University of California-Berkeley Top Questions

Visit the campus, the classes, various living situations. Spend some time sitting on campus and people watching to see if you like the vibe of the campus. Talk to people in your intended major and look through the classes offerred. Keep in mind that you may change your major so make sure the school offers more than one thing you are interested in and that they have the resources to support you in internships and special projects. To get the most out of college, take classes outside your field "just for fun," do a variety of extra curricular activities, and spend time exploring the area around your college.

Visit them all!!! You never know what a school is like until you see it for yourself. Keep an open mind. In all actuality any school will have its positive and negative side, so it's important to just find the one that works best for you. Once you're there try new things, look for awesome friends, and remember that this is supposed to be the best time of your life.

First, I would apply to a variety of schools because you never know how your dreams and pictures of the future may change by the time you receive your acceptance letters and must make a decision. Most importantly, though, don't worry about your future job situation when you're trying to decide a major; instead, study what you love and think about jobs later. It's important to take classes that will help you be successful in your major, but also those classes that just sound interesting. When else are you going to be able to learn about astronomy or popular culture or the politics of music? Finally, don't be afraid to be yourself, either while applying to colleges or once you finally reach your freshman year. College is the time to figure out who you are as a person, in terms of your interactions both with others on a personal basis and in the world generally.

Parents, do not force your child to go to a particular college. It should be the child's choice, for they are there for four years. Students, choose a place you feel is right for you. You're going to be nervous when making a decision. But you will feel confident about your school choice if you believe in your heart it is the school for you.

Listen to your parents and do what you feel is right and in your heart.

I think one of the most important aspects of college life is being part of a really active, socially encouraging student body. We're all there to study, but sometimes it's easy to get caught up in classes and a narrow personal routein. It is important to be rememinded that there is a whole world out there, with lots of people and ideas to consider, not just what's written in that Calculus text. On that note, it's also really great if you can be around your true academic peers - it makes a really big difference in how much you'll challenge yourself.

Go with your gut.

Even if you pay for it, you don't own your kid or their experience. Let them try and fail. Watch them succeed. But it's their life, and your kindness that has brought them to this opportunity. Let your child have free reign over their courses and education. Failure makes a stronger, more knowledgeable person; success, individually motivated, is the greatest reward. No one needs extra stress in college. Especially when they're already trying to show their parent how worthy they are, and trying to utilize the gift of an education.

Don't go to a big school unless you're positve you'll like it/love sports and being just another face in the crowd, make an effort to meet but also follow up with cool people because you might never see them again at a bit school unless you call them often

There is much more to a school than beneath its surface. I found that school promotion days, while accurate in their portrayal of the school in certain areas, do not give a comprehensive review of the school as a whole. Preferably, I would ask many of the questions I've been asked here to friends, family, or even online acquaintances about their experiences at candidate schools. Promotion days are exactly that: promotions. Every school has its own quirks and atmosphere; you just have to find the right one for you. And since most likely, you'll be spending your next four years there, so you can never know too much about it before you make your choice.