University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

Visit any campuses you are considering and be very ambitious in your selection. Pick the campus that is best for your interests, and make sure the campus has the resources that will best cater to these interests. Once you have selected a college, take advantage of the great networking and social activity opportunities it has to offer. This will help you to make the most of your college experience.

Sometimes the "right" college isn't what you should be looking for, sometimes it's about making the most of what you're put into, since that will be your first chance to start learning how to really live and survive life. My school was my last choice and to this day, I thank my lucky stars that I go to that school. So even if you're disappointed, fine, but you better stop crying soon or else you'll be missing the best and worst times of your life that will NEVER come again.

The best way to get the best out of ones college experience is to get invovled.

To parents I would say that they need to let the student decide because they are the ones who will be spending about 4 years of their life there, so it is up to them. All the student needs is unconditional support, regardless of their choice, because it is their life. To the student I would say to choose the place where they can see themselves and where they know they will find opportunities that will enhance their career options. Also, dont pay attention to prestigious names because they will only hamper your choice. I say this from personal experience. I am glad that i did not choose the college with a prestigious name because the experience that I have had at my current university has been better than I could have ever imagenied or hoped for. In order to make the most of your college experience dont be afraid to try and explore new things. Always be open to other peoples opinions and listen to what they have to say becauce one day you will want them to listen to you. Get involved and dont be shy and remember that mostly everyone is/has experienced what youre going through.

My advice to students and parents looking for colleges would be to make sure you have some idea of what your educational goals are. If you have a good idea of what you want to accomplish while enrolled, you will have a better idea of what college fits your needs as well as get a more fulfilled experience while in college. My advice would be to get involved in clubs and organizations on campus and utilize the services provided. Give back to the campus and involve yourself in research and other cutting edge things that are going on. If you are undecided on what you want to do, consider going to a community college for a year or two. This will cut down college costs and allow you to get your general education done while deciding what you want to accomplish educationally. Most of all, I would say try to have fun and eliminate as much stress as possible in your life. Be open minded and take time to develop your skills and interests and use the colleges services to aid you in this, that is why they are there and thats what you're paying for.

If there is anything I could say to younger students it would be to make the choice that makes them the most happy because in doing so everything else will fall into place. Your life and your college choice is entirely up to you therefore go to where you feel best. In regards to college experience, DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN! Don't let anything hold you back, work hard, and have fun! Remember life is too short. Make the best of everything.

Make sure you tour the different colleges you're going to before you commit to one school, because you may not like your decision after arriving. Finding the right school is just something that happens, you'll know it's right when you see it. Parents, make sure to help your child out with finding them sufficient financial aid if you are not already paying for it, and make sure you go with them to see where they will be living. Don't send your kid to some beat up party school where everyone drops out, that will just be a waste of time and money. Students, don't be afraid to seek help if help is needed. Most of all, make the most of every situation! As Tom Petty said, ?You have four years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with jobs. You'll never remember class time, but you'll remember time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So, stay out late. Go out on a Tuesday with your friends when you have a paper due Wednesday. Spend money you don't have. Drink 'til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does..."?

I would recommend that students go where they feel the would fit the best. They should really pay attention to how they feel when they are visiting the campus, and assess whether they can see themselves there for 4 years or not. I would also say that students will probably love whatever school they go to, even if its not their top choice.

Students--Don't allow your parents to make the decision for you. This is where you will be spending your next four years. Once you are in college, go in with a great attitude. Be open to new things and be willing to get involved. Everyone else is just as new and nervous as you are. Join clubs, greek life, play sports, do anything and everything!

College honestly is what you make of it. There is not much of a need to go to a really expensive ivy league school- that will not guarantee success. College should be more about the overall experience, not just making the right grades to get the "right" job. You are given four years to make life- long friends, make silly mistakes and make a lifetime's worth of memories, enjoy it, revel in it. This is your time to become the person you want to, don't waste it. Treasure every day and never pass up an opportunity. That being said, pick a school where you feel comfortable, but not too comfortable. You need an environment where you will be happy, but still challenged. Challenge is necessary for growth. Take your classes and friends seriously, they will shape the course of your life. Try taking some classes that interest you, even if they do not meet your major's requirements. Most of all, don't take any of it too seriously or you'll never enjoy it! Cheers!