University of California-Berkeley Top Questions

If money isn't the biggest factor, don't let it be a factor. I feel pity for students who are financially able to attend four-year universities but choose to take a portion of their degree requirements at local community colleges simply to save money or to stay within their "comfort zone." The experience is vastly superior when it is at an established, nationally renowned university. Futhermore, parents who impose their opinion on their child too strongly can essentially expect their child to be unhappy with their college experience. Instead, provide the opportunity to travel with your child and visit the potential institutions to best judge which campus might be most suitable. I can't stress how important it is for the student to choose his/her own school and be happy/proud with that choice. These four (or three to five) years are really an amazing time to spread your wings. Everybody who has had a good college experience will agree. Pick the school that has the BROADEST range of academic topics and extracurricular activities. You'll truly find yourself, slowly but surely. Good luck!

Go to the place where the whole enviornment?the people, the architecture, the course, the weather, the setting, and especially the library, make you feel at home.

Go for the college that you feel most at home at because you will spending four years there. Do not pick a school because of prestige, name, or repuatation but the school you feel is best suited to your own needs and goals. Pick a school that will allow you to explore, row, and develop into the person you want to become, rather thana school that fits you into a mold of what your parents, friends, or others want you to become. College is one of the best and most rewarding experinces of your life, so take advatange of everything from academics, friends, social life, learning, everything. It goes by really fast and at the end its what you choose to make of it and your experience. Ultimately you are in charge of your future and time here.

First of all, don't panic. Don't take it too seriously either. You don't even need to pick your major right away, it's hard deciding what to do without any experience in it. Chances are, even after a campus visit, interviews with students and alumni, and visiting lectures, you may think you have found the right college, and later on down the road when you are actually attending, you may feel as if you've made a terrible mistake. Unless you're going to a school exceptionally noted for its expertise in one field or major for that field or major, it won't make too much of a difference where you go (if you're an undergraduate). Granted, this is still within a "league" of similar schools and one major in mind, don't compare success stories out of junior colleges to universities. Get your priorities in order. DECIDE on what you want later in life. You will miss your family and hometown friends, regardless of what you may think now. And never, NEVER pick a college for its "prestige" and fame factor. Whatever your choice is, don't worry, it'll probably be fine.

I first came to Cal reluctant because it wasn't my first choice, but I came with an open mind and willingness learn. I guess that's what made college so great. Not being afraid to experience new things, live away from home and learn. If you're willing to learn, it doesn't matter where you go because everything you experience will teach you something and overall, it'll make you a better person for doing so.

Attending college has been one of the best experiences in my life. I have learned to interact people with people from various socio-economic backgrounds. Do not let money or location determine what college you attend. I mean both are really important your college expereience, but so are academics and academic support, social life, food, and outside activities.

When in school make sure to live your life, do not just sit all day in the library and try to memorize every word in your textbook. Go out and make friends college is not about getting stragiht A's but making lifelong friendships and learning about life. Remember when employees are looking to hire they will not care about your grades if you can not present yourself and do not have knowledge outside your textbooks.

My advice is to pick a college that the student will enjoy both academically and socially. I am a senior now, and I have learned that college isn't all about studying and internships and finding full-time jobs. As a business major, I've spent 3.5 years in college focusing specifically on those areas, but I realize now that I should have explored all the different avenues available at my school. I am at a very liberal school with lots of diversity in both cultures and activities. I wish I had participated in more activities that interest me -- photography, cooking, playing jazz music, volunteering -- instead of simply going through the motions of school. I have also learned that school isn't everything. The be honest, most of what a student learns in the classroom will be forgotten the day the final exam is over, so get some real life experiences and enjoy the time you have in college.

Take advantage of what this school has to offer. You can do anything you want to here, if you're willing to search for it. If you're not self motivated, this is a very hard school to handle. No one will come knocking on your door if you run into trouble--you have to go looking for help.

When choosing a college, you should be sure that you feel comfortable there; I can't overstate the importance of VISITING the campus. Spend a night in a dorm room. Attend a class or two. Meet some students and go to a party. Sit in a cafe where people are studying. Wander around campus and imagine yourself spending the next four years there. If you can see it and are excited about it, you should apply. If you can't imagine it or can imagine four uncomfortable years, don't waste your time. When it comes to choosing a college, nothing matters more than comfort and happiness. Prestige, rankings, and statistics seem important but will have little or no effect on your daily experience. Once you get there, try to keep a good work/life balance. Take a manageable courseload so you can succeed in your classes without spending 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your time on them. Make an effort to leave your dorm room, even if it feels awkward at first. Experience the area around your college, as well as the college itself. Take courses you enjoy and major in something that feels right, even if it doesn't seem practical.