San Diego State University Top Questions

College is very different from the high school atmosphere. It can simplify your life if you plan and manage your time well, or it can create chaos if you do not. The college life at a comunity college is not like it is at a 4-year university, making new friends is much more difficult. Above all things, apply for financial and government aid to help through the difficult economic downfall, manage your time well, and keep on track with iGETC transferrable classes. If everything is done well and on time, your transition will be relatively easy.

First of all, I definitely would not have waited so long to go back to school. I am a 37-year-old female who has gone back to school to earn a Psychology degree. In many ways, being an older, non-traditional student has its advantages. I have much more life experience than that of my fellow students, and am much more focused on my future career plans. But there are many times when I wish I had the carefree lifestyle of a 21-year-old and was fully experiencing the problem-free college days that my fellow students experience.

Based on the high school I was attending, I would have spend more time learning more than the material covered in each class. I would spend less time in the extracurricular activities I was involved in. I would have spend more time outside of class with my teachers, so that I could learn the concepts to the topics discussed in class to a level that may be discussed in college. Instead of just trying to get good grades, I would have tried to prepare for each subject beginning that summer before senior year. I would spend endless hours in the library with the teachers that dedicated their time to students for night library. I would have socialized with other students more, because you never know if the student next to you knows more to possibly help you understand as well. I would have told myself to focus mostly on the important points instead of trying to comrehend the whole book. I would have also taken the time to look up terms, concepts, or topics that I did not understand by using resources other than the ones provided. I would have planned my schedule ahead of time as well.

I would tell myself to work harder. It might suck at the time, but the hard work will pay off. I would tell myself to continue remaining true to my conscience and to listen to my instincts about people and situations.

I would tell myself to stay focused on my school work and get my studying out of the way before socializing with friends. I would also reccomend to make a routine to follow each week to make sure that I do not fall behind in my classword, while still alotting some free time to spend meeting new people and getting involved on campus. I highly reccomend living in on-campus housing, that is how I met some of my closest friends. Lastly I would tell myself to talk to to teachers and use their office hours to ask questions if I need help. Professors can appear intimidating during lecture but many of them are very willing to help a student who needs it.

Make sure you begin your appllications early, so in the long run you have more time to make a definite decision as to where you would like to go. Do not base your decision solely on your subject interest, money or the social life. Make your decision off a combination of the many different aspects of college life.

As cliche as it sounds, college really does help you find yourself. There is so much to do and be involved in that it can be overwhelming but as long as you follow your own path, you can do nothing but succeed. Your classes should help ignite a passion for a certain field of study and applying yourself whole heartedly to learning will be more rewarding than you will know. College is an opportunity to learn and grow as a person and a professional so make your time there count!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself a number of things. I would tell myself to enter college with an open heart and open mind. When I was younger, I was completely unaware of the diversity that SDSU holds. I never imagined that so many people from different countries and states would be a part of my college experience. I also wish that I told myself to be more extroverted and outgoing. I feel like I missed a couple opportunities to form certain friendships, and I had to learn it the hard way. Friends and study buddies are very easy to come by, especially at SDSU, I just wish that I cherished that ideal when I was a freshman. I knew from day one that I had to work extremely hard to be accepted into nursing school, and I have the GPA to prove it, but I wish I focused a little bit more of my energy on my social life. I missed out on some opportunities because I was constantly studying, but at least I have been granted an amazing education.

I would tell myself not to be afraid. College is a wonderful experience, each year brings you more knowledge and puts you closer to meeting your goals. Plan to study abroad, it is an amazing experience, you get to make so many good friends. Don't be scared to meet with your professors, they are all interesting and want to share their knowledge with you. You will make many friends in unexpected places. Don't worry about being at a school that is so much bigger, you will find your own place there. Don't lose track of your dreams, you are stronger than you think and you will grow with each year. Cherish the time you have here because it will be over before you know it.

I would tell myself, to be sure of who I was. College is full of amazing opportunities as well as stupid opportunities. You really have to be sure of yourself to make the right choices. I would tell myself that the high school friends I had will drift apart but when it's 3am and you are alone after a party or upset after a test, the ones who matter most will be only a phone call away. College is the time for you to realize who you are and become closer with your family. It takes moving away to a new place to realize how much of a child you still are and how much you still need your parents? kind words and encouragement. I would tell myself, to be more appreciative of my parents, because without them answering my phone calls regardless of what time it is, I would not have been as successful as I am today. College life, is difficult- at times impossible. The first year you will experience the harsh realities of being poor, confused, lost and heartbroken. But then you will realize who you are through those hardships and emerge and better stronger person

Det really good gradesd

I would first of all tell myself to look into what is economically happening in the state for which the school I would like to attend is located. I hate that I attend a school that has been hit so hard with the budget cuts and economic issues of the state of California. I would also tell myself that I should try not to get so caught up in the partying lifestyle. School is too important to just blow it off and go get drunk and party. I would also tell myself to join more clubs and get involved in activies on campus. That's a great way tp meet new people and be able to branch out of my normal circle of friends. I would remind myself not to join a sorority. The greek system is so biased and I do not want to be a part of something where most of the people involved don't think they need to follow the rules. Lastly I would tell myself to have an open mind and be willing to put the effort into the work in order to get the results I want.

I would tell myself to get more involved with social activities and meet more people. The networking you develop during your college career can be invaluable. Also, for many people, the college experience can give you important social skills. For example, in college, you start learning how to present yourself to others and learn that your actions and words really make or break what others think about you. This image obviously stays with you for a very long time. You also learn what kind of people will help you advance your life, and which ones will slow you down. Developing an ability to judge character is important. Finally, through speaking with professors and senior students, you learn how to take advice. Advice is sometimes the most valuable thing you can get from somebody, and it is important to learn how to find good advice, listen, and apply it to your life.

If i could go back in time to my senior year, I would advise myself not to take for granted everything I had going for me at the time. Typically, when one is a high school senior with graduation looming in the near future, they tend to soley direct their gaze ahead, only towards what is to come, rather than apprecitate their immediate surroundings and revel in the opportunities and privelages the present has to afford. When i was a senior in high school, all i could think about is how everything was going to be infinitely better after i crossed that finish line and embarked on my new life as a college student. However, because of this mindset i found myself becoming disillusioned with the blessings in my life that I already had such as hobbies, friends, and even family. In reality, once you leave for college and these aspects of your former life are no longer at your disposal, you really begin to realize their value and how fortunate you really were to have them. College life and adulthood is great, but its important to appreciate and take pride in who you were and where you came from.

Become involved sooner. Try to get more scholarships to go away to college, leave home and experience something different. Then, if I did that I wouldn't be going to France this spring.

JUST DO IT.

Stay true to what you believe is correct in every aspect of life. Do not be swayed by influential people in your life. Do what your heart and gut tells you. Keep moving through life without focusing and dwelling on distractions. Work first, then play.

I would tell myself the same thing that I have done these last 3 years be smart and stay focused. There are many occasions that come up to go out and party but know your goal and don't get distracted. Boys will come into your life and they will go don't change your dreams or goals for someone else if they can't take you as you are its time to move on. Have fun and work hard you have the rest of your life ahead of you so if you miss an opportunity one night there will always be another.

I believe that i made an easy transition from high school to college life. I would tell myself that the material and subjects are much harder and I need to focuse on my studys. The social life of college is much different thatn high school and there are so many different people out there. Also in college life you need to watch out for some people and to choose your friends wisely. I would also tell myself to stay focused and to push through the hard times of college. It is all worth it in the long run.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to slow down. I was so anxious to get out of high school and get out there. Those years were so easy going. There was minimum stress and plenty of time to socialize with class mates. College is so different; its impacted with tests, papers and tons of reading. It is very upbeat never the less the knowledge that you acquire is life changing. I would tell myself to take more advance placement tests(AP) because those really do simulate a college class and they count for college credit. I would tell myself to do better in SATs and the entry levels for SDSU. Those entry levels for state are critical and if the scores are low the remedial classes will be the only option. Although college is an immense transition it is manageable. It has shaped me into a better person. I would tell myself to believe in myself at all times. Some days you will feel like stopping and other days you are loving it. All in all I would remind myself that even the option to go to college is something to feel fortunate about.

Be strong and do not let your peers decide for what you want to do. Even though it is important to have fun and enjoy life with your friends, make sure you're on the right track. Students who do not give attention to figure out what they want and end up 5 or more years in college. Sit down and think about what you want to do in your life and what you want to accomplish. It may take hours, days, or even months. But the sooner you get to know your ultimate goals, the greater chance of success you have in achieving them. After that, there is nothing stopping you!

I would tell myself to pick a school that has good academics and doesn't have a high tuition fee. I would also try to take some classes at a community college. I would try to visit the campus daIly to familiarize myself with the surrondings and ask current students how they like their classes.

Put in the time and learn from the beginning. Schooling is not for the GPA, but the education and learning recieved. Make the learning worthwhile and worth your time.

Whatever you do do not slack off one bit, don't spend money on food, homework first before friends, make friends dont be shy

There are many things that living the college life can teach a person. These teachings can change the way you live your life and carry yourself through the rest of your college career. If I were lucky enough to be able to travel back in time to my senior year, I would tell myself a few of these lessons I have learned as a college student. The first, and most important thing I would tell myself is to never be afraid to be yourself. If you go through college and don't embark on the many journeys that are presented to you, you will live to regret it. There are so many new things that you can do in college, such as studying abroad in Thailand or joining a fraternity or sorority and making life-long friends. These opportunities can change a persons life forever. The other major lesson I would teach myself is to manage my time and priorities. Organization is the key to a successful collegee career. If you don't stay on top of your studies, you will find yourself in a hole. These are the most important things that I would teach myself, given the opportuinity.

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would let her know to start looking for and applying for scholarships right away. Money does get tight at times and it always helps to have a back up. I would also tell her not to be afraid to get involved. One thing I believe that makes or breaks your college experience is how much you put into it. If you do not at least try to put yourself out there and meet people, college is going to be that much more difficult for you and you will not have given yourself every opporunity to enjoy it. Finally, I would advise myself to try hard and never give up. It is very easy to slack off in classes your first few semesters, with no one checking nor caring if you go to class, but you will always regret this decision in the end. Give yourself a head start by paying attention, taking good notes, and utilizing your professor's office hours.

I did the right thing on attending the Campus. I transfered fromThe Miramar College of Sandiego and I am so proud of myself that I am attending that campus now, I like the campus and the (Major) ART MULTIMEDIA of my dream is coming true being a student at the Sandiego State University . I can't wait utill I graduate from San Diego State University and work with my major degree, I always reminded myself that everyone can do what ever they want to be and so happy that I decided to go that campus I am happy and loking forward on my graduating date. Thanks to staff and faculty ant to the proffessors too.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about which college to choose, I would reassure myself that I belonged at an academically focused college. I would tell myself that instead of choosing a university to attend based upon location and social aspects, to rather choose the college that would provide the best resources for learning and the college that has the best academic reputation. I would also tell myself to understand that from this point on, I am paying to become educated and therefore grades are important enough to spend the majority of your time on. This is the most important thing to realize, from this point on you cannot go back and change what you do wrong, unless you fail completely, and therfore people who look at your transcripts will know exactly what kind of student you really are considering all of the distractions available when living alone. The last thing I would tell myself to do is to never let anyone make you feel bad for wanting to study and wanting to get good grades, because in the end those are the type of people that are going to be under you at work.

When I first got into college I was very naiive and I was just really happy to be away from home and finally do as I pleased. At first when I got into college dorm, my goal was to meet as many new people as I could and just have fun. However, after awhile I got tired of the parties and soon enough I missed my family and I even started going to see a psychologist for anxiety. I must say that if I was a high school senior planning on transitioning into college again there is a lot I would have changed. First of all I would have just taken it easy, and taken my time in meeting new people, and I would have decided to live in a single instead of a double. I would have done this because I didn't have a very good experience with my first roomate (she was very different from me) and I ended up changing roomates at her request, also during this time I was having a lot of anxiety because I was in a new environment that I wasn't used to.

I would advise myself to talk to my parents and more and to not procrastinate. I think that you need to be open and that you should joy a club or greek life so that you have an opportunity to meet more friends. I think everyone should live in the dorms freshman year so that way you meet friends because they are people you will never forget

College can definitely be described as a life changing experience. I had a decent idea of what college life would be like. I knew that classes would be enormous, dorm life would be crazy, and the culture shock would be extremely, well, shocking! If I had to inform my high school self of one thing, it would be to not take time spent with my best friends for granted. The first week here was extremely difficult. I am a girl who loves to have good, clean fun. I can be extremely goofy or silly at times, but I know when to stop. Also, my morals and beliefs are extremely strong and set in stone. The first week of school, I was not comfortable enough to be myself around anyone. It made me miss my high school friends like I never imagined. I was eventually able to meet some really fun girls that I clicked with immediately. Each day I grow closer and closer with them. However, I would advise anyone who is in their senior year of high school, including my past high school self if I was able, to enjoy every second spent with your best high school friends!

High school self... sit down and I will tell you about the college life. Hindsight is always 20/20. Looking back from where I am now I can tell you that 99{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your fears about college and the transition are unfounded. College may seem like a big step(or leap) which it is. It is a leap into a fun and exiting new experience that you will relish and remember for the rest of your life. If you take full advantage of the educational, social, and personal growth opportunities afforded to you in college, you will certainly get back much more than you put in. Don't be afraid, follow your dreams because college is a phenominal trip! Now get out there and live it! Hurry up you're already late! -Sincerely, Future Chris Radomski

Dear Ms. Guppy, You may have grown from a fry to one of the biggest fish in the pond, otherwise known as high school, but soon it will be time for the ocean a.k.a college. Enjoy your final moments of "pond time," but learn how to manage your time wisely and keep an open mind for upcoming changes. First, start using an agenda. Their great practice for college because it teaches you time management skills like learning to distinguish between study time and free time. This is extremely important not just in school but the real world too, just wait till you get a job. Second, you must not be afraid of change, instead find ways to adapt to your new environment. Study and use your resources to best suit your needs. It's not always easy adapting but sometimes being taken out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow stronger. Lastly, do be proud of your accomplishments but always strive for more because if you don't you'll never know of the many opportunities your missing out on. Remember, "just keep swimming."

Advice I would give to parents and/or students would be to do their research on which school they would like to attend before making a decision right away without even thinking about it. I would also suggest to make sure that they would be financially prepared throughout the years of attending the college or also be willing to search for any type of financial aid as well as scholarships. Procrastinating is very common in everyone and its easier to dive into everything than putting it off because if not, the decision wasnt fully thought out. Making the most of a college experience is to get involved with school activities or sporting events. Meeting people and having a good time would contribute to the college experience. I would also advise that no one should feel sucked into pressure. Just because someone is doing something inappropriate doesnt mean you should follow. Just be yourself.

The students should decide what school they should go to since they would be the one going there. Attend all classes and join groups. Introduce yourself to others as everyone is looking for new friends.

The right college for a student must have everything that the student needs in order to be successful in his or her educational endeavors but also needs to provide the student with a level of happiness. The student should feel a sense of belonging. They obviously must study hard but must not let it consume their lives. College is also about having fun and even the most studious of students need a good social life. Finding the right school goes hand in hand with making the most of the college experience: responsibility, prioritizing, and being involved in clubs, campus organizations, student government, and fraternities or sororities. The top factors that I believe should go into the decision-making process are the location of the school, the student to faculty ratio, which programs or majors are available, and of course the price of tuition in relation to the quality of education. Even if a student does not get accepted to their first choice, making the most of college is about making the best of it.

First and for most attending college is the most important part. Knowing that you want and should go to college is the first step in choosing the right college. Then one has to ask themself if they want to move away from home. If so, how far? Out of state? Then taking into consideration the financial aspect of it. Moving away from home, and living on campus or off has a drastic affect on one's financial status. Researching some schools that one may be interested would be key as well. This includes the majors they offer, extra cirricular activities, ratios, clubs, ect. A person should attend the university THEY want to attend and not the one their parents or friends want. Chose an environment that you feel you will be comfortable in. Just remember this area will become your second home.

When deciding on a college, it is a really good idea to visit your campus. Talk to students on campus and not just the ones that take you on tours. They are suppose to be nice and well tell you anything to get you to go to that school. Talk to the kids carrying the basketballs or the ones that are in the library. It's easier to figure out your perfect match by asking around. Also go to places off campus. I choose a college that was close to the beach, mountains, desert and a nice downtown area,. What more can I ask for when I have time off from school. One mistake that I made was that I didn't live on campus. It is so much easier to meet people and there is no commute. Join clubs. Maybe your not good enough to play Division 1 ball but you still want to play. Find a club that you like. At SDSU, we have a ultimate frisbee team, how cool is that? Remember that college is where you go to learn, but it's also the place where you'll meet the best friends you'll ever have.

My first piece of advice for a student trying to find the right school for themselves is to actually go visit the all the campuses they are thinking about. I visited a few schools before visiting San Diego State and it wasn't until I was walking around their campus when I got an overwhelming feeling, a feeling I never got at any of the other schools, that I was at home and I was at a place I belonged. My second piece of advice for a student would be to not base the decision of where to go to school on what friends are doing or what a boyfriend or girlfriend is thinking of doing. Do what is right for you because college is the basis and foundation for the rest of your life. Make your own choice! As for parents, let your student go where they feel they belong. Be sure to support your child in their decisions because that support is the difference between your childing calling you frequently to chat about their day and how things are going and you only hearing from them when they need money.

It's never to early to start looking for the perfect college, however be patient in your search. The college you choose is the bridge from adolescense into adulthood, and the rest of the real world and what will be your/your child's future. Find out what you're interested in. Do research that includes all the colleges that specialize in your interest. Visit ALL the colleges that fit your criteria, and ask any questions that you may have while you're there. Along with the academic standards you may have for your college of choice, be sure to take its location into great considertion. A college's location will provide the multicultural, physiological, and intrapersonal aspects that you/your child will need to become a well rounded adult who is suited to take on any challenge that comes their way. While at college, be sure to get involved and take part in as many school activities as you can. Dont be scared to interact with new people, and dont be scared to put yourself out in plain site for everyone to see. Be proud of who you are, and what college will turn you out to be.

The best advice I could give would be to go to a jr. college first and get used to the fact that no one cares if you go to class, you have to want to be there. You also have to want to study! A Jr. college gives you time to adjust to the whole "self motivation" concept. Take lots of tours and make sure you think you will really like the school you pick. It is a very hard transition weather you are in from high school or a transfer student so be preparred to struggle the first semester. Dont be afraid to ask alot of questions and make alot of mistakes. The teachers are here for you so talk to them every chance you get. Get involved! Volunteer! I hated school until I got involved and now I wish I was going to be here longer. This really, really is the best choice I ever made. I recommend college to everyone!

Have as much fun as you can, and go all out with your college experience, but at the same time do not drift away from your academics because it will strongly effect you in the future.

Most students change their major before graduating, so a school?s particular area of academic expertise is rather arbitrary when it comes to the university selection process. What is important, however, is the rigidity of a school?s structure. When comparing schools, scale them according to their level of structure: think of Berkeley on one end as the most liberal, loosely-structured school and VMI on the other end as the most disciplined, rigidly-structured school. You then need to honestly evaluate yourself and the way in which you learn. Now, we would all like to go to Berkeley and party like hippies, but the truth is that that is not the best environment for everyone to learn in. Some of us have better educational and even social experiences in a more structured environment. Once you get to your school of choice, it is essential that you make the most out of it. I suggest a pledge, a pledge to yourself to at least once a week try something new, whether it be sushi or bungee-jumping. So long as it is within the realm of legality and morality, try it once. Experience is the essence of life.

Everyone has their reason for choosing a school. Be it to leave home, the most affordable choice, or just because it is a party school. Whatever the reason be, the quality of your growth or education must be the top priority. As you search for the right school for you ask yourself this: will I get the education that I want here? Set aside and consider the cost later in your search, and remember that even though you are applying to these schools, they had to be the right choice for you first. Getting all the benefits of college life requires more than a good GPA, the best way I can say it is to step outside your comfort zone and participate. Colleges offer hundreds of clubs and organizations to choose from, and if anything you can always join study groups if you?re all about academics. I keep telling myself I need to be more involved with extracurricular activity after all the work. The point here is that you can benefit from college life by having a college, allow yourself to step away from the course work and have a little fun. And again, step outside your box!

Making the most out of your college experience starts with choosing the right college. While the task may seem daunting research is the only way you are going to find out what separates one school from another and you are going to have to do your homework. It matters. Why? Because education is personal and can change you in the most spectacular ways. Getting an A in statistics - pretty cool. Being able to later apply the statistical concepts to the real world - life changing. Interested? Start by putting yourself in an environment that facilitates learning. As a rule - spend more time studying than you think you need to; and when something peaks your curiosity, look outside the classroom - this may be something you want to specialize in. When you graduate what will matter most is what have you learned and who you have become. Those are your marketable assets. So be curious. Never hold yourself back from contributing what you could, and finally, don?t ever give up. If you follow my advice, you will find education will change you in the most spectacular way, and you will make the most of your college experience.

I would visit the campus to make sure the type of people there match the student's personality. SDSU was the perfect choice for me because it was driving distance to home, yet I was far enough away to enjoy a feeling of independence. I also recommend joining an athletic group or Greek organization because you will make many friends quickly and this will enhance the college experience.

Make the choice for you the student and no one else. It is your future try not to go to a college just because its safe i.e. its close to home, friends will be there, etc. Do whats best for your future! Research your options throughly to make sure they have what you need. Also, make sure to apply for scholarships as many students pass up the opportunity for free cash for school when college is getting more and more expensive. Make sure to visit the schools as well if possible as nothing can explain what its like on campus than personal experience. Don't be upset if you don't get into your desired school, every college has its opportunities its just what you make of it. Take risks, step out of your comfort zone while at college, its the only way to help develop you as a person and to maybe undiscover what your future interests are. Be yourself, don't feel lpressured to do anything if it doesn't feel right. Have fun and good luck !

you should always visit the college to see if you feel comfortable and you shouldn't worry about money its all about where you feel most comfortable and happy at and as for the making the most of the college experience part get involved with your school and be open minded to everything including your surroundings and the biggest piece of advice I can give you is two words Time Management

When choosing a school to begin your college education, pick ones that apply to your best interests as well as fit your personality. The personal relationship between the student and the university is very crucial to your success. If you're not comfortable or happy with your surrounding it makes it really difficult to focus and concentrate in your studies, making for a poor and regretful college experience. Always go with what you want even if it's not neccessarily the best situation that presents itself, because more often than not the best situation isn't what you want. Don't be ashamed to choose a less prestigous university over, say an "Ivy League School". The point of college is to get a better education for a better job, and have an amazing time doing it making life long friends and lasting memories.

Make sure to find a college that suites the needs of your area of study, this is hte most important. And lastley to pick somewhere that you like. Make sure you like where it is located, because afterall you are going to be living there.