University of California-Davis Top Questions

I would encourage all students and parents to actually visit the campuses you are interested in, as it can make a huge difference. That's how I eliminated UC Santa Cruz, although my preferences have changed, and now I love the campus. If you (the student) has to live there for 4 years, or more, make sure you like it!

Visit each campus that you have been accepted to. You wouldn't buy a car with out driving it or a pair of shoes with out trying them on, you shouldn't pick a university by a pamphlet made by an advertising firm. Experience the campus, talk to students and try out the food before you make a commitment. Your college experience helps mold so much of the rest of your life, make sure that you find a school that you feel comfortable at.

To find something that they think would help the student evolve positively as a person. Most of us going through college aim to come out as better people - we strive for financial success, social recognition and other rewards, but we also try to give back to the society that we came from. The end goal of college is to make better men and women who are not only materially successful but also successful in helping other people. If someone can see themselves as better people four years from now because they chose a certain college, then they have chosen the right college. It's not just about what other people think of a prospective college, it's also about how you think the college will change you. Making the most of such a college experience is easy - all one has to do is keep an open mind and be accepting of new things and ideas. From then on, life in college gets a lot easier. Ultimately, choosing a college depends a lot on how you want to change, and accepting that change will make you happier.

Don't pick a college because of any one specific factors. Make sure the campus fits your needs academically, socially, geographically, and financially. This will guarantee you the oppurtunity to truly enjoy your college experience. Be sure to visit the campus if possible so that you can see the enviroment you will be living in for the next four plus years.

I would tell parents and students that the name or prestige of a school is not an essential factor to one's success. The best thing to do would be to consider what type of environment you could see yourself fitting in and to consider what field you may want to pursue in the future. What is more important is how determined you are and how hard you work in the school of your choice. Wherever you end up, the college experience can be great as long as you want it to.

Study what you want to and enjoy the time you have there. Don't try to do anything to apease anyone and have fun!

Go visit the colleges and ask students what they love most about the college and what they would do different.

I would advice the students to pick one that you feel you would love going to. Do not get influenced by others. Make sure that college has the major you want to get into. Parents should let their child pick for their own. Be supportive. This will be the students best 4 or 5 years of their lives. This is when the student becomes truely who they are in life. Yes, there will be mistakes and accidents, but that is natural. Not everyone is perfect. Support your student every way possible, and students listen to your parents because they too have gone this route.

When choosing schools, visit the campus when school is in session. Try to talk to people who go there if you can, and read up about academic and extracurricular activities that are available. When you get there, remember that college isn't about judging people- it's about learning about YOURSELF. Everyone is there because they want to get ahead and learn, and if you are open minded and willing to learn, you will do so both in and out of the classroom. And lastly, your best memories will obviously be outside the classroom. Pick your friends wisely because they will be with you for life.

visit the college find the major that suits you and then find the college find a location that you like get friends, get into clubs and activities, but not too many since academics should come first enjoy college cuz it flies by.