California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Top Questions

My advice to a student that was trying to find the perfect school for them it to choose a school that is right for them. A school that is not right for their parents, siblings or for their friends. I would recommend applying to at least 3 schools. One that is a sure thing that they would get into, the next is a little out there, and the last is their dream school. Then after they have applied they should actually take a tour at each of the schools so they can experience a little of what the school has to offer. Lastly, interview or have a conversation with a student as well as a teacher from that school and ask them about their experience. Preferably choose people who are involved with your major. This is the process I underwent before I chose California Polytechnic School, Pomona and I am so proud and honored to be attending and have the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful campus and community.

Always visit the colleges your child seems interested in first! That is what changed my opinion. And don't rely on tour guides, make sure you talk to several students to see what the school is really like beneath the candy-coated shell of facts tour guides tell you. Make sure you have all the information you can get before you make a decision.

Allow your child to seek the major of their choice, and if possible, encourage them to great a 4/5 year plan of what courses they want to take, and what some of their potential goals may be after college. Really look into school options, with regard to the majors they offer, the surrounding city, and the availability of classes.

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Consider the next few years of your life seriously and think about what you want most in your life, what you want the opportunity to do. Think about the one, or many, things you want to do before you die and ask yourself if the colleges you're applying to will help you get there, if they don't then don't even bother, it's a waste of your time. I'm sure you will hear this 100 times but college is what you make of it, if you aren't involved on campus then you aren't experiencing anything but more school. You have been experiencing 12+ years of school now so try a little harder and expand your horizons and step up your game, be a somebody, smile at everybody, take life by the horns, and never stop heading for the next best thing.

I would strongly suggest looking at colleges early in your high school career. Schedule visits to all of the colleges you are considering to attend because you cannot form a judgement until you are actually on campus. It is very important to find out whether the school is on semesters or quarters, the cost of attendance, whether its a commuter school, class sizes, location and of course whether or not your major is offered there. Financial aid is extremely important, especially if you are going to rely on it to pay for the majority of your expenses. The key is to prepare for college in advance. I reagret waiting till the last minute to make all of my decisions. I was set on going out of state for college, but never considered how I would pay for my education.

The most important things to consider when choosing a college is... Major Location Price Extra Curricular Activities

To all the parents out there, you have to trust in your child to know what school they think is right for them. Even though, you have your own thoughts of where is right for your child, voice your opinion, but let them make the ultimate choice. For all the aspiring college students, you've made it this far, and congratulations. My advice to you would simply be, college is the most intense step of your life at this moment, and it's a step you must take on your own. Do not make your choice based on those around you; make it for you, because for the next four years, that's who you will always have to deal with. There will always be more friends and relationships, and you family will be behind you forever; but just know that the decisions you make are yours alone. Pick a place that you feel you would fit best, whether it be for the atmosphere, location, or (hopefully) your choice in major. Money always plays a roll too, but that's what loans and scholarships are for. Always keep in mind, this time is yours, so WHO IS in charge?

Make sure you visit the campus and the surrounding areas of the school. Make sure you like both the school and the communitiy that it belongs to. Also make sure that your major is one that the university specializes in so that you can maximize your learning potential from the institution. Take everything into account when choosing the right college , make a pros and cons list and see which can fit into what you are looking for in a school as well as the cost.

Spend time choosing a college and decide your major early.