University of the Pacific Top Questions

If I where to go back in time I would tell myself that if you go to a school in a lower class part of town you don't have a chance. To do alot of investigation on your own so you want learn the hard way when you graduate. To plan ahead to what you want to be when you get to be a grown up. To not have children until you graduate from college and worked in your career for a while. I would also ask questions like what is the difference between the vocational path and universal path. Then maybe you be in a better situation.

If I were to go back in time and actually give myself advice on what I would know now, I would tell myself to not be lazy and work hard. I was always an average student but in reality I knew I could do better. As a student I didn't study much and used that free time watching television or something. Now after going to college, I realize now that if I were workign harder during my high school days, I wouldn't be strugling as much in my classes now. I also would say to myself to start thinking about colleges and how you are going to pay for it now. Since I am actually struggling to pay my tuition, I would have to tell myself that applying for scholarships would have been really helpful. It would have saved me a lot of time and money, since I was almost dropped from UOP for not having my tuition money ready on time.

I knew college would be difficult, but I did not know to what extent. If I was able to speak to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to get into a good study habit. In high school, we learned mostly by doing in-class work or homework. However, in a university the way one learns different materials are by attending lectures and studying. If one is not able to teach themselves the materials by studying on their own, they would have a difficult time in college.

Dear Senior Viet, you are still young and oblivious to the future ahead of you even though you say you know what lies ahead. I am here to tell you now that your road to the future has not been a smooth one and I am here to tell you what caused the bumps in the road. First of all, your financial status in the future is not a bright one, I urge you to take any opportunity you can to find financial help via scholarships, grants, or anything else you can think of. Another thing is to become more outgoing. Here in the future it is extremely boring and lonely. I suggest you make friends as soon as possible so that you can study with them as well as socialize with them. By doing these things, I ensure that your college days will be alot better than what I have seen. So as I talk to you from your own eyes, heed my warnings about what you are thinking and change your actions. -Future Viet-

Do not worry about the problems that high school presents. Focus on just getting your work done in class and learning proper writing techniques. Have fun and do not get too involved with relationships that seem like they will not last. Keep your close friends close as they will help you through stressfull times in the next few years. Try to get a job or volunteer somewhere. Apply to as many scholarships as possible. Although it may not seem worth it to apply for $100 scholarships, they do help get that extra book when times get tough. Plan out how you will pay for school before you get to a deadline. Stress with class registration will occur. Talk to your adviser about multiple plans of action, because many of the classes you want are the same as the rest of the freshmen class want. Try to take a class or two at the local junior college to get some units so you are not last in the pecking order for registration. Last of all enjoy the time left in high school.

I would tell myself to take full advantage of all the extracurricular activities that my university would have to offer. Joining clubs and going to campus events would help me make friends and transition more smoothly into the college lifestyle. Also these extracurricular activites would look very impressive on a resume', which could help lead to possible career ventures. I would also tell myself to maintain every single relationship that I make with the people I meet. These relationships are not just limited to other students, but faculty and staff also. A huge factor of gaining success after college is networking and using your interpersonal connections with other people to advance your career. Lastly, I would tell myself to enjoy the moment. It is important and productive to look two steps ahead from where you are so you know where you are headed. However, you also need to assess if where you are planning on going is really the place you want to go and the career you want to pursue.

This year has been a whirlwind, one that I never saw coming. I walked on the Santa Clara University campus during my senior year in high school and told myself that it was the school for me. I was not open minded toward any other school than Santa Clara. With my acceptance I pictured myself graduating from there and going off to work as a school psychologists soon after. All that changed last summer. My aunt, a principal in Sacramento, told me about how desperately school districts needed speech therapists. I started researching online and thinking about my childhood and the years I spent working with a speech therapist. I worked with two speech therapists in my hometown and I can say on that first day I realized it was perfect for me. So I transferred and left the school I loved, but I knew it was for the best. I am now attending University of the Pacific and absolutely love it. I wish I had been more open minded and looked into different schools and professions in high school. I have learned you never know what will happen so you need to be open minded and positive.

Do not panic; not having homework and extra credit to save my grade doesn't mean I can still receive an A. During the first week of classes, speak to each professor individually and ask them for any tips to keeping up with the material. Usually, they don't speak about it in class because they have so much material to cover in lecture, so having a one-on-one conversation with them will not only allow you to have some bond with the professors but also have a source for advice. I also suggest that I find a niche of friends as soon as possible, especially those with the same interests and classes. These people will ultimately become your best friends in the school and they will be there 24/7 if you need any help studying. Also, do not fall behind in any class at any time. Taking 18 units is the hardest thing you can do at U.O.P., so make sure you are on top of the work load every day. Take frequent breaks if you need to, but make sure that you read the material before lecture and lab so you can ask questions.

College life is a lot different from high school. There are rules; there are morals; there are limitations, but it's your choice to follow them. Try everything, do everything you want to do. You only live once, right? Nothing can stop you now. Don't be afraid to dive right in; to talk to strangers; to get involved. Just be careful. College is a test to many, and it changes people. You'll gain friends and you'll lose some. No matter what, you'll meet new people, you'll make mistakes, and you'll make memories. Overall, college is an experience. You're on your own and you will solely take responsibility for all your actions. Do everything you dreamed of doing, be everything you want to be because nothing and no one can stop you now. Enjoy your college years, cause it's a once in a lifetime experience.

I would tell myself to stay on top of things and to really manage my time. Also, I would say to enjoy the college experience as you only go through it once. Really enjoy every minute even though school work maybe tough. These years of your life are going to be one of the best in your life and also some of the most memorable years that you will want to look back on in the future. This is a once in a lifetime experience so enjoy it even if the financial costs can be a little hindering.

I would tell my younger self to trust my heart. I have gone through many changes to get to where I am now-one of which was leaving a small sect similar to the Amish. I did this so that I could pursue my education and follow my dreams of going to college and studying violin. It took so much courage to tell my parents and friends that I was leaving them. It took courage to leave that quaint way of life behind and enter the loud American way of life, and it still takes courage to keep walking forward when I get those "culture shock" moments. But, I know I made the right choice. I would tell myself to trust the dreams that lie in my heart, and, to keep walking forward with my chin held high. Because I am following my dreams and doing what I love I can not go wrong. Every morning I wake up and know that I am thankful to choose my own path of life and find my own answers to life's questions, and I thank God that I am here.

To be honest, I would not tell my past self a thing. Sure, I could say "Get out and socialize more freshman year!" or, "When you write papers for your Lit class, don't wait until the last minute!", but then I would miss out on the life lessons that each of my mistakes or missteps taught me. For instance, if I went out and met new people more my freshman year, instead of staying in my room most weekends reading or studying, would I have gotten the grades needed to get into the Honors program? And if I had not procrastinated so much on many of my papers, would I have understood the values of planning ahead and time management skills? I would like to think that I made each choice I did for a reason, and I would not want to drive myself crazy worrying about what would have happened had I done things differetly. So sorry, Past-Kayla, you're just going to have to figure things out for yourself! That is, after all, part of the college experience, and part of growing up.

I would tell myself to do what you need to do for schoolwork, and to balance it out with social time. I would tell myself to try everything--classes, clubs, activities, study abroad. You won't know what you're passionate about until you try it. I would tell myself to make friends with people in and outside your major--you'll need a break from your studies at some point. Find a couple of good friends that you can talk to about anything. I would tell myself that there is no shame in needing to see a counselor or to spend some time with family. I would tell myself to get out there, to do what makes myself happy. College is the best time of your life, filled with activities and people you won't ever forget. Overall, I would tell myself to have fun, and to remember that you'll always regret more the things you didn't do than the things you did.

If I was able to go back in to time to speak to myself there are a number of things that i would say. First, I would tell myself to join some more extracurricular activities. I would tell myself this to set up for my second piece of advice which would be to apply for my scholarships. By joining more extracurriculars i would have more scholarships available to me and i would have a better chance of winning the one that i applied to but didn't get. I would also tell myself not to worry about starting over again because the transition was easy and exciting. Telling myself this would help me to survive through the tough life of a college student.

Take the time to look through every school that has the inteded major and look at your financial status, make sure that the school of your choice is the right one and worth your money. Students, follow the major that will make you happier and make the education process worth while. Parents, try not to put so much pressure on your children, they have enough stress just trying to get accepted and actually choose their future, help them out, don't hurt them.

My advice would be to look at your interests and compare those to various schools? programs of study. When you find several matches (give yourself options), then look at the location of the school and surrounding area and see if that?s a place that you can see yourself living. Then find out if those schools have any profile/preview weekends you and your parents can attend. These weekends are great ways to tour campus, talk to students and professors, and really get a feel for the school to see if it?s right for you. Some schools even have over night programs where you can see campus life by staying in on-campus housing and possibly sit in on some classes with your host student. After selecting your school, make the most of your college experience by getting involved. Living on campus makes a huge difference, I am a resident assistant at Pacific and develop programs for students? involvement all year, and it?s a great way to make friends, network, or just have fun! Colleges offers tons of opportunities to participant in activities that fit your interest, be it academic, social, or whatever. So don?t be shy!

The right college for you is the one that will give you the knowledge and skills to succeed academically, professionally, and socially. Tour the campus, read the course catalogue, sit in on a class, and talk to students who aren't getting paid to give their opinion of the school - they will be more honest, for better or for worse. They will also tell you information a tour guide won't, or doesn't have time to. Try to talk to people in your prospective major about the program specific to the school you're considering as well. As to making the most of your college experience, it's all about getting out there. If you live in a dorm, leave your door open and people will always pop in to say hi. Pick up every flyer you see and attend as many events as possible before the workload kicks in. Remember you're there to study, but studying with or even alongside others can be fun and helpful too. Don't be afraid to try new things (except drugs). Most importantly: don't second-guess your college decision! The more positive you are, the better experience you'll have.

You must be fearless during the application process. Apply to schools you want to attend, even if you don't think you will get into them and/or they appear too expensive. If you find the perfect school, the faculty can help you work out the details. If you make yourself attractive to the specific department you are interested in, a faculty member can get you jobs assisting them (or refer you to a job off campus). Also, realize that if your favorite school rejects your application, it reflects not on your value as a person, but simply that said school is not a good fit for you. The point is that you cannot deny yourself options on the sole basis of difficulty. You will meet with resistance throughout your life, but do not accept defeat before the battle has begun. It may be difficult to navigate your way through the maze of college applications, but it is much more difficult to realize, after the end of a four-year college stretch, that you attended the wrong school and that you could have done better. Do not accept mediocrity from your school or anywhere else? least of all from yourself.

When choosing a college, it?s important to obtain a feel for the personality of the campus. Talking to current students is a great way to get a feel for a school because they have the ?inside track? on what is going on at the college, it?s problems and strong points. If a visit isn?t possible, the prospective student should talk with a current student over phone/email. Also, parents and students shouldn?t let public opinion impede them in finding the college that will best fit the student. Just because the student was accepted into an Ivy League school doesn?t mean that school is the best fit for the student?s personality and desires. Students must be friendly from day 1 if they want to be integrated into the community of their college. The group of friends they make will serve as their support environment while away from home, so the faster students find friends, the faster they adjust and begin to fully embrace their lives as college students. With friends, studetns can go out together to enjoy what the college and local community have to offer to make the most of their college experience.

Figure out what your preferences are. Small campus or large campus. Faculty student interaction. Things to do around campus.

thouroughly research each individual college and make sure to visit the campuses and classrooms along with the labs and dining areas etc.

Listen to what the student wants to do in life and find colleges that work in the field or area then visit the schools if they are close by and if they are not ask for information and set up for a phone interview after revieiwing the information to get more details. When searching for the school take into account the location and benefits of the school. When one finds the right school and start attending you will make friends that will help you get through the days and learn the city around you. Once your at your school talk to your counsler and see what it will take to get to your goal and ask about their expeirnce and the jobs you can get in the summer as intern to help understand the ropes of your future. Then have fun with your friends and balance school and social activites so there isn't stress and when you do just breath and know that you can to this.

The advice I would give a student would be to start researching options as early as possible. An early start will help deter impulse decisions/overlooked opportunities. It's also important to weigh the pros and cons of each university under consideration to see what fits you best, not what fits your parents. After all, you're attending- not them. Don't waste time looking at universities that do not offer your major just because it's close to home or your friends are going there. College is the place you get to grow as a person and become a unique individual. Having things in common with people you meet are good, but don't feel the need to conform to their every way of life to save what you thought was a friendship. That can be a quick way to waste your time and ruin your mood. Don't expect for people to stay the same as you once knew them (old friends, parents, and new friends). Be sure to take time to relax and exercise regularly and your concentration with studying will improve tenfold. Remember: Change is the only constant and things always turn out for the better.

When giving advice to someone to help them find the right college, I would definitely encourage them to visit the campus to see how they feel, because I know when I was selecting colleges, there were some I thought about attending until I visited the campus and didn't like the atmosphere. I would also encourage the person to consider whether they prefer being in a big or small school, with big or small classes. Do they need one-on-one attention from the professor, or are they okay with being taught by the teachers assistant. Also, consider the location of the school because they have their social life to consider too. Do they want to experience moving away from where they grew up or do they have higher priorities, like kids, forcing them to live at home? Lastly, one of the biggest things to take into consideration is what majors the school is offering. It's important to make sure the school offers the major you're interested in. To me it's important to know how likely it is to find a job after getting a degree from that school. These are just a few things to consider.

There are many colleges that provide a growing experience. There is not one right college for a student.

I would first suggest that you never fall for "name brand" schools or strive to get into an elite college simply for the prestige or because your whole family went there. There are three important factors that should always be driving your choice: 1)The size of the school (do you like small classes with access to professors or are you willing to remain more or less anonymous on campus?) 2) Can you study a subject(s) that you are interested in and what kind of options will this school be able to give you once you graduate? (If you are interested in medicine and your school doesn't have a pre-med program, well...) 3) What is the social atmosphere of the campus and does it fit with your own social proclivities? (For instance a dry campus would be a bad choice for the aspiring fratboy party animal.) If possible, stay a night on campus with a student host, most schools now offer something like that. Those experiences generally give you a much more accurate picture of life on campus, especially if you stay in the dorms or visit a classroom. Visit the dining hall before you choose!

I believe that the most important thing to finding the right college is all about finding what you want to major in or learn about. Many different colleges have different settings and I believe if you pick the right setting for what you want to focus in you will be off to a good start. For example if you want to study pharmacy, you should go to pharmaceutical school which has a program and a center for pharmacy. Many schools help out students that major in the profession that the school is most recognized for. Another very important aspect of choosing the right school is looking what is around it. Schools that do not have much to do around it tend to be more party orientated schools since there is nothing else to do, thats in my opinion. Schools that have many things to do and many places to go offer students a way to get away from those parties and to participate in more productive aspects. Another good way to tell what kind of school is it is to walk around campus and see how many people you see walking around wearing greek letters. Greek letters are good/ bad.

When visiting the different universities and talk to different students as well as professors to get a better feel for the campus. Try the campus food, do an overnight stay if possible. It is an experiance that you truely get as much as is put into. It's important to get involved in different things, if nothing else than to meet new people, broaden horizons, learn more about yourself. When you look at the campus, ask yourself if you think that you can fit in and integrate with the rest of the culture of that particular uniersity because there is no wrong choice. Go with whichever one feels the most comfortable.

Apply to lots of places.

None

It is absolutely necessary to visit all of the schools you are considering. You may have one institution in mind based on photos and effective wording on their website, but upon visiting you may do a complete 180 in your decision making. Visiting allows you to check out the surrounding areas, consider the drive to important or fun places of adventure, and really see the campus for yourself, both the good and the not-so-good parts. Once you get to the amazing new college you've picked, it is crucial that you get involved with something. This is the time to figure out for yourself what you believe in and what you want to fight for, either in your own life, in your community, or on a global scale. College students are empowered by school support, available resources, and by the students around them who are in support of their ideals. Play some intermural sports for fun, join a professional or social greek organization, and find a club or hobby that you will stick with. Get busy with activities, make special efforts to be around people, and get your schoolwork done beforehand!

There are many things to take into account before enrolling in a given college. Much emphasis is put on selecting a major prior to attending, but if an entering freshman honestly doesn?t know what they want to major in, entering with an undeclared major is not a horrible thing. Most students tend to change their major along the way, and being forced into picking a major that doesn't intrest you often makes you dislike that field even more because you must take classes you aren?t interested in. Plus entering college with an undeclared major allows one to explore different fields that they hadn?t previously considered. I am not undermining choosing a major if a student knows what they want to do, but speaking from experience, being forced to choose a major doesn?t really help the student grow. Once enrolled in a college, the key to getting the most out of the time spent there is getting involved. Whether it is by playing intramural sports, volunteering, joining an on campus group, or even joining a fraternity or sorority, you will make friends that will last a lifetime, and gain experiences to compliment the education received

College offers as much as you make of it. Even if you don't get your first choice, your second can offer just as much. You take from the programs what you choose. Do the work, become interested and explore topics on your own. Be flexible about your major. Things may catch your interest you never knew existed. Leave your dorm room door open when you're home. It's a great way to meet your floor mates. Join clubs and volunteer groups. Make friends outside your major. College is about learning things in the classroom and out. Enjoy it!

Knowing what you want to major in will help a lot. If your unsure at the time, don't go to an expensive school. Go to a cheaper school first, then when you know what you want to do, research for the best school to do it.

When choosing a college it is important to weigh many criteria. Obviously money is sometimes a factor, but remember that some schools provide substantial financial aid. Students should also feel comfortable on campus, if you don't like large crowds you should consider a smaller school. If you know what you want to major in, look for a school with a strong program, and good reputation in that area. To make the most of your college experience, be prepared to be open minded. You should be able to use this skill in and outside of the classroom. Don't stress too much, you need time to relax or you'll never get through. Have fun, you only have four years(on average) to be a college student. You have the rest of your life to be an adult.

Do research not just on school, but the city it is located in.

It is important to decide if you can be away from home or if you need to visit every weekend. It is lso very critical to be sure you understand your college town is where you or your student will be living most of the year. It is important to aknowlege that college is a level up from high school and if you find that you are having a difficult time with your first classes, hang in there. Let yourself adjust to the volume and intesity, dont give up. Lastly it is very important to take a ballanced corse load, this includes courses out side of your main desired major. Often it is the classes out of your major in which you learn the most about yourself as a person. To be the best student be sure you spend time on yourself, not only studying. College is all about ballance and growth. Enjoy your experience!

Make sure you visit each campus multiple times, i have many friends that always dreamed of going to duke or stanford since they started thinking about college. Well, they got in went there and hated it and not are going to CC's back at home figuiring out their lives. Just because one school has a better reputation than another doesnt mean it is the right choice

Visit the school, find out the school's philanthropy, and talk to the students that attend there. It is important to know what type of learning environment fits you best. Although it might seems like a big factor do not pick a school just for the name or prestige make sure it suites you. Even if the school you pick is not in the most interesting areas there are always tons of things to do on campus (and it gives you a reason to take road trips). Whatever school you pick make the most of the experience by being involved whether it is getting a job, joining a professional or social fraternity or sorority, joining clubs on campus, taking a leadership role, and/or volunteering. No matter the school you pick, once you have the right mind set, any school could be the right fit, just make sure to work hard where ever you go.

College is a time for you to learn about what you want to be. On the other hand, how you will get there is also important. Making mistakes can be hard; especially if you have never been far away from home. The place you choose will be a new home, and with that, your new family. The friends I made not only taught me more about people in general but also taught me more about myself. They were my new family and was there for me when I made mistakes. The best school for me was finding a school with people who I could call my family. Those were people I could trust my life with. You are the company you keep. The people you associate with can lead you to success or failure. In the end, it is your choice. Choose with your heart not to the credentials of the school.

Everyone should consider where they will fit in socially because it is your friends who will help you define who you are, but you always want to consider your future. Think about what eventually you may want to do. Right now you may not want to go to law school but one day it may be possible and you should keep that in mind. The most important thing is the future.

When looking for a college make sure it has an emphasis on the major that you are applying for, otherwise you will have a harder time because all off the school finances and new equipment go towards the students who are in the promoted majors. Make friends with the students in your classes, because they usually are going through the same problems you are.

Choosing the right college for you: 1. Decide what you (the student) is looking for at a university. For example, size of the campus, student and faculty ratio, diversity of students and faculty, location, etc. 2. Can you afford it? If not, does the school provide enough financial aid? 3. Visit the schools and talk to current students to learn more about that specific university. More specifically, ask them the pros and cons of being a student. Also, ask professors if and why they love teaching at that university to get a better idea of what kind of environment that university has for you. Making the most of your college experience: 1. Join student organizations. This will help find your passion and life long friends. 2. Talk to professors. Attend their office hours to figure out your future and to gain as much experience as you can at your university. This is later useful for letters of recommendation. 3. Enjoy it! Make life long friends and be engaged at your university! Remember that you are paying for your education. Give and receive as much as you can. Have fun while you are on this once in a lifetime journey.

I would tell prospective students to choose the college that is going to best prepare them for their career. The college experience is what you make of it and is often the same in many different places. What really matters is your education and getting the degree so that you can be successful after college. However, don't pick a college because everyone thinks it is prestigous. Do your own research and visit as many campuses as possible and see where you feel comfortable. Check out the dorms, classes and library especially because that is where you will be spending most of your time; and then ask yourself: can you picture yourself spending the next 4 years here? One more word of advice. Don't rush it! I am in an acclerated career path that would of required only 2 years of undergraduate before iIwent on to graduate school, but i decided to add a year. Take your time and enjoy these years of your life because they only come once. College is as much about maturing and evolving as it is about education and that is something that cannot be rushed, it can only come with time.

From all I have been told by my parents, it?s a difficult time to allow your child to be out on their own, but from my own experience having my parents still support me financially while making life decisions away from them was the most liberating experience of college. I attribute my independence to my parents allowing and encouraging me to try new things, getting involved in campus activities, trying different jobs, and being forced to do things on my own. The right college is about knowing some basics; big or small classes, type of environment one is comfortable living in, does it offer possible programs of interest, and are there opportunities for networking. Making the most of the college experience depends on the individual, but I strongly suggest living in dorms that is where I made my friends that form my core social circle, and be outgoing, no matter how unnatural it feels. College for most, is a fresh start, to become a new person and have new experiences. The best part is that there is a whole class of people who are going through the same life transition. Set the fears aside and enjoy the ride!

When you tour campuses you will know the right one because it will feel right! You will read the mission statement of the University and after talking with the people in the department you are interested in, you'll be so excited you cant wait to start working on projects with those people. Find a campus that?s close to things you enjoy doing besides school. For me it was being within a quick driving distance of the city to catch the nightlife or a ball game or the ability to hit up the slopes in a couple short hours. I also suggest looking into the campus recreation department and find out what other members of the student body do with their free time. Intramural sports and campus recreation are a huge part of the entire college experience. The final suggestion would be make sure you can find affordable housing with people you can trust, and with adequate study space as you'll be spending plenty of time doing that. Good Luck!

Give yourself adequate time to apply for scholarships and grants that may be available. Know how much it will cost you for your entire education well in advance. Keep a portfolio of reference letters essays, etc, so that you are not duplicating work that you have already done when it comes to applying for schools and financial aid. Find a mentor at the school you want to attend that can advise you of everything that is available at the school. Take a tour and sit in on some classes. Talk to staff and students and spend time on the campus just observing.

Don't think too hard about a college--- just go with your gut feeling... I had a wonderful experience at my undergradrate university, but I feel that I would have had a great time and just as fine of an academic experience had I chosen to attend a different school. The experience and education is what you make of it.

Campus tours are important, visit your prospective school, tour the classes and housing. If money is an issue, look for schools that offer financial aid, and private Universities, as they tend to offer more financial aid. Private Universities also tend to have smaller classes, smaller campuses and the students and faculty are closer. Talk to people in your classes and make friends, go to university events, as thats where you're going to meet people. Make sure to have fun, but don't neglect your school work! thats the whole reason you're going there!

Planning ahead, visiting the campus (if possible), and shadowing students with the same anticipated major would be great ways to help in the college selection process. If one already has a major in mind, do some research about the school to see the reputation of that department and talk to professors and current students to get insight. Contact the admissions office to get more information about financial aid and other experience enrichment programs the school offers. Keep all options open until a finalizing decision for college. To make the most out of the college experience, plan out courses year by year with the student's advisor since that would help keep the student on track. Don't be shy to talk to student mentors or advisors to get advice. When entering college, remember to bring in good work ethics, study habits and motivation since the transition from high school to college can feel weird but just be sure to stay on track and don't get distracted or lazy. Put together a reasonable academic schedule and set aside some time for rest and relaxation so one doesn't get burned out while staying on top of lecture and reading material.