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!