University of La Verne Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Betty

Now that you are a high school senior, college is just around the corner, but you need to look for scholarships that match your needs. Do not be afraid to try. You will never know if you do not try to apply to colleges or scholarships. Start looking for scholarships. Sit down a day and type up essays that correspond to scholarships that you have found that match your needs. Apply for different kinds of scholarships: contests, essays, or internships. Once you are ready with your essays, start submitting the applications, do not be lazy and meet the deadlines. Once you are in college, you might not have enough funds to continue your education, so these scholarships will help in any amount. Keep your grades up throughout the school year and do not be afraid to ask for help. The counselor's job is to help students find the right path to succeed. Choose a school setting that you know you will feel comfortable. Do your best in college and please do not slack off in any of the subjects that you think you already know. You can always learn something from others, so try your best!

Uvette

The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college is to really think about attending the local community college first. This allows the parent and/or student to think about the financial stress one can experience by jumping into a four year university without the proper funding. The student can also explore possible majors the he or she may be interested in. Furthermore, the student should remember that when choosing a local community college or university, choose one that he or she wants to attend. Don't try to please your parents because at the end of the day your the one that has to attend the classes and you are the one who is probably taking out the student loan. To make the most of your college experience just remember to do what makes you happy and make sure you really want to be enrolled at the college or university. Just follow your heart not your parents.

Rogelio

The advice I would give to a student especially a first generation student like myself is to go visit campuses and talk to students that attend the colleges they are applying to. I believe that college is more than academics and a degree is opportunities to grow as a person. So, if a student wants to get the college experience the student needs to make sure the academics and the social life is exactly right for them. Visiting a college and even spending a day there, will give a student a good idea of weather that is the right college . This way they can avoid saying what I often hear from students that found out that they were in the wrong college, "the academics are good but, the social activity in this school is not right for me so I think I want to transfer" or vice versa. In addition, the other thing they say is "I wish I came and visit the campus before I attended and talk to students that were already here". Visiting a school is the best way to find the best fit and to get the most out of college once your there.

Kamiesha

With the economy the way it is now, community colleges is a great way to start the college experience. While at the community college or university, it's best to find a good student advisor and keep in touch with the advisor throughout the school year. If you know what university you want to attend, make sure you are taking the classes that will transfer. If you want to go in the legal field, I suggust that you take paralegal studies and minor in english.

Stephanie

Students, really try to immerse youself in the campus life and off campus life before you choose a school. Get to know the community of the school and the surrounding community This is your home for the next 4 or more years. Make sure you feel comfortable. If you don't like you major, change it, it is YOUR life not your parents' or anyone elses. Don't be scared to try new things, you will be surprised at how much you grow and learn about yourself in this short time! Time does fly, make every second worth it, it goes by faster than you think!

Molly

start early - research shows that a students predisposition to go to college begins as early as 5th grade. utilize your resources such as teachers and school counselors and do not be afraid to ask questions. also take AP/honors classes if you can and for parents be supportive throughout the college application process - but give your students space to develop autonomy and make their own decisions.

Corinne

Do not be afraid to go with a sudden opportunity. I was set for another school, then the day before graduation I applied to ULV because I was approached by the basketball coach. I wasn't going to play in college, but the opportunity appeared and I took it. Playing basketball at the university has been a great developing experience for me. Even more than that, it was my connection into a school with a great biology department with so much help and resources available to students. By being at ULV, I have made connections to international students and also, others interested in environmental protection. At the school I would have gone to, I would be entirely a biology student and that is all. Here I have a name and a face and a voice because students are encouraged to be and do everything they can. This is possible because of the great attention that individuals recieve from emotional professors that care about their subject and the students. I've done so many things and met so many people that if I didn't take that chance and do the unplanned I would not have gotten the opportunity to experience.

Katy

Make sure that the college is right for you. You need to feel comfortable with the faculty, students and coaches. Make sure that is has everything that you are looking for and don't settle. Try to get involved with things on campus and just know that you are going to enjoy being there because you are going to be there for a few years.

Cynthia

I would make it a point to visit the campus and attend their welcoming orientation if possible. It is the best way to get a feel for the campus vibe and perhaps meet some of the students and professors. College is one of our most important decisions that we make in our lives and it is crucial to find one that fits with our values. There is enough stress in the process, just remember to take it slow and allow plenty of time to plan for it. Making sure that the student is happy with the environment and the parent is comfortable with their safety there are meets their most fundamental needs. Beside this advice, remember that life is beautiful, do your research and when the time comes just go with your gut feeling.

Felicia

I would say definitely research and visit a campus before you get your hopes up. You should take a tour of the campus and ask as many questions as you can. Try to address both the parents concerns as well as the prospective student. This is key because this is where the student will be for the next four years of their life, so they should definitely make sure that they will be comfortable and enjoy the campus before they make that their school.

Monica

The advice I would give to parents and students trying to find the right college is to take tours, read surveys from students like me who can give you first hand experience. Some colleges have overnight tours. I strongly suggest taking those so that you can interact with students and get experience first-hand. I would recommend networking through online sources such as Myspace.com and Facebook to connect with current students and ask them what they think of the college experience.

Christina

Pick the college that feels right to you and not just what is cheapest. Have fun in college, get to know people, but do not get too carried away with being like everyone else. This is your time to be yourself and become who you really want to be. Also, do not get too wrapped up in one major, feel free to change your mind. The more you learn, the more you will want to learn. It is ok to come in with one career in mind, and come out with a totally different one. College is a time for learning about the world and society, take advantage of it.

Stacey

To visit the college more than once. Look around and see what the different colleges offer. See what clubs are on campus or if that college has greek life on campus. Also, it is important to see what is surrounding the college.

Cindy

Parents should be involved in the college-finding process of their children. There are many things that parents and students can learn from each other during this impartant step in life. It is important thing identify what is most important to you, whether it is financial aid, programs available, location, tuition, size of campus, or the surrounding environment. You should try to visit the campus of your choice to get a feel of what it is like to be there and the kind of information they can give you during your stay. Once you find the right college for you, try to get involved in acitivites that interest you. If you do not have a job currently, you should definitly apply for the work/study program if it is available at your school. Try taking GE classes at first to get a feel of different areas of study. If after being there at least one semester/quarter/trimester, do not be discouraged if you are unsatisied. You can always transfer to another college of your choice ( maybe your second choice.) Do not ever give up on pursuing your dreams, it's never too late to start fulfilling your dreams.

mariam

Search all the schools applying to in detail, and make sure to visit the campus to make sure it is the right atmosphere for you.

Isis

keep all the options open. look at big schools and little schools.

anthony

What advice would i give? I would say apply to alot of colleges an when you recevie your acceptance letters, figure out which college would best suit you and your qualities. Make the right decision and enjoy the experience because there is nothing like it you will make friends for life an learn so much.

Mauricio

My advice to parents and students is simple. Parents, support your student whether or not you know the process of going to college or not. If your student sees your dedication it will modivate them. Students whether or nother your parents know about the college process, keep them informed. Let them know what you are thinking and planning to do because in the end, they are the ones who will be there for you, regardeless of their knowledge on the subject.

Brittany

Finding the right college for you can be a very difficult process especially if you are focused on finances. I know I was very focused on money and I knew I was not going to be able to get the education that I wanted for the price I wanted. I almost settled for a community college, but last minute I changed my mind and went to the University of La Verne. Every there was so nice and they helped me to realize that college isnt really about how much it costs, but the experiences you will have and the education you will recieve. I am going to be a Junior at the University of LaVerne and I have grown into a fine young woman and a great leader on campus. Yes, I have financial aid and loans that I will pay back later, but it is the experiences that I have had that truly matter. I wish I could help every high school student choose the college that bests fits them. I know it is a hard decision, but you just have to answer the question, money aside, what do I want to get out of my college experience?

Irma

Take your time in choosing a college that will suit you in regards to what career path you would like to take. Parents visit the campus to see how it looks and what services they will offer your child. Students use the career, library services, tutor services that the school offers, it is useful.

Danielle

Visit the college, many times. Talk to other students about their experiences. Also if you are a transfer student look at the cirriculum as you might have to re-take courses or the school might have special required courses that could further the time of your college completion.

Michelle

I would say that choosing a college and university is a hard decision, but it is important to weigh all of the options and your education should be your first priority.

Elizabeth

The best advice that I could give the students is to ask themselves what kind of school they would want to go. Then the next step is to start looking at the schools and make appointments to get a tour of the school and be able to meet with a counselor in order for them to get their questions answered. For the parents, I would give them the advice that for them to be involve in the college selection process and encourage their children. Be able to go with them to college campus tours at the schools of interest.

Colleen

The best advice that I could think to give to students about finding the right college that fits them is visiting the campus. My school is like a second home for me, and i knew i was going to be happy there the moment i stepped foot onto that campus. The school you should pick should make you feel excited and eager to learn. The college you pick should nuture and help you create your own sense of identity with your own individual thoughts, beliefs and opinions. To make the most of your experience, do not slack off and miss class that will only create stress. Set your priorities, and stick to them, your education is always most important. Be open to every new thing that comes your way, but do not get caught up in the drinking, greek life (fraternities/sororities) parties. Most importantly, travel abroad and study interculturally. Seeing the world will remind you that you are not the only one living in it.

Michele

Familiarize yourself with the campus before making your final decision. Once on campus, be sure to join clubs and organizations because not only will you make friends but you will also be aware of what is going on all over the campus. It is definitely something that helps get your moneys worth. Also, students should take advantage of their professor's office hours. It gives you one on one time with the professor which helps build a bond.

Debra

College is a time of life long changes. It's a time to explore who you are and develop into who you want to become. Choosing a college that fits your lifestyle is key to success. Look for a college where you feel comfortable and can see yourself opening up to the world. College is a time for new experiences. Some of these experiences may be parties, sororities, fraternities, or even volunteer work. Each day your new experiences will bring new lessons and by the end of the day you will be wondering where you will go next. Make sure when you choose your college you find one that is perfect for you. Don't look for a college that is in your price range, what your parents want, or where your friends are going. College is a time for change and becoming an adult. It may seem scary at first, but don't worry, there are plenty of friendly people to help you along the way. The most important thing about college is, DON'T BE AFRAID. New situations may seem scary, but always put forth your best effort. In the end, it will all be worth it.

danielle

The student really has to know what he or she wants at their choice college, whether it be small classes or a big campus. Do not let others influence you on where you want to go. Make it your personal decision and always take a tour of the college you want to attend. It will help you on deciding if that college is really the right choice to go with.

huda

You have to make sure if your child is the type of student who likes to interact with the professors or they like to be an individual based student.