San Diego State University Top Questions

Although the quality of education is a very important when searching for a college, it is also important to look into the atmosphere of a college. Parents and students should make sure that the college they choose stimulates the student both intellectually and socially. The college and the student have to fit together, so that the experience is a memorable one. The college should meet the student's needs in terms of social life. Some prefer the quiet, college town atmosphere because they offer a sense of security and community. Others prefer large, urban colleges where life moves quickly. Another thing to consider is class size. There is something assuring about having small classes where a student can get more face time with a professor. For some students it is the only way they can learn the material. Other students enjoy large classes and excel in large classes. These factors play a significant role in a student's experience. The more you enjoy the college, the more you will be motivated learn and succeed.

When choosing a college it is important to consider the students ultimate goals and even personal preference. It is obvious that when choosing a college, academic curriculum is the most important factor, however it is also important to consider other factors such as location, social life, and even weather. For instance students must ask themselves ?Will I like this school both on and off campus?? Because of this I feel that in addition to academics, the student?s own thoughts and feelings should be taken into consideration when making a decision that will last a life time.

Take the time to research different campuses. Do not be afraid to move and start off on your own. Do not be disappointed if it takes you awhile to discover your major. Students must learn and realize that while college might be 'fun', 'wild' and 'exciting' there is still an academic side to it.

Finding the right college can be a difficult task. I believe that in order to make sure that the college a prospective student wants to go to, they should not only look at the different courses the college offers and the extracurricular activities that they provide around campus, but that the student should also take a tour of the campus. For me personally, the deciding factor was when I toured the campus. It is in the first moments of stepping onto the new campus that you will know if it is the right place for you. In order to make the most of the college experience, I suggest that students do as much as possible to participate in school activites. You develop a connection to your school and classmates simply by going to a football game or taking part in an activity. I'm currently on the cheerleading squad and it has allowed me to make friendships I may have not had the possiblity for previously. Just remember, college is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so make the most of it! Study hard and make new friends.

Plan your coursework in advance. Meet with advisors-they are very helpful, explore all opportunities the college offers, always seek more than one opinion. Get financial assisstance, so you dont have to burn yourself and make your grades suffer. Get engaged in communities or extra activities the college offers-it is a good opportunity to make friendships that last forever. Be and stay focused, give maximum to do well. Enjoy ! These are the best years even if you don't think so right now!

Pick somewhere you think you can mature at, not an extension of high school. Do that and you will enjoy your learning experience.

Finding a college that fits to your lifestyle and what is right for you will influence you overall college experience. San Diego State University was right for me because I was born and raise here and this is where I found it most comfortable for me. The campus is culturally diverse and the best place to meet other people with different cultures and beliefs and you can learn from each other. Picking the right college for yourself depends on what fits best to your personality and values.

Visit colleges and take campus tours which provide a lot of information about the college and social events/organizations. Do not pressure your child to get too involved with campus related organizations during their first semster and give them time to adjust to the new lifestyle / class workload.

Finding the right college is a very hard thing to do. The first thing to do is look at the Financial Aid aspect, and make sure that it is avaliable. Next, make sure it is a place where they would like to live someday, because they will be there for four years. Definitely check out activities, sports teams or organizations because that is a very good way to meet people. Last but not least, make sure they have a good program in the area that you would like to study.

Look for universities that have a lot of diversity and are involved with the public

I would advise the parents to let the students choose and to be as supportive as possible of their choice. Thoughout the years of undergraduate, an individual discovers a lot about themselves and who he/she wants to be. Therefore, the student must think carefully of what they want out of those years and the parent must trust the individual to make the right decisions for themselves.

My advice for parents and students in search of the right college would be to make a list of colleges you may want to attend, with the first college you put down as your first choice. Choose around three to six different colleges to keep your options open. Second, you may want to do a little bit of research by either going online or visiting the campuses. Make sure that the campus is a place where you can grow academically, but engage in student life as well. Remember! You will be spending the next two to four years there, so find one that you feel will best cater to your needs. You may also want to take a look at tuition and other expenses that come with the campus. Consult your parents and see if the cost of tuition will work with the family budget. If you can , try to apply for scholarships and different grants that may help offset the costs. Finally, be invovled. Find a campus where you can be invovled in extracurricular activities such as sports or clubs that can help to enhance your college resume. Good luck and may your future be bright.

Know your personality and the environment you will most likely succeed in.

I am a student who ended up at one of my ?back-up? schools. Initially I was disappointed, but I now know I wouldn?t be who I am today if I had gone anywhere else. Visiting colleges after you have been accepted helps you have a realistic expectation of where you may spend the next four (plus) years of your life. Once you have decided, experiment with classes that seem interesting early on, in order to find the major that is right for you. By taking classes I enjoyed, I ended up with two majors and a minor, through sheer interest! Getting involved in school activities is a great way to make friends and to find welcoming communities within your university. After joining the school's A cappella group and writing for the school newspaper, I found I had a great group of friends and something fun and rewarding to take away from my college years. Studying abroad is also an invaluable experience that I would recommend to every student. It gives you a breath of fresh air, worldly experience, friends, and a maturity that you would never have the chance to gain by simply sticking around your campus.

maintain a good relationships with your child through via phone or email with your college child

Look for a college that fits the major the student is looking for. Beyond that, look for ones that have social lifes that are in line with that of the student's. Students should have fun while at school, but should be able to feel comfortable with those at the school.

I have many pieces of advice that I'd love to pass on to students and parents alike. First, talk to people who go to the school or have gone who are in your major. They will be able to tell you everything you need to know. Also, get involved in a club or organization on campus where you can meet people that have the same passion as you. Next, find out what resources are available to students in your major or with your professional interests. They can help you find the right path to take with classes and internships to put you on the fast track. Parents, talk to parents of other students at the schools your child is looking at. They should be able to give you an idea of what to expect during the years they are in college.

First, seriously question whether college will help you, or if you're going to college because it's "what you're supposed to do." If you attend college, remember that you get out what you put in. Don't rely on coursework alone. College is about giving you the tools to learn, not about teaching you. It is up to you to use those tools and increase your knowledge and experiences. There will be many hurdles, and you will question the value of many of those hurdles. The important thing is that you clear them, first, and afterwards question their value. Finally, college is also about creating networks. It is simply the classes, but the people you meet in those classes. These are the people who will be important to you during and after college.

I think that visiting college campuses and picking a school based on the quality of education you will recieve are the best ways. There tons of nice campuses but if you can't picture yourself there then why go? It's hard to think about the future but, basing your pick on how good the program you will be in at different schools could help narrow down your list of colleges to vist.

I would recommend doing as much research as possible before deciding on a college. Nothing is ever going to be perfect, and what you want at 18, ight no be the same at 22, so try to find a balance in your choice. I was actually surprised how important where you went to college is in applying for jobs. Many Bay Area companies only hire designer university graduates. Keep in mind that transfer is an option, and if you make a choice you re unhappy with it doesn't have to be permanent. When choosing a major, try to think of what career path you might want to take, and if that is going to be a field that you are going to excel and succeed in. Minors are a great way to diversify your education without prolonging your stay too long. College is chance to focus on what you do well, but also a chance to find new passions and directions, so choosing a campus with balance is a great way to be comfortable, and also grow and develop into well rounded induvidual.

My advice to parents is to get involved in their kids lives, that way they can be of some help when trying to decide between colleges. Start by asking your kids -when they're still in high school- what would you like to study? what interests you? what do you see yourself doing in the future? The answers to these questions can help in choosing the right college. As for students, knowing what you want to study is an advantage because you can choose the college that fits your field. If you don't know (don't worry) try and choose a college based on your interests, likes and what you're good at. Don't choose a college just because your friends are going there; choose the college that will awaken your potential. You will make new friends in college. Get involved in student organizations, and take advantage of all the services (academic counseling, psychological counseling, financial aid, tutoring, library, etc...) your college offers; this way you can maximize your college experience. Our college years are some of the best years of our life, so choose wisely.

Make sure that you research the school carefully. Understand that this will be the next four years of your life. The college should be a place where you want to go academically and socially. Remember that college is not just to get a good education, but a chance to grow as a person. Truly and honestly, life long memories will be made. Enjoy them!

I think the single most important thing to consider no matter where you go to school is living in the dorms. The experience you get, friends you make, and memories you form in this first year in the dorms are the times that will be always be treasured. I loved high school, but I had no idea what lie ahead of me in college. The community is just something that you cannot compare to living in an apartment your first year. No matter where you go to school, apply for on campus housing! Best times of your life :)

It is very important to choose your college by your OWN standards and not anyone elses, that way if you ever look back in regret, you can't blame your regret on anyone else but yourself. That puts more pressure on yourself to do research and really think about which school YOU would like to attend.

The best advice for a prospective student is to have a pretty well defined idea about what major they wish to pursue. This makes it easier for a student to plan out an academic schedule for their entire stay at their college of choice. If the student is unsure of which major suits them, and money is a factor, then the cheaper way to go is a junior college. At a junior college, the student can take care of their general education and also discover what career is best for them. Then they can just transfer to their school of choice. Just rememeber to make sure the college they are transfering to accepts the credits from the junior college. As college experiences go, the dorms are the best way to make friends that a student will keep throughout their college career. Even better, live on a floor that has the same major as the student. This way they are guaranteed to know people in their classes, which is great for getting homework help and staying on track. All in all make sure to visit the campus and check out some surrounding areas to see if the college suits their lifestyle.

Please visit the campus beforehand and set up a connection with a cultural or service oriented organization that interests you. This connection will be a great support system for the student when times get tough, such as homesickness, loneliness, finding out references on professors or classes, and how to deal with homework!

Make sure the finances are in order, it's a headache to ahve to deal with money problems and going to school at the same time. Most importantly remember that school is mostly what YOU make out of it. Learn how study and how to manage your time and you'll go far.

You absolutely must know what you want. Stop looking at the factors of which sweater will impress your inlaws and look at where you want to live, what programs will help you the most and what academic climate fits you the best. And when you find a college that fits, that's your school.

I would parents and students to vist the colleges they are interested in and see what feels right, you can just tell you belong somewhere when its right. Also if you know your major do some research to find out which school have good programs for your major and find out some information about certian professors interested in the same field as you so you can have a mentor and someone to help you find your where through undergraduate school and prepare for gradute school or a career. To make the most of your college experience, do well in school so it isnt a waist but make lots of friends, travel if you can, volenteer and intern. Live your life in happiness and surround yourself with good people.

Don't make the decision lightly. I chose my school based almost exclusively on proximity to my friends and family. I don't regret that aspect of my choice, but there are times when I feel like I 'settled'. At the risk of sounding arrogant, I often feel like I am a much better student than the majority of my peers, and this isn't something I enjoy. I would recommend above all, choosing a college that can challenge you. Choose a college you would be proud to say you attend.

Always come to a school with an open mind. The right college is the one in which you can put one foot on the campus and see yourself becoming inmerse in their culture. while wearing their letters A college is meant to stimulate your mind, increase your social understanding and motivate you into becoming a better individual. Every campus has their bad things, some are better at hiding it than others, but as long as inside your heart you know your school is the right place to be, then you can overcome any difficulty or issue you have.

The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience would evolve around the idea of fun. Not to be off base, seeing that college is of important but one must keep in mind that after college, you're working the rest of your life for cash, with a degree, so everything must be taken seriously. In college, you must find a place that the student feels comfortable in. The parents and teenager should go to the college and check it out day time and night time to "get a feel" for it. The student must be able to grow in this environment also, so a list of organizations and opportunities (such as fraterities and sororities) should be considered. Most of all, the ability to pay for this "dream" school should be taken in to much account--while away from the parents, the student must be able to manage his/her money decently. The last type of advice I'd obviously give is to be safe, know the tricks around the school (short cuts to classes) and the student should have no problem fitting right in with everyone.

Go and visit. There really is no other way to get a feel of the school then to go and walk around on campus. Maybe if you know someone go and checkout the dorms and maybe go to a class with them.

You should definitely visit the campus and make sure the environment is right for you. Check to see if the school is good for your major and the people are nice and friendly.

Research! Look at all the available college/university options that you are qualified to attend. Don't miss out on going to your perfect school simply because you didn't want to take the time and effort to find out about ALL schools in the area in which you want to live, visit those schools, and talk to people who are attending the university. Find the school that is going to be well-rounded in the sense of what you are looking for in a school. Don't settle on a university because it simply offers your major. Look at the location, class sizes, school setting, etc. Do your research!

I would tell the parents especially to warn their children about the type of school they choose. I am 36 years old and got to a "party school." Binge drinking and drug use are a normal part of life on my campus. Although I feel college is an important time to experience new things and discover who you are, the choices you make in college can impact the rest of your life. It is both a waste of a parent's money and a waste of a college student's time to go through four years of college and in the end have nothing to show for it.

My advice would be not to get discourage when realizing how expensive it really is. I know my faith and need to become someone my parents could finally be able to say," how it all has been worth it," has not stopped me from realizing my goals. I am a full time student and i work, i have no social life, i manage a household, but i need to do what i can to accomplish what i came to SDSU to do. All i can say is that if you do have an opportunity for higher education, do not let anyone or anything stand inyour way. My first year at SDSU i met an elderly women, who not only carried her books to class everyday, but her oxygen tank as well. During finals that semester she spoke up and replied, to young man who was complaining about all the studying required for that exam,"If i can ride the trolley every day, carry 3 books and my tank, worry about being able to breath one more day and still pass this class so can you." So allow yourself to pick and choose according to your goals and not anything else.

Visit as many colleges as you can and try to find out where you fit in best. It isn't always the college that is close to home or the one your friends go to. Lots of people come to college with High School friends and make other friends along the way so that should never be a deciding factor. Look for chools that are where you want to live when you get older, most companies that recruit at my school are local.

Make sure you visit the campus during a time when school is in session so you can get a feel of what the campus is like when the school is open. Also make sure that you have the amenities that you require close to the school such as a gym, grocery store, bank, etc. Talk to students at the school and ask them what a typical weekend entails.

I would say that for highschool juniors, to apply at several different schools. Your first choice may not always be the best choice for you financially or academically. You want to give your self options. If you only apply at 2 or 3 schools like I did, you may be dissapointed when your 1st or 2nd choice does not accept you. Luckily for me, I was accepted to SDSU which was my 1st choice. I would also recommend looking into each schools financial aid programs. Once you get accepted to a school and make your decision as to where you want to go, ALWAYS apply for financial aid. I have friends that never applied for financial aid because they thought they wouldn't qualify, then they found out that they would have qualified all along. The worst that can happen is that you file for financial aid and your turned down completely. You never though, you may qualify for very little or may be surprised and qualify for alot. You dont know untill you apply and every little bit of financial aid helps.

Make sure you visit each school that you have in mind. The atmosphere makes all the difference when you are attending the school and living there day in and day out. If you can't be proud and happy when you walk on your campus, then it's not worth it. You are spending 4 years of your life at this place, make sure you know what is going on at your school, what kind of activities would interest you, etc. You are the only one that can make your experience the way you want it.

The advice I would give to parents and students when attempting to choose the right college for their child and/or themselves is to identify their interests and what they want to achieve by graduating from college. This will enable them to have a focus when they are scouting schools and not get caught up in what school looks the best or seem to be the most prestigious. Once you know what your looking for in a school, getting to know what the student body is like is key. While many colleges are very diverse, you want to know the overall impression and reputation students from the college tend to have on the surrounding community and other colleges. Once you have found a college that seems to appeal to your field of study and appears to have a student body that you feel you can be a part of and be happy with, I believe you will have found the right school for you and/or your child.

Parents should visit several campuses with their children to get a feel for what the campus life will be like. Students need to take into consideration the population of the school, how impacted the major they want to enroll in is, the costs including lodging, tuition and transportation, and the location in comparison to their hometown in order to best be prepared. Upon enrolling and entering a university, the student should know the campus well and what services it offers and put them to use. Students should make their own master plan that maps out each class they need to take each semester or trimester in order to graduate on time. It's important for students should have a social life, but not overdo it, as it does interfere with academics, and the reason for going to college, is to go to college.

Make sure you go to the campus. Figure out what you want to major in and research the teachers in the specific department because a teacher can really make or break your class experience. And don't just go somewhere because of the party scene, educations should come first!

My advice to new students would be to enjoy the experience and the opportunity to be a part of the University. It is crucial to stay focused because their are many opportunities for distraction. Get to know the school and the resources that are available. Utilize the library and study rooms for study groups. Ask the libraian for help; get to know how to use the online research catalogs. Stay on top of your Financial Aid and make sure to apply to the FAFSA and other Scholarships. Whether or not your class is in a huge auditorium, introduce yourself to the instructor--stand out from the rest! Sit in front of the class where there is less distractions and to show your instructor you are there to learn. And lastly, ALWAYS GO TO CLASS PREPARED!!

Know what you are doing and how you want ot go about doing it with classes and class load, do not slack or you will be in school for longer than you think, like intrest rates, they just just keep adding up. Talk to your kids nd given them encouragement, its hard to find on many camouses and make sue you let them know that drugs and drinking are not what they need to do. College life is brutal and those who survive are strong but the path is corupt and twisted. Love you children and let them know it. Dont spoil them but keep them happy and family stess to a minimum, school puts enough on them as it is. Make sure they eat healthy not just dorm food. tell them to do their laundry every week not every semester, (my roomate )

First, if I would suggest one thing to students (advice I didn't follow myself), it would be to make sure you know what you want before investing large amounts of money into a school. I highly recommend attending junior college for $20/unit while doing your undergraduate GE classes. Then, when you find direction for what major you want, transfer as a junior and finish the last two years. I believe this is the most financially sound method of approaching school. When selecting a school, look for their strengths - find out how high it is rated in your specific interest. This will help you develop status when applying for careers following graduation. Finally, don't let social reputations of the school deter you. Know that your social life at a school is what you make of it and there are plenty of opportunities at a "party" school to be an academic. There are plenty of opportunities at an "academic" school to be involved. Work hard, study and relax just the right amount, and DO finish school.

I would say support your student because as a freshman is really hard to make a decision so parents be there for them, make sure that they are happy with their decision and ready to start a new college life. Students, good look, college is hard but ir is worthy.

Since i was the first person to go to college in my family it was a very different, strange, new, and exciting experience. Parents should look with their child at many different colleges in many different locations to see what they might like the most. also, dont just pick a college by the website, make campus visits and actually see what its like in person. really do your research because choosing the right college is a big deal. i didnt get to live in dorms and i think i really missed out on that experience. make sure you are involved on campus, not necessarily a frat or sorority, but a club or just go to the on campus events. its a good way to make friends and not feel so lonely and out of the loop.

The one thing I would tell parents and students about finding the right college and make most of the college experience is to actually do research. First of you have to be able to handle a giant move anywhere. But the end result is how much research you put into finding the right college that you would enjoy. Finging out what clubs they offer, the total enrollment of school and the amount of teachers there are. To make the experiecne a great one is to actually get invloved with extra criclicular activites to which you enjoy. Join a frat or a club, take classes that you enjoy as an elective hang out at campus. Especially making that first friend of your first day could acutally make or break you experience.