California State University-Channel Islands Top Questions

vist college campuses early in high school and once in college be involved!

Parents and students, beginners on the incomparable voyage toward and through your first year of college, welcome. This may be the most grueling phase you have yet to pass through, especially you students. Finding the right college isn't simple busy work; it is nothing short of painstaking. Given this oppurtunity, I am here, offering advice after a year of college under my belt. Students: Use your resources. The libraries, open-minded parents, even high school counselors, are all rooting for your team. Asking, seeking, and researching where, why, and how you are going to find your college is accessible and only going to benefit you, so play your cards right. Parents: Don't pressure. Of course you want the best for your kid, perhaps even more than they want it. Suggest, don't demand. Be interested, but don't pry. This is the hugest transition period of their adolescent life, so far. Stand back so their wings don't hit you on their flight out. To all: Put yourself out there. Don't be afraid to mess up, but learn from it. Let your mind be a sponge; absorb every aspect that interests you. Take it slow. Now, Go.

Take the time to find the college that fits your personality.

I would recommend that both the student and parents identify what they are looking for in a college/university so that you can evaluate potential schools via the website and/or school tours. Also, ask plenty of questions to current students, advisors, and faculty to not only get an answer in return, but to also get to know the attitude of your students future surroundings. Do some research online or check out recent reviews in magazines of which colleges/universities rate highest or lowest in a particular area of your interest. Getting to know the community such as the distance to the supermarket or place of worship/church. This will allow the family and/or student to get a feel for what the community has to offer, the condition that each of the neighborhoods are in, and if parking is going to be an issue...maybe another form of transportation might be a better choice.

I think the most important thing when looking for a college is really discovering first what you want to get out of your college experience. That way when you visit schools or even just read about them, you are able to determine whether that school would be a good fit for you or not. It is also important for students and parents to go and visit possible school options together, and if they school has some sort of program where you can stay overnight to learn what it would be like to actually live there, it is a good idea to try it out to truly get the full expericence of the school. Finally, the most important thing to remember for students when it comes time to choose a school, is to pick a school based on how you think you will do there and whether you will be happy there, not how established the school is or how many people you know that are going there because although it is possible to switch schools, you will be a lot happier picking the right school the first time.

I would visit the school of your choice before you commit to attend. That was very helpful for me in determining which school I would be attending.

You should definitely visit the interested campus; it is worth it! Don't be afraid to stay close to home. You will end up saving money in the long run. Plus, you get to keep your old friends close, and you get to make new friends as well. Sometimes big campus seem like the real experience, but what makes the experience is the people around you and how you interact with your campus. Definitely get involved, or find a job on campus. This will alow you to have a greater appreciate of your environment. Remember, this isn't high school anymore, so your parents won't be there to bail out- you're responsible for yourself now! On that note, there are no extreme clicks like high school, so don't be afraid of trying out for someting or ruhing for Greek-no one is going to sit there and make fun of you or point fingers. Everyone is there to find themselves and fiure what they want to do with their lives, so remember to put your goals first.

Deciding what college you should go to may seem almost impossible at times. I know people want to choose a college that is high in rankings for their major, or one that has a name, or even one where they will get an easy ride into a great paying job. Though in the end, when you decide on a college it should be one you like. Just because your parents went to a college doesn't mean that's the one for you. Picking a college is the first step into the real world. It should be your choice, and your choice only. Also, don't get disappointed if the college of your dreams turns you down. You can fight on, work hard for two years then transfer. Once at college, absorb yourself in the atmosphere of your campus. College is the best time of my life so far. It can easily be yours as well. You just have to not look down upon it. so what if it wasn't your first choice? Mine wasn't my first choice, and couldn't be happier! Good luck!