University of California-Davis Top Questions

Most colleges, with the exception of the top known colleges, provide similar, if not the same, type of degrees. Thus, the only real difference that separates each college is the experience. The experience involves how well the environment helps in studying, what type of entertainment there is locally, how far away from home is the college, and other situation enhancing things that make the two to four year learning trip more interesting. The whole point of going to college is of course to study and attain a favorable career, but during the learning experience it is also crucial to make good connections and enjoy the time being spent.

Find a school that (1) has the major that your student is interested ,(2) has the type of environment that your student thrives in, and (3) Support your child in watever decisions they make.

Choose the school that you feel is best for you. Even if you choose it for specific reasons, it usually ends up working out. Also, make sure you live in the dorms and make lots of friends. I found that after you get out of the dorms its hard to keep in touch with people and you end up having a boring time. Also don't judge the greek system at your school before you get to know it. I joined my 2nd year in college and it was the best decision. Wait a year before you join unless you know for sure you want to! If you wait a year you will make a lot of outside friends so that when you join the greek system, you will also have outside friends to balance out your social life. Also, take classes that will show you what your major is really like and don't be afraid to take chances. Because you may take a class in another field and realize that you belong there and that is your passion. Be open minded!

I would urge students to walk around on the campus they want to attend in order to truly see if they can see themselves there. I would urge parents to have financial boundaries with their child. I saw so many parents hand out money to their kids in college that was wasted. To make the mot of a college experience requires effort on the student's part. Involvement is key. Connecting with your peers on campus in any way -- socially or in an interest group -- will truly enrich your experience. Also, treat college like an 8-5 job. If you are either studying or in class during those hours, just like a job in the real world, you will succeed (and have your evenings for fun. Also DO NOT GET A BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND. I think it is an unnecceary distraction. =)

Choose a school that has a reputable program in what the student in question wants to major in. If the student is undecided about his/her interests, choose a school with outstanding diverse programs, friendly students, and networking systems. A school's environment and accessibility to everyday conviences can greatly enhance a student's morale and study habits or disrupt a student's concentration and productivity. A positive social support system is very important to anyone under stress from finals and such, so join clubs to meet others with similar interests and find study buddies.

I would say the most important piece of advice I can give to someone looking into different college options is to visit the schools you're considering, walk around the campus, and see how you feel there. Do you feel at home or unwelcome? Talk to as many people about their experiences and what brought them there, and whether they would go there again if they got the chance. Talk with professors in your department and see what they are like. Talk to alumni and ask if they feel that they were well-prepared for grown-up life. A school can look great on paper, but that's no way to predict your experience or how you're going to feel when you're there. People are generally very willing and eager to help out prospectives, and if they're not, that also gives you a good idea of the school atmosphere. Good luck and I hope this helps.

College is about exploring, but if you can find what you like early on, work towards it by doing internships. A college degree is great, but it's not enough anymore as our country and world continues to develop.

Go to uc davis period

Visit the schools you are interested in attending. Make sure you can afford the housing around campus. Make a list of things that you would prefer (big vs. little city/town, campus size, etc.) and make sure that there are multiple programs you are interested in so that you have an alternative if one major/program doesn't work out.

Choose a place with many many opportunities. I was able to participate in several different internships, which helped to shaped my career goals. I was also able to travel abroad for the summer, which was one of the best opportunities in my life. Make sure it's somewhere the student will be able to focus but still have a life. Make sure its somewhere the student can feel comfortable and fit in.