University of California-Berkeley Top Questions

You need to start early. Look at universities starting freshman year in high school. Decide what aspects of a school are most important to you and only apply to schools that you would go to. If you wouldn't attend the school why waste the application fee and risk getting stuck going somewhere that isn't right for you? Be honest about the type of university you are looking for- size, greek system, prestige, majors- or you may end up in a place that doesn't cater to your needs. Be as informed as possible. And once you are accepted, visit every university you are considering attending, you need to get a feel for the campus vibe.

With regards to finding the right college I can't offer much advice. Berkeley was my dream school and I got in. I didn't even consider other schools. I've had an amazing college experience and I think one of the most important parts of that is 1) introdue yourself to as many peope as possible when you first get to college. 2) Take interesting classes that have nothing to do with what you THINK you want to major in, and don't be afraid to change your major. Five times. Or design your own (if given the option)! 3) Get a job. It's a good time to learn the value of a dollar and no matter how hard your classes are, you're going to have weird chunks of free time during the day that a 8-hour a week on-campus internship will fill perfectly--and you make great connections. I started out doing data entry 5 months ago and now I help with my boss' innovative research project and attend environmental conferences as a representitive of UC Berkeley. 4) Keep a schedule of tests and paper deadlines. 5) GO TO YOUR CLASSES.

Make sure you consider every aspect of campus life- from dorm quality, housing options, social life, and extracurricular activities- in addition to academics. Although the primary focus should be on academics, everything else will affect the quality of your time at the school. Also, be sure to visit the campus. Nothing, not even reading 1000 college guide books, will give you a better idea of campus life. And, try to spend time on the campus, apart from a campus tour, and even try to sit in on a class that you think sounds interesting. It will give you a real sense of the school.

In order to decide which college is right for you, you must first determine what is the most important to you in your college experience, whether it be academics, sports, or social life. Also, deciding what field of study you will enter makes a big difference. You should probably visit the campus and think about if you can see yourself attending that college or university. Having fun at school is also important, so be sure to check out what social activities such as clubs and organizations that you could join to meet new people and make your experience the best it can be. In the end, choose the school that is best for you, not for somebody else because it is your education, not anybody elses.

If I was able to do things again, knowing what I know now, I would have paid more attention to three things. First, move as close as you can to the campus; commuting will steal precious hours and certainly limits any social activities you might like or desire. It also means that a bed and shower is just around the corner, which can mean the difference between simply surviving a project and dominating a project. Second, purchase a meal plan or prepare meals from home. Eating out with your friends is often a needed break, but its expensive and you might find yourself limiting how much food you eat just to balance your budget. Instead, home-made snacks will help keep your stomach and bank account full. Finally, invest in a good pair of comfortable shoes, because driving is often impractical. A walk is not only healthy, but it can create a gentler transition time between work and play, which does wonders for stress. Simple advice? Probably, but when you are worried about financial aid, class schedules, dating, sports, mid-terms, or the number of other things the modern student must manage. Home, Grub, and Sole will get you through.

The most important thing about a college campus is its intellectual environment. This consists of the type of classes, the quality of classes and the level of dedication displayed by the educators. However, it also includes the community, neighborhood and general ambiance of the campus. All of these factors, when combined successfully, will allow students to be comfortable in their academic lives. They will be confident that their studies are motivated by personal passion and have more drive to succeed if they choose a school with classes and professors that they find ingaging as individuals. And they will be more relaxed and self-confident if they study in a welcoming, community-oriented, and aesthetically pleasing environment. Every aspect of a school should emphasize the student's humanity and intellectual growth, rather than serving as a simple means for obtaining a degree. The value of college lies not in its ability to provide careers or degrees, but to help students become more mature, self-aware and intellectually developed.

College isn't just about academics. Get involved on campus. Join student organizations, and go to speaker events. Berkeley brought amazing speakers. We've had Jimmy Carter, George Soros, Dan Rather, and many other amazing speakers. In addition, the professors were at the top of their industry or experts in their field--they knew what they were talking about. These are just a few of the benefits of attending UC Berkeley.

Make sure you like the surrounding areas of the school and the school itself. Make most of your college experience by joining a club and getting involved. It is hard to make friends if you don't get involved in anything.

It's important to visit the schools you are interested in so you can get a feel for what they are like. Try to talk with faculty at the school as well if possible.

you should find a place that will challenge you and broader your perspective of the world.