University of California-Berkeley Top Questions

Make sure it you attend a college or university where you will be able to fit in, yet where you have the ability to expand your horizons. College is about learning to think about academics and learning to think about yourself. The university should blend the social and academic aspects of this stage of your life seamlessly. Whether you are studying with friends at a cafe or laughing over at a party about a book you're reading in class -- it should all be fun. Most of all go to a place where you won't be judged and where you'll feel comfortable. Whatever school you go to should make you feel good about yourself.

To find the right college: 1)Apply to ?target?, ?reach? AND ?backup" colleges. You don?t want to receive a slew of rejection letters from ?reach? schools nor do you want to receive acceptance letters solely from ?backup? colleges. To avoid this, research schools' acceptance statistics and compare your GPA & scores to them. 2) Ask yourself what kind of environment you like. Urban or rural? The big school or small intimate setting? Can you stand cold weather or rain? 3) Make sure the colleges you apply to have strong departments in those academic areas you're interested in. To make the most out of the college experience: 1)Don?t slack off during the 1st year of college or underestimate a course's workload. Bad grades from freshman year can significantly affect your GPA. 2)GO TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR?S OFFICE HOURS & GET ON HIS/HER GOOD SIDE (!!!) because you might need a letter of recommendation later on or you might want to ask for a grade reconsideration/change after the course is over. 3)Get involved in extra-curricular activities on campus! This is a GREAT way to meet people with similar interests and form strong friendships!

I would tell students to make sure they pick a school where they feel they can grow both as a person and with their academics. I would also recommend that they join clubs or activities that can help them be involved with their community both on and off campus. College is a very personal experience, so make sure you visit the campus before you decided on it, When you find the right school, you know and just feel it in your gut. It's not about college rankings, it's about how YOU feel the college will benefit you.

The right college is not always your top choice or "dream school." For some folks, a school that is big on sports is prime. School spirit means a lot to certain people. Others prefer research oriented schools that have access and resources to leading developments and technologies. Still others look into other factors like weather and school population size. My point is that you really cannot make one big generalization for finding the right college. My best advice would be to visit the college and see what kind of vibes you feel. Whatever decision you make, make sure you can see yourself there for the next 2 or 4 years. Just because US News says the school is good does not mean the school is good for you.

Make sure you visit the college before choosing it. Go into college hoping to not only get a good education but to make lots of new friends.

Really think about what you want to do after college. If medical school is really that important to you, then grades matter, then go to a school where you can get those good grades that isn't so cut-throat!

My advice is this: The right college is not something preordained. Whatever school you choose becomes the place that fits you just right - for some that might be influened by the environment of the university and for others by the social circle you adopt. Nothing about me screamed UC Berkeley when I arrived as a freshman, but with an open mind and an eagerness to grow, I fit Berkeley and it fit me. I had no expectations going into college, which was the best thing I could have ever done. I didn't think it would be life changing and didn't know I would meet the best friends I've ever had, but because I didn't plan that out for myself ahead of time, it was even more than I ever expected. It wasn't my imaginary first choice, but it became my true home because I learned to go with the flow. College is an amazing place - not matter what school you attend - it all depends on your attitude and willingness to let life (and college) change you for the better.

Make sure the campus population is a good fit for you! If you are outgoing and ready to be independent and seize opportunities, then a big school may be for you. In my experience, being at a large university meant having every conceivable opportunity available to me, but I had to go out and seek them. With a small school it may be easier to make contacts and build relationships with professors and potential job networks. An intimate classroom= easier to get to know the professor and have good references at hand for when you go on to grad school or out into the real world. Also, don't try to plow through your classes and take on huge work loads if you don't have to. Get a job and enjoy your time at school, so you can be building your resume and setting yourself up for an easier transition after you graduate. Get involved in study groups and extracurriculars. Don't let studying (or partying for that matter) be your only focus. Life's so much fuller when it's well rounded! P.S. Go BEARS!!!

Visit the campus to get a real feel of what the environment is like, and if possible, talk to students or alumni of the college. Keep in mind the kind of education and experience you want from your college experience; don't go to a school just because it has a prestigious reputation. If you don't have a "dream college," then consider what your different choice of schools has to offer you, and when you go to the school of your choice, remember to keep an open mind. Go check out clubs and events; try to get involved in your major department or residence hall. Making the most of your college experience is about trying different things and exploring the campus and its surrounding areas.

Try to figure out what you want to study, and go for it!