California State University-Sacramento Top Questions

Meet some of the professors in your chosen major and let that be what determines your college choice. Interesting and engaging professors are much more valuable, and memorable, than any amount of prestige a university may carry.

One of the most important things to do is to visit campuses on week days, when students are in class. Sit in on lectures if you get the chance. Make note of what the students are doing- are they primarily using laptops? Do the professors lecture from notes, the book, or power point presentations? Do students seem engaged or just sleepy? Between classes, do they dash between buildings, or is there time to socialize or enjoy a bite to eat? These are all things that will be important to you when you start your college career. Once you've chosen your school, the best advice I can offer is rather cliche- don't sweat the small stuff. Pay attention in class, but allow yourself enough free time to relax and destress. Sometimes, an A or B is worth sacrificing if it means you're happier and healthier for it. Make use of the school's academic advising office, and remember that it never hurts to ask a professor if there's an arrangement you can make regarding due dates or make up work. The worst they can say is no, and it can mean reliee for you!

If possible, I would suggest visiting campuses as much as you can. There are many summer programs that colleges put on for high school students. Attend these. They are not ony to enrich students academically, but they are also trying to convince them to consider their school. If anything, your child will be able to experience a college environment which could increase their desire to attend college! I also suggest getting in contact with student clubs and asking them questions about campus environment. Although there are programs geared towards giving campus tours, these students might give a biased opinion since this is their job. It is better to ask other students who are able to give a less biased and honest opinion. An even better idea is to go to the campus and ask students directly! Lastly, I would find out the retention rates for the school. Getting in is the easy part, it's staying in that is difficult. You want to go to a school that has a high retention rate. Find out what resources are available for students that are struggling academically. Remember, you could be the one to make a name for that school!

First find out what you like to do and then find a major/career that has something to with that you are good at. If you don't like the major/ career, even making money down the road will not make it worthwhile. Check out community colleges (as their instructors actually teach and care about the students and do not do research, thus the TAs don't teach their classes for them) before applying to 4 year colleges, as the quality of education from a 4 year public or private college may not be up to caliber, even though there is a certain amount of prestige that the parent or student is buying into by going to that college. However, is it worth it to go to an $70,000 a year school, if the student does not learn anything beyond the basics that they already knew? Don't buy into a name that is a big bucks tuition, it would be better to have a quality education with a lower price than an empty degree and practically no knowledge.

My best advice I could offer a student when looking for a college is if you want the movie type of college experience make sure that you look for a college that is far enough away from home to give you that experience. However, make sure that you also look for a school that specializes in your major or interests because if you only use college to party you will truely regret it. When parents are helping their children to find a college they should make sure it is not only right for their child but right for them. If the shild is going to live away from home it would be in parents great interest to make sure housing, campus food, and protection are all important to the college of choice. Above all make sure parents and child agree so that later on down the road they can maintain a great relationship while apart from one another!

To my parents or future college students I would like to let you know that you should visit every college campus you are applying for. You should visit the campus during school hours and get to know some students on the campus and what their personalities are like. Make sure that you can go to that college and succeed. Maybe go into a classroom and see how the professors like to teach. Also, If you plan to live on campus visit the dorm and talk to students about their experiences on their stay on campus. Maybe stay for a day on campus. Remember the next four years can be the best time of your life or the most horrible. Make sure you pick the right campus for your personal success. What you make of yourself at college will stay with you pretty much forever.

My advice to students about finding the right college is to find a college with a program that the student has a passion for in life. Find a school that will offer avenues for growth intellectually and socially. College is not a mere institution for higher learning, but also a place where experiences are cultivated that enrich the individual. A student's success in college is not only measured by the diploma earned upon graduating, but also the life lessons learned outside of the classroom as a young adult . Time management skills, abilities to make good decisions independently, and prioritizing goals are just a few life lessons a student will learn throughout their time in college. Parents who are proactive in searching for the perfect college for their child should support their child's school of choice, but ensure that their child's reasoning for wanting to attend their school of choice is justified. College bound children are a parent's biggest investment and should be given the privilage to experience adulthood for the first time attending a college the student feels has an academic program that promotes their academic strenghts. A successful journey in adult life begins in college.

Going to college is a very exciting and new experience. However each person experiences it in a different way. Some peoplemay like to party, and others remain focused on thier studies. One thing parents and students need to remember is that the time spent at college is the time where individuals try and find themselves as they aspire towards thier futures. Students will change as well thier parents as they tackle new challanges together. In a nutshell, plan to be suprised.

I would tell the parents and students to look for a college with many different clubs and social activities. College would be incomplete without the social aspect. I would also encourage them to look for a university where the teachers are motivated and interesting. The learning environment for a student is so important for their overall success. I would encourage the parent and/or student to live on campus at least one year, because I found that the dorm experience really helped me to become involved in the school as a whole. I would definately suggest finding a college that offers degrees in different fields that interest you, especially if you are going to wait to declare your major, this gives you options that are good for you. Last but not least look at the class sizes, because very crowded classrooms will make the subject harder to learn and comprehend.

I believe that it is crucial to take time while choosing a right school. Taking a trip to visit the campus at different times of the year and at different times of the day will help you to gage what the school has to offer and if it is the right fit. But most imporatn of all, attending freshmen orientations helps one by talking to students who currently attend the school and the faculty.

Go to campus & ask the students what they think. The students know more & are the ones who help fellow students figure out application, deadlines, etc. The school staff knows nothing, doesnt want to help, & acts as if you are bugging them when you ask them to do their jobs!!!!!

Student's and parent's in today's world, with an uncertain economy, should look for the best education they can acheive at the lowest cost. There are many great schools out there that offer a competitive education, but are not as well known. Students should also be sure that they are ready to make the dedication to their education, and not be looking for the best "party" school. It is important to not waste time and money going to school just for the atmosphere. An education is very valuable and should be taken seriously. If student's are unsure of what they want to major in then it is best for them to look at junior colleges while they are trying to figure out what suits them the best. A college education can be costly, but the rewards make it all worth it in the long run. All student's and parent's want the best education they can receive, and it is important to tour universities and weigh all of the options before choosing the school that might be more well known and expensive, when there are good professors in even the lesser known and less expensive schools.

Just make sure whatever college you choose, make sure it has a home feeling and the people are friendly. This will make your college experience a good one.

Take your time and look into all of your choices.

You should really go look at each and every campus before you choose the college you will be attending

The college experience is unique to everyone, and it begins with choosing a college. In my personal selection process I analyzed the values and interests that are important to me and compared them to the school I was considering. For students, be honest with yourself and your parents about what aspects of a school you cannot compromise on, such as the size of the campus; whether you can handle knowing everyone or being a face in the crowd is important to adjusting and enjoying your time in college. Following what one knows about their preferences aids in the transition to this new phase of their education. The impact that college has on the rest of peoples' lives is phenomenal, and it's a multi-faceted opportunity in education. Student groups help foster the sense of community and it's a great way to explore interests, meet people, and even learn more about yourself. There are many ways to get involved on campus and I encourage every student to take advantage of the various clubs and events. Academics also enhances the college experience and if possible, explore areas of study not available to you in high school or designated major.

In order to find the right college, first you need to know what major you are interested in. If you're not interested in any subject at the moment, it's best to attend a school that seems interesting to you. When finding the right college, parents and students should look into how the ratio is for students to teachers, what majors are offered at the institution, how the environment feels like and more. It's highly recommended for students and family members to take tours of campuses to see if it feels right to them. Making the most out of college doesn't mean partying every single night. You can go to a party or two but not to the point where it rules a students education. Time managment is the key word. Yes, studying is the most important in college but students should take a break from studying in order to stay healthy and for example go to dinner with some friends to take your mind off of a school for a while. So, take in all considerations with an open mind when looking for the right school and use time management to experience a great college experience.

The one advice I would give to students who are looking for the right college is to find a college that is known to have excellent teachers. If the teachers are not good, there is no point in continuing your education. In order to get a good grade, you would spend excessive time studying text books. If students are going to do that, then what are teachers paid for? They are not there to merely give tests and empty lectures. If a college is known to have a good program, it indicates that program have at least moderately good teachers. No matter what, do your research and please keep in mind that education comes first. With my financial situation, I had no choice but to remain at home and attend the school I am currently attending. I know that one may be extremely tempted to attend colleges your friends are also attending, but do realize something that is very important. While two people can be best friends, their future goals can also be different, hence their paths cannot be the same. While one college is good for nursing majors, another is good for science. Future students, think before you walk.

First of all, students themselves need to figure out what they want to do in their future; thus, they can choose majors to study. Secondly, using online resources to search for schools that offer these majors and still satisfy parents and/or students requirements. Paying a visit to these schools is necessary; it will gain the students' college experience. Reaching out for resources such as newspapers, online, friends, and school counselors to learn more about these schools' pros and cons is a plus. Once the students choose their schools, an orientation is a great idea to learn more about the benefits and resources available for students at their schools.

There are many things that I wish I new before I chose a college that I know now. The best advice that I can give students is to follow THEIR dreams, not anyone elses. Choose the college that best suits you. When you step onto campus you will just know if that's the right school for you. Once you have found your college take everything in; what you learn in class, from your friends, from your own experiences, and from other people's experiences. This is time for you to find out who you are. Don't follow other peoples' footsteps. Make your own imprint in the world. Life is all about choices. Trust in yourself to make the right ones. My advice for parents is to let your child try to find their way in the world. Let them make their own choices; it is the only way that they are going to grow. Just make sure you always tell your son/daughter that no matter what you will always be there for them.