University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

Go to the school in person before making your decision.

I would keep it simple and tell them to go with their heart. For me, once i started doing research on different colleges, i fell in love with Santa Barbara the first time i looked at the website. When i applied initally i got rejected. The fact that i had my heart set on it lead me to appeal and i ended up getting accepted. I was extatic. The first time i ever physically visited the campus was for freshman orientation. I love every second that i'm here. I would also tell them to consider whether they prefer a large or small campus and student population. THis type of school would be very overwhelming for someone who prefers small classes and more one on one interactions.

I would advise you to take your time, do the investigative work necessary. Visit the schools during class time and try to talk with some students and faculty members in your area of interest. Make sure the school is a comfortable distance from your home so you can return home when necessary to "recharge your batteries". Most schools have excellent programs but you need to make sure that you make the effort to get involved academically and socially to make your college experience successful.

Finding the right college requires much research done on the part of parents and/or the student. Find out about colleges that you are interested in based on location, programs, size, faculty and course quality, and financial aid available if needed. Pictures and written explanations on websites do not, however, give you the full clear picture of how well you or your child will fit and like the campus until you make a visit to it. Pick the top schools you've researched and bring your family with you to go to the Visitor's Center and the department(s) you are interested in. Talk to a counselor on campus and take a tour of the school and the dorms - half of my decision to come to my school was based on a feeling I got while being on campus, a good vibe. Some schools just don't feel like a fit, even though on paper they sound like a fit. Drive up and down your state visiting schools or make 1 or 2 trips across the country to check out interesting campuses, and narrow it down to 10 or 15 that you liked the best - apply to those.

If possible, plan campus visits and visit ALL parts of the campus! Join online networks and ask opinions of current students; most people are extremely helpful and willing to give advice!

Visit! You will know right away if it is right

My advice to students is this, consider everything there is to consider about your college. Not just the academic considerations nor the particular college's reputation but its less exterior factors like the nature of the people that make the community what it is and their beliefs and motivations. Truly, every college is different, not just in terms of its brick and mortar nor its reputation but the community that makes it what it is. Forget considering a college based on what notable alumni attended the school in the past. Rather, consider a college in terms of who is attending there right now. Do this whilst keeping in mind that the people that you will spending four years of your life with will have a tremendous impact on who you will be as a person and as an adult. With a few exceptions, what really matters in choosing the school that's right for you is dependent on what kind of people you wish to choose to surround yourself with and what kind of person you are and are meant to be. That's what you really learn in college.

It's more about your own journey of self-discovery than your school.

I would advise parents and/or students to pick a school not based on where their friends or going or what they heard the social scene is like or even how great the academics are, but one that they personally are going to be successful in. Some people are going to be successful in an intense academic scene, while others are going to be successful in an academic and social scene. Also, if possible, try to decide what you are interested in before going to college. It does not matter how great the college is if your field of study's program is not great. Lastly, pick a school that does have a social scene that will work for the individual. Some schools are very alcohol oriented, which for some, can be uncomfortable. Being in the appropriate social scene is very important to be successful in school. You are only in college once and college is the best time of your life, so make it one to remember.

It is very important for students to find a college that they will be most comfortable at. Do the research on colleges that interest you, including taking a campus tour. By taking the time to speak with people within the Visitor Center, get all of your questions answered, you will be able to make the most informed decision possible. Once you have completed this process make sure to take advantage of everything offered on your campus for the years you attend. Try out for an intramural sports team, become a campus tour guide, take random and fun classes. Most of all make sure to talk to your professors and teaching assistants. They will become invaluable resources, not just for that class, but for future recommendation letters or even mentors. Learn to balance your social and academic lives, college should be about learning and growing. This is the time when you get to study what you want to study and be who you want to be! Take adavantage of it! Most of all, make the most of it, because four years passes very quickly, and when it is over make sure you have no regrets.