University of California-Irvine Top Questions

It really doesnt matter too much where you go (unless you really know what you want to do) because college is what you make of it. If you want to learn and succede, you will.

I would visit the campus during school session to really see what life is like on that campus.

Finding the right college depends on many personal factors, such as your career choice. A major distinction between schools is that the career outlook after college is either a professional or normal career. If you know you want to be a professional, you should choose a school that is research-based. However, if you want to be something such as a teacher or accountant, I suggest a school that is career-based. I want to be a teacher; I should have gone to a career-based university. People told me not to choose my school based on prestigiousness, but I did it anyway, and am now working harder to keep up with those around me who strive to become doctors, engineers and lawyers. College is about meeting new people and doing new things. The more you put into extracurricular activities, the more you will make out of your college experience. The more clubs and organizations you join, the more you interact with others. I think that involvement in extracurricular activities creates opportunities to meet so many new people who you would never meet if you just depend on meeting people in classes. Get out there and be involved!

I still don't know anything about most colleges. What it's really like to go somewhere is pretty inaccessible. Talking to people who go there is probably the best approach, but everyone has a different perspective, especially at a school where there's a strong division between sciences and humanities, so you should really talk to a lot of people. Making sure you're somewhere with a lot of options is probably a good idea, because you never know if you'll want to change your major later.

Go with the school that you really want, disrefarding any obsticals!

Students and parents both should definately check out what each potential school has to offer for the student. Prospective students should also make sure that their potential college offers classes, clubs, job opportunities, etc. that will ultimately help the student in achieving his/her career goal. College is an expensive investment, and therefore students must be sure that they are comfortable with the campus, community, courses, and other students before making the commitment of attending that school.

visit the campus. talk to current students about their impressions before and after attending the school

Try not to think too much about the career or future of the student, unless they have their mind completely set, because chances are they're going to change their minds in school. Research the average housing costs and make sure that there are enough agreeable social options. Find out if public transportation is a good option. Dont be discouraged about the high costs; where theres a will theres a way. Try not to dictate the student too much , but give only necessary concerns. Visit the campus to get a feel for what it would be like to attend classes there. Make sure the school offers the classes that the STUDENT is interested in. Make sure that the school's location is agreeable. Dont be afraid to put yourself out there. Your college experience is truely what you make of it. Get out there and live.

For parents and students finding the right college: Always go somewhere you think you will thrive (for example- You want to study biology, find a school that caters to your academic needs). I also feel that students who would like to stay close to home should find a campus that is around an hour away from their homes (if possible). It is really hard for people to adjust when they are accustomed to living at home and if they are family oriented. College is where you want to grow as a person and want to learn how to be independent. But in order to do that you have to feel comfortable with where you live and where you study. Also do not feel pressured to join a sorority or fraternity because you want to "fit" in. College is totally different from high school. Be yourself and find friends who love you for who you are and not what you pretend to be. Be true to yourself and the people around you, then you'll find friends that will last even past college (lifetime friends). Enjoy life and don't stress too much. Although grades are important, life experiences build character.

Realize that as a 17-year-old high school graduate, you probably don't have a clear idea of what path you want to take in life, so don't be afraid of the stigma associated with Junior Colleges as an option to give you some time to figure yourself out. Four-year-universities cost a lot of money, so unless you are completely determined on your path when you enter, you probably shouldn't make the investment just yet.