University of California-Davis Top Questions

When choosing a college, your primary concern should always be finding a place where you feel comfortable. I knew my college was right for me because wherever I went, older students and faculty would open doors for me or offer me directions when I looked particularly lost. Your college experience is supposed to help you find out who you are, but if you don't feel comfortable at your school you will be less likely to take risks and flex your intellectual muscles. Most importantly, do not choose a school for its reputation. Many prestigious universities may not be right for you, but if you are so focused on the name recognition of that school, you may never explore other options that may be a perfect fit for you. Do not be afraid to wander off the beaten path-- it is the best way to get to know yourself and find your academic and personal passions that will guide you for the rest of your lives.

Classes, tuition, location, student life...these are many of the focuses that parents and students have when trying to decide which college or university would be the best fit. And I can tell you, they are all critical pieces of information. But when making this very important decision, I think the most significant thing to do is to make a campus visit. There is a feel and a connection that is made when you visit an area and see its community and people living their everyday lives. You are going to learn an incredible amount at almost every insititution you go to, and granted if a college is not very recognized in your specific field, it should be crossed off the list. However, I think it's even more important to feel like it could become your home away from home. The way to make the most of your college experience is to totally immerse yourself in that community. Don't go home every weekend, step outside of your comfort zone and most importantly realize that everyone there is in the same position that you are in. A new and exciting chapter of their lives. Make sure to enjoy it.

One important piece of advice that I would urge for students and parents to think about is what exactly you are looking to get out of the college you attend. I was looking for a school that was a large University and was also a well known research institution that offered a number of programs and majors. UC Davis is one of the nation's top public research universities characterized by a distinguished faculty and students of great potential and accomplishment. Davis offers a great number of majors and opportunities?, which ultimately made it stand out from other schools I applied to, as I was unsure at the time what major I wanted to pursue. In addition to being able to offer a variety of majors, the classroom sizes should also be small enough so you don?t "feel lost" in the crowd. Small class rooms encourage personal interaction and teachers are more apt to know their students as individuals. This promotes among students a sense of belonging, of pride in their community, their school, and themselves. As a result, students are likely to have better attitudes towards their school and make the most out of their college experience.

First and foremost, the future student must visit the campus to begin to have an understanding of it and the community surrounding it. I think from there a student can decipher if they will fit in or not fit in. You should be comfortable with your environment when you are in college, for if you are not, it's hard to really focus on your studies. Also, don't forget that college is about the experience as well as the knowledge. Make friends, become involved in extra-curricular activites, and enjoy yourself. All work and no play is no fun.

Choosing the right college has long reaching effects in not only the quality of education and preparation for students? future professions, but on the relationships and friendships they will forge while in college. What I?ve found after applying to both college and graduate school is that the faculty makes the biggest difference in choosing a college. More than a college?s prestige, location, or size is the faculty. The range of knowledge and skills that I gained from the men and women who taught my classes at UC Davis are what proved to me I made the right choice in going to UC Davis for college. Their passion and extensive knowledge of their fields make me proud to have been their student. The best way for students to benefit from their years in college is to find a unique balance between academics and their social lives. Living in the dorms my freshman year helped me forge circles of friends that still exist, despite the years and distance between us since we met. Students need to be self reliant and proactive in making time for both their coursework and developing lasting friendships with the variety of people they meet.

The college you chose is essential for your future happiness and success. College can be such an exciting and invigorating experience. It is a place to meet lifelong friends and/or partners, and the education you receive will open up many opportunities for the rest of your life. To future college students, I suggest that you find a way to be connected to the school early and often. If possible, live in the dorms your freshman year. You will meet so many diverse people and learn a lot about yourself (especially if you are like me and have never shared a room before). Get involved with an organization that you feel strongly about. Play intramural sports; they are fun and you don?t have to be an athlete to play! Use the amazing recreational gym (AKA The ARC) to workout?that ?Freshman 15? is NOT a myth! Stay focused on school. You are spending a significant amount of money to get an education and get ahead in life; don?t waste it. And lastly, be open to experiencing new people, new ideas, and new ways to have fun. When you are on a budget, you have to get creative!

Choose a college that fits you best. Don't worry about what your parents want or where your boyfriend/girlfriend is going. All that matters when you choose a school is that it fits you. Make sure that you can see yourself going there. Be realistic; if you get homesick, don't go to school across the country. When you visit, make sure you can picture yourself as a student of that school. Once you go to school, study hard, but have fun. This is the only time in your life that you get to be a college student so make the most of it. Work and play responsibly, but don't take college too seriously. Meet as many people as you can. College is what you make it, so make it a good experience.

The first bit of advice I would give to potential college students would be to find what works best for you. Although a simplistic and common sense suggestion, you would be surprised how many students failed to do so. It is easy to become overwhelmed with trying to find the school that offers the best programs, faculty, faculties, and even reputation; however, I want to precaution students that although important these aspects should not be the deciding factor in choosing a school. You can attend one of top schools in the nation and be completely miserable! And your sense of happiness will ultimately affect both your academic and social life. It is important to be realistic with yourself. Ask yourself questions such as: What type of person am I? What type of environment is most conducive for the way I study habits? Will I enjoy living in a big city or small college town? How far away is this school from my family? It is simple questions such as these that will make a world of difference in your overall college experience. If you are truly happy with were you are, it will reflect in all that you do.

It seems to be such a hard decision for many students..... what college should I attend? Many times parents and children have a hard time seeing eye to eye on these decisions as well. I believe most importantly, the college must have an outstanding reputation. A focus on education is what you're there for, not a party scene. A safe enviroment is very important as well. Another key point is that the staff must be unbiased, with non-discriminating attitudes. Accesible student aid, and assistance in getting additional student loans at the best rates possible is invaluable. A knowledgeable, helpful staff is going to make you feel secure in the decision you have made as well. I knew that I wanted to attended UC Davis Medical School, and wasn't going to stop trying if I had been turned down. I did not apply to any other schools, because of UC Davis's reputation, I felt I was making the best decision for myself, and my family. I believe it is so important to reach for your dreams. It's such hard work, but the payoff will be so rewarding. I am proud of the decision I made. Thanks!

The best advice I would give other students is to take classes that seem interesting to you, rather than solely pursuing those classes required by your major. College is a time where people learn as much about themselves as they do from their course work. Taking a diverse class load will make you more versatile and expose you to new ideas and points of view you may have nev er considered. It will be a lot easier to take your classes seriously if you choose classes you have a genuine interest in.