University of California-Davis Top Questions

Think of college as an opportunity to expand more than just your academic knowledge, but as an opportunity to learn more about yourself. Try not to think about your degree with the thought "I just have to get it done," as you have a rare, exciting chance to explore a wealth of knowledge and ideas that can, and will, open doors and opportunities you never thought possible. Get involved, join clubs, take classes "just for fun" to learn something totally new; you never know where inspiration and new career goals will arise. College is the chance to find and pursue your "passion," a chance to find "exactly what you want to do in life." Yes, coursework will be though, some G.E. classes will seem almost pointless, but keep your sites on your passion, your reason for attending college in the first place. As a recent college grad of 2008, I can honestly say that I know what I want to do in life, I know my "calling" and where my aspirations lie, which I attribute to the education I sought out in college. Pursue a college that offers a wide variety of acedemic experiences, and find your "passion."

Balance is key. You need to find a school where a good portion of the student body shares your interests--finding a social niche is one of the most important things that you can do in college.

The setting and city around college is important because you want to be in a place where you feel comfortable and safe. You also want to look at the type of majors the college specializes in or places more emphasis on. Money may be an issue for some folks but remember: there is no price limit to education. Despite what it costs, if this feels like the right college, go there. Financial Aid is always available and loans are not too bad to think about.

take your time

To parents, don't try and choose your child's school for the. It is a decision that only they could make, just because you had fun there or you like the school doesn't mean that your child will. They will take what you have to say into account because they trust. Don't try and take advantage of that, remember this is where they will be spending a nice chunk of their life and gaining experiences that may mold them into the adult they will become. Let them be who they are. To students, explore all the possibilities before you choose a campus. Visit the campus, interact with some of the students, take a tour of the city see if you like life besides the campus. Don't try and go somewhere because all your friends are going there, you may not like it. Everyone doesn't like the same things anbd remember they may not be the same person you left high school with once you get to school. Enjoy your freedom but don't over indulge there is plenty of time for that once you hit 21. Have fun but be smart, knowledge is key.

The one thing that I learned from this process is that the school that you want to go to, may not be the best school for you. I applied to UC Davis just to see if I would get in, not thinking that I would actually go. It was the best decision of my life. You get out of college exactly what you put in, and you can make any school enjoyable. Be open to new ideas. My advice would be to not get hung up on one school, and if you do, don't be too upset, that school doesn't know what they'll be missing.

Advice that I would provide to people who are trying to discover the right college for them would definitely be for the student to go somewhere that they got accepted on their own merit, not follow their friends, and not go somewhere because their parents want them to go or the name of the university is impressive. I am a product of my own advice. My mother, father and brother attended and graduated from the University of Southern California. This is a pretty esteemed establishment, and even though they accepted me, I opted for UC Davis, which is still an honor to attend, but not exactly a private school like USC. Entering my second year, I would not have changed a thing. I have met wonderful friends, joined life-fulfilling organizations and learned thought-provoking and truly interesting things that trickle into my everyday life events. Even though my family wanted me to go to USC, UC Davis was best for ME. I knew virtually nobody and was eight driving hours away from home. Regardless, I not only survived, I thrived, and am still flourishing.

The most important thing is to remember that your first choice/dream school is not always the best school. I ended up going to a school I didn't even want to apply to in the first place, but it turns out that I love it! Don't judge a school by its rank or by what other people think of it. If you like it, don't worry or be ashamed because chances are, that gut feeling will work out for you. I know it is a cliche, but what you put into a school is what you get out. If you go in with a positive/open attitude you will most likely get something good out of the school, like fun classes, good friends and an amazing experience. In the end, the student is the one who has to go to the school, so it should be his choice and he should feel good about his decision.

apply for scholarships!

Four years is a long time out of a crucial point in a young person's life. A college is more than the sum of its success in academia. When choosing which college to attend, remember all the things that makes the college what it is; the atmosphere, the location, the student/faculty attitude, and everything that surrounds those elements. That combined with academia is a sure recipe for long-term success and enjoyment.