University of California-Berkeley Top Questions

Try to imagine yourself living somewhere for 4 or more years. If you can't see it, then maybe it is not the school for you

Give every college you visit a second chance. When I first visited UC Berkeley as a high school freshman, I was put off. I remember drawing close to my parents as we strolled down Telegraph Avenue, unused to and uncomfortable with the profligate homelessness, secretly appalled by the state of the sidewalks and wear of the walls. The place seemed too outlandish, too eclectic--and it basked in the light of its own difference. It was an attitude I couldn't comprehend, let alone share in. But five years later I am a proud student at Cal, and I know I have never made a better decision. First impressions should not be your last. Visit once, early; then come back after a few years and look again, with eyes altered by time and experience. You may find that the very place you could never attend is, in fact, the only place where you belong. A final note: consider college rankings, but don't allow them to rule you. If you aren't happy with the color of the sky you wake under and the culture of the community you walk through, "number one in [blank]" will mean nothing at all.

I would say that the choice is really up to the student and not really so much the concern of the parents in the end. The student should make their choice based on a number of things. First off the academic excellence of the institution is important. Do they have a good program for what you wish to study? Its not so much about prestige as it is about having options. I would consider who the faculty are and what type of institution it is, reasearch or teaching. If the person is family oriented they might want to stay closer to home, or it might be a good experience to be on their own far away. Climate is also important, particularly for people with physical disabilities. Consider the demographics of the university, do your "type" of people attend this school? What about the surrounding area? Will you be happy there with the entertainment available or will your social life suffer? Financial aid packages are also a big consideration. I think the most important thing is to do a campus visit. Try to stay a couple of days to get a sense of the campus atmosphere.

Make sure to think about the social aspects of the school as well as the academic fit for you. A school might be very prestigous but it doesnt mean it will be a fun place to be.

Aim high and take in all that you can.

It has been said more than once that "you only get out what you put in" and this is something to seriously consider when selecting a college. There is not a school on Earth that will bring you success in the larger scheme of things if you arrive expecting it to be handed to you. Do not select a college on the basis of reputation but rather discover a college where you (in all your personal idiosyncrasy) can feel inspired, where you can grow as a human being, where you can wake up every day excited to be alive and party to such a rich experience - both academically and personally. Then, when you arrive on campus, take responsibility for yourself. This is not high school any longer. You are now the sole arbiter AND inheritor of your own destiny. Your education is ultimately your own and no one will value it if you yourself do not. So get out there and make it all worthwhile! Lastly, befriend your department's coordinator. They have the ability to truly help or truly hinder in a way no single professor does. Cookies and other baked goods can assist greatly in this endeavor.

Going to college isnt about prestige. Intelligence and creativity can be found anywhere you go. Confidence, courage, and the ability to communicate and inspire others is what is most important when getting a job. School is to learn and to learn to love life -- you, everyone, and everything around you.

Visit the college(s) you are considering and ask questions during the orientation. Find out about financial aid and scholarships if you are financially disadvantaged. Consider the affordability of off-campus housing surrounding the college. Read professors' bios, and if you are into research, explore whether there are programs and positions available for students to work in a lab. Look at the types of student groups available to join. Apply to a range of different colleges and consider your career aspirations and academic goals. Parents: don't make the decision for your child, but help them to explore options, offer advice and help them keep track of deadlines.

Go with your instincts. If you feel at all hostile toward a place when you visit, you should not attend it. Also, go to a school with a strong department in whatever your field of interest is. I think that the professors are what make any class great or awful, no matter how interesting or boring the subject matter. If you can, do lots of internships while you are in school because they look great on a resume, they give you real experience and you get awesome references. This can be really important because once you graduate you won't necessarily have the time or money to be able to work for free. My last piece of advice is to wait it out if you don't enjoy you first year of college, especially if you are going somewhere far from home. It can take a while to adjust, but once you find your friends (and you will), school will be lots of fun!

To those looking for the right college, I would advise students to actually visit schools and staying there for a few days to see how they like it, or at least driving around campus. Even if you don't like the school at first glance, it's surprising what eating, sleeping, and walking around in a new school will do for you. Also, I would suggest looking into schools that will specialize in what you want to study, if you've already decided that for yourself- the big name schools may not have the best program for what you want to major in. To make the best of the college experience, make lots of friends and even if you're not involved in campus activities, at least take an interest in what your school does- it builds pride in your school's achievements and you'll feel proud to be a part of that. Talk to students and professors since they will not only help you in your academic endeavors but they will also shed new light on the topics your class covers and make you appreciate them a lot more.