University of California-Berkeley Top Questions

1. Visit the colleges you are thinking about attending 2. Do online research about different colleges 3. If possible, talk to students who are attending or have recently attended the schools you are considering, especially those in your major (if you have chosen one)

College is a time for learning about yourself, more than anything, and it is also one of the only times in your life when going completely outside of your comfort zone is feasible and should be encouraged. I highly recommend choosing an environment that challenges you, that is different from what you are used to, whether that be the location, size, or type (public vs. private) of the school you choose. Even if you are certain that you want to go to a small, private school, visit and apply to a large, public university as well. If you come from a rural or suburban environment, try living in a more urban location for four years. You will be challenged on so many more levels in your personal and educational life when learning to cope with a new living situation. Additionally, it is important to experiment academically. If you are certain you want to go to medical school, take a class in comparative literature, gender studies, art history, or environmental science. You never know where life might take you and it could be one of those classes that shows you your true passion.

The best way to choose the college that is right for you is to personally visit the campus. Applying, getting in and just reading about it is not enough. You should feel comfortable with the place you may potentially study at for the next for years. Also, during your time in college, be sure to join campus clubs and organizations. If you're into community service, that's cool! If you're into learning more about your culter, that's cool too! You may even be comfortable with fraternities or sororities. There are also many opportunities to work on campus. so look around, find your niche, and enjoy your college experience.

Parents: Don't pressure or tell your children where to go to school because if they go to a school that they never wanted to go to, they will not be happy and life would just be miserable. Let your children make the decision. Students: It's not about the prestige of the school, it's about where you think you would be happy. Where you could see yourself for the next 4 years. This is YOUR life, no one else's. And once you're at college, get involved!!! If all you focus on are academics, life would be hell. Joining a club sport is always fun. Not only do you stay in shape, but you also meet great people, and those practices are always a great escape from the monotony of academics.

Look for a college that has a program that really interests you and has a broad list of majors you can choose from.

Choosing a college was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make. There are just so many factors involved: faculty-to-student ratio, intensity, emphasis on theory or application, ranking, and of course, expense. But none of these statistics really mean anything if you aren't happy wherever you decide to go; the only way to really get a feel for whether or not a college is a good fit for you is to visit it. Sit in on one of the lectures and see how comfortable you are with the number of people in the classroom. Is the professor trying to engage the students? Now take a walk around campus. Do you feel comfortble? Do the students look like they're happy to be there? Look in one of the dorms. Are the doors open, or are peopel cloistered in their own rooms? Explore the area around the campus. Walk through the city and look at the shops. Read a book in the campus library. If you can see yourself being happy doing this for the next four years, then the college fits like a glove.

Don't look exclusively at rankings or geographic location, but consider both because they are very important. Research the majors the student is considering, because even a great school can have a weak department, or vice versa. Take into consideration personality and overall school culture. A laid back person has a hard time dealing with uptight anxious people. If possible do a summer program during high school to experience the campus. Keep your grades up to give you flexibility in choosing a school.

have fun!

My biggest piece of advice for finding the right college is to visit the campuses. Statistics and facts online can only tell you so much; odds are if you don't like a place when you visit it, you won't like it while you attend it. Also, despite what you think you would prefer, look at campuses that are different from what you're used to. For example, I lived my whole life in the middle of a redwood forest, and I loved it there. But I allowed myself to look at more urban colleges, and now I'm at a very urban school and I absolutely love it. My final piece of advice to make the most of your time at college, is to study hard, but give yourself time to relax. Join a club and live in the dorms for a while; they are both really helpful in making friends and transitioning to life on your own. Always remember that you only get one shot at college, so make the most of the resources while they're available, even if it means forsaking sleep. Above all things, be good to yourself and enjoy life!

I would tell them to visit the college before they choose where they want to go, so they can observe and see what the environment has to offer. They can then see if they picture themselves attending that school!