California State University-Long Beach Top Questions

www.californiacolleges.edu www.assist.org www.csumentor.com www.collegeboard.com Look through all those websites and you should be fine and well informed (California residents and any out of state residents that plan to attend a California institution).

Let the student make their own decision when it comes down to school because then the tudent is responsible for the dicisions they make.

I would highly advise any parent and/or student to visit the school they are considering for college during a time in which classes are in session. I would also advise to definately try to get a tour given by a university student, preferably one in the major that the student desires. The school environment can make a major difference in how you choose your school. My original first choice for college was made prior to visiting the campus, but soon after, I decided that the school was not for me. My allergies were very bad there, the people did not seem nearly as friendly, and it was a very far drive from my hometown. I had never considered CSULB before, but after visiting the campus, I fell in love. The campus was beautiful, the environment was comforting, and they had a great program for my major. If I had not visited these campuses, I might have made a choice that would leave me unsatisfied with my college experience. The academic quality of a school is very important; however, the environment of the school can make a great difference.

When looking at colleges to attend, go choose a major based on what you think will pay well. Find something in your life that you love to do, then follow that dream. Four years and $50,000 is very hard to get back when you end up with a degree that you aren't really happy with. Once you have found the right program for you, put your all in to it. Get the homework done and time and study for the tests. There is always time to have fun with your friends, but there is less time after college to do what you want if you fail out of some classes and stay in school for six years. My best advice is to follow your dreams. I've customed my major to what I want it to be, I am planning on an internship the summer after my third year, and hopefully will be able to land a job in my chosen field while attending school my last year. College is one of the best experiences in life, but remember, it is supposed to lead to a better experience.

The most important thing in my opinion would be to attend a college where the student can live on campus. Living on campus is very important because that is the way to make friends, becuase I attend a comuter school, I have yet to have a set group of friends, and I think that if I were to live in a dorm I would have the opportunity to not only meet and befriend my room mate and suit mates, but also usually dorm halls tend to have social gatherings to promote a social life. Also a school that has a large variety of majors is always great because if you happen to change your mind half way after declaring amajor, you always want to have the option to change to a major that you will enjoy more. Overall I have enjoyed my first two years of college, it really isn't as difficult as they say, so just trust yourself and be confident in that you will do well.

In helping either a fellow student or parent in a college search, I would advise them to research the quality of institution, as well as visit it. It is important to get the feel for a place of education because I truly believe that if you're not comfortable with your environment, then it will take a toll on your ability to learn. Remember to interact with current students and ask them how they like their institution, and if the classes are academically challenging. It's also best to start checking out colleges as soon as possible, because the earlier you start the more motivated one will likely be in their current studies. It is always best to lay out a future plan, regardless of whether one wil stick to the route because it at least gives a person a sense of direction and perseverence. Most importantly, when one arrives to college and settles in, don't hesitate to start talking to other people as soon as possible, because networking is probably one of the most beneficial things a person can do, not only socially, but futurewise.

Find a school that offers a wide variety of opportunities. You never know what ideas will spark your interest and you want to have ample opportunities to pursue the things that you love in life. Don't ever not try something because you think it is too hard or too different. When you reach for a higher ceiling you give yourself more room to grow.

I was very lucky in my college experience to have received positive support and advice from students and family members. That support and advice got me through a very difficult period in my life--a time where what I specialized in could possibly be all that I did for the rest of my life. Most students struggle with that, thinking that they are tied down to their college major but that is not true. That's the advice that I would give parents or students--support a positive learning environment rather that one that is so specialized. If, as parents, you encourage them to go to a school with numerous major options and a flexible learning cirriculum, your future college grads won't feel so pressured to make a life changing choice before the 60 unit major decloration deadline. College is such an amazing experience where people not only expand their minds, but they expand their group of friends, their tolerance of diversity, and their overall understanding of who they are and who they want to be. Enter with an open mind and a positive outlook of the future and you will make the most of your college experience.

Follow your heart and embrace what you are passionate about. ?We cannot control the events that happen to us, but we can decide not to let them reduce us. Try to be a rainbow in someone?s could. Do not complain,? these are the inspiring words from Maya Angelou. She is a passionate woman who is wise. She learned at a young age to count her blessings. Someone once told her that she was going to become a great woman. Use college as a chance to reach to the depth of your soul and paint the world as you see it through your very own two eyes. Perhaps, others will indulge in your work and appreciate the colors of your imagination. My time spent during my undergraduate studies has been a time for me to explore myself and learn more about the world. College is your chance to become someone great with the help of other individuals and with the use of other resources. This college experience is a previlege that should not be taken for granted. I have appreciated all it has offered into my world. Enter college with an open mind and a big heart.

Make sure you visit any campus you are serious about attending because just one visit can make all the difference. You will be able to tell whether you like the school and feel comfortable there or not. Also find a school that has a good program for your major. And also find a school/location that is challenging in some ways or else you will get nothing out of it and will not have learned much.