California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Top Questions

Start looking for Colleges freshman year of high school. Visit the campuses that appeal to you to further determine a compatability. Take a guided tour to learn more about the school

The first thing you must do is consider the schools from an academic level. Apply to schools that specialize in what you want to do. But how should you know (from 18 years of life) what you want to do for the 40 to 50 years of your life? You don't have to. But think about what you are good at and what you like and see what schools specialize in those areas. Acedemics clearly isn't everything though. You are choosing a home so look into the culture of each school. Go visit the campus and visualize yourself going there. Make sure you'll enjoy life there! Go into school with an open mind. There are all sorts of people to meet and tons of new things to learn. Everyone has something to offer and you can learn from "fools and from sages." Try to see things from other people's perspectives and look at the world from an impartial eye. From the words of Siddhartha Guatama, "belive nothing no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense."

The right college may not always be your first choice. Sometimes the school you really want doesn't accept you for whatever reason. But regardless of problems that arise, you need to look on the bright side and find a school that's right for you, that has what you want, that you can feel welcome at. Think about what you want to spend the next four years studying about and where you want to be. Whether it's biology or engineering or a city or suburb, you need to figure out what you want and if you'll be happy there. Go to different schools, see all the campuses, and keep your options open. And once you get to the school, try new things; don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people. Join a club or do some kind of extra-curricular activity. Have fun, but don't forget to study. It's all about balance. Do what's best for you, and not what's best for your friends. Enjoy it while it lasts.

As far as advice goes on picking the right campus, I would say that when you go to view the campus make sure that it "feels" right. Once you walk on campus and you can visualize yourself attending that university it makes it so much more real and exciting. Making the most out of your college experience is the whole point of going to college. Some things that will help make the best experience are to never stop trying to make new friends. If you think something is the least bit interesting or intriguing then go and look into it. It may just be your future career.

I would suggest visiting the campus and taking part in aa shadow program as a student.

Do lots of research on the school your looking at. Also, look at what the weathers like at the college, because of allergies can be affected by weather.

The most important thing one must consider is the true desire of the student. If the parents carry a weight in the decision-making of a school it should be purely for the student's best interest, because it is much more difficult for a student to wind up at the wrong school. Faculty and class sizes are important , as well as the overall size of the campus but most likely if the student is happy with the surrounding area and student population, it should be a good fit. Choosing the right college may seem like the hardest decision a young adult has to make which is why it is so important for the student to follow their heart. As far as making the best of a college experience, a positive attitude and strong will for a successful future is the key to finding happiness in college. Being open to new experiences and meeting new people is how people make the memories that last a lifetime and there is no better time than college to discover one's self. It is important to step out of one's comfort zone and enable a new chapter in life to manifest.

visit the campus

No matter what the parents want for their child, it is extremely important to find a school where the student feels most comfortable. To truely make the most of their college experience it is imperative that the student is happy with the city or town that the college is in. Going to a good school is only part of the experience; if the student cannot enjoy the place they live it will ruin the overall college experience. Another thing to keep in mind is a good balance between work and play. Focusing solely on school work will not provide a complete, enjoyable college experience but spending too much time avoiding school work will not lead to a good education. College is a time of incredible personal growth and a time for the student to figure out who they really are. Getting involved in a club or organization on campus is a great way to meet people with similar interests, as well as provide a way to discover all the campus has to offer.

As a high school senior, I don't think there was enough emphasis placed on deciding my intended major field of study. One of the most important things a parent can do to help their child is to identify and develop interests, passions, and talents. It happens too often that you hear a student contemplate the path their lives are taking in worrisome and unsure tones, and this can result in frantic efforts to switch majors and enroll in different classes, and as a result, time and money are wasted. Parents have the opportunity to encourage their children to involve themselves activities that interest them rather than placing all their emphasis on academic success. Their support builds a strong foundation, and a child would feel free to pursue hobbies and interests and eventually excel at them. I think choosing a college based on your chosen field is more important than choosing a college because of location, or demographical makeup, or architectural beauty. While these things promote interaction and shallow happiness, it's happiness in yourself that ultimately carries you through those four years of your life.