University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

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.