University of California-Irvine Top Questions

To find the right college, keep your child's interest in mind because that is the one of the decisions that will impact his/her life the most. Even if you did not get accepted to the college of your choice, keep following your dream. If you love art, don't go majoring in Biology; that'll only make you regret and change majors later, thus a waste of time and money. Enjoy college for what it's worth: Study hard, play hard, and never let anyone put you down. It's what you make of it!

To look long and hard before deciding where to go. Choose one with a football team.

I think that parents should let their child choose, and be supportive. When looking at schools, try to think about positive aspects about each school. I know a lot of people didn't get into the school they wanted to get into and went to a school they didn't like. If parents and the child find good things about each school that he or she applies to, then it wouldn't be so bad to go to the alternative school if rejected from the one that the child wants to go to. It's best that child go to a school with a positive attitude rather than a negative, it changes the way he or she experiences college.

I believe the most important thing to choosing the right college is how comfortable you are at the campus. Before choosing, I suggest you take a trip to look at the campus so you know what it truly has to offer, the surrounding neighborhood and the people in the community. Looking at all of these aspects, if you're comfortable at that college, you will not regret your decision. I also believe that in order to make the most of your college experience, you should be yourself and find people who share the same interests and values as you. Many different people will attend your college, giving you the opportunity to make true friends. I'd also suggest joining a club or getting involved. This can help you extend your social network and you'll have a lot of fun in the process!

I would make sure to take tours of every college that you are considering applying to. A huge part of college is social interactions, and I regret not spending more time at my college before deciding to apply because I never knew whether or not I would fit in before I actually got accepted. Also, make sure that there are enough things to do around campus to keep you occupied so that you can be independent in case you feel that you do not fit in with the people around you. If you enjoy a lot of the physical aspects of the school, chances are that you will enjoy what the school itself represents and has to offer. Parents, be supportive of your child's involvement with the school because it will help them to become excited and spirited for the importance of their education.

All colleges are different, so make sure that you look at all of its aspects. Academic or otherwise are both equally as important. There is a difference between strong programs and strong schools, learn to differentiate a school from its history.

Making the most out of your college experience begins with choosing a college that you or your duaghter and/ or son will fit well into. When I went around to colleges , UCI stood out as most comfortable. It has a great program for my major and has a very impressive research department which was even more appealing. Also, it had the beach nearby and great shopping! To make the most of your experience get involved on campus and live in the dorms. Living in the dorms helped me meet many different types of people that i otherwise would have never even thought to talk to on campus. Also, joining a fraternity or sorority is a wonderful way to get involved. Join a sorority or fraternity gives you many opportunities to meet new people , do community service, teach leadership and social skills as well as improve academics (since the fraternity/sorority average GPA is higher than the average university student GPA.). In other words, find things that sound interesting to you and check them out, this is the time to try new things. Trying new things makes the most out of the college experience.

The right college might not always be your first choice so don't focus too much on wanting to attend one specific college. Keep an open mind. A major factor in choosing and making the most out of the college experience that may be overlooked is the area of the college. Some students attend a college for their rankings in education but overlook the fact that you need to live in an environment that is comfortable and allows for efficiency to succeed as well.

Financial issues aside, I would recommend students to chose a college by the type of atmosphere they can relate to the most or to simply take a risk. College is suppose to be a fun intellectual experience where some one is able to really see who she is and what her goals in life are going to be. The atmosphere of the college is vey important because college experience is more enjoyable if you enjoy being around the people who go there and the enjoy the place itself. Having fun should not be the reason why you go to a certain college because in the end students go to college for one reason and that is to broaden their intellectual self. Academics should always be one of the top priorities in the life of a college student.

I would tell parents to be a great source of support especially because their kids have to adapt to a new environment. I would encourage them to not pressure the students into a specific major,but rather encourage them to explore various possibilities. Also to tour the campus before deciding on a college if possible. The student should feel comfortable. Also students should find out about all the resources available to them such as tutoring,acadamic counseling ,and health services. Also to get involved in clubs that they feel that they can contribute to. Do not procrastinate because cramming does not work in college. Be friends with people who want you to succeed. Get enough sleep and actually go to class. Have fun. College is great and you are in for the time of your life.