University of San Diego Top Questions

It's harder than you think to find the right college. There are a ton of different factors. There probably is not a college out there that is perfect for you, but you have to find the one with the most going for it and you. Size, spirit, and academic drive are three factors that make a big difference. Find out about the schools and talk to people who have been at the school for a year or so. College is the best four years of your life, but you might not even be a legal adult when you make your decision on where to spend them. Talk to as many people as you can about their college experiences and visit the campuses. Also, make sure you know what you want. Don't lie to yourself because you'll regret it.

Be safe and be open.

Make sure that you know what you want to get out of the schools before you decide. What feild your child would like to go into and see what oppurtunities you can get from that school. Try to meet with those faculty. The key is networking.

When making a decision about where to go to college think of it as a marriage. You will be at this college for 4 years of your life but if you don't like it then you can always transfer. However, it's better to stay at one school since I made most of my friends in freshman year. My main advice would be to make sure that the education is worth the cost. Wherever you chose you will have doubts, everyone does. College is what you make of it. You can choose to study or party all of the time. The independence of college is our transition to adulthood. Find a group of people who share your similar interest and make friends, don't be shy. These really will be the best years of your life because after this, there is no more summers. No more meeting new people each semester or skipping classes when you're too tired. After this it's going 8-5 jobs, drinking coffee so live it to the fullest.

The most valuable piece of advice I could ever give a perspective college student is to follow you heart. When all is said and done it never really matters how prestigious the school is or how many successful people have graduated from that school. All that matters is your experience. Your college choice should never have anything to do with statistics, reputation, or prestige. You should choose the school that you love. You should choose the school that will make you the happiest in the long run. The best way to figure this out is to visit the school. When you are on campus is the only time you can get a feel for the entire student body as a real living whole, not as some fact in a brochure. This is the only way to make an informed decision. As for making the most of your college experience, the rumors are true. The best way to do this is to get involved. Try something new, get involved in something you know you love; it all works. Clubs, teams, and student government are some of the best ways to meet people and get the most from your college experience.

I would advise students and parents before making any decisions to travel around the country and look at all possibilities and be able to compare your school to others in order to be positive that you are making the right decision. Also, I would tell parents to tell their children many times that if they feel like they are not where they belong once they get there that it is not a big deal and they can leave the school and switch if they desire.

Finding the right college is tough. Think hard about how hard you can puch yourself and still be ok. Freshman year is hard anywhere and most people think about transfering. Be ready to give the place you choose 2 years of your life. How far you are from home, a new climate, a new culture and a new time zone are all factors. These are just as important as the school work itself. Also consider transportation. Will you be bringing your car. Do you need a car to get around, and are cars allowed for freshman. Remember that if you bring your car, people will always want rides, and if you don't have your car you will always be wanting rides. Think about what kind of people make you happy at home and look for similar elemements in the college you choose.

Visit each campus before making a decision, and if possible participate in one of the over night programs if the school has it. Really try and get to know yourself before making such a big deicion, such as whether or not you need one on one attention (small classes v big lecture halls), how important school spirit/sports games are to you, and consider the social scene and greek scene and whether or not you may want to be involved in it. Think about the reputation you want to have, and what your school says about you, research academics, job opportunities post graduation, and on-campus life.

The most important piece of advice that I could give a student looking for a good university, would be that in order to find the best college they must stay true to themselves and what they believe in. The most uncomfortable thing that could happen to a student is to enroll into an institute, that will make them feel less about themselves for whatever reason. Also, being able to choose a school that compliments oneself will allow the student the freedom of staying true to their identity without having to go into an environment that will change them and lead them in the wrong path. Of course, looking at the university's academics is also very important as well as the activities offered by it, to help its students maintain a healthy lifestyle. I chose this advice because a person may attend the best university, but unfortunately fall prey to a world of vice and ruin, yet if one goes into an institute that brings out the best in them, they will be the most triumphant for it in the end.

Do not think that the college is all about having fun and partying. Never loose sight of your career goals and choose a school that will help you to accomplish your dreams. When I choose to attend the University of San Diego, I based my decision on the school's location and the beauty of the campus. I did not realize that the school actually offers little opportunity to help me become a physician, my personal goal. Research the schools you are considering carefully, it is one of the most important decisions in your life. That being said, the college you attend should also be fun, it is part of the "college experience." Time management is an important skill to learn, preferably before school starts. Finding friends with similar interests and values to yourself will make the difference for any school. Finally, I think it is important not to view college as a way to delay entering the "real world." It is primarily a place to prepare for the rest of your life and it is up to the student to make the most of what the school he or she chooses has to offer.