University of California-Santa Cruz Top Questions

It depends. I think I would come here but with a different mentality. If I would not come here it will be because of the lack of "funness" and sports system this school has. Other than that, I will return.

You'll be surprised but when you get to school, people will still act like high schoolers but others will definitely show you that college almost always makes a change on those giggling prom queens, snorting nerds, languishing outcasts and chortling jocks. Oh, and dump your girlfriend, you don't need--nor have the ability--to put up with that crap 7 hours away. Go out and meet new people. This means Everyone. Don't drink TOO much, you moron. Your dorm room will be in violation of California Housing Regulations and will appear to be designed by a man who truly hated children. It's going to be cold in Santa Cruz; nothing like LA, so for God's good mercy, bring a jacket. Don't be in a rush to sleep around when you DO drop your girlfriend, you'll regret it more than you think. Talk to your counselor and declare that major early. Don't buy so much crap you don't need, save it for Sophomore year. Meet Alina Bogdanovica, Christopher "Griffin" Hoffman, Katherine Simpson AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Read Neil Straus's "The Game". Oh, and it's okay to highlight your textbooks.

As an individual one of the most arduous task in my life is having uneducated parents. My parents could not attend college in this country because they do not have legal status. As a result they never learned to appreciate the significance of higher education, and thus cannot relate to my desires to excel in school. The harsh conditions that I have faced have encouraged me to fill my desires for a better life. The difficulties have only strengthened my character and increased my desire to excel as an individual. After all, an individual does have control of his own decisions. Therefore if i would go back to high school as a senior I would apply to may scholarships that i knew i qualify but i could not receive them because i did not know the dead lines. I would also take as many college classes as i can so that i may also be ahead of the game. I would Challenege myself more academically by taking more AP courses to obtain a higher GPA. I would also have practiced dreesing different. The most importantant thing that i will tell myself is envision yourself big and you will obtain that.

If time travel were possible I would tell my tell my high school self to be open and accepting of all people, because in college you become immersed in a society that is unlike any you have or will ever experience again. The people you meet come from all walks of life and have invaluable information to share with you, so don?t be so judgmental. The same goes toward taking advantage of all available resources and opportunities that a college campus provides, such as tutoring, internships, and definitely office hours, because after all, academics is why you are here. Don?t be afraid to ask questions no matter how trivial or stupid they appear, and definitely don?t be afraid to challenge your professors or make mistakes. How else will you learn? Most importantly you will come across many situations that make you uncomfortable, but do not compromise yourself in order to fit in because you can only pretend to be someone you?re not for so long before you lose yourself completely. College is about finding yourself, discovering your interests and talents, and pushing yourself to always do better, so never lose sight of why you are here.

Though it can be considered as an added bonus, attending college goes beyond leaving home and your parents. College is the first step into adulthood. Keeping that in mind in there are a few key things to know before taking the leap into college life. Balance your schedule between three crucial aspects of college life: academics (after all that is why you?re going to college in the first place), extra-curricular activities to spark potential interest outside the classroom, and social activities because without them you will go insane at the idea of living at school. Take advantage of so called ?free? tutoring, keep in mind that it?s being paid by your tuition fees and if you don?t use it it?s be like throwing money away plus you could learn something in the process. Relay on friends to keep you mentally grounded because they see the world through your eyes and are in the same position. Enjoy the new found freedom and just try to be the best you imaginable.

Students should take the time to get to know their professors and conselors. They are able to inform students about opportunities for their futures. I recommend getting involved with clubs and/or different activities on campus because it is a great way to meet many people with the same interests. I also highly recomend getting to know your floormates and talk to everyone. It is important to be tolerant and open-minded when meeting new people. This way, you will really get to know amazing friends and learn a lot about yourself as well. The social aspect of college is important of course, but don't forget about the academic portion as well. Keep up with studies and be aware that there are many few programs and study groups that schools provide for students who need just some extra help.

FINANCIAL AID !

The advice I would like to give to parents is that let your child pick whatever college they want even if it is far away. It is the students that are going to attend the college and not you. You may think you know what is best for your child, but trust them. Many of the colleges that are out there are great and offer help to the students. Have faith in your student and start letting them make their choices. You are not always going to be there when they start facing greater challenges. The advice I would like to give to the students is try no to let financial status stop you from going to the college you want to go to. Get a summer job, apply for scholarships, do whatever possible. Also, research the campus you want to go to and try to visit it before you decide that you want to go there.

Give yourself plenty of time and apply everywhere. Out of those accepted try to get the one that best supports what you are trying to accomplish. If you cannot decide what you want to accomplish, then weigh how much you are willing to pay versus how much you want/need to get out of the experience. Remember, if you decide what to do with your life after college, trade school/Master's degree can be taken in subjects other then what your major dictated.

I would advise the student to look for a college where they feel comfortable. If they know someone who attends that college, they should try to get a tour from them to get the inside look. They should narrow their search by knowing if they prefer a small college or a large one, and also consider the climate of the area the college is in. If they do not enjoy the weather in that area, they will probably not enjoy their college experience. Also, if there are particular fields of study they want to go in to, they should search for schools that excell in those areas. In addition, I would advise that they not worry too much about the prestige or reputation of the school because getting a college education in an atmosphere you are happy in is the most important objective. Just having a college degree is a step forward and can put you above many job candidates. Lastly, I would recommend that the student just remember that finding the right fit for them is the most important goal and that once they find the right college, everything else will follow.