California State University-Sacramento Top Questions

When looking for a University there are a few topics to look into; affordability, schools academia, and social involvement . After finding a list of schools your family can afford, then look through the ammenities that are of interest to both student and parent. Chose three possible future jobs of interest and then look to see if the school of choice offers a major that works for one, or even overlaps to more of those future goals. It is important to read the student handbook for your major of choice and always double check with your advisor. Once you have found which schools of choice cover all of your career goals, then look to see if the school is located in an environment that is safe and fun according to your liking. Some schools have a large social life associated with fraternaties and sorities. Parents should speak up about their experiences and future students should look into the pros and cons of greek life, not all schools are the same. A student should also consider in their choice if they are looking for a commuter school or an involved campus. These choices make all the difference in the next four years.

To first make alist of what the student is looking for and then to visit the campus.

Parents should never choose the place fot the student. Students will always find the place where they belong, although it might take them longer then parents would want, to find the right place for themselves. Our parents once had a chance to make their own decisions about where they wanted to go and what they wanted to do and now it's the student's turn to make that decision. It is important for the parents to always encourage the student to do their best and to choose their own destiny even if the parent does not agree with the student's school choice. It is now all about the students and the things they achieve, rather than what the parents want for their children. If you want to have the best time in college, choose a place where you will feel in peace and joy. Look around and notice the environment and the people that will be around you for maybe more than a couple of weeks. You will have to see them quite often, so make sure it is something you won't mind to see.

To parents and students: I would advise you to pick your future college based on your major. That is what I did. I would also advise you to visit the school and your department of interest. Meet some of the professors. Tour the campus. See work done by current students. Once you have been accepted into college, get involved in your classroom, make friends, join study groups, and campus clubs. IF you can, work on campus. You get to meet lots of other students. And lastly explore all major that interest you.

The advice I would give parents and/or students who are finding the right college is to make do a campus tour to familiarize with the surroundings and people on campus. The advice I would give parents and/or students who are trying to make the most of the college experience is to become involved in school activities for either entertainment or career related.

Routinely check in, but make sure your student knows that, during these next few years, it is their responsibility to shape and to invest in how they wish to spend the rest of their life.

Take time to research the school's curriculum and how your academic goals match up with the school's available resources. Make an appointment with the school to get a tour and get oriented, attend orientation of the top schools' that you would like to attend.

I would make sure to let them know that it is very important for them to go on a orientation and to come with questions for them to ask their guide. When they are chosing a university they need to make sure that it is a correct fit for them as an individual. The student needs to make sure that they realize that they are going to be spending at least four years of their life at that university and surrounding themselves with other people interested in that demographic. So they need to take their time and make sure that they explore all of their options. In the end you will know which one is the right for you.

Finding the right college may be one of the most important decisions to make as a student. Doing thorough research on the colleges that accepted you is a start, this allows you to choose the best college for you that best fits your personality and likes. Reading student reviews about campus may give you an idea of how campus life may be if you are to choose a certain school. Reading some of the professor?s biographies, if available on campus websites, may be useful in determining the teaching style of the school. You will then have an idea of what to expect in terms of academic success. Lastly, visiting the campus may be the most important thing you can do when considering a school. Being able to visually interpret campus life first hand may be the deciding factor. Visit common places on campus where you will most likely spend the most time, such as the library for studying, the student union for social events, or the cafeteria to fuel your body. Keep in mind that these are suggestions, so don?t take them as rules set in stone while searching for that college that best fits you, the student.

High school is a time when individuals are just starting to learn who they are as people. The coursework can become overwhelming and when senior year finally rolls around, do not take the easiest path to college. Challenge yourself and strive to make it into the college that best suits you. This does not mean that the only acceptable choices are Harvard or Stanford but rather an institution that reflects parts of your personality. It is a life decision and one that should not be taken lightly. The connections and experiences that you have in college reflect those that you will be granted once you graduate from that institution. College is not simply about passing the classes and getting into the perfect master's, doctoral, or fellowship program. It is about taking in the world of experiences that are found on each campus. Walk the grounds of the university; sip a hot cup of coffee in the rain; run through the sprinklers; be spontaneous. Most importantly- live in the now! College is a special and indescribable moment in our lives- do not forget to cherish the experience because once you move on, you cannot go back! So LIVE!