University of California-San Diego Top Questions

visit the campus and research the schools beforehand, make sure it's an environment that you'd enjoy.

College is not only encompassed of what you learn in a classroom. It is a one-in-a-lifetime experience, where you acquire important life lessons as well as academia.

Let the kids choose. Be happy.

be there physically and talk to the students.

Parents should allow their child to choose the campus that is right for themselves because it is the child that is going to the campus and not the parents. When the student is able to make the decision, they are one step closer to individualism and the student has no regrets because choosing the campus is their own choice. When choosing a campus, the student should look at the campus that fits their dream job. If the student has nothing in mind, they shouldn't worry because no matter what campus they choose, in the end, everything will run smoothly. Also, when choosing a campus, the student should not let anything influence their decision, such as boyfriend/girlfriend or money problems. When starting college, it is best for the student to be friendly and not keep to themselves. The student should excel in academics and also balance a healthy social life. If the student's campus is close to home, do not go home every weekend because it takes time out of studying and the student doesn't meet as much new people in their new school.

College is supposed to be the most enjoyable academic experience that students are supposed to have. Make sure that you find one that fits your needs or can provide you with the right type of outlets for you to explore.

Don't pick a college based on prestige or name. Its more important that the college appeals to you in all aspects, not just in academics. Look into the environment, the social crowd, the resources, and the food.

No matter what, go somewhere the student could feel comfortable. Too many of my friends went out of state just for the rank or name of the school, but ended up hating it and transfering back near home. As long as you do well and feel comfortable at the school you chose, you can still be have great success in life.

Visit the college before you enroll.

The college experience is similar to a tapestry or a rug in the sense that many different threads all entwine to for one beautiful piece. These numerous threads, when looked at closely, do not provide any insight to the larger picture at hand, but are necessary in their littleness. In the same way, small things such as dormitory life and food quality have a lasting impact in the experience of school. But sometimes these imperfections provide character, and in retrospect add something that gives a feeling of solidarity. For example in my second year, on my floor there was a shower which always flooded, causing annoyance, but looking back, without it how would those epic water fights have happened? This is a small example, but an important one that shows the need for perspective: to mold a situation into something more than just a working shower; to look at the tapestry with broken threads and fix them even with a different color if necessary. My advice is this: don't let underwhelmed expectations, pressure to succeed, or any other adversity get in the way of your masterpiece. Once the tapestry is completed, even the flaws will seem important and necessary.