my options. Furthermore, to be more open and outgoing. It took a little bit longer than I would have liked it to meet all the students in my dorm hall. I mean to say that I didn't seize enough opportunities to meet new people, among other things. Really I wish I had known that I can do things on my own, because I spent much of the first quarter relying on a few friends to try new things. I wish I would have just tried some of those things, like a certain club, or event alone, and I could have made even more new friends. Another thing I advise is to devise an exercise calender. Organizing a calender for everything is critical. Don?t worry about sacrificing a few hours with your new friends, they will still be there. Go take care of your own business, get your homework done, and be adventurous without them. Take advantage of the time you have at home to spend with your family before you leave, because you're going to become really busy.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have a lot of advice to give myself. I was always a bright kid, but very laid back and with not much motivation. I would not study a lot and still ace classes. I would tell myself that college is a big difference and is not a joke. Buy your books early, make sure to do the reading and study in advance. If you wait til the last minute like you do now in high school, you will be in trouble. I would tell myself to try to figure out what I want to do, as it took me a while to choose my major. You are great at math now, do not forget everything you know when you read college. Get some sleep and do not miss class too much or you will suffer gradewise. Get a job and keep it to make money instead of doing nothing productive. Make sure you try to do some internships to help out with your future as well. Do not forget any of this.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior with all the knowledge I know today, I would tell myself to take as many diverse classes as I possibly can. When I was in High School I took many science classes because they were requirements, but I was very intimidated by them because of my professors. Now, that I am a senior in college I have been putting off my upper division science classes, because I had such bad experience with them in the past. But now I found out that I love science, and I probably would have been better at it then business economics, my major now. I would tell myself to explore as many options and not limit myself because of financial and time limitations. I would encourage myself to take challenging opportunities, because they will make me a stronger person instead of taking an easy way out.

As I finished up high school, I was so relieved to be starting the next chapter of my life: college. I could not wait to move out and live on my own, under my own rules. But now that I have completed a year and a half of college, I feel I have truly grown and learned my own life lessons my parents were never able to teach me. If I was able to go back, I would remind myself that college is not high school: it is hard and requires much extra work and effort. Balancing school and a social life is much more difficult with so many social functions distracting me at college. I would tell my high school self that my mother and father would no longer be around to hold my hand through life; enormous amounts of responsibility are required to pay for rent, bills and groceries while staying on top of my studying. My part time job salary would not go towards a new outfit like in high school, but instead for life essentials to keep me on my feet during college. However, I somehow make it work while having the time of my life.

DONT STRESS OUT! You are an amazing person. Don't put off scholarship applications and letters of recommendations until the last minute. Enjoy the time you have with your friends. Yes, you do make lots of new friends in college but it is a different type of friendship. Spend time with your family because even though it might not happen at first you will get homesick eventually. Dont worry if you were the nerd in high school, everyone at the college had to be near your intelligence if they also got accepted. Plus no one will know about your image in high school unless you tell them. You can create a whole new person and start fresh. Just stay true to yourself because you will always be with you. Have fun and don't get caught on the tiny things. Be the change you want to see in the world!

Do not be afraid. Any apprehensiveness you may have about college life, new pressures, time management, or making friends will go completely out the window as soon as you arrive on the campus that you spent months working to get to. Out of hundreds of schools, you chose this one and this one chose you. Now is the time to change who you are. Try new things, interact with new kinds of people, and most importantly, listen to the cliches! They're cliche for a reason; over and over again freshmen have experienced the same feelings of overwhelming newness and freedom. Embrace it!

Everyone enters college with expectations. When I arrived last fall I was mainly worried about how to enjoy the extraordinary ?college experience? that so many people promised I would have. I was outwardly confident but inside I felt confused and awkward and a little bit lost. In an early journal entry I wrote, ?Part of the problem is that I don?t know how I?m ?supposed? to feel or what I?m ?supposed? to do. Am I ?supposed? to be hyperactive and meet 100 people a day or am I ?supposed? to love living in a half of a room with a communal shower?? I wish I had known that I wasn?t ?supposed? to do or think anything. I wish I had known the most important part of a ?college experience? is finding your own way and having confidence in your ability to make good decisions. I wish I had known the first few weeks of college are probably rough for everyone, not at all like a carefree scene out of Legally Blonde or Animal House. Ultimately, moving out of the house and into a tiny dorm room is a huge transition. It?s all about realistic expectations.

There are many things I would want to advise a younger, past self about before going to college. The first part of the transition into college that I would advise myself on would be the transition to meeting new people. "Melani, not everyone is as open as you are," I would warn myself. IT's easy to forget while living in a new place with close quarters that many people don't understand the habits and characteristics of others. I struggled finding a solid relationship with my roommates both my first year, and this year as well. It would've been helpful to have understood that by sharing a living space with other people, I must sacrifice some of my habits and ways, just as the people around me do the same. This would have aided in serious conflict management. The second part of the transition that is absolutely necessary to focus on is academics and the educational part of my college experience. "READ, READ, READ!" Those words would be key to follow in the future, as developing good reading habits early would have saved me so much effort and time. Efficient studying habits are completely necessary in college!

Right now at this moment you feel overwelmed at the idea of moving away, leaving the world you know, and taking a risk at being independent. You simpy need to stop prematurely missing your comfort zone and get out to see the world instead of seeing it through your textbooks. You are a naturally brilliant student filled with life and should stop studying unnecessarily and do what you've always wanted to do, be happy by having fun with your friends. For years, your main priority has been to shut the world out and act as though what your peers experienced was part of the mundane, that you lacked the capacity and ability to be around people, and that the future was what you had to live for. In reality, you have been missing out on important rites of passages, so before you leave high school you need to catch up. And don't be ridiculous, you may be socially awkward now but everyone feels that way deep down inside despite what they show on the outside, people who shun you for who you are don't matter. Most importantly, the future is built around the present you.

When I was in high school I was used to my teachers, parents, and counselors guiding me throughout my educational goals, constantly telling me what to do. I was used to having someone there telling me what was good for me and what was not. Teachers constantly reminding us to do our homework and how important it was to do our work. Now as I know more about college life I would tell myself to get ready for college because once you start you are on your own. There is noone telling you what to do and if you need help you ask for it. College is about time management; time is very important because we cannot stay behind in reading assignments and big papers to write. The decisions we make in college will effect your future, choose your major when you know for sure that it is something you would love to study. Lastly I would tell myself to be confident and have fun because the college life will be over before you know it!

I would tell myself to experience everything and not rule anything out. As a freshman I was scared to death of going outside of my comfort zone, so I missed out on almost a whole year of meeting people, experiencing cultural activities, and on improving my G.P.A. Looking back now, I regret not being more involved. This year (my second year) I almost felt like I was starting over, because there was nothing substantial that I could look back on. So basically - embrace the transition to college. Yes, it's scary, but so many other people are going through the same journey that you are, that you can embark upon it together. Try out many new things, but stay true to yourself, and don't let anyone else tell you who you are. Stay on top of your grades, go to professors' office hours, and have fun! Oh, and forget about boys!

Plan ahead and stay focused.

I wish I had known the effort it takes to excel in college. Classwork and homework had always come naturally to me in high school, so once I got to college, I did not realize the effort it takes to still do well. Often times, I find myself wishing I could turn back time and start college again, getting the grades I know I am capable of. It is also extremely difficult to attend a school that has a reputation for being a party school. When I tell people which school I go to, they automatically assume that I have become a party zombie who goes to an easy school and just parties on the weekends, which is untrue, because my college is extremely difficult and I do not party regularly. So I wish I had known this so that I could mentally prepare for constantly being reminded that I attend a school with this kind of reputation. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love UCSB, but sometimes I wish it was just a little bit easier. But then that wouldn't really be life, would it?

The best advice I could give my high school self is not to stress out as much about college. After all the effort I put into college applications my senior year, all to have it fall apart at the last minute due to a family emergency, I can honestly say that after graduation that GPA ceases to be important. Even for those who went off straightaway to a four year university struggled with the transition, and many changed their future plans within their first year there. I took my time, stuck it out at community college, and it was a really amazing experience for me. I would tell my senior self just to calm down, because the truth is I would have succeeding no matter where I went, but now that I've made it to UCSB I feel really prepared for whatever comes at me. It's only been my first quarter, and there were some challenges, but I overcame them and feel great about how this year is shaping up!

I would tell myself that college is part of the polishing process that matures and prepares you for the world outside; so much of what you learn is how you learn, and what you want to learn. I would encourage myself to try out new interests and make new friends; I would remind myself that I can grow and change as a person without giving up all of my personal values. Most importantly, I would tell myself that failing is just as much of the learning experience as succeeding is if not more so.

Have more confidence in yourself because you really are as prepared as you are going to be to enter college. It truly is a learning experience and you will not know what you will face until you get there. Everything you think you know about yourself is not true. College is going to break everything down for you so that you can rebuild it back up again.

I would give myself the advice to embrace everything that college has to offer.

Try your hardest in every single class and make sure you get all A's and B's, and don't slack off in college. Go to every lecture and every section, do all the readings and hw and take good notes.

In college you are given many opportunities which you can explore. Going to a college far away from home is an excellent idea. .Living on campus is a great experience. You get to develop a close friendship with your roommate/s. You get to meet book authors, activists, you get to travel, and study abroad. I would advice myself to accept challenges, go to college and experience a new life. Work effectively and make the best of it. Take chances and explore. Specially get to know people. When professors offer extra credits, take it even if its 1 credit. It'll be extremely helpful. Dont worry about the difficulty of classes. You'll be fine. Always attend classes. Don't make the same mistake most college students do of not attending class until midterm and final thinking the class is easy. many professors tend to give exams based on lectures. This could lower your grade. Just don't stress, work hard, make time for everything, and always ask for help. Don't wait til last minute when it's too late. It is going to be a little bit more difficult than high school but everything has a recompensa (reward).

Make every single action...every single minute...count. In high school, we tend to not realize that we've been growing up the entire time---from pre-school to high school graduation. The wonder years--the adolescent years--are all but a memory. Not only have we, hopefully, gradually attained the knowledge necessary to graduate, we also have learned how to think logically and to do what is necessary to become successful , well-rounded adults. Unfortunately, there is no primary instruction on time management, on how to plan a successful life strategy, or on how to not accept unnecessary loans that wind up hurling you into financial ruin. If every public school had three key courses: Marriage and Family Planning, SAT Preparation, and Financial Planning/Investment Strategies, more students from disadvantaged households would succeed. Take your education seriously. Search and apply for scholarship opportunities. I've had two student loans totalling $50K, and I'm now a college senior with about 25 units to go, AND I am going on 3 months behind in rent. If I don't receive some type of income soon, I will have to pull out of school. Do your own research. Planning is key.

I would definitely advise not only myself and others to take as many Honors and AP classes as possible. In high school you are forced to take "college prep" classes that are supposed to do just that. But when you compare the level of difficulty and the workload from high school to college, the difference is a substantial one. I wish someone had warned me for the workload that was about to be put on me, this way it wouldn't have been so difficult to adjust. I would also advise myself to stay open-minded and not be so shy. There are so many people who are just like you, not knowing anyone and looking for a friend. It's so easy to make friends you just have to be open and always smile.

If I could go back to be a high school senior, I would tell myself to take all the AP test. When I came to my college orientation, they were asking everyone what kind of AP Test they took because if they passed them with a 3 or better a part of the GE's would be cover. I was really mad because some of the classes I had to take my first year of college were classes that I took during high school. Also I would have study harder for my SAT's. I think I would prefer to go back to my freshman year though because I want to remind myself to try harder because college is in my reach, and it is in a place I love to be.

You are nervous, but anxious for a new adventure at the same time. Well this is it, and you have to make the most of this exciting time in your life. I assure you that your transition will go smoothly, but my advice to you is this: make the most of every opportunity put in front of you. At times you may shy away from the unfamiliar, but the best thing for you to do is build up your confidence and put yourself out there. You will be invited to numerous events, so go to them! Meet everyone in your hall, join a few clubs, and take advantage of freshman seminars. All of these events will lead to more friends, more knowledge, and more fun. You will not regret a single moment if you stop thinking so much and just try new things, even if you are on your own. College will be a great adventure, but adventures require taking risks. Although I tried a lot of new things, I wish I had done even more. So go out there, be confident, make the most of your experience, and show them what you have got.

It would have been advantageous to know which specific major I wanted to pursue. This is not the kind of advise that is personal because I'm almost certain that most students rely on financial aid to get through college. Recently, the state of California and its' elected officials have proposed a budget cut which will result in the cancellation of Cal grant and an increase in tuition fees. Being aware of this situation, it has come to my attention that grants and scholarships are becoming scarce and unattainable. The reason why choosing the major of preference in advance is beneficial is because when it comes to registering for classes, one is able to avoid taking random classes just to fullfill units required to be a full-time student. This way, each quarter/semester becomes productive with the assurance that you are that much closer to graduating. In addition, the loans that are taken out as an account payable would be considered essential and not just some money borrowed to stay in school.

One of the hardest things for me to adjust to when I went to college was being away from home. I've moved so often and lived in so many different places that it never occured to me that I could get so entirely homesick. It soon became apparent that I was never going to be great friends with my roommate and I always felt left out when she did things with her friends. I felt more alone that first year than I've ever felt before. If I could go back in time, the advice I would give myself before entering High School would be to keep trying no matter how hard it would be for me to make friends. There are so many opportunities on campus and I was so depressed so quickly that I never managed to take advantage of them. I'm still trying to recover from that handicap. UC Santa Barbara has a wonderful community and I never should have let myself feel left out.

To do exactly what I did before, as the time that I spent out of school enabled me to cultivate an understanding and appreciation of collegiate education. I'd also tell myself to calm down a little and not be so uptight and stressed about the future.

If I was given the chance to go back and talk to my high school self, I would start by asking me to describe the kind of person I am. I would have said that I am a dedicated student, a loving daughter and sister, and a young woman of faith. Second, I would have asked me to reflect on the type of friends that I have. I would have realized that my close friends are very much like me; intelligent, loving, and self-less people. Finally, I would have asked me to come up with certain university criteria, considering how I felt about myself and my friends. I would have wanted a school where I could earn a good education, remain close to my family, have access to other Christians, and create long-lasting friendships. Having come up with these criteria, I would have advised me to find a school with the following; (1) relatively small class sizes for optimum access to professors, (2) close to home so as to visit family often and remain with my current church (3) variety of programs and recreational sports so as to get involved and make friends.

My advice to myself would be that no matter how hard things get, no matter what life throws at you, you have to dig deep and be better than you ever thought you could be. It's amazing what you can achieve, and you will discover skills and strengths that you never even knew you had. Keep an open mind, a respectful disposition, and a firm tenacity to succeed. No matter how difficult things get, act with class, respect, and integrity. With all of these, there is no limit to how far you can go, and the things you can accomplish. It's never too late to be the person you've always wanted to be. The best is yet to come.

I would tell myself to be prepared for a very challenging yet bearable experience. Make sure to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way and keep in mind the work ethic that you exhibited throughout high school..continue this way of thinking and it will benefit you with all the classes you take. There will be forms of peer pressure here and there, but you have never been one to give in; therefore, do not let that change now or ever. You know what is best for you, not anyone else, and you are aware of exactly what you want to get out of college. Work hard and know how to enjoy yourself within a certain limit, but never fail to remember the goal you have set and that you have dreamed of for so many years. Everything you do right now will affect your future and as long as you do not lose sight of this, then everything else will work out. It is your responsibility to make things happen for yourself and to seek out helpful opportunities. Put in your best effort and use college as a tool to achieve all that you have ever wanted.

Stressing over which college to choose is somewhat futile, because in the end the college will choose you. You will apply, and get into the colleges where you will fit best. Live in the dorms as a freshman--you will make so many friends and have so many memories there. Do not be an undeclared freshman! Even if you feel your major will change, have an idea of what you want to do. Avoid taking useless classes. Be on top of your academic work. Get involved and have some fun!

I feel like I did the right thing by completely making new friends here and not staying too attached to many people at home (other than family of course). My first year college experience was amazing; however, I wish I had realized just how much I need to work to get the grades I want and need for my future. I was used to getting good grades without really having to try too hard in high school, but once i got to college, I learned just how important and time consuming studying is. I wish someone would have told me to really prioritize and not procrastinate. Also, I wish someone would have pushed me to become more involved in my school, because I can make a difference in the overall picture here. But, since I have realized these things now and I still have plenty of time left, I can now change my bad habits and study more, as well as beocome more involved.

Dear senior year self, you think you know everything at this moment, but trust me, you don't. College will be everything you thought it would be, and more. Much, much more. Please remember that failing is not the end of the world. Remember that although it is a huge part of your life, school is not your WHOLE life. Talk to people early on in the school year, they will become some of your best friends and your support system through the school year. Take advantage of the beach, it's a beautiful thing not many get to experience, let alone live on. Don't shut yourself in your room; socialize with people. School is going to be a great outlet for the many thoughts you've been scared of thinking. It will push your beyond your boundaries. It will entice you, scare you, enthrall you, and help you. Your biggest problem is you will be torn between your two homes. Between your family and your school. It's natural, it's normal. You will eventually learn to become independent even though you already think you are. You are far from it. Be grateful. Be helpful. Be your best.

High school me, take your time with selecting a college. Tour more than one school, don?t just decide that because your mom went there, it will be good enough for you. She was more of a partier than you are. Don?t let your personal pride affect what schools you apply to, applying to only the top 4 UCs is a stupid idea. Consider lower level options if they feel more comfortable. Do NOT enroll in a school blindly. When you find out you have been accepted to UCSB, don?t jump and scream and accept the admission without getting more information. Consider the state the economy is in, you won?t be able to get the classes you need. Do you want to be an undergraduate for 5 years instead of 4? If you aren?t ready to party your head off, don?t go there. Check out some private schools from the start, or you?ll end up at UCSB desperately applying for scholarships so that you can afford the transfer to a private university. I know you aren?t religious, but some religious schools aren?t strict about it. Consider them, you?ll thank me later.

For every hour of class i will spend at least three hour of study time. I know that i must be on time for all classes.

I would tell myself to stretch before I exercise (every time), and to get more involved with the Christian groups on campus; namely Real Life. I would also tell myself to meet a lot of new people in the first couple weeks; talk to the people in your classes. Always remember that you are at school to learn, but also to have fun. So, study hard, stay healthy, meet new people, and have a good time.

College has so much more to offer than high school. You'll meet people that grew up in completely differnt circumstances and it will broaden your perspective on the world. The past 12 years were not a waste of time, don't take all that you have learned for granted. Education builds upon itself, and you're just about to get to the most interesting part! High school seems like such a grind but before you know it you'll be on your way to bigger and better things. College is a great opportunity that not everyone has a chance to experience; consider yourself fortunate.

Study more, even when you think you know the course material. The "just read everything once and pass every test" thing won't work in college. Seriously. Also watch out for girls. Don't screw that up again.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not be nervous and to go out and meet as many people as I could right at the start of the year. It's gets to be more and more difficult to connect with the people around you once everyone has become settled into college and has established a group of friends. Though I have plenty of friends here, I do wish that I came in with a better mindset of really putting myself out there to experience all that college has to offer. I feel like I may have restricted myself a bit because I was a little apprehensive about how people were going to be like here, seeing as the college population makeup at my school is much different from what it was back home in high school. The biggest piece of advice I'd give myself would be just to be open to all the new situations that will occur, as they will inevitably happen.

Be confident in who you are and know yourself. Take the time to find things that you enjoy doing because so many people use drugs and alcohol as cheap substitutes. Establish goals regularly, even if they are simple things. Keep yourself motivated because it's your life, no one else's. Stay on top of work and you will have more time to have fun and you will succeed more in everything. Above all, take care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. If you can't take care of yourself, no one else will do it for you and you will miss out on so many things.

Sandra, dont fall behin in school by getting caught up in the party scene. learn that fridays can be dedicated to studying. also, learn that people dont have to like you, its their choice, leave your hood mentality at home. learn how to make time for yourself, take a breather once in a while and learn how to use the Washing machines, dont mix white clothes with jeans. When it comes to missing home, find a close friend to speak with and love your roomates! roomates are supposed to be a motivation not a hasstle. when it comes to financing your education, apply to work the first quarter, makes it much easier to keep a job. stay in touch with people back home, just because you leave home doesnt mean you have to forget those that stayed behind. learn to balance your life, exercize, take a sex ed course! go to counseling when you are habing a rough time. keep an open mind, help those that need help. smile often.

If I could go back and give myself advice as a high school senior it would be to relax and enjoy everything happening in the moment. The transtion to college will be fun and exciting and even though you will miss your friends, you will make many new ones in the first few months you are here. While college is fun, and there are so many new things to do, you are a student-athlete which means you wont have as much time as anyone else, but that is okay because your team will become your family and help you with whatever you are going through. Stay on top of your work and dont procrastinate. College is harder than high school. Go to your professors office hours, they are here to help you! But on top of everything, stay true to yourself. They say you are supposed to find yourself in college. I think you build on who you already are. The desination means nothing without the journey.

Be confident in who you are and love and appreciate your abilities. The transition into college really challenges your foundation, so it is important to remind yourself that you are a capable and worthy person and student. Get involved and have an open heart and mind. In order to really learn, you must do much more than just read textbooks. Make as many friends as you can, and realize that you only have the chance to live each day once. There are so many resources on evey college campus that are truly there to help you succeed - take advantage of them! Your professors will be accessible and care about your educational needs. As an incoming student, don't be afraid to challenge what you believe and search for more complete truths. Don't compromise who you are just because you think that is what people want you to do. If you learn to love and respect yourself, others will too. Have faith in yourself, and realize that even though there will be many challenges, you were chosen to be here for a reason, and you truly deserve it.

Make some close friends, get involved, and do things with them. Teamwork with good friends is really a treasure when there are so many things to do and so many people around.

I would tell myself that college consists of a lot of reading. I would encourage myself to expose my vocabulary by reading more. I will also tell myself that college teaches you to become independent, and that once you are out of home there is no turning back, with that being said I would tell myself to appreciate my mother and other family member?s way more. I will also tell myself that some relationships are bound to change due to distance and that it?s ok to grow apart from people that you grew up with, that it is all in the process of becoming an adult.

Finding the right college and deciding where to spend the next four years of your life that be the most stressful thing a high school senior and their parents can go through together. I think one of the most important things to do is just spend time on the campus that you are considering attending. Walking around and getting a feel for what the people are like and what the atmosphere is is invaluable. You can only read so much about a college but actually going there in person and talking with students about their daily life there is the only way to go. As for making the most of your college experience, it's extremely important for you to branch out and just try to meet as many people as possible. No matter if you were the quiet one or most popular kid in high school, in college nobody will know you as that stereotype and you have the chance to redefine yourself. Participate in as many activites as possible: dorm socials, intramurals. . . everything. You'll meet peple you never imagined existed who could just be your new best friend.

It sounds cliche, but in the end, your college experience is your own, and is almost entirely a product of your intentions when applying to your school of choice. If you seek the teaming, techno-thumping nightlife, then you will have no trouble in finding it; if you intend to graduate with honors in an engineering field, you will doubtless discover innumerable opportunities to perpetuate your goal, and helpful and excited professors happy to assist budding new professionals. Thus, in the end, the school you end up choosing is secondary to your own agenda. I selected my school for its academic distinction. However, aware of a 'party school' reputation, I feared that I would never find other serious individuals willing to put up with my chronic bookishness and befriend me. My experience, however, has been that focused, driven students attract ambitious friends: We're all fighting the same battle, and although the competition is stiff, the friends I make fighting it are that much stronger. All this rather militaristic vocabulary might be intimidating, but remember: No matter where you go, if you have a mind to make the most of it, the world, (as Shakespeare would say,) is your oyster.

To find the right college for you, think about what you like to do and what you want to become after college. Pick a college that has a lot of the activities that you like to do. Pick a college that has the right academics to get you the career you want after college. Pick a college that has the right number of students for you on campus and in the classroom. Pick a college that has the right location for you, whether thats right next to the beach, in the city or in the snowy mountains. Pick a college that you know you will enjoy being at and want to attend everyday. To make the most of your college experience, participate in extra curricular activities as long as concentrating on your academics. But most of all, be open to trying new things.

You need to really research the college according to the student's interests, academically, socially and in extra-curriculars. If you can afford it, plan a trip to the top 3 or 5 potential schools after you get acceptance letters. If you visit a college and don't really like it, don't force yourself to go because you won't be happy for the next four years.

Often times we get caught up in names; Which school is the most prestigious or which is known best. But after four years I have come to the realization that it is not about the name of the school, but how you fit into that school. Feeling comfortable is very important to your success. Make sure that you do not base your decision on which school to attend based simply on the name but rather on factors such as: student body diversity, student resources, academic programs, housing availability, and other factors that are often overlooked.