California State University-Sacramento Top Questions

The most important advice i would give myself is to make sure to explore everything a four year university has to offer. There is so many things that one can take advantage of in a university such as Sac State for example, Financial Aid, ASI, on campus jobs , concerts, free shows and a dynamic social life. Make sure to be involved in your school, dont just go to class and go back home. Interact! build frienships! join clubs! The transition from high school to college for many students is difficult because you become much more independent and self-sufficient. Do not expect your proffesors or classmates to encourage you to come to class. You must be willing to have the self-discipline to go to class and not be afraid to interact with classmates. I am about to start my third year in college and the best thing i have done is to be more involved . I am in a sorority and i have built bonds with other students that have the same aspirations to succeed in life by graduating from college and earning a degree for their career.College is alot easier when sharing this common ground with others.

pick classes you like not ones for just your major

If I could go back, I would definately place more emphasis on time management and prioritizing. Attending college for almost two years now has shown me that time management is very essential to my success in school. Being able to go back in time would allow me to place more importance on making sure my assignments would be well done and on time. I would also make sure my mind and heart were open to other people of different backgrounds. Because my high school was 98 percent hispanic, I was never exposed to many types of people, so I would make it a priority to associate with people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Other than that, I feel that my High school prepared me with the essential things I needed for my success in college.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about college life and the transition, the first thing I would tell myself is to not worry about it. College is supposed to be a great experience, and how could it be great if a person worries about every little thing? I would also tell myself that college is nothing like high school, so do not worry about your appearance at all. No one really cares what brand of jeans you're wearing, all that matters is what you accomplish and how you use it to your advantage later on in life. Getting the grade is the main goal. Although college is definitely more serious than high school, I would also emphasize to myself that it is important to go out and have some fun once in a while. Everyone needs to take a break from studies and go out. Overall, I would tell myself to just balance everything equally as best as I can. Balance school, personal life, and activities evenly so that it doesn't feel like everything piles up on itself. If there is balance, there will be less stress.

The only advice I would give myself is to try really hard to make good grades. If I had known that my grades had a HUGE ripple effect on my college life, I wouldn't have slacked off so much.

I would have chosen to attended a JC first, instead of leaving for a four year college. I would have advised I major in English, that I start writing right away. To speak up a bit more in class and bring regular books into class as they are the best way to strike up conversations with new people.

I would first like to say this to myself: Don't stress! College is thought of being the next huge step into adulthood and also being the beginning of the seriousness of a person's life. That can be true, in a way, but it is not fully true. All you have to do is attend your classes, be committed to read and study your textbooks for a good hour or two a day, allow the instructor/professor to know who you are, ask questions during instruction if you have any, and do your classwork. If you are on top of your game in that department, then you have nothing to worry about! Also, do not allow yourself to be caught up in the seriousness of college. Be loose and have fun! Make friends and have a good time by hanging out, going out to eat, and doing other kinds of fun activities. As long as you keep your partying under control, you are good to go! When you get here, you will see that college is not as hard as others claim it to be. Trust yourself and good luck!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell her that what she is facing now is little compared to what she will be facing in college. I would tell her that when in college, there will be many factors that will come into play when it comes to your individual success or downfall. For instance, I would warn her that she would not get the ideal roommates and that she would have to face how the world is really like when you are not around family and friends in the community you came from. Also, I would tell her that not everyone may be as focus as her when it comes to receiving an education. There will be partiers and mean-spirited roommates who don't like you because you are not downing beers with them and sleeping with frat boys. But in all, I would tell her that I am proud of her because I know that she will make it though it all while still having her morals and will to not let those obstacles defeat her.

Having fun is important and necessary to successfully becoming acculturated to college life. However, a balance must be met. Having too much fun can overcome your attempt at completing your assignments. It will greatly benefit you to give equal to slighty more attention to school. There will be plenty of time for fun; there will be Winter break, Spring break and Summer break. The harder you work during school the more meaning each break will have, the sweeter it will taste, and the closer the light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel will be. If you find yourself at a crossroads between fun and school work, do not succumb to the strong desire to choose fun over school work. Focusing and working hard in school will open up ten-fold of opportunities to have fun. Believe me, I have the gift of hindsight. A gift I am giving to you.

If could go back in time and give my high school senior self advice, I would tell myself to stay in honor and advanced education classes. Continually, I would strongly advice myself to look into and apply to scholarships. Lastly, being a transfer student from American River College in Sacramento, I would talk to myself about getting involved in more extracurricular activities, such as, student government, internships, and sports, all while taking more time to enjoy the college lifestyle.

I would tell myself to start early in the field I am interested in and get just as much experience in the field as education because these days a degree doesn't mean as much.

I would prepare for college beginning in my freshman year. I would focus on my grades and be more active in extra curricular activites to prepare for obtaining scholarships for school. I would also have visited and applied for more colleges and universities in the area. In reguards to my classes and grades I would have worked harder in understanding the material presented instead of only trying to pass classes. The extra curricular activietes would be benifical to my college application and possible a variety of scholarsships. I would have actively particpated and learned about financial aid, scholarships and visited the colleges to familarize myself with it. I would have also tried to develop better study and time management skills in high school, because I would have then been more likely to continue those habits in college.

I would tell myself to look into the different college majors that were available to me. I would then want to go and research the different majors so that I would have a better understanding of all of my options. I did not settle on a major until I was in my second semester of my junior year. While I did get to experience many different and unique subjects while I was searching for my favorite, I was not able to invest any time into an internship or student organization. Once I did choose Sociology as my major, I looked into many of the resources that were available to me and found that there was a lot out there that I had missed. There were many internships that I could have participated in during my sophomore and junior year. I joined the Sociology fraternity and made a few connections, but I feel that I would have gotten more out of it if I had joined earlier. While I was still able to graduate in four years and secure a job after graduation, I feel that it would have been more beneficial to settle on a major earlier.

The best advice that I would give anyone would be to find out for yourself how the admissions process works and how to enroll into the college of your choice and to do it yourself. In order for a college student to feel independent and ready for the environment that will be soon approaching he/she, it is extremely significant to determine for oneself what is important in one's educational goals. Educational attainment is not something that everyone has the opportunity in gaining, and being appreciative of what opportunities that we are all given is something to be grateful for. I would also advise that everyone keep meticulous records of all information related to the schooling system given, because ultimately it will only fall on you to keep track of everything pertaining to your education. Be strong!

Although I feel I made the transition to college life quite well, there are a few words of advice I would give myself to make it easier. First and foremost, I would advise myself not to take a year off between high school and college, since I didn't accomplish much in that year and am now a year behind. I would also tell myself to take my first semester of college more seriously and focus on my social life a little less, since I neglected some important coursework during that semester. Finally, I would encourage myself to join more clubs and extracurricular activities earlier on in my college career, so that I could have begun reaping the benefits of such organizations sooner.

If I would go back in time and be a high school senior once again I would advice myself to take the assignments more seriously even though I did very good during my four years in high school, for I graduated with a 4.0. I do not think I took the assignments seriously or the teachers. Also, I would advice myself to go and talk to my counselors more and especially to the teachers because I have learned that if the teacher gets to know you better you will most likely get a better grade in the class. Also, to take the ACT's and SAT's as many times as one can and to practice before taking them there are study guides that one can get in order to practice. If I would have given myself these advices back when I was in high school I would have most likely done better during my first semester in college even though I did pass all my classes.

I would tell myself to work harder in all my classes and take school more seriously. I would tell myself that I should create a schedule and maintain that schedule in order to have a well balance life. School should be the main priority but having fun should also be adjusted into my schedule as well. Most importantly, apply for more scholarships because money does have an effect on how you live life. It determines whether you have to take out loans or whether you have to take a side job between studies to pay for your books or tuition. Also, learning to come out of one's social bubble can have a major impact on one's life. If I was able to be more open and social and build that connection with people in high school, it would be so much easier to do it in college. On a final note, becoming closer to teachers in high school can also be a benefit, so when trying to talk to professors in college, one wouldn't feel so intimidated during the one on one conversation during office hours.

If I could go backin time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself that I had to concentrate on my studies more. College is no joke! Every class is taught a very different and unique way which requires a lot of time and effort be put into each class. Different classes require different studying techniques that I took for granted in high school. Another thing I woul tell myself is that you have to be able to manage school and also be able to have a social life. Without both, you will go crazy. Too much partying will cause a great deal of stress in your studies but too much studying causes a lot of stress on your body.

Always make sure every professor knows your name. Get on friendly terms with them and always ask questions if something doesn't make sense. They are more likely to give extensions, make-up tests, and letters of recommendation to people they know, so be friendly. Talk less and listen more; keep an open mind. When someone suggests forming a study group, join them. Make school you're number one priority above all else. Keep dating to a minimum, and save parties for special occasions. Never hesitate to try something new, and never be afraid to change your major. Be active in the field you are majoring in; nothing is worse than working hard for a degree just to discover that field isn't for you. Most importantly, smile. No matter what happens, relax and just know you'll make it through. Embrace the support of your friends and family because they will help you through every psychological break-down, unexpected illness/injury, and even the suicide of a few people you will meet down the road. Life will hurt, school will be hard, but don't let anything get you down; chin up and smile.

College is going to be like a buffet, you will try things by opening doors untill you find the right one.

Knowing what I do now, I would have suggested that college prestige isn't everything. I lived in a small town, and wanted nothing more than to get away from it. The first year of college I had a great experience, but my grades and my relationship with my family suffered. My second year of college I was forced to go home, to the town I was so desperate to get away from, to take care of a mother who had just had neck surgery, and then a father who had a blood clot. I learned so much about the importance of family when I was faced with losing both of my parents. After that year, I was given the chance to start over. I returned to a university, this time one that was focused on teaching and had an excellent International Relations program, which is my area of study. Now, a year later, I am succeeding like never before. I now have two semesters left, and am getting ready to apply for grad schools. The lessons life taught me made me strive to be the very best I can be, and to remember what really counts in life.

If I could go back I would tell myself to not let my mother influence where I go, because I backed out of my original plan to go to a college that I would have been happier at to attend on closer to home to make my mother happy. In the end I hated the choice I made and ended up coming back home which is the last thinh I wanted to do. A good piece of advise is that if you find a school that you want to attend go there no matter what and dont settle for second best. Follow your heart and enjoy college life because this is the time to have new experiences.

Encourage myself to take a 3rd year of spanish, apply my self more in all subjects. Get as much information about different colleges as I could from teacher to student ratio to fianacial aid. Pay more attention in english and math because it would pay off .Be more discipline about meeting due dates and dont procrastinate if you can get ahead do it.

One of the most important thing i would tell my self is to budget well because it hard being a college student when it comes to finances. Being that it is ma third year of college i struggle with paying the bills, but even though sometimes it got hard i keep at it because im reminded of all the good that comes out of going to college and wanting to better my self. I would also tell my self to be confident because the college life kind of modes you in to who you are so having a focused out look and positive mind set would really help get a person through these tough 4-5years. If i knew how to budget, stayed a lil more focuse i could have made better choices because trying to party and wait to write a paper can make things ten times harder. I wish if i could go back i would tell my self get in to the habit of stay focuse, going to class everyday, and doing my homework on time. If i knew what i know now i wouldn't have made so many mistakes.

I would say to myself, "Self. Listen up because there is a lot we need to know. First and perhaps most important we need to know that once we get to college, we are the only one looking out for us. Our counselors, however competent, are not the ones responsible for us taking the right classes. We need to do our homework and find out for ourself what is required. All the information is there for the finding and we need to do it. The professors, however much they care, are not responsible for us passing our classes. We need to read the book and, heaven forbid, maybe even try problems and work that wasn't even assigned. We need to make the most of our time. We know that come the weekend we will not want to be sitting at home and writing a term paper. To avoid such a tragedy, we need to not daydream during those 30 minute breaks in between classes, but use that time to our advantage. Lastly, have fun and no matter how funny we think it is, don't put a whoopie cushion under Professor Bates's chair, he has a bad heart."

I would tell myself to apply to as many different colleges as possible because I only applied to one school. Now I wish I would of gone somewhere else so I could open my world and travel to a new place. I would also tell myself to focus on school and narrow down what major suited me best. I always knew I wanted to work in the health field that is why now I am Dietetics major and will hopefully soon become a Dietician. Apply to many scholarships!!! That is the first thing I would tell myself because i am struggling financially these days and would love extra money to pay for my classes, books and transportation. All that advice would really help me now days if I could go back.

You will succeed in college with all your experience and note-taking skills. Studying is going to be your life. You will have at least five hours a night in homework. Do not stress over the little things, because every little point counts in college. Taking an over-abundance of difficult, time consuming classes will only lead to stress and misery. Take your time and choose your classes wisely. Make sure you have one fun class each semester or you will burn out. College is meant to be a educational campus, but enjoy the extra-curricular activities as well. When it comes to exams do not stress or rush, make sure you read each question throughly before answering. Not understanding the question before choosing an answer is what gets you into trouble. The most necessary skills are note-taking, and study skills. You have what you need to succeed just focus and you will find success.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the advice that I would give myself is to work harder, than I did in high school. College, is a totally different environment with new things. It is a wonderful experience knowing that you are getting a higher education. I would advice myself to stay in school, don't procrastinate and always do my best. If you commit to stay in school, you will be successful because you are doing the right thing and going to college. Also, very important to study and do the study guides, they are very helpful. Also, to search for used books online, because at the school store can be really expensive. I feel sattisfied witht the freinds that I have met, but maybe look into different clubs that are on campus, because I feel that is very important to be involve and that makes you part of the school.Overall, it is a wonderful experience being in college and getting a higher education. Students need to come to college ready to learn and work for a better future. College is the best experience ever.

First off really think about what you want to do with your life and pursue your education accordingly.Taking course work that actually interests you will be much more beneficial to you overall. After you find the subject you really want to dive into, plan your schedule in sync with your life. School may not be the only activity you are involved in, plan accordingly. Once you have a schedule that incorporates all of the activities you choose to be involved in then truly commit to this schedule as your way of life for the semester. Attend every class, keep up with the assigned reading , take notes, do all of the homework assigned, and study for each quiz and exam. This will not guarantee a passing grade in any course, but you will be more likely to pass by staying actively involved in each of your classes. Realize that there are going to be tough courses, but with the help of your professors, fellow classmates, and tutors, you have access to all of the resources needed to be successful. Finally, know that your grades will be a direct reflection of the effort put in during the semester. Do your best!

I would tell mysef that high school is not the best times of your life, just focus now to get your life on the right track. Studying abroad after high school is a great idea, you make the right decision. Get involved in as many clubs and programs as you can. Every person you meet will have an impact on your life, so make lots of friends!

Going to Saint Francis High School is going to really prepare you for college. For example, the balance between social life and academic life you have learned from attending SFHS is probably the most applicable to your future college life. In college, it's important to be social and have fun, but it is equally important to stay focused and do well in your classes. Just like at SFHS, you will get out of college life what you put into it. There will be times when you may feel overwhelmed with all that is going on, and you might feel like giving up, but don't! Just keep in mind that perseverance is key.

I would go back and show myself the things that really matter about selecting prospective colleges. I'd tell myself to really find what's important to me, not necessarily what I think I "should" do. I would also probably try to convince myself to take a year off to go to Israel.

I would tell myself to relax and not to stress so much about getting into college because no matter what, there is always going to be a college for me. And just to make better and more wiser choices after entering college and to think more before committing to an action.

I would tell myself that college life would be a model of my real future life. Every single person that I would meet at college could be the one that I would meet in my future real life. It would be great if I could see each of them as an individual of life that I would have to deal with , to get to know , to learn from, and to help each other out in order to be able to succeed academically. Also, I would somehow interact with every simple event that would be held at school and would have to learn on how to deal with them perfectly. In order words, I would have to try my best for everything from the beginning until the end when I would graduate from school. If there would be any mistake, then, I would have to learn from my mistakes, and try to succeed from those mistakes.

Parents, convince your children to strive to go to the best school that your child can get accepted to, but remember that it is their choice in the end. Students need the support of their parents in order to succeed. Avoid micromanaging the decisions that your child makes while in college but always give suggestions and advice to them when needed. Students, make the decision to go to the school that best fits the goals that you want, whether it is to make friends or to get the best education possible. Once you make a decision, you can always transfer, but you will be reluctant to because of all the friends that you've made while going to your initial school. Make your decision wisely.

Make sure you visit the campus before you decide where you want to go. You can love a school on paper but if that school doesn't look good to you in person, you will hate going to school everyday. If you are going to be paying to go to school, make sure you like the look of it and the services the school offers are best suited towards you. Another factor is the stores and eateries on and near campus. It really helps to have a close fast food drive through that is open late or is 24 hour. That might not seem that important at first, but when you have late nights with lots of papers, food is amazing at late hours.

Take college tours and trips, always ask questions and find the right college that fits best between both the parents and their children.

I would suggest that the students know what major they will be majoring in. I knew that I was going to major in Criminal Justice and picked Sacramento State because of their fantastic Criminal Justice program. I also suggest that students go away for college. The university does not have to be extremely far away, but it should be far away enough that the student does not go home every weekend. College experience is gained through being away from home for an extended part of time and growing up. I attended college that is seven hours away from home and only went home once in the middle of the semester. My roommate went home every weekend and she did not gain the college experience that she needed to grow up and become an adult. I would also suggest that the student attend a few of the sporting events on campus. School spirit is shown through these sporting events even if the sports are only 0.500. Students should also join some type of campus club. Clubs help students meet new people and friends for life. College is the best time in a person's life!!!

Check out the campus, location etc. It really depends on the type of environment the person wants to be in. As well as going there with a determine mind of "getting in, out and ahead". Its a great experience so make the best out of it and enjoy it!!

I would suggest to have a wide variety of colleges that you can select, apply to as many places as possible. Then go and research the colleges that appeal to you the most and go on campus tours and make sure you know the basic information. Meaning, the tuition fee , housing, facilities, activities, sports, etc. Make sure that the college you pick best fits you!

Meet some of the professors in your chosen major and let that be what determines your college choice. Interesting and engaging professors are much more valuable, and memorable, than any amount of prestige a university may carry.

One of the most important things to do is to visit campuses on week days, when students are in class. Sit in on lectures if you get the chance. Make note of what the students are doing- are they primarily using laptops? Do the professors lecture from notes, the book, or power point presentations? Do students seem engaged or just sleepy? Between classes, do they dash between buildings, or is there time to socialize or enjoy a bite to eat? These are all things that will be important to you when you start your college career. Once you've chosen your school, the best advice I can offer is rather cliche- don't sweat the small stuff. Pay attention in class, but allow yourself enough free time to relax and destress. Sometimes, an A or B is worth sacrificing if it means you're happier and healthier for it. Make use of the school's academic advising office, and remember that it never hurts to ask a professor if there's an arrangement you can make regarding due dates or make up work. The worst they can say is no, and it can mean reliee for you!

If possible, I would suggest visiting campuses as much as you can. There are many summer programs that colleges put on for high school students. Attend these. They are not ony to enrich students academically, but they are also trying to convince them to consider their school. If anything, your child will be able to experience a college environment which could increase their desire to attend college! I also suggest getting in contact with student clubs and asking them questions about campus environment. Although there are programs geared towards giving campus tours, these students might give a biased opinion since this is their job. It is better to ask other students who are able to give a less biased and honest opinion. An even better idea is to go to the campus and ask students directly! Lastly, I would find out the retention rates for the school. Getting in is the easy part, it's staying in that is difficult. You want to go to a school that has a high retention rate. Find out what resources are available for students that are struggling academically. Remember, you could be the one to make a name for that school!

First find out what you like to do and then find a major/career that has something to with that you are good at. If you don't like the major/ career, even making money down the road will not make it worthwhile. Check out community colleges (as their instructors actually teach and care about the students and do not do research, thus the TAs don't teach their classes for them) before applying to 4 year colleges, as the quality of education from a 4 year public or private college may not be up to caliber, even though there is a certain amount of prestige that the parent or student is buying into by going to that college. However, is it worth it to go to an $70,000 a year school, if the student does not learn anything beyond the basics that they already knew? Don't buy into a name that is a big bucks tuition, it would be better to have a quality education with a lower price than an empty degree and practically no knowledge.

My best advice I could offer a student when looking for a college is if you want the movie type of college experience make sure that you look for a college that is far enough away from home to give you that experience. However, make sure that you also look for a school that specializes in your major or interests because if you only use college to party you will truely regret it. When parents are helping their children to find a college they should make sure it is not only right for their child but right for them. If the shild is going to live away from home it would be in parents great interest to make sure housing, campus food, and protection are all important to the college of choice. Above all make sure parents and child agree so that later on down the road they can maintain a great relationship while apart from one another!

To my parents or future college students I would like to let you know that you should visit every college campus you are applying for. You should visit the campus during school hours and get to know some students on the campus and what their personalities are like. Make sure that you can go to that college and succeed. Maybe go into a classroom and see how the professors like to teach. Also, If you plan to live on campus visit the dorm and talk to students about their experiences on their stay on campus. Maybe stay for a day on campus. Remember the next four years can be the best time of your life or the most horrible. Make sure you pick the right campus for your personal success. What you make of yourself at college will stay with you pretty much forever.

My advice to students about finding the right college is to find a college with a program that the student has a passion for in life. Find a school that will offer avenues for growth intellectually and socially. College is not a mere institution for higher learning, but also a place where experiences are cultivated that enrich the individual. A student's success in college is not only measured by the diploma earned upon graduating, but also the life lessons learned outside of the classroom as a young adult . Time management skills, abilities to make good decisions independently, and prioritizing goals are just a few life lessons a student will learn throughout their time in college. Parents who are proactive in searching for the perfect college for their child should support their child's school of choice, but ensure that their child's reasoning for wanting to attend their school of choice is justified. College bound children are a parent's biggest investment and should be given the privilage to experience adulthood for the first time attending a college the student feels has an academic program that promotes their academic strenghts. A successful journey in adult life begins in college.

Going to college is a very exciting and new experience. However each person experiences it in a different way. Some peoplemay like to party, and others remain focused on thier studies. One thing parents and students need to remember is that the time spent at college is the time where individuals try and find themselves as they aspire towards thier futures. Students will change as well thier parents as they tackle new challanges together. In a nutshell, plan to be suprised.

I would tell the parents and students to look for a college with many different clubs and social activities. College would be incomplete without the social aspect. I would also encourage them to look for a university where the teachers are motivated and interesting. The learning environment for a student is so important for their overall success. I would encourage the parent and/or student to live on campus at least one year, because I found that the dorm experience really helped me to become involved in the school as a whole. I would definately suggest finding a college that offers degrees in different fields that interest you, especially if you are going to wait to declare your major, this gives you options that are good for you. Last but not least look at the class sizes, because very crowded classrooms will make the subject harder to learn and comprehend.

I believe that it is crucial to take time while choosing a right school. Taking a trip to visit the campus at different times of the year and at different times of the day will help you to gage what the school has to offer and if it is the right fit. But most imporatn of all, attending freshmen orientations helps one by talking to students who currently attend the school and the faculty.