University of California-San Diego Top Questions

I would recommend visiting each college that your interested in and sit in some of the classes and get a feel for the professor, students and campus first. See if it fits you and what your interested in. I am from San Diego and I went to campuses in Hawaii, New York and France before I realized that the campus I lived near worked well for me and all my needs. Take the time to find what will help you be successful in your educational goals and believe in yourself.

Make sure their kids find a major that they like and attend a college that is strong in that field. Do not pressure your kids to go to a well known college because in the end, it's the kind of education and what you learn that is the most important. Also, be aware that party schools are a distraction to your child's education. However, it is good to let them know that studying is not the only thing they should do on campus. Be sure that they meet friends, and get to know professors, so find a college that has teachers that are open with their schedule to meet with their students. In the end, it's good to always have balance. Good luck.

Interview current students. Visit the campus. Know that research schools differ from academically oriented schools.

students: choose what you will be satisfied with. remember that on any college campus, there's a little bit of everything: partying, studying, friends, sports, good food, etc. you'll find it. but you have to be open to it first. don't go somewhere you think you "should" go. attend the university you think will make you the happiest. parents: don't pressure your child to go to a school with a higher or lower rank. money problems can always be solved by scholarships -- just get on your child to complete those applications. let your student go where he or she wants. advise, don't insist.

Talk to actual students who have been there for at least 2-3 years. Hopefully they give you the real breakdown, not the fluffed up version of the college.

College is an experience- it is truly a place of learning. More learning in done outside of the classroom and classes than within. The most is learned within these four years of time about oneself. The best way to find the right school is to visit it and experience the atmosphere. A comfortable atmosphere makes all the difference in the world. Meet the students within the school and notice if they will be the ones that will help you grow and be good friends to you. Do not base your decision on the fame of the school. Make your own experiences in any place you go.

In order to find the dream school, the student needs to prioritize their interests and expectations. From personal experience, attend a school that will challenge you and that exceeds in the area you wish to major in. Don't be afraid of the distance because of friends or family and do not let money be an issue because there is always a way to make ends meet. Bottom line is that you should make your selection by what you know feels right and that instinct beats any advice or guidelines. As for making the most of your college experience, remember one rule, never let your social life come second to your academics. In your first year take an easy load of courses in order to get your feet wet without hurting your fragile GPA and never buy books from the bookstore, look online or buy off students who have already taken the class. Also, break from your bubble and socialize because your first friends will remain for a long time. Never pass on a concert, school dance, or any other extrcurricular activity. The greatest piece of advice boils down to find a balance and you will be happy and successful.

Pick a college that has a good balance of extra-curriculars and academics and one can budget when it comes to paying for living, books, and other expenses.

Parents, remember that this upcoming college experience is for your children, not for yourselves: you should seek the very best for them; be aware of any of your own selfish desires, such as wanting your children to stay physically close to you for your own sake or aiming to live vicariously through them, and don?t let such desires influence the advice you give them. Be understanding, especially during your children?s first year of college, a period of transition and growth. Their lives will most likely be very busy at this time, so you may have to remind them to stay in touch. Students, before you start to find the right college, ask yourself why you want to attend college in the first place. If it?s because "everyone else is doing it," college is probably not for you--at least not at this time in your life--and you may not achieve academic success and happiness if you attend college anyway. Upon deciding to attend college for the right reasons (e.g. college prepares you for your future career), choose the right college out of your list of viable options ultimately by deciding where you most "feel right."

The best advice I could give about deciding what college to attend is to pick a college that you feel comfortable with. Parents, let your "child" decide. He/she may say they are ok with whatever you choose, but its probably because they havent thought about it too much. College is a big decision. For myself i wanted a college that would get me ahead in life, but at the same time i wouldnt be afraid to say "eh, its just college" and skate through a class or homework assignment. That last part wasnt what my parents wanted, but thats who i am. Parents, you can guide and advise all you want, but you cant choose. Students, cant decide between several choices? Chances are you will have fun in either of these schools, so dont be afraid to just make a decision. I know you like them all, but if you like all your options then whichever school you choose, you will like. Its a win-win situation. In my parting thought, remember its called " the college try", not "try the college" . Think about this decision.