University of California-Irvine Top Questions

Visit the campuses of the colleges you are considering and talk to students who are already there to find out what life on the campus is really like. Even if you live relatively close, you should still dorm the first year if at all possible. You make friends that you will be with for the rest of college, if not life. Commuters have a hard time meeting people and making friends. Dorms may be a distraction, but they also provide you with a lot of people in your classes to study with. Look at the area around the campus to find out what activities there are. Much of what you can do with your friends is decided by the surrounding area, because not a lot of people have cars and those that do don't always want to drive a long way. Always try to be friendly and talk to people no matter what they may look like, because you don't know what they are really like as a person. You'll make a lot more friends that way.

Parents: Remember even if the school is great that doesn't gaurantee and internship, or a good job. All schools are the same they all have libraries, teachers etc. What matters most is where your son/daughter wants to be (for reasonable reasons) when they're happy, they'll be able to operate better. This also goes for a major, this is THEIR life, (art major? that can = museum restoration artist). This is when we leave home (sorry) so reminder: the more you covet us the farther we will run, try to see your son/ daughter as an adult and treat them like one (mom DON'T do their laundry!!!). Students: Keep your head, college is fun but its not so fun if you flunk out cuz you didn't realize how much work is covered in those days that you ditched. try to time manage and you'll have a great time. Try to put yourself out there and be open to new ideas and people, having a narrow mind set will land you in a corner...by yourself. People at college usually have zero tolerance for any racial or discriminatory slurs, leave ur dirty shoes at the door.

I would tell all students to take a trip and look at the campus, you will know right away if the campus is right for you. Make smart choices when applying for college, if you don't like snow, don't go somewhere it snows. Find a school that will challenge you academically and that is known for having a strong program for the major you are declaring. If you don't quite know what you want to do with your life yet, then go to a community college first and take fun classes and have fun for a year while figuring it all out. Once you know go to a school that excels in your chosen field, all of the hard work will be worth it in the end.

Make sure to actually visit the campus and take a look at the people who go to that college. Ask yourself, do those people look like my child, or who I want my child to become? I know that I, as a person, have changed drastically since I have come to college, and UCI has helped me make that change for the better. Make sure to take all aspects of college life into account, not just academic. Will it be fun? Your son or daughter is about to spend four of the best years of his/her life there. It should be enjoyable. On the flip side, make sure that the they will actually learn something as well. Take a look at the surrounding companies. Will there be god jobs there after graduation or will they have to move to find work? Most of all, be supportive of your child's choice. It's his/her life, after all.

The UC system is the best.

I don't think you can really tell how your college life will be like from looking at the school. It often times depends on what you get involved in when you get into college, and you should definitely get involved, but i highly recommend visiting the school and exploring the area around it also. Go up to a current student at that school and talk to them about how much they like it there. Talk to an enthusiastic counselor Try going into a big lecture hall and see if you like it; some people don't like big classrooms so this may not be right for you. But all in all, choose the school that feels right to you, not to your parents or your friends; follow your own heart and instincts and you should be happy.

Apply to a college that you can walk away with a 4 year degree. Many colleges don't make transfering easy.

Colleges around the country are all generally the same. You pay money to attend a class taught by a research professor, get good enough grades to pass, then receive your diploma in the mail. Choosing the right college is not just about statistics or great job placement, it is also where you will feel the most at home. Too many students experience burn out from high school or after college so pick the college that fits your personality and daily needs the best, and get active on campus. Pick the school where your investment won't go to waste. When you feel comfortable, you will excel, naturally. Oh and of course, don't procrastinate!

Have fun is essential to being successful in college. All science and no philosophy makes for a very poor experience. Being well prepared is key. As we know chance favors the prepared mind, so it is necessary to plan according. One of the most important things that I have learned thus far is that sometimes you must take things in stride because, things will not always go your way. It is important to stay positive and embrace change. Those who remain static will not thrive in a college environment. College is a time for a person to explore new things and meet new people. Many people focus on what they learn in class, however, there is so much more to school than learning about what is in a text book. To make the most of your college experience you must go beyond just books and lectures. Some of the most important things you learn in college will be about who you are as a person. To be sucessful in college you must go into it with an open mind and realize that learning comes in many shapes and forms. Navigate college with this in mind and you will be successful.!

The first bit of advice I would say is to actually check out the campus before choosing. Most people seem to have a gut feeling about a place once they've arrived. If you don't see yourself making a home there, then it's not for you, simple as that. A school with many different major choices is also ideal as most people seem to change their mind about what they want out of the college experience. If they school has endless possibilities, so do you. Also, to make the very best of your time at college you should get involved either with sports or clubs or the greek system. For the first 2 years of my college experience I did not participate in anything and I thought that I hated college. I was however extremely wrong. I came back for my Junior year and decided to trun over a new leaf. I rushed a sorority and joined 2 clubs. Now, I don't ever want to leave! I've made friends that I'll have for life and made memories I'll cherish forever. There is no right and wrong answer here, just follow your heart.