Pepperdine University Top Questions

Don't go where all your friends are going, find the right school for you, and don't be afraid to make new friends.

I would tell the students to pick a college that is right for them, not a college that looks good on paper or a college that will impress strangers. I would tell them to follow my painfully cliche advice and follow their hearts. When they found the right college, I would advise them to join some clubs that would help them meet people with their same interests and passions. Most importantly, I would tell them to be real people. It is too often the case that kids get to college and forget all the really awesome things about them because they fear no one will like them. Sometimes college comes across as a bigger, more expensive high school... and it is, in many ways. But the most inportant thing is to come out of it with the knowledge that you were who you really are. Go in, give it your best... find out who you really are.

In most cases, you won't know if you've found the right college until you get there. For example, I did not want to go to my college, but once I started my Freshman year, I couldn't imagine it any other way. Just follow your heart. Also, get out of your hometown if you can - this way, you'll will be able to experience more things, and ultimately get more out of life.

I feel that knowing who you are and who you want to be is crucial in finding the right college and making the most of the college experience. Of course, people do change, especially in college, but having a core set of values and making a decision to unwaveringly keep them can guide you to finding the best college for you. This sounds clique, but being real with yourself, despite what your parents, peers, teachers, and others desire, is really the key to finding the right college. Sites with college matchmakers like collegeboard.com really help guide that decision making process. As for making the most of the college experience, all it really is about is living without regrets and pursuing every opportunitiy you have, because whether or not you succeed or failed, each experience molds you to be, hopefully, the best possible person you can be.

Minimize your criteria down to the three top priorities - screen them in that order & the rest will fall into place

Make sure you do a lot of research and visit campuses. You can't commit to a University or college without seeing it first. Talk to advisors and take a career interest test before you ever apply to schools because you want to know that the places you appy to are academically strong in the fields you might be interested in. Also, do not feel like you need to declare a major before you get to school because you will change your mind. Go in undeclared if you want to. Don't be afraid to change your major.

Make sure you find a college that will challenge you and motivate you to do well. Also, look for a college where you can feel comfortable. Schools that have the prestige of Ivy leagues are not for everyone: sometimes the schools that you least expect are the ones you like the most.-- and it's ok if you don't get your first. There are plenty of great schools to choose. But when you do find your school, make the most of it-- the time is going to fly by and when you reach the end, you're going to regret not being able to stay longer. Take chances, try things you've never done before, be social, make yourself avaliable, and most of all... have fun and enoy your time at school. But don't forget, make sure to stay on top of your studies because life continues after school and if you waste all your time partying and going out... you'll have nothing to show for it when you graduate.

Do not just base your college decision on statistics because they change. When I chose my school its ranking was extremely high but now it is not the case at all. Those who made their decision based solely on this academic perception are now let down. However, I chose based on my impression after my college visit. I really felt like it was a place where I fit in the most, and could relate well with the other students. As much as someone might also recommend basing this decision on heart over wallet, I also disagree. My life is a lot less stressful not having to feel guilty about the cost. I am also more motivated with school, when I feel that they are paying to do well. Despite my school not necessarily lining up in my mind with the initial published I am still completely happy with my choice.

I would recommend leaving for college with a clear and open mind and allowing yourself to take full advantage of what they univeristy has to offer. Allow yourself to explore new places, people, and classes. I also recommend not getting to caught up in working while you are in school.

When choosing a school, you should definately talk to students from the colleges you are considering. Students are more likely to give you a more accurate view of the campus than a tour guide or payed employee would. The environment of the school is also very important; if you don't like cold weather and snow you shouldn't be going to school in Ohio and vice versa. The environment of a school can have a great impact on your mood and therefore quality of education/grades. As far as making the most of college, don't be afraid to open up your mind to other ideas and concepts. A very important part of college, in my opinion, is finding your true self and recgnizing not only what you want out of life, but what you were meant to do in life. Experimenting with different classes is key.

Be yourself. That is the most important thing about choosing a college and then making the most of the college that you choose. Don't try and force yourself to be someone that you are not, so that means don't choose a college that doesn't feel right for you. Then, once you choose the college, go out there and explore it. Begin to get involved in different activities right away and make sure that you try plenty of new things. However, remember that not everything is going to be right for you so don't feel like you have to do something that doesn't click. Play to your strengths (to quote the popular phrase) and just be yourself. The only way to succeed in life is by just being yourself.

John justgraduated, and a boy he is no more! He?s ready now for college, of which much is in store. His parents proud, they wipe their tears and match their son?s excitement, for one step towardscollege means a step back from indictment. John has planned his future well by plotting in advance the schools that he would go to that could give his life a chance. The choicesmade weren?t only his, but also were his parents?, as groupdecisions are more likely to remain inerrant. And so the summer faded and it was time for John to leave, and of course a bye from mom and dad?s a tearful bye indeed. They knew that John must leave, so off he went and moved armedwith their advice to ?only do as they?d approve:? ?Study hard! Make some friends! Be sure to get good grades! Play some chess and volleyball, but balancework and play!? These goals in mind, John had entered into college life, An experience so palpable, youcould cut it with aknife. And John?s first year was awesome! 'Cause he made the most of it. If you do this too, I guarantee you?ll absolutelylove it.

Go visit the colleges you are considering and ask the students what they believe about their school.

I would advise parents and students alike to not only research the college of their choice by using resources online or hard copies of information, but to also make an effort to visit the campus where you can gain a more tangible insight through additional information or even a tour. This is key to finding the right college, which will only contribute to how the student will make the most out of their college experience. Touring the campus will fuel you with the excitement and motivation to attend the school of your choice and any additional materials will serve as reference materials for the application process. Moreover, it is imperative to ask plenty of questions and to not be afraid to contact the school via telephone or e-mail, should something pop in your head at a later time. I would also recommend getting ORGANIZED! This is essential to keeping pace with such a speedy process that requires the utmost attention and organization. But most importantly, both parents and teachers should try to maintain a positive attitude. Remember, this is a fantastic opportunity and learning experience that everyone should be proud of and able to enjoy.

I would say that it is extremely important to visit the campus, take a tour and get to know what they are all about. Stop some random students along the way and talk to them about their experience, where they're from, what they do, etc. It's surprising how willing students are to talk about how they feel about their college. I would love anyone from a tour of my campus to stop me and ask me how I like my school. Also, do your research. Find out how many people go abroad, how many people live on and off campus, and what the general lifestyle of the students is. But don't just look on the school website. Go to outside sources to make sure you're getting the whole story. The more you can know beforehand, the better prepared you will be. Ultimately, choose a school that seems to have a good balance to offer. Get involved on campus, get to know people, and don't be afraid to make bold, crazy decisions--they will pay off in the long run. Don't look back, don't regret--ever.

Get involved in everything

While colleges offer positive and negative opportunities, your college experience is what you make of it. If your school lacks something that you are passionate about, pursue it. Make it happen. Don't be too set on a certain school - know what you value and see if the school will support those values, but also be open minded to be inspired by various opinions and worldviews. College is a time to grow, so do not live "safe" or pursue what is comfortable. Be excited to learn academically and grow socially, but never forget what is truly important in life and what you value as your highest priorities. Surround yourself with people who are different from you but also who will challenge, support and love you.

The first thing to consider would be location. Be sure the college is where you want to be whether that be near family or as far away from them as possible. It is always nice to know exactly what you want out of the college experience. One thing that makes it easier is planning out which classes you want to take when because thinking ahead always gives you an advantage when it comes to college. If you do not have a major or focus, just take what seems fun and/or useful at the time. Partying is a cliche part of the college experience but setting rules and goals will help keep students on task and focused on the prize (a diploma). Although it is important not to fall off-track, having fun is an essential part of being a young adult. Make time for fun too. Basically the best advice I could give would be to keep a daily-planner, and really use it for everything.

I would recommend the students to apply for schools that they feel the happiest and most passionate about. They should feel truly happy to be at that school when visiting and if/when they are accepted. It shouldn't be a pressured decision rather a decision that had been thought about for the course of a couple of days. They should feel at home the minute they step on campus. Parents should listen to their children on what they want rather than forcing their beliefs on their child. To make the most of the college experience, the students need to put themselves out there. If at first you don't succeed, try try again. You'll need to put yourself out there when trying to find friends and when trying to find the right activities to do. You shouldn't be scared of reactions. You may feel lonely but that will soon pass.

Searching your heart for what you truly desire is key! It is important to step back from the senior year hype around your high school about what colleges everyone is applying to and figure out what college is the right one for you specifically. Do not be afraid to do something different from the rest of the crowd. You are a spectacular individual and you need the right school to fit you just perfectly. Don't be afraid to take your time and ask advice from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences! When you have made that choice and drive up to your university on the first day remember to be yourself and embrace the experiences ahead. It is indubitable that you will most likely face some of the most amazing and hardest experiences of your life to date while in college because they are major development years. The important thing is to explore new things and learn from every one of them. If you are shy, try out for a play! If you only like playing music for fun, join a club team! Don't be afraid to discover where you fit in life, even on the deeper issues.