California Lutheran University Top Questions

Go where your heart tells you you should. Don't go somewhere because it will "look" the best on your resume. Don't go somewhere because others think you should. Go where you want to, because you want to. And once you get there, continue to do things for yourself. Be open to new things, but don't be stupid. Don't let your education get in the way of your learning.

I would check the majors, the cmapus and campus life, financial aid availablity, size, and distance from home.

Find a school that offers what you're looking for, then GET INVOLVED. Join a club, try out for a sport, etc. Find a school that's going to offer you more than just classes.

The most important thing about finding the right college is knowing what it is that works best for you. Finding a place that is comfortable for you, a place you could see yourself for the next four years. For me, it was a small school with personal interaction with professors and a close community feeling. The campus and the people became home for me and I have been back many times since graduating to visit professors, staff, and current students. Money is always a huge factor when selecting a school, and the thing is, everyone leaves college with loans. There are ways to make it managable, but dont let that be a deciding factor. Make a list of what is important to you and go out and find it. Stay overnight (if possible) and get a feel for it. Sit in on classes. But dont let money be the reason you dont go to the school of your dreams.

The college that's right for you will most likely not be your first choice. California Lutheran was the last school that I found on my search but it would have been my first choice all along had I known about it. The best thing that I can tell you is to look outside of your surrounding area because you only have four years at college so why not experience someplace completely different while you're there. And if you're not happy with the choice you made the best thing to do is to leave. Go where you're happy!

My advice to parents and students about finding the righ college is to do your research and visit as many schools as possible. I believe that the visit to my undergraduate institution is what sealed the deal on my decision to attend California Lutheran University. Visiting the school gives you a sense of what the school is like (how big it is, what the students and administration are like, etc.) and also allows you to see how you feel when you are on the campus. I visited a few schools and just had a gut feeling that they were not the right places for me, but once I set foot onto the campus of the school I attended, I instantly knew that it was the best place for me. The best advice I can give is to follow you instincts and do your research. To make the most of the college experience I would suggest that you be strong in your ideals, but also be open minded to the entire experience because college is about exploration and finding out who you truely are as well as what you truely believe about the world around you.

I am from Arizona where there are only three universities in the entire state. Like many other students, I wanted a college experience that I could be involved in and not feel like one more student out of thirty thousand. I chose to attend a small, beautiful school in California. With CLU's price tag it seemed like a dream but with two jobs, an academic scholarship, and hard work, it became reality. I cannot express how grateful I am that I found CLU. I have become a strong, independent person who enjoys waking up and going to class every day. I have many friends back home who are unhappy with their college choice of staying in-state and wish they could do all it over again. My advice is to not be afraid to take a chance with college; follow any passion that has been building up inside. Small schools especially give opportunities to become involved and learn on a deeper level. Find a ticket out and just try it. Maybe it will not work, maybe it will, but living with realization that you tried is something incredible that will always be there. follow passions

make sure to visit and really weigh your options. be social and willing to make friends, sometimes you would expect to be friends with some one but in college people are more willing and excited to meet new people. and parents i know you will worry but your son or daughter will be safe with friends. good luck and i hope you find the right school for you.

Talk to students that are currently attending the university because they will have the most insightful and current information. Look into the programs offered by the university that are related to all prospective majors (and remember that students change their majors a lot!) Look into how often the university raises tuition when deciding if the university is a good choice, financially, for you. Find out about free activities, tutoring programs, etc. and take advantage of them! Explore the surrounding areas and decide if you will be happy there with the activities/attractions nearby. Will you need a car to get there? Find out if the university is made up of mostly out-of-state students, in-state students, commuters, etc. What kinds of scholarships are offered at the university? Visit, and ask a lot of questions!

Follow your heart and remain open minded. In the end the school you choose will reflect you as an individual. Look for a school that exemplifies you as a person "in the now" and will affect you over the years in a strictly positive manner. Although your parents may influence your decision in choosing a school remember, your are the one that has to spend the next 4 or 5 years at that institution. Look for a school that is liberally sound. Professors will be more likely to empathize with the hardships of being a college student. Since a college is a community in itself ,take time and explore the different clubs, activities, and sports. In the end you will find yourself branching out and coming into your own as a member of the human society. Pick an institution in which you can imagine yourself leaving as a young adult and returning as a man or woman.