San Diego State University Top Questions

Don't pick SDSU.

The best advice I can give students about the college experience is to make sure they find an area of study that they love. It is a very hard decision to make at the age of 17 or 18 right out of high school but I suggest spending the first 2 years of university exploring different fields of study and taking many different courses in order to find the perfect Major. The hardest part for me in my college experience was finding the field that I enjoyed the most. I took courses in almost every Major available until I found the one course that I loved going to class every day and learned that I would enjoy having a career in that field for the rest of my life.

Make sure you know what you want to do and choose accordingly. Especially in bigger schools there is not a lot of room for exploration. Which in my opinion is one of the biggest crimes of the college system.

I would tell parents and students to look around before selecting a school that is right for them. It is important to tour a variety of schools before making your decision. I would suggest that they ask students at the schools they visit how they feel about going there. They also need to plan financially, state schools are usually more affordable than private schools. I would tell a new student to not be afraid. To make the most of their experience they need to have the courage to step out there and do it. Running back home every weekend will not make you new friends. I would tell new students to lean on their roommates when they are having a difficult time, chances are their roommates are feeling the same thing. I would also recommend that new students try to spend more time studying and less time partying, then good grades will come more easily. Most importantly, I would tell a new student to have fun! College is a unique experience, and should be enjoyed. A lot of learning takes place in the classroom, but I have learned the most from being out on my own.

Allow the potential student to understand the situation they are going to be involved in while still allowing the student to contemplate and make decisions based upon their own thoughts. The student should be able to responsibly understand how to maintain a responsible school aesthetic while able to create and develope a personality that is amenable to themsevles as well as their classmates.

Make sure you have somewhat of an idea of what you want to come out of your college education and what kind of career path you are aiming for. It's more difficult then some people to think to narrow it down when they have absolutely no idea what to do degree and career wise. It's also good to attend the same school as a high school friend or a two because it makes the transition to college life a lot easier.

College is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. No matter where you go, you will have to dedicate 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your time to succeed and it will become tiresome, and sometimes you may want to give up. But in the end it will always be worth it. This is how I look at it: I must make a choice now. Will I work my butt off, stay focused, and finish college with a strong education and the freedom to choose what I am going to do? Or will I attend part-time so that I can spend more time with friends, relaxing, not having to worry so much about school, and staying in school 2-3 years longer than I would've had I been more focused? Possibly, not even finishing my education. Which sounds better to you? Picking a school can be difficult, for me it was a matter of having an exceptional department for my major and being close to home so that I don't have to worry as much about this economic crisis. Find what is best for you and your circumstance. Best of luck to all who dare to succeed!

In order to choose the right college make sure you look at the major that you are pursuing. Also, if you do any sports make sure to choose a college that has the sport. If you want to stay close to home then choose a school that is the same state. If you want to live away from home then choose a school in a different state. Last but not least make sure you can afford the college or get loans in order to pay for it. The weather would be another factor to look at. If you don't like to be in a place that is in a remote area then choose a place that is close to many stores.

Networking is a big part of success in the real world. So network early! The best opportunities I have receive or heard about where from professors and students in my related field. But my best advice is to make the most of your college life. It goes by quickly!

My advice to parents is to be prepared! College is well worth it for any student, but the cost may be something that initially looks fearful. In the end though, it will be well worth it. To students, my advice is to balance your social activities with your academic schedule in a way that won't be harmful to your studies. Temptations are strong, but you have to be stronger!

pick the right college for YOU!

The advice I would give is find a school where you feel comfortable. Students should go and visit the school before hand. Students should look for a school that is a challenge, but at the same time students need to know their limits as to what is challenging. Lastly, in order to find the right college I believe it is imperative to get involved on campus. Especially if students will be attending a large university.

Finding the right college is a very unique and personal experience. While there is no blanket statement on the best method of finding the best school out there, simple research can be performed on potential schools such as demographics, scholarly awards, production of research etc. Not to mention each school has an online reputation and student body that can be examined remotely from the web. Making the most out of a college experience is truly based on the student. Involvement and wise decision making from friends, to finances control what college has in store for you. Listen to your elders who participated in the educational process and learn from their mistakes and accomplishments to ensure your experience is the best it possibly can be!

Make sure you choose a school that not only has practical programs and majors available, but also allows you to take interesting, new courses. So many people are forced into the path of business or accounting because they never knew the scope of majors available. Do not settle for decent; expand your mind and your abilities. Challenge yourself with new classes. You can only have a good time if you let yourself.

I definately would try and spend a few days at the schools you are considering. For me, I almost ended up choosing a school just because it was more well known but when I ended up spending a week there, I hated it. I couldn't see myself spending my next 4 years at that school . In order to make the most of the college experience I would say to get involved!! Especially here at SDSU, it is really hard to make or mantain friends through classes cause there is just too many people. If you are in an organization though, it is a smaller group of people that you get to see constantly. I joined a sorority my sophomore year and it made the campus feel so much smaller! I also reccomned living in the dorms for at least a year! you really get to know people well and it's nice to know that there will always be someone there for you.

Go with your gut feeling. I know when I came to the campus I went to, I just knew it was for me. Look at location and ask yourself is this somewhere you wouldnt mind living for the next four years. Ask students on campus when you get a tour what they think of the school they are attending. The biggest thing is to ask questions!

Make sure you visit the campus a few times. Also, explore the city surrounding the school. Once you've picked a college and are a student, make sure you become active in at least one on-campus group or activity. Being apart of a club, team, or organization will allow you to make friends without even trying. Everyone in the club will share at least one common thing with you. Also, try to build your resume early. Volunteer and intern to help gain experience. Also, make a connection with a few professors early on. They will be your mentors and can help you out when you really need it. They can also supply letters of recommendation later on in your college career.

Finding the right college is not the easiest task, but when you find it you will know. It may be the nice weather, the friendly people, or the academic programs the school has to offer that attract you just remember to look more into the surrounding city as well. It is important to know about transportation if the student does not have his/her own car, it is important to know about the availability of jobs if the student plans on working, and it is also important to feel comfortable there. I would also advise students and parents to be open minded about the colleges they look at and the people. I feel the more open minded an individual is then the better college experiance they will have.

My advice when it comes to choosing the right college for you would be to go and actually visit the schools you are considering. I feel that until you see these campuses first hand, you won't be able to make the most informed decision. Definitely go take a campus tour, sit in on a class, ask about social extracurriculars. These are the questions you need to ask to get a feel for what your going to have to live with for the next four years of your life. It's important to consider want you want in your future college career, you might want a school based on school spirit, location, future job opportunities, social aspects, school size, financial aid, or academics. Personally, the school I chose was definitely not my first choice, but due to financial reasons I had no choice but to go there. Now after everything is all said and done, I am very happy I have spent the last two years at my university and even though it wasn't my first choice, I don't think I would do a thing to change what has happened to me in the last two years. I

Chosing the right college for yourself is one of the most imortant decisions that you will make. The first thing you need to decide is how far away from your family, friends, and hometown you can bare to be. This is a large factor in someones happiness and adjusment period once starting college. From there you should start visiting campuses' and decide where you feel most comfortable. The tone of the school is very important and you need to figure out if you fit into the scene offered. You should pick a campus that has an environment that you know you can learn in, but can also have fun in. Making the most of your college experiance is easy if you remember what you are there for. You go to college to get an education. You have to learn how to prioritize and keep your studies and school work at the top of your list. But another essential part of your college experiance is growing as a person. You can do this by putting yourself out there by getting involved, meeting new people, and utilizing all of the opportunities that your campus has to offer.

Apply to every college you wouldn't mind going to, check out the campuses, join student organizations, be very involved on campus because it will help you want to stay in school! Don't hesitate to ask for help from professors, peers or tutors, they want you to succeed. Choose a college where you think you would benefit the most from, not the one your parents would want you to go to. Take classes to see what subjects you like, people change majors frequently. College is where you make lots of friends (if you choose to, be open to them), experiencing new things and learning for your future job.

I would say that in finding the right college you really have to focus on what you want, not what anyone else wants for you. Don't stay near home just because people are tell you too, if you want to move away and stay in a dorm, do it. It is one of the best experiences, and you will meet so many different kinds of people and learn so much about yourself. To make the most of your college experience you should make the most of the activities and resources available to you. Utilize your financial aid office and apply for scholarships. On campus jobs are great and there is more of a variety than you would think. Try to join a club and be an active participant. Even if you are shy or nervous, go to your professors office hours. It helps them get to know you, and it is a great networking tool. Use things on campus like the library and gym, and go to some of the sports events such football or basketball games with friends. It's ok to make mistakes, this is the best experience you will ever have.

The most important advice I would give to future students and parents is to have an open mind. When visiting schools and finding what fits best for both the student and parent, they need to take everything in. Visit the campus and see if you like it. Research what the school can offer academically. Also do not let a schools reputation scare you. Not EVERYONE is doing what people might say they are, and if the student has good morals and a good head on their shoulders they will succeed. Parents have hopefully taught their children leadership skills and they will not follow what EVERYONE else is doing. College is a time for young adults to take the lessons they have learned from birth to now and use them in their everyday life. College is a time for these young adults to become their own person with their own ideas and start their own future. It is a time where their life becomes their own and they start living a new chapter. The best advice to give a parent is to give your child room and allow them to grow.

Explore as many college campuses as possible. Choose a school not only based on academic history but also for the feel. If you don't feel comfortable on a campus, it doesn't matter how esteemed the school is, you will never be fully comfortable.

When I was in high school, counselors made it their top priority to prepare students for the UC system. However, in such a competitive group, people often end up somewhere they had not thought they would. What I have experienced in college is that the title is not the important part of your college experience. I have met so many people who are much like me, and we all enjoy the challenges and experiences here. Basically, in chooing a college, one should think about what will really make him or her happy. Do not choose a school based on reputation alone, but try to have an idea of what you are interested in beforehand. However, the system is a little flawed, and no high school graduate knows exactly what he or she wants from life as a college freshman, and college truly is the place to find those answers. While in college, explore different areas of interest, and never ignore the ones that do not seem entirely practical. There are always more classes and areas of study than you realize, so take advantage of them while you can!

Have a good variety of colleges to be able to go to. Don't just go for the large UC schools because chances are low and competitve . Also have choices towards what you want for your carrer you are looking for as well, to make your college experience worth while.

The advice I would give parents or students when in search for the right college for them would be to check out a wide variety of college if possible. After seeing all of the college picked out before hand then selected the college you found was most suitable. It could also help to take campus tours, talk to avaliable students and staff. Getting a feel of the college before actually attending could help narrow down the hard decision of where you might be spending the next chapter of your life at.

I would advise parents and students explore a variety of colleges pertaining to the students study, career, social, and locale interests. Visiting each campus gives both the student and parents a better feel for the university. After visiting each campus, discussing the opinions of both parent and student is very important. Allowing the student to have a say in their college choice is crucial to the student making the most of their college experience. To the student, venturing out of your comfort zone is key in making the most of the college experience. I highly recommend living on-campus the first year of college. It allows for meeting new people, networking, getting involved on campus, and making friends for life. Put yourself out there! Make mistakes and learn from them! College is THE best learning and growing experience. I will truly miss college when the time comes.

I one hundred percent believe in both the parents and potential students to actually go and visit the college campuses that they are incredibly interested in. Actually being on the campus and witnessing student life with your own eyes is irreplaceable. Pictures on the internet or just reading up on what the school is about is not enough. I had been set on going to one college that I thought was perfect for me, but then I went to visit the college and right away, I knew it wasn't for me. It was strange that the school I had been so set on turned out to not be what I wanted, but after that disappointing visit I looked around to see what else was out there. When I finally narrowed down my choices and made my visits, I knew within minutes of stepping onto my college campus that this was the place for me. I felt excited, optimistic, and right at home. When you finally get to where you are going try new things, join new groups, and see your counselors. Most of all stay true to yourself and always remember where you came from.

Most people say that San Diego State University is a party school and it is not a place parents want their children to be. However, college is what you make it. I have never thought of my university as a party school because I knew I was not there to party, I was there to learn. If you know what your goals are in life and do not let yourself get distracted from them, you will be fine. Do what you know is right and what will make your parents proud. College is not about drinking and partying every weekend, it is about your future and making something of yourself.

I would first suggest visiting each campus when class is in session, not during the summer. Also go into this experience with an open mind and do not let your parents or friends control and sway your decision. My best friend at San Diego State was only allowed to apply to private colleges. He did not even complete his first semester at the college his parents chose for him because he was miserable. Now he attends SDSU and has never been happier. To make the most of your college experience you need to understand that as a student you make or break the stereotypes at the college you attend. Also It is always better to have five close friends then 30 fake ones. Finally, take school seriously because nowadays the mojority of people attend college, so a college degree won't guarantee an amazing career.

Make sure that you visit the school and seriously ask why your child wants to attend the school, becuase usually they wont even admit that to themselves.

Look at every college you can, do a lot of research and parents, pay attetion to your children. You will know which campus is the right one.

consider the reputation of the school, for some companies do discriminate according to school. Consider the cost of living(rent, food, transportation) and cost of school. Consider how active the student body is, they control what gets changed around campus and the activites that are put on.

Look for colleges that special in your specific major so you would get the best education possible. You want professors who are the best in their field so you can be the best in yours.

I would just advice anyone to have an open mind. SDSU was not necessarily my first choice, but I am really glad i decided to go there. Even though there may be things or people you would not usually hang out with, try new things and have a good time during your studies. It is good to focus on school, but a student should also have a social life, otherwise everything can become extremely overwhelming.

Don't just select a college based on it's "prestiege" and what you see on its surface. I had the option of attending places like UCSD and UCLA, and opted to come to SDSU. At first, I thought I had made the wrong decision, but after a while I realized that this school has been perfect for me. My school has a reputation of being a "party school." I think it is, but I also think that academic success depends not on the school, but on the amount of time you decide to dedicate to your schoolwork, and how you prioritize. My school has a large student body, but it's a small enough university to a point where I can access my teachers and professors with much ease. I remember that I was able to take advantage of several office hours the first time I took chemistry. One thing that I wish I could have done earlier is find out what kind of extra-curricular activities were offered at my school. It 's always nice to get to know others on campus while doing something that's not related to academics.

The advice i would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college is this: look for a college that fits your needs. For me, San Diego State is located close to my home, near the beach, it's a big campus with lots of opportunities for me to excel and there is always something happening on campus - these were some of the things i was looking for in a school. I would also advise students to live in the dorms their freshman year of college, this helps you make lifelong friends and it helps you acclamate to college a little better because you're constantly on campus with your peers. Don't be afraid of sororities or fraternities, they provide their pledges with ample social opportunities, community service work and the alumni might even help you find a job. During rush go look at the different booths and maybe you'll find one you like, if you don't then that's fine, there should be plenty of other things you can do at your school. The college you choose will determine how the rest of your life plays out, so be picky.

I would tell parents and students to talk to currently enrolled students about campus life and academics. Professors and administrators may say that their school is very academically oriented and not a party school but current students would say otherwise. I would advise the future student to come up with a list of things that are important to them- class size, location, social life- and talk to current students about these things. I would also adivse them to visit several collleges and ask several people to get a good understanding of the different schools.

The most important information I could give to college bound students would be don't worry! Throughout your senior year of high school the pressure was on to get into the "right school for you". Of course there are colleges and college areas that you prefer, but I do not believe there is that ONE college/University that is in your destiny to go to. Kids go back on forth on which colleges to go and it drives them star craving mad! I admit, I was one of those worriers that thought if I didn't pick the right college something awful would happen to me. But, don't worry my little future scholars, you will not blow up if you don't get into your first choice, or you settle on the school that's cheaper. College is what you make of it, therefore you and only you have the power to make it everything you hoped for. So, keep that positive attitude, that hope for the future, choose a school and enjoy the best years of your life. Soon, you'll see what I mean.

Visit different schools and talk with current students and faculty if possible to gain a better understanding of the school. Also, research different programs and make sure your area of academic interest is offered at the school.

College is about comfort, dedication, and opportunity. If students are not comfortable on campus, they will not be dedicated. If they are not dedicated, they will not succeed, academically or socially. By choosing a campus where a student is comfortable in his surroundings, he has given himself the opportunity to advance as a human being through his education and exposure to diverse cultures. Fear is a word that should not be synoymous with the choosing process, but it is just as valid that ignorance should not be, either. In other words, do not back down from picking any college because of self-concious reasons; do what feels right. However, it is a fallacy to blindly jump into any environment. Many actions taken in college are spontaneous, and the decisions made on adrenaline to do these actions often turn out to be the most memorable of entire lifetimes. The value of making an informed decision when choosing an institution, however, can be found in the students who refer to school as "home." Above all else, by selecting a setting where they feel comfortable and can be dedicated to school, these students have given themselves the greatest opportunity to succeed in life.

Choose an area you like, not just the college. You are moving to a new city, you should like it there.

Visit the campus on a typical day, sit in on a class, find and ask students about what they think about the school, especially what they feel are the worst things about the school. Weigh the pros and cons, and the costs.

First search to find out with schools the student has a legitimate shot at attending. Visit the schools listed and talk to real students about their experiences at the university. Only go to the school that you like the most. Do not sell yourself short and go to a lesser school when you could attend a prestigious one.

Do alot of line research for schools and scholarships. I think parents should have financial workshops throughout their child's school time. Thanking about it as senior in high school is too late.

Make sure to visit a variety of campuses before making a selection. Because you will likely change majors several times, attending a community college for your general education is not a bad idea. When you have completed the general ed classes, you may have a better idea where you need to go to focus on your areas of interest. Find clubs where like-minded people go. Spending time on recreation you enjoy is a great stress reducer. Try online classes as an option when you have a challenging work shedule. They are great for people with self discipline, and offer great flexibility. You can always go back to college! As a person in the over 50 category, I am excited I have recently been accepted to an excellent grad school that is truely meaningful after spending so much time in my chosen field. I feel I can really gain from the experience--more now that I would have in my 20s or 30s.

Find the college that lives up to the preferances you have for your major. In doing so, everything else will fall into place. For example, you will meet people on the same academic level as you. Furthermore, you can easily relate to these individuals because they probably have the same major as you do. Obviously, you will have things in common with these people because you picked the same school.

Have a good idea in about about what you are looking for, whether it'd be based on values, academic issues, social life, etc. Be sure to be flexible and open with all opportunities and offers put forth.

Pick a school with lots to offer on and off-campus. To get the best experience you should explore as many things as possible.