University of California-Los Angeles Top Questions

There are so many colleges to choose from today and even online. My advice would be to invest in your own education always over anything else. If anyway possible DO go to college, physcally attend classes. Classes can be augmented by online course work and lectures but the experience of learning in the class room and lectureds given, the interaction with other students is just as much a part of learning as taking in the information. Nothing compares. Because of the huge selection it is Great to be a student today. Be open but select on the basis of your own individual preferences/characteristics. Put your all into your college entrance essays, they let the college know who you are but they also help you define who you are for your self.

Please visit the campus. When I visited UCLA, I fell in love with the campus and the people there. The moment I stepped inside that campus, I thought to myself, "I'm going to come here no matter what. I'm going to be one of the students at UCLA!" and kept telling myself that until the results came in the mail. :) And I guess that worked! Anyway, please, visit campuses, because if you're going to be there for 4 or maybe more years, you might as well go to a campus that you love to be in.

A huge part of college in my opinion is getting away from your family which will act as a crutch in developing your independence. Go somewhere that you will fit in, but that will also push you socially and mentally. Dont back down from a challenge. Stay where you choose at least 1 full year before transferring, and allow time to adapt to a new environment. For parents, support your childrens choices, discuss with them logically not emotionally so that your own opinions and wishes dont end up making the decision for your child.

Don't stress, you should never feel stuck in a situation. You can always change if you are unhappy. Find schools that have a wide variety of majors to choose from so that you can dabble in somethings before you make your choice. And if your major is small and/or tight knit contact the professor you will be working with for a meeting.

find the college that has the major you want and apply under another major then switch

Make sure that where you choose to go to college REALLY offers what you are interested in studying, especially if you have multiple interests and haven't decided on one yet, or incase you change your mind once you get to college. Don't go somewhere just because of one aspect, like the location of the school because it is either close to home or extremely far from home. Make sure you are comfortable with all aspects of the school you choose to go to: are the students there happy? what kind of campus life does the school have? do the professors seem distinguished? do you have any idea what kind of classes you will take once there? how will this school help you in your selected carreer path, or help you to find one? can you realistically afford to go to this college? If you feel like your 'dream school' has several aspects that you have decided to ignore, or make you feel as if you are compromising by choosing this school, then you NEED to re-evaluate what your 'dream school' is. Otherwise, you may end up transferring to a college that better fits YOU, as I did.

I have been to three colleges, and I would suggest to follow your heart no matter what society (or your parents) dictate. Going to the "best" ranked school with the best repuation will not necessarily mean a happy, fulfilling college experience right for you. Students needs to tour colleges and choose the school the best see themself attending, not the one that is ranked highest.

Don't worry to much about rankings- you willl end up in the right place for you! Don't be scared to apply (or even attend!) a college you never really considered, because it just may change your life. College is all about learning and experiences, and no matter where you go, the experiences you have will be unforgettable and teach you everything about life. I ended up somewhere I never expected, and while the past two years have been far from perfect, I would never, ever trade them for anything! College is the last time in your life someone else will pay (or at least help) for you to take a wild risk- so go ahead and take that chance and never look back.

Pick a school with a wide variety of majors in case you change your mind!

I would say that it is important to not forget about self-growth, and maturing into that man, or woman you want to be. Schools sell on the importance of social life, but the truth of the matter is, your social life is based upon yourself, your eagerness to be outgoing and friendly. No school alone can better you, no structure can guarantee you happiness, self-clarity, or a sense of direction; it relies solely on you. Find a school with so many opportunities it almost makes your head turn. The beauty of life is the variety of outlets you have to make your own stand, to be your own person. Do the research and find if the schools you are interested in, offer you a broad selection of interests and opportunities, because what you could be interested today, might be different tomorrow. Take the time to think about what you really want to study, because that is half the battle. If you study better in a specific environment, factor that in, because distractions only get worse, and you don't want to loose the main focus. Finally, allow yourself to be happy with whatever decision you make.