University of California-Irvine Top Questions

When looking for a college, do not look for the best education. There is no such thing as 'the best education'. Look for a college that students will enjoy overall, socially, academically, etc. The smartest people are usually not the most successful in life. Those who are exposed to life, not just academically, are usually more successful. Those who have a strong social life, work while they're in college, and not think about academics 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time will have a better life. Nowadays, everyone is getting a degree and thus getting a job is more difficult. Going to the best school will not help students to get a better job, understanding life will.

Talk to as many people as you can about the school so you can try to get a good idea of where you fit. Stay over programs are very helpful to get a feel for the campus.

Do not choose a college based solely on prestige. Understand that a prestigious school may focus more on research or their graduate programs than their undergraduate programs. Take campus tours and campus representatives's words with a grain of salt - they are the most outspoken about their school spirit, not the most INDICATIVE of the true campus environment. Learn to depend on yourself - you will run into useless counselors, discouraging you from pursuing your goals. If you know for sure what you want to do, do not let anybody tell you otherwise.

Parents: Don't pick the college for your children, let them decide for themselves. After all, they'll be living and attending school there, not you. Also, realize that this is a time for your children to find themselves and become independent, so it doesn't help if you go into helicopter parent mode and drop by every weekend. Lastly, realize your children love you and even if they don't do what you say all the time, for the most part, they are still good kids. Students: Have fun, but study hard. These four years determine the rest of your life, what kind of job you'll have, and if you're so inclined, what kind of graduate school you will attend. At the same time, realize that there is a time to be serious and a time for fun. Make new friends, try something you've never done. These four years will also be the best of your lives. Finally, realize your parents love you and want the best for you, so give them a call once a week and tell them what's going on in your life.

GO TO COMMUNITY COLLEGE FIRST....SAVE YOUR MONEY

I think that I would tell people to open their minds to the possibilities of something exciting. I also think that people should realize that they are spending four years some place, so they should probably feel somewhat good aboutit.

do your research. Visit the campus and talk to current and prospective students on there thoughts of the campus.

What I have to say is very simple. When picking a school, look for a few things; what is around the campus, what majors do they offer, and what does the campus give you to make new friends. Are there clubs, greek life, is there anything to make the time you are not studying worth your college experience. College is a time for growth, both intellectually as well as socially, you will blossom in to a new person. So have fun, relax, and enjoy your college experience.

I think parents need to respect the student's choice on where they want to go. I think they both need to work together and plan the student's future together. I also think the parents should let their students know of the vast number of options for students. For example, students can attend community college for two years and transfer to a major four-year university later. Parents should urge their students to take part in school activities and make the best of their college experience. Students need to be independent in college because this is the time for them to learn and grow. It is also a time to have many new experiences socially and academicially.

Don't drink, don't sleep, don't stop moving.