University of California-Santa Cruz Top Questions

Students should find a college that they feel right in. Find the mix of Social and Acedemic activites that is most appealing and fits you right. Your gonna be living there, not your parents, so make the decition for yourself. Try to set up a structured schedual for yourself, becasue time management is key to good grades and a happier time at school. I can't stress enough the importants of finding and making friends. One shouldn't worry about making friends, rather they should be aware that they are with lots of thier peers and there is bound to be somone that shares the same interests as you. Having a friend(s) that you can hang out with, and who share a common social as well as academic goals can really help you feel better about school and work harder. Make good choices and stay up to date with your schoolwork

Find a place where you think you will fit in. Don't try to be someone you're not.

VISIT THE COLLEGES YOU ARE CONSIDERING. Too many people wind up at schools they hate because the overall environment is just not for them and they didn't visit before applying/accepting. When you set foot on the right campus, you will FEEL it. When you find the school that's right for you, put yourself out there. Try to figure out your major as early as possible and don't be afraid to talk to people. College life is ten times easier with a few trusted professors/advisors and a small group of close friends with whom you can live, study, and unwind.

Be prepared to adjust to a completely different life from home and high school.

Search for a college that will best suit your needs. Choosing your major before will help you determine which college is good for you. College is tough and must be taken seriously if you are to succeed. Study hard and then take some time to relax.

If you know what field you want to pursue and you're looking at a UC campus, go for it! If you're not too sure about your direction, you might want to take your GEs in a community college first. Don't pressure yourself or your kids to enroll in a UC for the prestiege.

Look at the amoung to distractions at the school and then evaluate the teenager. Sometimes a more basic, less athletic school is better for those who are easily distracted or influenced.

Have a goal and keep it in mind.

Honestly, it's really hard to find the perfect college for you until you experience it first hand. What might have been right for your parents doesn't automatically work for you. And for parents, it's really difficult to go through the college life nowadays. You may have had the same classes or went to the same school, but that, too, might have been quite a while back that things have changed, technology has advanced and student personalities and mentalities are not like they used to. Our worlds are all different and pre-judgement of schools as well as student progress do not help the transition from high school to college any easier. In order to be able to experience the true college lifestyle, one must be free to make his or her decisions, whether right or wrong in you opinion. It's the mistakes that we make that help us know where we really want to go and I think it is important to keep that in mind when making the decisions of life.

I believe the best advice to give anyone looking at colleges would be to be open-minded and find the school that's best for you. It's not about going to the best school you get into, but rather going to a school where you can see yourself doing well. There is a lot of pressure of getting into a good school, but not enough on going to a school that's right for you. Make sure to consider all options, and all aspects of a school: academic programs, location, available facilities, campus involvement and the social atmosphere. As for making the most of your college experience, again, remain open-minded and make sure to get involved on campus! Campus involvement is crucial for graduate school, looks great on a resume and will enhance your social experience. You will meet people you would normally never see who have similar interests to you. Greek organizations, sports, community service and art clubs are fabulous ways to making the most of your time at school. Take a risk and put yourself out there. College is all about finding yourself and developing your talents and interests, make the most of the experience!