San Diego State University Top Questions

listen to your gut. College life will shape your future, direct your career, and help you devolop into an adult. College is a personal time and a personal decision so do whats best for you! And remember, have fun.

When deciding where to go to college you must: Know who you (or your kid) really are! Don't pick a school solely because it looks good on paper, it's vital to feel comfortable where you are. Visit schools and ask specific questions to students: ie "how's the food?" "what do people do in their free time?" "Is greek life a big deal?" "Is there a lot of alcohol and drugs? "Do you know of students that have dropped out? If so, why?" "Is it true that if you dont' live in the dorms, you won't have a social life?" Is this a place you would celebrate your association with? Realize it's a two-way road. (It's like dating!) Yes, they must admit you...but you must like them too! Decide if they are what YOU want. Ultimately, you have the final say. (If you don't get in the first year, community college is a great way to still graduate from the alma mater you respect most.) Spend the time, do the research. Find out as much as you can so you can make the right decision. It's worth it in the end.

I would have to tell the parents to save as much money as they can, as early as they can; and if this is not a possibility I would advise them to always keep the dream of college in their sons or daughters mind because an education is what ultimately defines a young man or woman's career. I would advise future college students not to dilly dally on their college applications, and not to limit their choices to the closest, the cheapest, or even the easiest to apply to. I would advise them to select colleges that will provide the tools they will need to stand out in their field of study. I would also let them know that even if they dont get accepted to their primary school, not to worry because if they study and work hard enough things will start to turn their way and before they know it they will find themselves in a position in which they have control over their own futures, and believe me, that is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world.

Make sure to talk to students that go there, especially those in clubs and organizations. They have a better sense of what campus is like.

Make a lot of college campus visitations. Remember that you are an outsider looking and things are different from an outsider's point of view. Never settle for less, choose your top college. These 4 years are going to impact your outlook on life.

Finding the right college and making most of the college experience means being happy at the school, feeling safe, and confident about oneself. The right college means having a good social life, being involved in activities, meeting new, life-long friends, and having a library that has many of the tools needed in order to ace the next exam. If someone is living on campus, it is important to know that there will be safety and security at all times, and having the right roommate. Furthermore, one should feel confident about life after college as well, such as what jobs will be offered if one did attend that college. College should be like finding another home. College is life, and if one does not feel like he is living his life to the fullest at a college, then that school is not for him. I would also advise prospective students to focus on what the campus food is like and make sure that there is a variety. I would also advise students to pick a college where th classrooms are not full, and the classrooms are not outdated where there are only as few as 20 smart rooms on campus.

The right college is about finding the right fit for a certain individual. Any college that a prospective student is considering must be visited to really take in what the school has to offer. The right college is also about proximity to a person's friends and family. My personal experience in selecting college provided me with a school that was far from home but not too far if I was feeling homesick. I grew up about 100 miles from campus; so, no matter what I was only about an hour and a half from home. To make the most of the college experience is to get out there and get involved with campus activities. there are tons to choose from and all are fun and offer a good way to meet great new friends. Schoolwork must come first. After your work is finished you can have all the fun you want. I was forced to learn the hard way and missed out on many good times with my friends because I was finishing projects at the last minute. If I had learned proper time management sooner then my first year in college would have been much more enjoyable.

College is the obvious gateway to any students future. It is critical to find the right school in order to execute a plan for the years to come. When finding a college that is appropriate, one needs to look at all aspects of the campus, whether it's the academic credibility, social environment, or overall surroundings. College is very important in molding the happiness and sustainability of adulthood. It is a place where one can find a concrete job, lifelong friends, and social skills that will enable a successful tomorrow. There must be a good hard look into one's self in order to correctly determine what college will be the right choice. College shapes what each of its students will become, and knowing what is in one's heart is key to all decision making.

first and for most i would find out what it is you want to major in, there is nothing worse than going to school undecided and spending an extra 2 to 4 years in school cause you keep changing or you dont know. however, if you know there are a few things but not sure that is a good start. now that some of the schools are knocked off your list you should decide what area you would like to live in, most likely when you are done with school you will stay where you are and live the rest or most of your life there, so be comfortable with where you choose. now that you have a few in mind apply to them all and wait to see if you get in this may or may not knock off some more schools. i would definetly check out the school ahead of time once with the parents and once without the parents, if you cant afford this then get on your myspace and meet some people at those schools and find out about it. good luck

Don't second guess yourself and go with what feels right. I visited many campuses and SDSU felt like home. I felt comfortable here and the people were very friendly. It was close enough to drive home but still gave me the feeling of independence I needed. Also, plan ahead. Make visits to campuses, talk to counslers, and look at all the different majors to choose from and what that school can offer you. Also, students, don't worry if you get into schoola and decide you want to change your major, MOST STUDENTS DO! I did and if it takes you a little longer to graduate.... SO WHAT? At least you found something you want to do and this is the best time of your life SO ENJOY! :)

Research and visiting colleges is a good way to narrow down choices but you will never truly know if a school is right untill you excperince. A new student should take a week or even a weekend to visit and explore the school on their own with out a parent. Once you found the right school getting involved in clubs, sports, greek life, or even a part time job can be a great way to make friends and the transition easier .

Choosing the right college is a very important decision, and often the first real big decision people make. After my first year at college, I feel that I would be able to give parents and students very helpful advice. Once the student has chosen the school in the area they like with the major(s) they want to pursue they need to make the most of their years they will spend there. I would recommend that the student make new friends, even if they have old friends who also attend their college. People change in college and you cannot know if you and your friends will still be close. I would also advise, especially to the people who never had to study in high school, it's a lot more difficult! Studying is essential in college. Another thing I would suggest is taking a class that sounds interesting just because they want to learn about it. It actually makes going to class and learning fun. The last thing I would tell a prospective college student is to call their mom at least once each week. They worry, and they like to know you're okay, and working hard.

If you are searching for the right college for your child or yourself, make sure you know what field of study you want to go into, and research the schools that have a high rate of students graduating from that school, as well as the time it takes those students to obtain a job after completing graduation, in that major. And if you are unsure of what field of study you would like to go into i would suggest starting at a jr. college like i did until you know what you want your college degree in

Visit the campus, so you know if you like the environment. It?s something you'll have to look at every day, and if you're not happy with it, you'll never REALLY like your college experience. Go to orientation. I missed it, but my friends who went were set up with a plan to graduate, and all graduated on time. I took classes I thought would be fun, and were in the right direction towards graduation. Now all I can think of is getting out! If you can handle something on the side, like a sport, or a job, do it. Not only will it keep you from getting lazy, which is one of the biggest killers of college careers, but if its a job it'll provide you with an income, and if you pick a sport, you'll most likely be in shape and have a group of people you can hangout with and grow strong with together...not to mention they give priority to athletes for picking classes, as well as provide extra academic help.

I dropped out of high school because I was hanging out with the wrong crowd. Luckilly I had a supportive familiy who encouraged me to go back to school. I finally made the right choice and went back to school and I am now a Registered Nurse. I can tell parents that it is important to make sure your children know how important school is and let them make the right decision. It is important for kids to know how important school is only this way will they give all of their effort in completing college. As far as choosing one it definately deppends on the major. I applied to the school that had very good academic program for nursing. I did not look at the social life or any of the other factors that could nbe important for some students.

College is an important decision that will affect the rest of your life. It is not just the education that is important when selecting a school, but the environment, life-lessons, and friends that you will meet along and encounter along the way. Parents, do not pressure your kids to go to your alma malter. Let them come to you about questions or concerns they might have when choosing which colleges to attend to or apply. It is a hard enough decision to make without having the adding pressure of a parent lurching over your shoulder. Don't let your child live in your shadow, or live vicariously through them. It is their time to venture out on their own and make their own decisions, learn their own lessons, and make their own mistakes. In the end, choose the school that makes YOU happy and you alone. Find a place that you can find everything you want whether it be studying aboard, sports, internships, student goverment, greek life, or work experience. So take the time to research the right school for you and apply to places that suit your needs and wants.

GO TO THE EVENTS!

Don't worry so much if you don't get your first choice school. You will end up at the place that is right for you. Just make sure you get involved and don't focus on the fact that the school was not your favorite.

Get involved on campus right away- don't waste time waiting for people to approach you.

The most important advice I can give you is to go to the campus during the day when school is in session and see how you feel about it. Then ask random people as they're walking by how they feel about the school. You can get an awesome feel for the general sway of the student body just by watching andl istening to the real students. Are they smiling? Is their lots of friends walking together? Are their on campus activities going on during the day? Is it lively and exciting or dead and serious? You have to ask yourself what kind of school you want first off. Are you outgoing enough to go to a large school where there are a lot of opportunities to get involved, but you have to make the first step? Can you handle not being number 1 in the class anymore? Do you want more people than you could ever meet in four years? What's important to you? Sports teams? On campus involvement? Great teachers? Fun atmosphere? Meal plans? In the end it's all up to you. But you also have to remember IT'S ALL WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT.

I would say that you should visit several college campuses before making your decision. Also make sure that you apply to many places because you never know where you will get in and if you will change your mind about what your first choice is. Just make sure that where ever you decide to attend that you go there with an open mind and you are willing to meet a lot of new people with different backgrounds and stories. Above all have a good time because you will never be a young college student again.

When choosing the right college it's important for students to make the choice on their own, the college they choose will be their home for the next several years so it is vital to their happiness and success that they go somewhere that they feel happy going to. No one wants to be forced to go somewhere they didnt choose. So parents should help brainstorm, but leave the final choice to the student. This means the student should research many colleges and visit many colleges. If the student knows what they want to major in try finding a college that has a good program in that field. If the student has no idea what they want to do they should look at other factors: a location that they like, whether its in the city or in the country, whether they like the beach, or the mountains. They should research the clubs and sports at each school, and should also look at the other students at that college, at the town or city the college is in, and the different actities available. All these things will help the student make the best choice, and lead to a successful college experience.

I would personally advice them to take their time on researching different colleges and universities, because there is where they will invest in their feauture. for the next few years Also, to look into the clubs or sports the school offers, in order to become and active member who contributes back to the school. Moreover, parents/students should look into the study abroad programs offer on campus, because it is no only an enriching long learning experience but also an experience he/she will never forget. Parents should be aware that college is very expensive and most of time students have to take out loans for their tuition, so inform yourself and speak to a loan advicer. One more thing before I close up, ask questions to students on campus and check it out. There is greater chance to see if the shool fits you.

I would tell them to choose a college where they fit in and excel in. The more happy a student is the better he/she will do and having a healthy social life is also important. I would tell them to choose San Diego State university becasue it has all of those traits. The campus here is very centralized around the greek life and is an awsome life. The school feels like its own little community and you feel like a movie star. You will meet alot of people and make life long friends. The ciriculum is very challenging and if you get behind in class you will fail. So the incentive to live such a fun life and party you have to earn your grades to stay enrolled. Also, obtaining a career is much easier becuase San Diego offers many programs and internships for students. San Diego was the best decision i have ever made and i highly recommend this school to any incoming freshman, you wont regret it.

it is very important to visit the area and tour around the campus to experience the environment. doing so helps decide if the school atmosphere is right for your student.

Although I wholeheartedly understand what a big issue finances can be when it comes to choosing a college, I advise that parents and/or students try not to base a decision like this solely on money. When it comes to picking the right school, I think that aside from finances, a campus's atmosphere and environment are the second most important factor to consider, because they will directly effect a student's success and enjoyment during college. After all, college is a student's last hurrah before they get out into the working world and have to obtain a full time job. College is meant to be a time to form new friendships, date different kinds of people, and expand one's horizons on topics such as politics, art, philisophy, and the like. Therefore, when choosing a college, parents and/or students should make sure that aside from being within their estimated budget, a campus ultimately "feels" comfortable. If possible, I think a student and/or their parents should visit all campuses they are seriously interested in, in order to determine which campus's atmoshphere suits their student's social and academic personality the best.

When looking for colleges, start early. Make sure to aim high and low. Expect the worst and the best. Sometimes schools will take in students who are part of a minority to make themselves look better, by being more diverse. If your parents went to that school, it's likely that you'll be accepted too. Don't take college too lightly. Finding the right school can really be key for you. Make sure to visit the school and possibly spend a night there, if possible.

What I would advise the the parents about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to look for one that would make them feel comfortable about sending their children to. Research the schools their children might be interested in through email, the news, or even visit the school itself. It is best to know that you're children will be safe, and will be in an environment which encourages them academically and socially. For students, take the time to go to any open house that the college may have, so that you have a feel for what kind of atmosphere you will be in for the next four years. Make sure to also see that you know what the college specializes in, and if it will contribute to the major you choose. Be sure to also look into different organizations that you may be interested in joining. It is always good to be involved at school. The more you participate in school, the more help you may be able to get in order to succeed through your four years in college.

The number one most important thing to do when looking for the right college is to visit the school. Being on the campus gives parents and prospective students a chance to experience the campus atmosphere first hand. The second tip is to find out what kind of awards the school has. Though all schools may have excellent programs, official accreditation is the most sure fire way to finding the best program for a specific major. A big part of making the most out of the college experience is the people you choose to have around you. Whether you are into drama, music, sports, frats, sororities, or hardcore studying, the group of people you're around make your whole experience. A marvelous way to meet people with similar interests is to a join club or group organization that focuses on whatever your interests are. This way you will most definitely find people who share your point of view. College is really about finding yourself, so don't be afraid to try new things aswell. Opening up to new experiences could lead you down a path you never dreamed but it might end up to be one that you will love.

A student should always visit the campus before applying. I would hate to arrive at my college campus the day of orientation and come to find out that the campus is not what I expected. Once the student has received all of his or her acceptance letters, the next thing is to choose the university with the best program for their major. For example, San Diego State University was one of my top choices because of the distinguished multiple degree programs offered for international business majors. Choosing and being accepted at the university of one?s choice is the first step to having the best college experience. For a student to have the best college experience, they must live at or near campus. My first year at SDSU I was driving an hour and half each way to school due to economical circumstances. After moving to San Diego I became a member of the International Student Association, an officer in the Hispanic Business Student Association, and a conversation partner at the American Language Institute. Students should become active on their campus to network. I strongly advice parents to encourage their child to join a club and to study abroad.

I strongly suggest that students look beyond the official school website into reviews about their choice of college. Determining the school's social life is equally as important as finding all the academic goods it has to offer. I had no idea the greek community at my school would determine the social life, and that it is cut-throat. I may have chosen a different school when given that information. Also, make sure that your son or daughter is doing most of the application work. It helps a student memorize his or her social security number, ID numbers and gives them a competitive edge as opposed to the students getting too much help from parents.

To not think too much about where you think you'll fit just be optomisitic and let things work themselves out.

College is the best four years you are going to experience in your life. Well, maybe not the BEST, but it is definitely up there. I personally have three goals during my stay here in San Diego State University: 1) Meet as many people as I can. 2) Learn as much as I can inside and outside of the classroom. 3) Have as much fun as I can while doing those things. When choosing a college/university, don't simply look at the academics or social aspects of the campus, but look at everything that comes with it, and make sure it fits your own personality. College changes people. College helps people realize who they really are now that you are living on your own, and it is really important that you are able to mend well with the people and the environment around you. Keep in mind what other people have to say about the college you want to go to, but more importantly, take your OWN advice and do what YOU want to do because this is your OWN experience and your OWN life for the next four years. Good luck.

Make sure you definitely check out the campus and visit while they are in session not on the weekend. Lookup how happy the students are and observe what kind of students go there.

Applying to the right school depends on your personal preferences, such as small classrooms, etc. Once those acceptance letters start rolling in, ask yourself why do I want to go here, and will I be happy? Take a tour of the campus and attend open house. Talk to a variety of students to help determine whether you would want to go there. Choosing a campus is similar to choosing an outfit that fits your personality, choose the school that is right for you based on how it fits. I would recommend living on campus your first year even if you need to take out a loan, besides you will be able to pay off that loan later. Being involved on campus allows you to meet a lot of people and will force you to come out of your shell and grow up. Going to college will be the best experience. It is important to do well in class and at the same time it is ok to have fun as long as you do not stray. One last thing, every student should study abroad because it will open your eyes to the reality outside of your own little own world.