University of California-Irvine Top Questions

Spend more time on looking for interns are more important than attending school non-career related social events.

Understanding the experience in college is just as important as anything else. However, understand that the 4 years in college will be over even quicker than the 4 years of high school that seemed to just go by at warp speed. Because of this, maintain an attitude that makes it a priority to understand that your college education, both in the classroom, and in the surrounding area, is going to shape and mold your understanding of the world, and this understanding is what is going to either propell or hinder you to success in your life. There are many people with college degrees, and they will be the first to tell you that , especially nowadays, degrees don't mean much in the real world. So, when decided on a college, make sure you understand the type of practical, experience driven, real world education you'll be recieving. Are your professors leading researchers in their fields? Are top notch firms across industry involved with the university? What networking opportunities exist in the surrounding region if you decide to attend each particular school? Keep those in mind, and you'll pick the right school for you.

My advice to future undergrads would be to take some time researching before you pick the college you will attend. Most people see college as the logical next step without fully realizing the consequences of picking the wrong college. Once you have researched a college and visited it, make sure to get an early start on you perspective major. If you can, ask current students what their honest opinion of the major, department and school is. Find out what kind of research the professors in the department are doing and decide whether you think this could possibly be something you could do in the future. Also, make sure that you pick a college that you will be happy not only academically but socially, mentally, and spiritually as well. Do not go to a school solely based on name or location or you will be stuck in an awful situation. While in college, try to branch and do things that you had not done or experienced before. College is the perfect time to discover what it is you want to be and who it is you want to become as a person, so do all the searching you want.

First of all, no matter what happens, no matter where you end up for college, the ultimate advice is to MAKE THE MOST OF IT. Never regret your decision, do not look back; instead, truly engage in your university and what it has to offer and you shall be the better for it. To find the right college for you, apply to as many places as you can, looking into the different areas you may wish to study and research on their websites. If you can, visit a few, although some people cannot always afford traveling to check out schools. The internet is a great resource, try finding people on facebook that attend the university you are interested and see if you can get some inside advice! In order to accomplish the greatest experience of your life, you must embrace the programs offered, and explore your opportunities. Enter university with a flexible mind and check out a few departments before you settle on a major. Changing your major is not as scary as it sounds. You can take lower division classes in a plethora of areas to see what really strikes your fancy.

Getting involved on campus. Also I would recommend using the resources on campus, such as the career center, the library and tutor programs.

Don't be afraid to branch out. It's ok if you don't like your school the first year. There's nothing to say you can't switch. And don't feel like it's required you enter college with your major already picked out. It's more than ok to explore different subjects and pick oneyou like best.

If possible, always visit the campus first. Take a tour, look around, and see the academic life. Ask friends or family who've attended or is currently attending the college for their experiences and stories.

Take time and really visit the campus. Don't be afraid to sit in on lectures, or watch studio classes. Drive around campus as well and see what resturants, theatres, bars are around. That will also give a glimpse of what student life is like.

Pick what you want and go for it. If you want the name, go for the college with a good name. If you want it solely for its academics, do that as well. When you get to college, do everything possible to meet people. Go out and climb out of your shell. It is imperative you start college with a clean social slate. You are essentially a new person with a new outlook. Make the best of your new situation because what you do in college with mold your personality and character for the remainder of your life. Don't be afraid to try new things no matter how dangerous or taboo. Remember that music is an important part of your youth, listen to good music and read alot of good material. It is your responsibility to be up to date with current events and trends. Don't be the same person you came to college as, and leave college as someone new you wouldn't even recognize.

Choosing the right college is a mysterious process- no one methodology or guide can ever tell you how to choose. You will of course weigh the regular factors such as rankings, ratios, location and courses offered. However, I think the single most-important aspect of your choice is how you will FEEL there. There is no substitute for feeling at home and comfortable at your college. You will be living there for the next several years and your ability to perform at that location. Your success may well hinge on how satisified you are with your college atmosphere, so don't think that any place will do or that the best ranked campus is right for you. I recommend doing a "stay-over" type program at your top choices: staying overnight with a current student, and shadowing them for a day. It will offer the best insight into what going to school at that campus is really going to be like, which is invaluable. Good luck!