University of California-Davis Top Questions

First and foremost I would select your campus using your gut instinct. The campus itself is what ultimately drives a student to get up for early morning classes. Whether you want the hipster scene of a big city school, or to leisurely ride your bike through a rural campus to attend class; I feel that a gut instict can be formed by a memorable building or an impressonable library. As a student, the best recommendation I can make is to introduce yourself to each professor you will ever have. This will come in so handy- whether you missed an exam or bombed a report, professors are always more gracious when there is already an amicable relationship- not when you come to them with favors. Some of my best college memories are of studying in our library, grabbing bagels on a Sunday morning after some house parties, and just biking around campus. I attended a very rural school and now live in San Francisco- I frequently will stumble across either a courtyard or a tree which remind me so much of my college years it is gut wrenching! That same gut which helped me choose my school so long ago.

An advice I want to give students who are still looking for the right college is not to go for the best of the bestest just because it is the top school and assume other schools below its rank isn't good enough, but instead, pick the school that you think teaches at your academic level yet is still challenging. For if you pick a school that is too hard, you might have trouble throughout your college years which will not look good either. Therefore , pick the school you think you can handle. College might be easy to get into, but might be hard to stay in. Also, it's fine to have fun and make friends in college but watch who you hang out with because bad friends can influence you in a bad way and lead you in the wrong direction. College is costly and we don't have all the time in the world for second chances so think wisely about how to achieve your acdemic goals and always remind yourself of why you are in college to avoid regrets. These are all the things I've learned from my experience, hope it's helpful and goodluck.

I would advise them to do research about the college before applying, so they have a good understanding of what they're getting into. Once they are in college, they should make the most out of their experience by being involved in campus clubs and activities and getting to know more people.

Honestly, sometimes you work so hard trying to do well in classes that you forget about your social life. However, if you focus on socializing, you will neglect your studies. Strike up a good balance. As for picking the right college, go with what feels right. Remember, you're hopefully going to be here for at least a couple of years. If you're not comfortable, it will go through to your studies.

Visit all the campuses you are considering and, if possible, talk to students involved in activities you may be interested in joining. Trust your instinct and don't stress too much; chances are, even if you didn't pick the "perfect" school, if you have the right attitude and make an effort to GET INVOLVED, you'll find people and activities that you enjoy. If you end up hating it, you can always transfer but I recommened sticking it out for at least a year. And GET INVOLVED, I can't stress what a difference that makes. School work is important and never sacrifice studying, but it is so important to do something besides academics, wherever you end up!

To the student finding the right college for them, i would have to say choose wisely on where you'll believe you'll do the most growing as a person. Don't Choose to go to a college just because most of your friends go there. Trust me when i say, you'll meet new ones that can help you grow and help find yourself where as, old friends which will always remain your friends, could possiblely sustain you from your full potential in growing. Not only would choosing the right college for your career, but i suggest that you choose one away from home. Get out into the world and learn its great mysteries!! Finally choose a school where you can see yourself happy for the next couple of years. Parents my advice is let go of your kids, not completely, but just enough for them to go out into the world and find out who they are going to be in it; because come'on lets face it they aren't going to be kids for long. Last is listen to what they need rather than what you think is best, this way they go off happy.

Do visit campuses. Make sure you've had a chance to wander around and get a feel for the way the campus works. Go to the campus that you feel most comfortable at - academics are all well and good, but if you're comfortable at a college, you'll be able to set your own goals, and there will always be challenging classes available for those who want them. Comfort should be your top priority, and this applies to hobbies as well - if you want to party, don't go to a quiet campus. If you prefer peace and quiet, don't go to a party town. Once at a college, don't worry about being popular - it's really not a concern at college. Have a small or large group of friends, but be friends with people that you actually enjoy spending time with. Don't worry too much about making friends - most people have a small group opf people they spend time with, and it's okay! And above all, don't forget to stretch out in your new freedom. There are hundreds of possibilities available - use them!

Parents plus theird kids should visit the college to get the feeling if the college is right for their kids. Parents should try to do a little of research about the college before apply. Does their kids want big school or small school, private or public, small or large classes. All the factors should contribute to wheather the school is the right one.

parents should be involved with their children's education as much as possible. Because I am a first generation immigrant whose parents didnt graduate high school; I was completly alone in the college experience. My parents didnt help financially or otherwise. I would engourge parents to be hands on with their children's education and their college choices. I would choose a college where the student would be enabled to succeed in the college experince. I wouldn't reccomend a college because of prestige or cost, but I reccomend a college where a student would feel like they belong in a family away from family. I have met many young adults that have dropped out of college because of pregnancy, binge drinking, sexual assaults, depression, and many other conditions that made them feel disoriented. I would caution parents that education comes before social life and that their is medication that treats depression and mental conditions that would make a student struggle in college. Money is a huge burden on students nation wide. I engourge parents to save as much money as possible for their children because I know part time jobs can be a hassle and a damper on grades,

One of the biggest problems I had when choosing a college was whether or not to focus on the institution?s prestige or the school which would provide me with enough financial aid to finish college debt-free. However, I didn?t want to go to a school that would undermine all the efforts and excessive studying I did while in high school. I knew I could handle the workload of a university and I didn?t want to settle on just any college that gave me scholarships. When it comes down to it, the student should choose a school suitable to his or her desires and abilities. Yes, if you were an ?A? student, you may not have to pay a single cent if you go to a community college, but will it challenge you it? Will you enjoy the time you will have to spend there? The preceding questions are what I believe all students should ask themselves when choosing a school, whether they are focusing on community colleges, state universities, or universities. One should find a school, which presents the best learning environment and the most challenging educational programs in respect to that individual?s potential.