University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of California-Santa Barbara know before they start?

Megan

Visit the school first!

Amanda

Students should choose their college based on their personal interests, not those of their parents. Students should take into consideration the environment surrounding the campus, in case the social activities of the campus collide with their academic pursuits. A professor once told his class that what someone takes away from the college experience is not what can be learned in lecture. The best way to make the most of the college experience is to get involved. Many campuses have many kinds of programs suited for people with all kinds of interests. Joining clubs, forming study groups, and talking to instructors are excellent ways to get involved with the campus, as well as getting the most out of your education. For parents, understand that you cannot live vicariously through your children. This is their time to learn about themselves and develop their own identity. Support them always.

Lina

The best advice I would give students and their parents is that if thier student (or the student themselves) didn't get into their dream school, it's not the end of the world. They should realize that sometimes things are not meant to be and look at the schools that did accept them and wanted them to become part of their student body. They should also focus on finding a school that will bring them the greatest joy to attend. I wasn't so pleased with attending UCSB but once I visited the campus I fell in love with the atmosphere. It was an undeniable energy the students and everyone on campuse possed that it was impossible to ignore. Everyone was very relax,(perhaps because it was spring/summer time) but the vibe was beautiful. Students should definetly check out the school they are planning to attend before they agree because feeling the vibe and feeling that sense of belonging will be a very wonderful experience. Once you feel like at home at your new school you know you have made the right decision and make the most out of the next 4 years of their life.

Samantha

My dad always said that when it comes to college, there is a place for everyone. I remembered this when applying to schools, in hopes not of getting into the best school possible, but the one where i would fit most and ultimately be most happy. While my friends stressed over applications to Stanford, Princeton and Harvard, I already knew that I wouldn't want to go to any of those schools. I focused on the schools that met my own personal wants and needs, and ended up picking the school that fit me most. I can't describe how happy I am today that I went with my own gut instinct and chose my favorite school out of those that I was accepted to to attend. I now understand why they say that college is the best four years of your life. Everyone should be given the chance to have the best four years of their life, and it all starts with finding the place where you fit best.

Kimberly

always visit the colleges you are applying to. it is about feeling at home where you go to school. also get involved, whether it is sports, a job or a sorority. it helps to make friends when you stay involved in activities you are interested it.

Cyndie

Selecting a college can be an overwhelming experience for students and their parents alike. I feel that the most important step in selecting a college is doing research. Find out if the courses and majors offered are relevant to your goals. Look into clubs, sports, and the social life and decide if you can picture yourself fitting in. Visit the campus and imagine yourself studying in the library, or living in the dorms. Also, talking to current students is extremely important because they can give you a more realistic idea of the typical campus life. It would also help to visit the campus during a school day to watch the students as they go to their classes. Sitting in on a lecture or even talking to a few professors would also be a great way to help make a decision. The best way to decide which campus fits you best is to immerse yourself into the university. Whichever college you choose, remember to work hard but also make time to have fun. Making time to free your mind and relax every once in a while will make your college experience much more enjoyable.

Kristen

Make sure and research rent prices in the area, and jobs available.

Jordan

Choosing the right college is tough, not because there is just one out there for each person but because it is hard to recognize the right reasons for choosing a certain college. As hard as it may be, it is important not to let pettiness impact your decision. For example, prestige is not a measure of a college's worth and it is definitely not an accurate measure of how well it will fit you. Once you get there and start working, you'll realize that the playing field is totally different than it was in high school no matter where you go because everyone has the same goals. Competition takes on a new form in college: it is no longer about GPA, but rather what you choose to do with your intellect. College is about learning who you are through trying things you never thought you could. So, pick a place that seems inviting but at the same time full of people and activities that you aren't already accustomed to. The most memorable college experiences are ones in which you went out on a limb and found something out about yourself that you never would have guessed.

Kaitlyn

College is a once in a lifetime experience for young adults to expand their knowledge and ideas about people and the world, discover hidden passions and learn something new about themselves. In the process of choosing a University, students need to spend time thinking about what they know about themselves and their interests so far and what ideal environment they would be most comfortable and happy in for the next four years. I advise parents to listen to their children when discussing options for Universities and not push them in any way, unless they want them knocking on their door after calling it quits shortly after beginning their first semester. The University that students choose should entirely reflect their desires as they are the ones attending the school anyway. After picking the perfect college for themselves, not their parents, incoming students should enter into the completely new and often scary experience with an open mind. Open-mindedness and an appreciation for diversity, the opportunity to participate in unusual classes and have idiosyncratic professors, and the breadth of knowledge that can be acquired with a little effort drastically impacted my freshman year of college.

Alexandra

In order to select the right university for the student, apply to all the colleges you consider. The more acceptances you are able to choose from, the more likely you will pick one you can succeed at and enjoy. Visit every school you get accepted to and are considering. It's important to experience the place you may spend years of your life, firsthand. Talk to a student at the school, using any resources possible-- if you are not acquainted with anyone affiliated with the school, use tour guides, internet networking, and student employees at the school's offices. They will be able to provide the best feedback. To the parents, you must not pressure your child into somewhere you want them to attend. They will try to please you, but you may be forcing them into the biggest mistake of their life. Most importantly, the student and parents must work together to enjoy the experience of searching for, applying to, and visiting college. This is a huge step for students, and they need a lot of support and encouragement to make the right decision.