University of California-Berkeley Top Questions

Keyvan, just remember to keep it simple and stick to what you have learned in elementary school, "First work... then play." Even though as you get older there will be outside influences tempting you to deviate from this rule, these influences,for the most part,are not worth it. Just keep in mind, if you stick with this rule- it will pay off. Not only will you do better in your classes, you will also save time. For instance, by keeping to this rule you will be doing things like studying for a class right after lecture. This habit will all of a sudden give you the opportunity to ask professors/tutors concepts you do not understand. By being able to ask questions you will get a better understanding of the material, hence a better grade. You will save time by not having to laboriously look through books to answer them. By going to your professor you will establish a relationship that may be invaluable. This relationship may give an edge for future career plans like obtaining a letter or recommendation. Keeping to this rule has many advantages and it's so easy that elementary school students are taught this.

Don't worry about finding the perfect college. No matter which college you pick, you're going to learn life lessons and mature more than you ever have. Also make sure to have enough time to relax and socialize with friends. They will help you in different ways than teachers will help you.

guide them and don't just let them decide for something they are so eager to take

I would suggest that parents and students keep an open mind when considering each university. Just because one school has always been the "dream school" does not mean that it is the right school for someone. Because of my association with a sports team, I get to see many prospective freshmen. The ones that make the best choices for them (even if it is at a different school) know what they want in terms of environment, class size, and academic opportunities, but also allow themselves to really explore each one of their choices. These students are overwhelmingly happier and more confident with their decision.

My advice to parents to help their students along with the college choosing process is to show enthusiasm as to where they want to go and make the trips to the students dream campus and take a tour to see if it's the campus for them. Students can do all the research they want on a campus, but when they finally visit, that's when you know whether it can be home or not. It is all about how comfortable you are, and that's how you'll know if your student will succeed, and that"s by touring the campus. Also, to find out what programs are available that can allow overnight sleepovers at a campus to get a better feel as to how it would be like to live there in On-Campus housing.

First and foremost it is important for all prospective students and parents to know that this time they are going through willl be difficult, school will be scary and nothing will be as perfect as home. You are not alone in this feeling. That said, I would strongly advise that students who know what they want to puruse, attend a school that offer courses in that subject area. Further, if you know what you enjoy, but not what you like to study, make sure those 'types' of classes or off-campus activities are on (or around) your chosen campus. And finally, and most importantly, trust your instincts. If you are not extremely academic, do not attend an Ivy-League school because you will regret it (and visa-versa if you are academic). If you like to socialize, but dislike the Greek scene, take note of that. You and your parents know you best, pick a school, not based on ranking, but on its fit with your personality. Do the research on your school and discover all that it holds, the good and the bad. You will excell in an environment that you are most happy in.

You cannot know what college will be like before you actually start. Neither can you know which college is the "rightest" for you. But the cool thing is that it doesn't matter that you're not psychic. If you visit a diversity of colleges before applying and enrolling, you will get an idea of places you would like to end up. Don't stress over not getting into #1, or thinking you won't like where you go. Any college in which you choose to enroll will be the best and most rewarding time of your life, if you make it so. Any college you attend can be a dull waste of time if you choose, as well. Take classes that INTEREST you, and don't be shy socially or academically. Do what you want. You are an adult. Make the decisions that will make you happy, and you WILL be happy. Any college you choose has professors expert in their fields, organizations to suit your interest, and a social network in which you will feel at home. Choose what feels best, and you will have chosen right.

Do your research when you apply. I thought I'd never want to go to Wellesley because it's an all women's school, but my friend who was forced to apply there by her dad now goes there and loves it. I think I'd rather be there than at Berkeley. If possible, do visit campuses! I don't really like Berkeley, but it's big enough that I can go out and find the people/activities I like. It just takes more effort than at, say, a private school.

The process of choosing a college is often unreasonably difficult and stressful, but it is important to remember that if you believe in yourself and your abilities, you really can do well almost anywhere. It is certainly a huge help to visit schools firsthand, talk to students who are NOT giving the tours, and explore a school's surrounding city/town in order to truly get a feel for each campus' entire package. But, once the acceptance letters have been sent and you know what your options are, the best thing to do is to maintain a constructive and positive outlook! If you are initially optimistic when you choose your school, and get yourself excited to begin your first year, the whole college experience starts off well. And, a good start is the best way to have an amazing time in college- which is the ultimate goal of the college search in the first place!

sometimes people belive that they should be the ones chosing a specific school to attend, but not always is that the case, because sometimes is the school that chooses the students., and thats something pretty special....... when for the first time you step on the campus and you feel happy, proud and excited at the same time, then thats when you know that that is the special and right place to be, the one in which you belong, you will start a new chapter in your life and in the one where you will do history. :)