California Institute of Technology Top Questions

Visit, visit, visit the college before you attend. I cannot emphasize that enough. There is something about a school that you only get from walking around the campus and talking to the students. Something that just cannot be realized through a description online or a book excerpt. Senior year in high school, I was accepted to Stanford University and the California Institute of Technology. Everyone (including myself) automatically assumed that I would attend Stanford in the Fall. Because I am from Ohio, I was not going to fly all the way across the country to confirm that I loved Stanford. Luckily, both schools offered to pay for my plane ticket out to visit . Having the typical case of senioritis, I took the free California vacation and visited the schools. As you already know by this survey, I ended up at Caltech. When I stepped foot on their campus, I felt a certain click with the people. It felt like home. Unfortunately, Stanford, while it is still a great school, just wasn't for me. To make the most out of college, you have to love living there, not just studying. So live there, before making the plunge.

Visiting every school possible is key to finding the right college because there is a tremendous difference between the brochures and guide descriptions and what life is actually like. Meet students and see if you want to be like them. If you have strong interests going in, inquire about the programs that you will take advantage of. You can't expect college to be like high school. Classes will be harder and run very differently. You are older, more mature, and no longer live with your parents. Take advantage of your new responsibilities by exploring new things and having fun, because perhaps the best things about college are the tremendous opportunities to enjoy life. There is a heavy expectation that during your college years, you discover something that you want to do for the rest of your life, so at the very least keep an open mind in and out of the classroom. There are many chances to put in hard work and reap a great benefit, find yours. Live your college years like they are the best in your life, and grow into the adult you want to become.

Major in something that inspires you.

Do your research. Start with a strong list of things you want out of a college. This ranges for all things, not just the academic qualifications of the college. Look into its athletics, clubs, social scene and area surrounding the college. You may find a place that's perfect, but could you really go to college where the average temperature in january is below freezing? Have a list of colleges by the fall of senior year. Have one or two fall back schools that you KNOW you'll get into. Also include several "reach schools", schools that are a reach for you to get accepted to. Get started on applications early. You get better at the essays as you go along. Its difficult at first, so I suggest saving the important ones for last, unless you're really bad at procrastinating, in which case, a rushed essay is worse. When you get to college try new things! People, clubs, activities are on a whole new level from high school, don't be so scared that you keep from missing out on one of your greatest adventures in life. Give anything a shot, who knows? You may find your niche.

College isn't just about learning skills for a job; it is also a chance for you to truly discover yourself. Try to find an institution that will help you focus and develop your passions. Instead of asking yourself "Is this college prestigious enough?" or "How many of my friends will be going to this college?", ask yourself "What are my opportunities here? How can I pursue what I am interested in?" If you can find a college that is able to nurture you as you grow as a student, prestige and friends won't matter. As a happy and motivated student, you will be able to outshine the average student both socially and academically and you'll enjoy doing it.

Making the best choice for one's college not only depends on what one wants to study but also on the prospective college's size and faculty. A college's size is of critical importance in making one's decision. A small college has the benefits of less crowded classes, an emphasis on individual attention to each student, and of allowing students to make close friends with their peers. A large college, on the other hand, usually has more extracurricular activities, clubs, and academic programs available for its students. One has to assess the advantages and disadvantages of both these alternatives in order to make the best possible choice. Although many people overlook it, the quality of the faculty at an university is highly correlated the quality of one's experience in college. Bad professors will simply tell students what to read to be prepared for a test. Good professors will teach the material thoroughly. Great professors will not only arouse interest over the material, but will also involve students into the subject being taught. Having excellent professors will enhance a student's experience at college by making academic work seem less overwhelming, but instead, more enjoyable.