University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

College most likely will be a bit scary and overwhelming for both students and parents, at least initially. Have no fear though, you will look back when you are done and wonder where the time went and probably wish you had a little more. Parents, the nest will be empty and your kids will not need you like they once did, except for your wallet ; that they may need for a while! Trust them to make their own decisions and give them guidance when needed. Students, you may be homesick and nervous and the whole process of meeting new people and making new friends is always awkward but within a few weeks of freshman year, you will begin to form good friendships. On a big campus, there are so many people you are sure to find people you click with. On a small campus you really get to know your classmates. Know yourself as best you can so you know which type of school and location is best for you. Enjoy your independence, but be smart with it. Most importantly, don't stress, don't be nervous because in the end, I promise, college is way better than high school.

it doesn't have to be the most prestigious college that you get the best education, it's what you want in a college and your strong will.

I would advise parents and students to visit the college campuses you are considering and look at which one you feel the most comfortable in. I was to choose between UC Berkely and UC Santa Barbara. I visited both campuses and felt the most comfortable with UC Santa Barbara because everyone seemed extremely social and intellectual at the same time. I felt at Berkely it was more of a commuter campus and I lingered for a strong community which I saw at UC Santa Barbara. It is important to put aside prestige and look at what campus you personally feel you will be able to be the most comfortable. Because an environment that you feel you are comfortable in is an environment where you can flourish and grow into a successful human being. After all, you will be attending that school for four years and it is important to choose a school you will thrive and be happy in.

Take it easy. It's not a life or death situation. If it's not what you wanted, then just try again. you'll find your niche.

To the parents, my advice would be to let your children decide for themselves what college they want to attend. They're the ones who are going to be attending the school so it should be their decision alone. To the students, choose wisely. Visit various campuses, talk to active students there, and get a feel for the atmosphere of the school. The school you select is probably where you're going to be spending the next 4 years of your life in. College is where a lot of people go through maturity into adulthood. Don't be trapped in a school that you hate and transfer if you must. Once in school, branch out of your comfort zone. Meet people you normally wouldn't meet because one can learn a valuable lesson from every interaction. Appreciate your professors. They know what they're talking about. College is designed to expand one's mind. Be open to different interpretations of life and appreciate those that you find truth in. Find meaning in your own life and strive to take all that you've learned in school to make a difference in your life and the lives of others.

The college that I currently attend was not my first choice, or my second or my fifth for that matter. My college counselor suggested I apply here and I did. When I came to visit I knew I had found my school. It wasn't the school I had planned on going to all through out high school but I love it here. So my advice is go wherever you feel comfortable. It doesn't matter if it's a big name school or all of your friends are going some place else. When you find the right college its like finding the perfect purse or pair of shoes. It's just the right size and it fits perfectly with all your outfits. That's how college should feel, like you found your second home.

Go with your heart. Don't make a decision based on anyone but yourself.

Sometimes your first choice isn't always the best fit. You never know what'll happen.

If I could offer future college students any advice in selecting their college and making the most of it, I would tell them: do your research. Visit the school more than once, talk to students who have attended/ are attending the school, check out the community you will be living in after your first year. Get a feel for the REAL campus; not just what the Princeton Review tells you or what the school publishes in their flyers. Your next 4 or 5 years will be spent at this place; don't go into it blind. Furthermore, when you do make your choice, be active in making it the best experience possible. Manage your time wisely. If you get your work done first, your can enjoy your free time while your friends panic because they procrastinated. As a college student you are one of the lucky ones who has a few years to postpone the real world. Don't fall into the trap of majoring in something simply because it will pay well in the future. Take risks, study something you love, and, most importantly, enjoy every moment. This is your first venture in independence. Make the most of it.

Parents should always encourage their children to pursue a higher education after high school. Parents and students should visit as many college campuses as they can together to try and find the campus environment that is best suited for the student. Choosing the right college would involve this as well as a college that offers the academic courses and programs that will benefit the student's overall career goal. Students should apply to their preffered colleges but also have backups that will work for them as well. After finding the right college, parents should allow the students to make the most out of their college experience by guiding them to be more independent. Parents should have good communication but allow the students to have the freedom to make their own decisions.