University of San Diego Top Questions

Choose a college that you(student) would feel comfortable at. Depending on preferrred location, intended major/minor, financial status, selecting one school may be difficult. However, the most important aspect of a college experience is to receive high education while enjoying the time spent at school. College to most people is the best time of their lives. If you believe the college you will choose has the potential to offer a advantageous yet joyous experience, that is the college for you.

Students, you do not know what you are going to do with the rest of your life. Whether or not you think you're the exception to the rule, it will change. Parents, bear this in mind, and help your children decide on a college based on the overall experience and a variety of academic interests, and not just their major. Also, pick something within your financial realm; you do not want to have to transfer. Parents, help your children choose the best fit for them; not for you. You get to support your child, but you aren't the ones going to college.

The best thing to do when deciding on what college to attend is to go and visit it. Learn as much as you can about it. Do an overnight visit, talk to current students, talk to professors, and visit the surrounding area. This is somewhere you will be spending at least the next four years and you want to enjoy it and not be somehwere you'll be miserable. If you know what you're interested in studying, look into how the school's department is. Do they even have the major you are thinking about? If you do not know what you want to go into, look at the overall classes the school offers. Colleges have descriptions of their classes available to students and see if any sound interesting. Also look into the extracurricular activities available--clubs, greek life, internships, jobs, sports, etc. The research will pay off.

Finding the right college is about going where you'll know you'll be happy. I feel that too many people apply to the big-name schools for the name and just that. Those schools aren't a good fit for everyone. Although it may come with prestige, you have to ask yourself if it's somewhere you could spend the next four years. If the answer is yes, then go for it. If not, go somewhere else. Ultimately if you're not happy with where you are, it will be more difficult to succeed. I think that in order to make the most of the college experience, you must do. You can't let opportunities pass you. College is a time in your life where you can explore your interests. It doesn't have to be anything big. You should do something you're passionate about and makes you happy. Yes, academics are very important. One cannot forget that. But again, being happy with who you are, where you are, and what you are doing makes the college experience.

Visit the schools. Talk to current students, not just the admissions office.

I would say find a college that fits you and your style of learning, I know that SD was appealing to me because the location but also the size of the school gave me a better student/ teacher racio which made going to class a lot more important to me. I knew from the beginning of my college search that I would get lost in a big school, and so that elimiated a lot of choices for me. Also do not be afraid to visit each school a few times to make sure you can actually picture yourself thier. If you can't, don't worry about it you will find another college you love just as much. First semester is a big adjusting period so don't be hurt if you fail you first test or sleep through a class just find the source of the problem and see how you can fix it . Over all I love college and would give anything to be a freshman again. It truely has been the best part of my life thus far and I am so excited for these last two years, and am anxious to see where I end up!

Avoid focusing on the prestige of the colleges in question. Rather, your time would be much better spent trying to find those few schools where the student in question feels at home, where he/she senses the majesty of limitless opportunities awaiting within the school gates, where that same student can look around him and be both intrigued and welcomed by the students he sees on campus. However, if that one school or set of schools fail to make themselves known to the future scholar or athlete in question, don't be alarmed! Cliche as it sounds, the most important thing to remember is that college is what you make of it. Attending that dream school might make the process easier, but ultimately it comes down to the student to create their expectations and hopes into realities. Be proactive, make friends to help through the hard times and create the experiences that will be remembered for life, and remember to always keep an eye on the schooling side of college, I know that sometimes it's difficult! :-)

It is highly important to plan a college tour, and pay very close attention to how you feel when walking on campus. You should feel welcoming and comfortable if it is a fit. It?s important to research what majors are big focuses. Also once decided on a campus research if it?s possible to get ahead in credits or if they accept incoming received from AP or IB exams. Walking and visiting the city and getting a feel for it is also important. It?s important to consider what extra-curricular activities they offer-if interested. The quality of professors is also a good factor to look out for, all of the professor at my school have a PhD. It?s also important to note if the school sends professors out for research a lot because then that means a student teacher is the one that you will see most often. And it is also helpful to ask college advisors from your high school if they have any opinions on the schools your interested.

The most important advice I would give to those looking to find the right college is make a list of the areas you are truly interested and try to find schools that have programs in those areas. Then decide what kind of college campus you would like to attend, if you came from a small community you might want to stick to small private schools or if you like having a relationship with your teachers then I would also suggest a smaller school. Don't always go for the bumber sticker pride schools. They are often too large and some classes will be taught by TA's not the professor. Once you get to college get to know your professors, they are your best chance of getting the jobs, internships, or advice that will help you obtain your career goals. Lastly, enjoy yourself at college find the right balance between school and play and your college career will be some of the best years of your life.

One piece of advice I would offer to prospective students would be to stay true to yourself. This seems easy, and like a silly piece of advice, but it is harder than you think. It is easy to loose yourself in the hundreds of colleges, each offering something different. This decision should be completely selfish. When making this life-impacting decision you should not have to give anything up. It may not seem like it, but there is a college out there that has everything you want. If they don?t have the sport you love, then don?t settle on that college. If they have the best dorms, but lack your favorite club, then don?t go there. You shouldn?t have to give up any aspect of your personal life during your decision.This is not a time to be swayed by your parent?s opinions, or your best friend?s, but it is a time you can be wholly selfish. You are the one that will live at and attend the school for the next four years of your life, this should be your choice and your choice only. Good luck, and stay focused on yourself!