Lisa
That strange letter marked on your first college exam is not a misprint, but a grade you will become quite familiar with in your first year of undergraduate study. The marks you receive at the collegiate level are just that, mere letters . Instead, consider your performance here as an opportunity to obtain a desired future. Procrastination during the quarter system is fatal, tenth week is called ?dead? weak for a reason. I know you have come down with a severe case of ?Senior-itis?, but use the free time to apply for free money; the bank of mom does not cover college expenses. It is the opportune time to finally reap the benefits of your educational efforts. Who ever said high school is the best time of your life, clearly did not go to college. These next four years render amazing experiences and life-changing revelations, fearlessly explore this new educational channel guarded by the secure fortifications of student professionalism. Orientation may seem like a nuisance, but if you commit the universities? pathways to memory, you may avoid the elongated digressions to class. Lastly, it is of dire importance you leave for college stocked with cereal, seriously.
Leran
In seeking the right college, I first figured out what I wanted to learn and checked out who taught those subjects at different colleges. I am a film music composer, so I looked for schools with both a good film school and a good music school, too.
I also think it is important to contact people who know the schools that interest you. Before I moved to Los Angeles, I learned a lot from friends living near the schools that interested me. I sent emails asking them which schools they thought would be best for me, and they offered good advice about life at those schools. Then I searched online to figure out what prerequisites and materials were necessary for those schools and programs.
Besides getting the degree, I think the best thing about being in college is making friends. Don?t be shy. Friends make every experience better, and it is a good idea to take part early on in many activities at college in your areas of interest where you can meet new people. In the future, many of your best opportunities and jobs will come from the friends you make.
Leran Wang
Official Web:
www.leranwang.com
Stepfanie
Make sure to visit the campuses and plan overnight stays. I think it's also important to look at what kind of majors they offer and if planning to study abroad, to see what their requirements are. As for making the most of the experience, I think it's better to engage in as much social activities as in the academic life.
Si(Simon)
Try NOT to just pick the school just because of how prestigious it is(in this case for me, UCLA wasn't suitable). But also research the field of expertise for the students' needs.
Connie
Despite the seemingly low acceptance rate of "elite" schools, there is an exceedingly number of excellent schools out there. Picking colleges seems so difficult, but I would just advise you to think about location, school size, and what the school has to offer. When the time comes to make a decision second semester of senior year, go with your gut feeling. And if it doesn't turn out the way you imagined, find something about the campus/place that you like, and enjoy doing, and focus on that rather than the negatives, whether it's a sport, or community service club. Going to a large university, i've discovered that while they seem overwhelming and may make you feel miniscule, they give you the ability to have tons and tons of options when deciding what you want to spend your time doing. Before I left for college, I was told, while there's tons of work to focus on, you'll have more free time than you will ever have the rest of your life, and you should make the most of it. Better yourself and think about the things you want to experience and just go for it.
Taylor
My advice: Don't get caught up in rankings. I was in the top of my class when I was in high school and I felt like I needed to go to a school that topped U.S. News rankings. I mentioned that this was a factor weighing in on my decisions to one of my high school teachers and he reminded me that they factor in a lot of information in their rankings that wouldn't apply to me. For example, a top school may get points for having an exceptional engineering program, which is great for all the engineers going to that school, but would do nothing for me, a social science major. The important thing is that the school you choose is one you feel comfortable at and one that you feel you can excel at.
Seung
This was difficult decision to find the right college. When I was in high school, I expected that my life would suddenly change after I got into the college that has good reputation. I was addictive to the flash movies from internet so that I couldn't stop watching it until my parent told me to stop it. So, this bothered me from having life experiences such as hang out with friends, play sports, do well on the school assignment. Since I was addicted to mass media, I couldn't even focus on preparing for my future such as apply for college, job, or learn the leadership by joining certain clubs. Fortunately, I got into UCLA by my parents assistance. After I got accepted from there, I expected that I would change my habit. However, it went to opposite from my expectation. Since my parents were not there, it was difficult to control myself so that nobody cares about my life. College life is mostly fighting against myself. If I don't control myself, then I would definitely screw up my college life. I think the good college provides student to control themselves from doing whatever they want.
Gina
You should always try to visit each college campus that you are considering. Visiting the campus will give you a feel of the students that attend the school and the ambiance of the school. You will feel more comfortable in making your decision. When you're a college freshman, make sure you involve yourself in school activities!! Join a club that you're interested in and you're bound to make new friends in a snap! I know a lot of college students like to skip classes and think that it doesn't make a huge difference in your final grade, but it does impact your grade. Going to class helps a lot because you're able to see what the professor places emphasis on in the course and it'll ultimately help you in the midterms and final.
Autumn
My advice to the future college seeker would be to become part of the campus before you enroll. Looking at the ranks of the school and going on their website is fine, but it's not the real thing. You won't know how the campus truly is by reading about it over the computer; walk around the school, ask the students and professors questions about their feelings of the campus. Think about the major you want and ask a counselor about how competitive it is and if it's the right choice for you. And when all of that business is done, walk around campus and look at the activities and clubs that the college offers. See if there are any teams or fraternities/sororities that sound interesting. The most important thing about college is not just studying; it's meeting new people and finding out who you are and what you want to be. If there is anything to emphasize to the college students of tomorrow is to have fun and DON'T STRESS, everything will be okay. Just take things slow and work hard at it.
James
Finding the right college can be a diffucult choice but it is also very rewarding. I believe looking into a school for the area of study is very important. Next would be a visit to the campus and the surrouding area. Lastly, would be the student organizations and people. These three should be very important to students. When it comes to parents they should help their children with this and also factor in financial need and aid.
Making the most of college is up to the student. I believe that a student will only receive as much as they supply when it comes to a college. A student should be involved, active, and contribute to their school and they will see the rewards.