University of California-Berkeley Top Questions

Based on my personal experience, you have to trust your instinct and remember that there's nothing wrong with changing your mind. Going to college is a huge step and an honorable one in itself, so worring if you're going to make a wrong decision shouldn't stop you from pursuing your goals. Also, never let the cost of college dissuade you from following your dream! There are so many opportunities for financial aid and many people willing to help! Just take time to fill out applications, and start early! There's money out there for YOU. And remember, college should be fun as well as academic. Find a school that will fulfill your needs scholastically, socially, culturally, even aesthetically. For me, Berkeley's fun surrounding area and beautiful campus won it for me! And of course, don't stress too much about your major just yet. It's normal to change your mind or feel lost. Just remember to keep your head up and have an open mind, your major will find you! So good luck finding that perfect fit and get ready for the time of your life!

Research the social culture of the campus that you or your child will be applying for, and make sure that the culture is synonymous to the students character.

Visit a school before you decide that you love it. While academics and reputation are important factors when choosing a school, another important aspect to a school is its spirit. While the feeling of one school might be great for one person, that same school might not be the right environment for you. In order to make the most of your college experience, you have to be at a school where you feel safe, challenged, and inspired. For me, UC Berkeley has inspired me to grow as an active member of my generation. I am motivated by the knowledge that we all have gifts that we can use to affect change, and as a student, I am already taking part in a movement of our generation to make changes politically, socially, and culturally. While college is about getting an education, do not forget that besides an academic education, college is where you get educated in the ways of the world, as we will be thrown into it when we graduate. Everyone learns in a different way and in different environments, so in order to achieve a worldly education, one must be in the right educational climate.

Ideally, the best college for anyone to attend is the one that feels right: whether it?s the people, campus or surrounding area, the college you choose should be the one you are most comfortable with, hands down ? after all, you?ll probably spend four years studying for your degree there. The best way to consider the ?feel? of a campus is to visit ??you?ll be surprised to see how a campus visit can change how you feel about a school (for reference, I used to hate UC Berkeley; after visiting, I fell in love with the campus and am currently a undergrad). On more practical terms, it?s extremely important to consider financial viability, proximity from home, travel expenses, academic and work-related opportunities, housing on- or off-campus, familiarity with people at or around school, grading statistics, and the university?s academic prestige. Most importantly, consider whether or not you see yourself enjoying your experience at a certain college, and whether you?ll be able to focus intently on your schoolwork at the same time ? if you can ?work hard, play hard? at a particular university, then it?s probably the best choice in the long run.

Go visit the college. If you have a gut feeling of being comfortable when you are there, that is the right fit for you. Don't be afraid to try new things- college is different than high school in that you will do different things from your friends, which is great.

Spend a few days at that college. Check out on campus life and off-campus life. Check out the public transit, nearby stores, distance from home, and if the school provides desired studies and extracurricular activities.

Listen to your gut. In the end, the student makes what he or she wants out of the school, the school does not create the student. Every college is unique and students should remember that they will find positive aspects at everyone of them. When finding the right college, make sure to look at key elements such as location, campus life, school spirit, and programs that the college offers. There is no one perfect college for everyone so students should be willing to apply to several in order to make a final decision. I know from personal experience that Berkeley was the right place for me because of the free, easy-going spirit on campus and the location was phenomenal in the California Bay Area. The moment I stepped onto campus, I knew this was the place for me. Everyone will get their 'aw ah' moment from their own college...I would say be patient and the right school will come looking for you. Don't get discouraged because college will be a great experience no matter where you are accepted in the end. Once at college, get involved in student groups and take unique and interesting classes!

I think the biggest piece of advice I could give students is to be positive, stay open minded, and keep your options open. Admissions are ridiculously competitive these days (and they're only going to get more competitive and demanding over the years), so though one may not get accepted to his/her first, second, or third choice, he/she will realize that a college experience is really what you make of it. If a prospective student attends a large university (as I did), it's important to get involved socially and within the academic and surrounding communities to establish networks and make the school seem smaller. I believe if you work hard, you can play hard, but prioritizing is key. I would advise parents to simply love and support their children. College is a critical developmental period in an individual's life, and though the child/student is relishing in their independence, he/she will also need parental guidance along the way.

Dear parents and prospective college students, it is wonderful to look at rankings and the overall prestige of different schools to find the best college for you, but you really should weigh other factors to see if this school is a perfect fit. Do you blossom in more personal settings, urban cities, really diverse peers, and a wealth of social opportunities? Do you prefer to be in a large population, in a small town, with people who look and think like you? These are all very important questions that you must ask yourself before you choose a college. Your college needs to be a perfect fit for you, because your experience can either be one that can only come once a lifetime or something akin to pure hell. College is like the transitioning of your life from child to adult and you need a great springboard into the working pool. So pick one that will make you happy.

Visit the college before hand to really see if its the right fit.