California State University-Channel Islands Top Questions

My advice to those looking into college or helping someone find a college is to really search for the colleges that fit you individual needs. They should take the time to think about what they want to get out of college and in what type of setting do they thrive in learning. Literally, a person should make a list of their wants and needs like location, diversity, extra-curricular activities, school mission statement, student to teacher ratio, graduate rate, average number of years students take to graduate, job availabilty, housing choices and numerous other wants and needs. Also, you should really take the time to spend a day at the campus and speak with some of the students and not just your assigned tour guide because that is how you will really get to know the campus and look up the teachers on ratemyprofessor.com which will give you an idea of the types of teachers you will possibly encounter. My one advice is DO YOU RESEARCH!

Visit the colleges first before going to them.

If I had to give parents and future students advise about picking colleges I would advise them to take a trips to the colleges you like the most to see what the enviornment is like. Then I would look at the school's weebsite and determine if they have a wide variety of degree programs to choose from because smaller colleges don't offer as many majors as bigger schools. Lastly I would ask students who attend the college you like to offer some more incite as to how the school really is as far as professors and classes go.

For students - try your best to stretch yourself and meet as many new people as possible freshman year. While it's easy to meet people in later years of college (because most of us have matured and stopped caring about cliques and "being cool"), it's still not as easy as it is during freshman year. Every other freshman (with the exception of some commuters) is just like you and wants to meet more people, constantly looking to create/join a group of friends! Not to mention the lasting relationships they can lead to. So, push yourself and take that extra step to say a word or two to someone next to you about the professor, class, dining, whatever - that's all it takes. From there on, the other person will feel more comfortable and the next time you see him/her, a conversation and then perhaps a plan will develop. A great thing about college is how easy it is to make aquaintences. That's just about the worst that can happen when you say a word or two to the person sitting next to you. So, even if you're a shy senior, go for it.

Try to find a campus that makes you feel comfortable, not intimidated. Also, don't look at the campus and its facilities alone, spend the time looking into their academic programs and see what they have to offer you, this is the most important thing. Also, apply to a few different colleges that you like just to stay safe in the event that one school doesn't accept you.

College is about how much you and your family put into not where you go.

It all depends if your willing to make an effort for your college experience.

I believe it is very important for a prospective student and their parents to understand how vital finding the right school really is. The student may be spending four or more years at this campus and they should be proud of their college of choice. Once a student has narrowed down their possible choices, I would highly recommend visiting the campus for an overnight stay so that they may experience the school's atmosphere for themselves. Most importantly, the student should be very excited for a life-changing experience which will influence and develop thier individual futures. College is a place where young adults have the opportunity to grow as individuals and really begin to develop a true sense of self. It is here where our opinions and thoughts are challenged, strengthened, and truly understood by fellow classmates and professors. There is no right or wrong and the population is largely diversified which helps to promote a wide range of learning. College may have its challenging moments, yet I know I will look back fondly on these years and be extremely grateful for the opportunity I was given and for the friends I have made.

Chose the college based on YOU not based on what seems to be the better choice.

I think it is key to learn about the school, it's students, the programs they offer and all other aspects about the area and school itself. It is great to get involved and to feel a sense of community, so it is important to find a place that the student feels comfortable and welcomed in right away. Choosing a college is not always about price and location, it should fit the student's needs and interests. If a student has this type of environment, they will have a great experience and be most likely to succeed. Getting involved in internships and other career advancing activities is also an important key to advancing once the student graduates, so that should also be an important aspect of the school. Security and safeness is also one of the most important, if not the most important thing about a school as well. If a student feels comfortable and safe, they will do well and be happy, and so will the parents.