University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

Sometimes, it's better to not get into the school that's your number one choice. You will end up going somewhere unexpected and truly find who you really are, not what you thought the campus would be like. Come to college with an open mind, if you're set on not liking it, then you really won't. Understand that your parents are there to help you and want you to have the greatest and safest college experience.

Parents should always help their children and try to guide them in directions they think best, but it's important for students to make their own paths as well. Parents need to understand that their children will always be their children, but college is an experience that they need to have happen on their own. Students can have reminders to stay focused and on task, and they should get the support they need from their parents, but parents should never nag too much or highly discourage extracurriculars or other activies students may want to participate in. Parents should push their new college students into the right direction by finding out what services their campus offers in terms of community and involvement, and suggest those clubs or organizations to their student as a way of getting involved in their life without being to forceful. Suggestions are best, and parents may be demanding, but as their kids become adults, it's important for both parties that the amount of involvement in one another's lives is lessened during this experience.

Know that it doesnt matter which school is the right school because there's usually a very diverse group of students in every school. It matters where the school is and what it has to offer because in the end, you're coming to the school for an education. You will find a social life anywhere.

I think that student get trapped into the glory of picking a college. Many students want to go to the big name schools -- UCLA, Harvard, Stanford. Of course those schools are incredible, but I think that students worry too much and get more upset than they should be when they aren't accepted. Parents and students need to broaden their horizons and look at other schools than just the big name ones -- there are so many universities out there that offer excellent programs for a wide range of majors. Everything happens for a reason, and no matter where the student ends up going could be a great opportunity; just be positive and ready to adjust!

Check out the campus, know if the campus/town is the kind of place the student would want to live. Know what activities go on at the campus (sports, academic, etc) and see if the student has any good friends going also.

When looking for the right college, focus on what you are sure about in what you want to do in the future, but also look at the programs they offer at the school, such as clubs, activities, and volunteer work. Parents, one's financial situation should not be why you son/daughter can't go to a particular school. There are lots of scholarships, grants, and help out there. Your child's education is the best investment. To make the most of your college experience, get involved with programs and clubs that allow you to venture out of your comfort zone, but also challenge you. Also be open to new ideas and opportunities. Have fun, but also remember why you are coming to school, to succeed in life and uplift your communitiy, not to drink your four years away.

Go and visit all of the colleges you get accepted to. Once there, talk to a few of the students or some of the professors that teach your major. Just get to know the campus and relate it to the things you are looking for. College is supposed to be in a learning environment that you enjoy, and you won't be able to know that until you look around a little bit. Din't be afraid to leave your hometown, you might be able to gain so much more

Most parents are worried about their kids going to college, understandably because it is a huge decision and potentially a life-changing one for their child. My biggest advice would be to relax and let the student feel it out for themselves. It's not going to be easy adjusting to a new school no matter what, but I would say the single most important thing to look for in a school is a place that you feel comfortable and feel that you could potentially one day call your home. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how good of a football team the school has, how pretty the campus is or how many different books the library can brag about. It's about what makes the student feel at home, what gives them the feeling that this is a place where they can accomplish their dreams and make the world a better place, and a place that will one day be remembered as the stepping stone of learning and becoming your own person - a place where the best four years of your life will take place. After all, isn't that what college is about?

When students think about what college to choose from, they have to think about their academics as well as their college experience. If they only consider colleges with great academics they might end up at a school where they will never get that "college experience" that all their other friends from different colleges are talking about. From this, they might feel out of place and can begin to slack off at their college trying to discover their experience. On the other hand, when students only consider colleges with many parties and lack in academics this will also turn against them because they won't be learning the most that they can. Also, partying all the time may hurt their learning abilities.

Visit each campus and talk to the students!

Visit as many places as possible and attend the school in which makes you feel comfortable enough to grow and become the person you truly would like to become. College is about realizing who you are and reaching your potential as a well-rounded person. Finding the most comfortable situation is important because you are going to try and succeed at this place and if you feel you can't do so in a certain place, you probably shouldn't go there. There is a place for everyone regardless of who you are, what ethnicity you were born with, or your socioeconomic status. None of those things matter, what matters is that you succeed and that you do everything you possibly can to succeed and reach all of your goals. The first step to reaching success is finding the college that makes you feel at home. So, take your time and visit as many places as possible. Leave no stone unturned, you may be overlooking "the greatest intitution for you to learn". Also remember that everything happens for a reason, if you don't get into your first choice, there may be something much better for you. Good luck!

Before you visit colleges, visit yourself. What kind of person are you? Are you outgoing, introverted, active, outdoorsy, musical, a gamer, a surfer, artsy? Really sit down with yourself. Then, when you visit colleges, look to see that they reflect you. You will know which is the right choice, because you will be able to see yourself reflected through it. When you begin college, burst out of your comfort zone. Join 30 clubs, go exploring, talk to random strangers; they might be your friends for life. Stay up late, wake up early, meditate, scream! Go full throttle and never look back. Never look back, that is, until you don your cap and gown, receive your diploma, and realize you've had the best four years of your life.

find a location you like, a topic you are willing to spend a lot of time on, the competition that you can handle, and ultimatley where you feel most as home with!

Visit all of the campuses you are deeply considering and choose the one that makes you feel the most comfortable. You don't want to end up at a school where you feel uncomfortable with the environment, this will be a distraction and may ultimately hurt your entire experience (including academics).

I would tell students that the college experience would be exactly what they make it, nothing more and nothing less. I think there is a great opportunity for success, as long as someone as the drive and determination, otherwise, it is not worth the expense.

Choosing the perfect college is a mix between finding a major that interests you and also finding a campus where you can enjoy living for four years. Finding a school with a good department for your major of interest is very important, but I have found that the time spent outside of the classroom is just as important as the time spent inside of one. I have received a great education here but I know that it is not just my education that has shaped me into the person I am today. Also, to make the most out of your college experience you must get involved. I have joined a fraternity and have played for the University's Club Soccer team. These are not the only ways to get involved of course but by doing so, I have met lifelong friends, further developed my social skills, and have truly gotten the most out of my college experience. In closing, attending classes and receiving good grades is the goal in college, but it is just as important to take advantage of all that your school will offer outside of the classroom.

The single best process that happens in college is getting to know your own self. In reflecting upon my own experiences I submit that the process begins before you move into that dorm room or get that big acceptance letter. Finding a college that is a great fit takes a little contemplation about who you are, what your values are, and who you want to be. This may produce conflict and be a difficult process, especially if your answers differ from your parents or friends. However, once you have matched your values and goals with an institution that can help you achieve success (how you define it), knowing which schools to apply to and what to emphasize in your essays will come naturally. Thus to parents I offer this advice: encourage your student to be active in both college and self-searching. Even after their admission, continually promote active learning, active socializing, and active participation in everything the university has to offer. In my opinion, getting to know yourself is what college is all about and it begins by being active from day one of your college search.

Finding the right college is a process that should not be expedited. It is important to understand that the college one chooses will be where one spends their life for the next few years. Hence, one should take their time in chosing the suitable place for them. I would say there are several key things to take into consideration when applying to college, size, location and overall atmosphere. Students have to enjoy where they are if they are to enjoy their overall experience. Further, smaller and larger college communities have different dynamics. Students should choose approporiate conditions for their personality. However, the most important thing a student must do before choosing their campus is to physically step foot onto the campus. By visiting a campus, potential students can get a true feeling of the atmosphere of the campus. Once a student has chosen the right college, they should be prepared for the fact that college is completely different from high school. My advice, is to learn to balance! There is no reason for college to be all work and no play. However, there is good reason for it to be a balance of the two.

Let the students find their school. THey are the ones who are going to be living there for the next four years. I chose Santa Barbara and there is not a sign of regret. Find a school that inspires you, a school where you actually want to hit the books. You need to find a school with unlimited possbilities one with great fitness and health. A great research university where you can invent something more powerful than pencillin. Note that i just mentioned everything that Santa Barbara has :) as you already noticed i love this school.

Students should look for a college that caters to their lifestyle. In doing this, they will find other students to connect with. Making friendships are very important in college, especially when faced with the prospect of living away from any familiar faces. Academics is only part of the college experience, transitioning to another stage of life is the implicit purpose. The less alone one feels in this transition period, the happier and more successful they will be in college, and even in life.