University of California-Davis Top Questions

I was told to choose a school in the same manner I would select a shirt; pick one that is comfy, that looks good on you- by complimenting who you are. I did not go to the most prestigous school I got in to - and I beleive I am ultimatley happier because of it. Pick the college that is right for you not because that's where others want you to attend. Be thorough about your research- try to learn about the school through different sources- visit if possible. Once you are at school take advantage of all the diverse opportunities available- there are so many opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. However realize that your time is finite and you will have more demands on your time than actual time so be efficent. Ultmitaley I think most people love college once they get there- its almost more about being in college than the actual school.

Parents shouldn't force their children to attend schools they are not interested in,; this includes applying to schools they are not interestedin as well. Students must be happy at their school and study hard! The works begins from day one and there is no time for breaks.

I would advise parents and students to visit all the campuses they have in interest and learn as much as they can about what the school has to offer, especially in the area of their study. For the students, make sure to be a hardworker, a great time manager, and very organized. Take your education importantly, but also have fun with it.

My best advice to parents and students who are about to embark on the college choosing experience is to pick the college that best suits the incoming student. Your college is ultimately your academic and social network for the next four plus years and it is highly influential in the life that the student will go on to lead. What parents and students must do, is to visit the campuses that they are interested in. You will not know how you fit in with an atmosphere until you go and visit it. More important than a school's academic prestige, school spirit, research opportunities, or social life is whether or not the student fits in there and feels comfortable. Feeling welcome in a setting is what is going to help you excel. So, no matter what, visit the college you are interested in to see if you could see yourself living happily there for the next four years of your life.

Find a college that fits one's personality. UC Davis for me fits that very well. It is a relaxed college town and non-hetic places are easy to find. Yet at the same time I can easily go to the gym and play basketball or workout, also on the weekends I can find a party to go to. I would tell a prospective student that if they are a person that enjoys relaxing then go to a smaller college or a college similar to Davis with a small college feel. Contrary to that if they enjoy being around many people and are a more fast paced person than attend a colege that is in a big city. Just consider school that fit one's personal lifestyle to not only have a good environment to learn, but to enjoy their time at the college of their choice.

There are many pieces of advice that I could give but most of them, I am sure, have been said. However, one piece of advice that cannot be reiterated enough is to follow instinct. Students should pursue what they truly enjoy and succeed at while parents need to be supportive in any way they can. Students, find a major that is truly enjoyable and gratifying. It is extremely rare that a student straight out of high school will know exactly what they want to do. Do not be afraid to apply as undeclared! Try out some interesting classes while clearing out those GEs. Do not try to push through a torturous course load. You will be miserable. Of course there will always be hard courses, but they should be exciting challenges. I have seen so many college students half way through their schooling, headed towards a career they hate. I was almost one of them. Parents, help your child find their niche. Interest is the key to ambition. Dedicated, ambitious students will not only succeed in life but soar. Remember, it is important to be supportive but not intrusive. College is the student's opportunity for independence and self discovery.

The right college might not always seem right at first. Sometimes it's the luck of the draw. Getting stuck at a "less than dream school" because of money or other issues may cast a negative light on heading off to college. However, college is what you make of it. It may sound cliche, but it is a common saying for a reason. A positive attitude is necessary to make the most of the college experience. You can wallow in pity, anger, and sadness for not getting your top choice, or you can open yourself up and put all you've got into the school. If you want to have an amazing college experience, you have to make it amazing. Join clubs, try out sports, go to concerts and events on campus. Get involved in the things that interest you and make you happy. Now is the time in life to explore yourself and your passions, leaving all other's opinions behind. The more you give your school a chance and envision yourself fitting in and having fun, the quicker this will become a reality. Just consider that the top school isn't always best; the underdog may surprise you.

I will tell them to go visit the college first, before applying for it. And should gather more information about the college too.

Ask students who have attended or are attending the school you're interested in to get a honest account of the campus. Also, go visit the schools because visiting allows you to get a feel of the campus.

I definitely had a hard time when college acceptance and rejection letters came back. I had been rejected by most of my top choices and therefore when the deadline to respond to schools came around, I was still waiting to hear about my appeals to those schools. Because of this I responded to UC Davis without really investing much thought into it, because I was sure that I would get admission on appeal to UCLA and Berkeley. When I didn't, I was crushed and disappointed and started my freshman year with a bad attitude. However, it slowly dawned on me that I could make my college experience what I wanted it to be no matter what school I went to. Opening my mind made my college experience a hundred times better. I fell in love with UC Davis and strongly advise high school seniors to consider all of their options, because the right school for them DOES exist, it just may not be found in a way they expect it to. I am pumped to return to Davis and can't wait until fall!