California Lutheran University Top Questions

I would advise student and parents to visit the campuses the student is interested in and meet as many people there as they could and talk to them about their expereinces. After learning as much as possible, pick the school that the student feels they would not just do well in, but thive off of. Thrive off of academics, social happenings, and being in an enviornment that makes them feel happy to be themselves.

Be open to new things, and try to meet new people and stay busy. It helps a lot with the transition to college, especially if you are moving out of state. Always give a new school at least a full semester before deciding it isn't right for you, and always take advantage of any social oppourtunities offered to you.

Visit the school for a weekend and let your student spend the night and maybe sit in on a few classes. It is very hard to find what you are looking for in a school with out seeing it for yourself. The most important part of finding a college is making sure the student is comfortable where they plan to spend the next four years of their life. Always remember that once in a college that you only have four years there which may seem like a long time but it is not so make every moment count. If this means running to Denny?s at 1:00 in the morning because you and bunch of your friends cannot sleep then do it. Grades are only part of the experience although it is important not to stretch your self to thin. Find that middle ground where you can balance school and fun.

My advice to any student looking to get into a good college would be to look at the diversity of the school, the student to faculty ratio, the surrounding area, and the overall atmosphere of the school. When looking for the right college, you should look for a school that has a very helpful faculty and administration. You should never have to feel lost or alone. After all, you're putting money and time into obtaining a good education, and you're going to want a school that is not only willing to help you reach your goals in life, but wants to see you succeed. I go to a school where my name is Catherine, not student #12345 and that's a quality every prospective student should look for. As far as making the most of your college experience, my advice would be to get involved! Join every club that you find interesting, play intramural sports, participate in community service, go to all the sporting events, keep an open mind, and most of all stay organized so that you can balance all of these fun activities with your school work.

If I was giving advice to prospective students and/or their parents I would tell them that the most important part in any college search is to visit the college campus. When you walk on campus and take a tour you will know whether or not the school is right for you. Then, when you find the school that is right for you, get as involved on campus. Whether you join a sorority/fraternity, a sport, a club, or a church group you will never regret getting involved but you will regret letting the opportunities pass you by. The biggest piece of advice that I can give anyone beginning their college career is this: Although grades are an important part of college, the most memorable and life altering aspects of college are the friends you meet, the experiences you have, and the memories you make along the way.

Look around at all different types of schools. Check out not only the campus, but the surrounding areas, the housing, the things to do at night, and on weekends as well. Get a feel for the people around town, and around campus as well.

Visit the school and take risks. Your young nows the time to discover the world and different cultures around you.