San Jose State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Lucas

First of all, ditch the bad habits that you have not broken yet. Take an english course at a community college to make up english and get ahead of the Freshman English class. You are going to be away from home, so its best to learn how to cook to save you money. Be aggressive and apply for those scholarships. The saying Time is money really counts because its your future. Also, do what you need because there will be people telling you its impossible. I'm standing before you and telling you its possible as long you stay focused.

yen

Since i'm the only child, I have to learn everything myself. If I had the chance to go back in time, I would start college as early as possible. Plan ahead, finish school early, and start my career. Everything that I have ever planned since I was in high school, was exactly the same steps as I am taking now, just the fact that I had to struggle to work and go to school. Which made me behind in school.

Kaitlyn

My strongest advice would be to look into all majors while I am senior in highschool as well as stay strong to who you are. I have changed my mind several times till finally setteling on a path I never thought I would. Many students choose something they think will be an easy major or broad enough that they can change jobs if they are not happy. One must have a passion for what they want to do with their life; without it you will change your mind to late into your student career to finish in a reasonable amount of time. I have never been into a party or large group scene but I would warn myself to stay strong to my beliefs. Your entire persona is challegned in college such as: faith, ideals, comforts, passions, friends, study habits and much more. You are incontrol and family, friends, teachers, etc. will push any button you allow them to. Only I am capable of making the changes I want to see in myself and the world so be patient, be strong, be wise, and trust yourself to what you want and you can do anything.

Yllys

High school doesn't do much to prepare you for college. Graduate early, work for a year and learn how the real world works, then attend college. That maturity is the basis for succeeding. While much of that was learned in college and I was helped along by great people, I could have done much better for myself taking that path. And perhaps still apply for scholarships, even if it doesn't look like you might need them yet. Other than that, there really isn't much I would tell myself. I enjoyed the extra few years I spent as an Art major and would never take them back. There also isn't much I could really go back to high shcool and tell myself because most of the growth I've done to become the person I am now was gained in through my college experience. Everything from the people (students and faculty) I've met to the experiences I've had relating to classwork and social interactions with the unique people here have shaped me into a person I feel proud to look at in the mirror.

Mark

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself an enormous of amount of tips and things to think about when finishing up high school and transitioning to the college life. The first thing I would tell myself is that college is nothing to be pettrified about, but rather an experience that will definately help me grow into a proffessional adult. The second thing I would tell myself is that nothing will benefit fit me more in life than giving every thing 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort this last year of high school because it is the last chance to really shine and distinguish myself in an original and humble way. Another piece of advise would be that a broad vocabulary goes a long way because I haven't learned anything better in my first semester of college than the need for a broad vocabulary. In college you learn and are introduced into the world of self expression and explanation. I would tell me that is essential and a good reason to study hard and try to improve my vocabulary. On a lower and simpler note, I would tell myself to take it easy but ALWAYS seriously.

Anna

Dear Anna Lelenoa, Are you excited to begin your senior year this fall? If not do not worry about it I am here to give you major advice and guide you through your final year of high school and transition into college. Let's start off by adjusting your schedule to make sure you sign up for appropriate classes that count as credit towards your high school diploma. Think about colleges that you are interested in and research requirements and due date so when college applications are due you have a head start. I can not stress this enough. Sign up for as much scholarships that you can, there is a ton of "free money" out there waiting to be awarded. Once your accepted into a college, sign up for orientation a.s.a.p that way you have priority on signing up for classes, meal plan, and housing. When you receive your class schedule order books online it's cheaper. College is a whole different world from high school, ask for help and take advantage of the resources on campus. Lastly be yourself, make new friends, and enjoy your experience to the fullest. Best Regards Anna Lelenoa, Anna Lelenoa

Yusuf

For young people in doubt of a career path, often saying that they just want to ?help people,? choosing a major can feel overwhelming. However, I found that it can actually be a fun experience. The keys are taking your time and sampling classes in as many different fields as possible, especially ones that you disliked in the past. If you can find great teachers who truly love their field, their interest in the subject may rub off on you. You may end up switching majors a few times, but it?s easier now than switching careers later in life when you have a family. Another problem is that stress from college life can build up over time and damage your mental and physical health if you don?t cope well. I discovered that regular aerobic exercise is one of the most effective techniques for managing stress. It reduces the negative biological effects of stress on the body while helping you relax, making it easier to handle your responsibilities. If you can combine this advice with time-management skills, you will probably make it through college as a healthy individual with a good idea of what you want to do.

Andy

If I could go back in time and tell myself about my college life in San Jose State University, I would tell myself to not change a thing. For the three years I have been in college it was the greatest time of my life. I really wouldn't spoil the story of my life to myself but I would tell him I will have fun and learn new things about myself and why I wanted to go to SJSU for nursing. The things I wouldn't spoil to myself is that I would live with my 7 of my best friends from high school for three years and many more to come, and that we will support each other throughout those three years and encourage each other to finish our goals. I have met many friends and met some inspirational people that really drove my need to finish my goal and future accomplishments. The professors are extremely helpful and nice, and gives the students the drive to succeed. The only thing I would probably tell myself is that I will be in good standing as long as I maintain my course to succeed.

Jessica

High school is a time to explore opportunities. I spent all my time at a dance studio. Dance was my passion and I do not regret the fun I had competing and performing. Yet, college life has made dancing not an option for me. Do I have anything else to fall back on? No. Dance was the only hobby that I had. It is good to have a passion. Do not let go of the things that you enjoy. Yet, also allow time for you to try out new clubs, organizations, and teams. Everything is right at your fingertips when you are in highschool. Especially when you do not have to worry about paying for your education, you really have the freedom to encounter new joys. Become a well-rounded student. This way, you will have a variety of interests to share with other college students as you find your place in the community. Even if one activity you enjoy is not offered, you will be able to find friends and activities you value.

angus

If i could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a high school senior, I would start off by telling myself to lift weights and run more often to get in shape. I would also tell myself to not eat junk food so often. Being fit has become a huge aspect of my life ever since i entered college. It is a whole new world in college. I was so shielded from the world in my high school, it was almost like I was living in a small bubble. Fitness has provided me with much happiness and focus to excel in college. I would also tell myself to be more open and join clubs that I have interest in and focus as hard as I can on the class work. Slacking off plays a huge role in determining the outcome of my future, so I would definately tell myself to try as hard as I can to be on top of my classes.

Tamera

I would tell myself that organiztion and determination were the two key words for me to remember. I would tell myself that being sober and concentrating on what I wanted for my future was the best. I would also tell myself that independence and pushing myself to explore the unkown would be more beneficial to me than hanging on to whats comforabtle is.

Vanndy

Dear high school me, I know you're taking AP Calculus and Physio, but you need to replace your elective classes with some more science classes. Earth to me, you like science. Take physics and statistics because you'll end up regretting it in college. If you want, you should have joined the academy of nursing in another college. You should have skipped prom because there was nothing special about it. Save your prom money for college books. It costs a lot more than you could have imagined. Also, who cares about what you wear and how you do your make-up. In the end, it doesn't matter. Just volunteer and meet different people. Life is all about experiences, so do what you like. Forget about being different, and give more effort in the things you do. Spend more time with your family because they are cool. See you in college, Future Me

Nathan

Hey kid! I know you're only seventeen but you see all this time and effort you're giving to Mr. Miyata, Mrs. Schults, and the rest of the Music Department? You should have been giving it your all since freshman year. Maybe you would have turned out to be a better musician if you did. There's no sense in trying to change anything now, but don't go getting discouraged. Keep up the good work!

Duy

Although I know that friends are easy to find and make, I have always put myself in fear with the thoughts of meeting new people. When I was a high school senior, I would stress out about the college life. I would thoughtlessly imagine myself to be the loner, the loser, the outcast. I have even heard stories of professors who barely know their students and that made me more nervous. My preparation for college was a disaster. If I could travel back in time, I would advise myself to relax and enjoy the transition to college for it brings wonderful experiences. There are numerous students with various personalities on campus. Surely, I would be able to find one that connects with me. My younger self should be assured that many of the freshmen are just as--if not more--nervous. Therefore, I shouldn't feel like an outcast to the college experience. Contrary to the cold-blooded professor myth, I would describe to myself how my professors are friendly and passionate in teaching. They would seek to interact with their students and try to help them achieve success. My professors will be the critical factors to my success.

Nathan

First and foremost, stop worrying. College is an important step in the life of every youth, but it is not the step that will define your life. That which defines your life is much greater than a location where you choose to take your higher education. After 4 years of study and a degree, you will again be at a crossroads with finding a job. The more of these points you reach, the more you realize that it isnt the choice you make that matters, it is what you decided to do after you have made your choice. When you arrive at your school, if you find you like it then take it and push it to the next level by getting involved. If you find it distasteful, don't allow it to stop you. Find a way to make it better, find a way to adapt and adjust, or if you finally can't handle it then find a way to move to another school that better suits you. No one can tell you what will best suit you, only your head and your heart in concert can do that. Do your best and you will succeed.

Ariana

I would tell myself to save up every amount of change or money that I could, because I would need it once I got to State. I would make sure I applied to as many scholarships during my senior year as possible. It would also have been nice to think before I packed, instead of just packing up everything I owned because I was possessive over my stuff. I would tell myself to be more involved with the school once I got there, and to actually go out and have fun with people and get to know people instead of staying in my room all the time. I would also want myself to know that it will be hard, leaving friends and family and everything, but it will be ok. It's a part of life and things work themselves out and it's all worth it.

William

The image of college life as portrayed in the general public can be both accurate and misleading at the same time. While it is true that living on campus is the ideal situation for most people, it can be very expensive to the underprivileged, even with financial aid of some sort. This does not mean, however, that college cannot be enjoyable. The enjoyment in college in my experience stems from the relationships I've made in recent semesters making me wish I could have made more friends in the beginning years. It can be difficult to leave your comfortable shell of friends and family, simply commuting to school and home, but that takes out both the practical and social worth of college networking. Joining clubs, while it can sound cliche when advised over and over again, is indeed one of the better ways to get to know people like yourself, and will be what you remember most vividly and endearingly once that time is over. Knowing about the various resources on campus, such as counseling during hard times, is also invaluable for those days when you feel lost and alone. You're never alone.

Shelbie

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior there are many things I would tell me. First off I would tell myself to take classes that will help me decide what I want to do with my life, and not take advance placement government or calculus, when I know that has no benefit in my college life to come. I would take art or yearbook, because they interest me, to see if in college I would want to really pursue a graphic design career like I say I would. I would also tell myself to not stress as much over situations I can not control. Waiting for college acceptance letter was the craziest three months of my senior year and I wish I would have known what I know now. I would have told myself not to stress and everything I can do is done and to live my last semester of high school stress free.

Rigoberto

College is very different from high school. Dont get side-tracked by the wonder of living on your own. Stay on track of your studies because college costs ALOTof money. Dont be afraid or ashamed of asking for help. Although your main focus should be homework, dont forget that you live young only once so have FUN.

Arica

I would tell myself to reall research career choices and check out all my options before deciding. I would have told myself to be an undeclared major in order to explore what I really wanted when I got to San Jose State. Also, hurry up and get your license and insurance because life would be a lot easier if I could drive myself as opposed to taking public transportation.

Alejandra

If I were to go back in time I would tell myself to try a little bit harder in high school because I know I could have done better. I would remind myself not to procrastinate and to always give it a hundredand ten percent. I would tell myself to do the SAT's and try to join more clubs. Also, tell myself to be ready to take the placement test and to take it seriously because it will have a big impact on my life if I don't do well on it. I would tell myself to keep all important college papers because I will never know when I will need them to prove something important. Lastly, tell myself to never give up, not to be lazy, and that school is the most important part of my life.

Tammy

I've been asking this question recently, and I know exactly what I want myself to know if I could turn back time. And that is starting off in a community college does not mean failure - in fact it could save thousands of dollars and perhaps give you a better education when you are able to transfer out. Although San Jose State University offers a great deal of challenging academic courses, I stil don't feel like I belong. I chose San Jose State so I could experience that college experince of living in dorms, and that college life everyone talks about. Now that I look back, perhaps I should have went to community college first and transfered to another school.

Ysenia

The advice I would give to myself is to let go of the drama and the hardships go, or at least don't let them affect your performance in the classroom. There were too many times where I allowed my personal issues and hard times to take over the way I approached the classroom, which in turn affected my grades. Everyone goes through hard times, and there was no reason for me to get held down, knowing that there are other going throught the same situation or even worse. There is no hardship that should get in the way of the gift of education. Now that I pay for my education, I appreciated it much more and looking back, I would remiond myself of how lucky I am to get a free education.

Carmel

To not rush into making choices regarding major, talk it over with faculity and staff

Mayra

If I was to go back into time, the advice I would give myself would be to apply for more scholarships because books are really expensive and money does not hurt anyone. I would also tell myself to not be shy and to make time to make new friends. Not only that,but also to try and live on campus because that way one is able to meet more people and really have a college experience. All in all, to take school serious and to not procrastinate, to always do my best and never give up even if life seems hard and even if it seems that I cannot do it anymore. There is always another solution to problems that come to life.

Eva

I would make a decision regarding my major right away so that I never have to take classes that don't count for my major.

Phung

The one thing I would tell myself is to spend as much time as I could with all my friends and to enjoy high school life even if I just want to get it over with at the time. The high school teachers are right that it will be hard to meet up with all your friends in one place again. I have not been able to do that since I got to college. I just met with one or two at a time. Others were busy with school. It is a little lonelier in college. Most of my friends are studying or I am studying. Theres also alot of running around to fill forms, meet with professors or advisors, going to tutoring centers. Also, moving away from my parents will make having time for a social life harder becuase of all the house work. Another advice is to eat well! Freshman fifteen is real! I gained eighteen pounds! So those are my two biggest advices, cherish high school life and stay healthy. College is great, lots of fun, so do not stress!

La'rrye

Take school and studying more seriously. Take active leadership positions and student involvement. Focus more on my grades. Dont take school for granted.

David

The adivce I would give myself would be to put all my effort in schooling to get the best grades I can possibly get. When making the transition from high school to college, the advice I would give myself would be to expericence everything the college had to offer. Go to the school orientations, check out all of the clubs and choose one to be apart of, attend college workshops and events that will engage with all students from the college and socilaize with them because you have to be there for at least 4 years. I would also tell myself to live in a dorm for a year or two to get the full college experience, instead of living at home.

Kathleen

Don't think so little of yourself and push yourself harder. I know high school was a bore but now you're doing the thing that'll actually get you to a life. I can't say don't go to Cal Poly, Pomona cause you'll meet some pretty amazing people there; but SJSU is far better academically and eventually you'll get here and you'll be far more mature and realize who you are as a person academically and work harder than you've ever done. So relax now during high school and start preping for the hard work to come! Cause life will finally be interesting once the graduation cap is hung up and you get back from vacation.

Anna

I would tell myself to charish my last year living back at home because although at the time I was eager to move out, now I realize how different things are. You never really know what you have until it is gone. As a high school senior, I'd remind myself to never forget who I am and where I came from because entering college changes your perspective on things.

Martaleah

As a high school student, goal driven and stubborn at the same time, advice would be the one thing that I would take in. If I had the ability to go back in time and have a one on one conversation in regards to my future college education, I would tell myself to never be afraid to ask questions in class. Afraid to ask the wrong question in front of the class restricted my ability to excel academically as well as to succeed in having wonderful communication skills. Students, as well as myself, often stay quite in class when the infamous question from the proffesor is asked, " any questions?". Knowing what I know now, I would tell the bright eyed younger me to always ask questions as that is what are proffessors are here for.

Priscella

Even if you don?t have any substance, start on your resume. Experience is just as important as grades. When you start hunting for jobs, your grades will open doors but your experience will get you through the door. There is only so much you can say about school before an interviewer gets bored but they will be impressed if you start talking about how your skills contributed to a Fortune 500 company making X amount of dollars. They will be even more impressed if you went to school, worked, and volunteered all at the same time. You are always in competition even if it doesn?t seem like it. What you do in college determines how you will do with the rest of your life. Do as much as you can but know your limits. One last thing to take away from this is network, network, NETWORK! Introduce yourself to as many people as you can. It?s not about who you know, it?s about who knows you. It's another way to create lasting relationships and get your foot in the door. "One day your life will flash before your eyes... Make sure it's worth watching!"

Isabel

Please aim for A's and not just B's since they are major differences once you get to college as a B- is the same as a C. Accumulate the skills to study for multiple subjects as in college one has to be able to multi-task and on top of their coursework. Do not procrastinate or sleep late as it will backfire once the week of final comes.

Jennifer

Even though you are expected to finish college within 4 years, having too much on your plate can cause you to fail and cause unnecessary stress, unless you plan to not have a social life for the next 4 years. Enjoy your college years by managing your time; school work is your main priority, but not your only priority. Keep in touch with your family and friends because they are your number one fans. During your time in school, make friends. These friends can be your future co-workers or employers. You should always network, it will pay off when you graduate. Remember to study hard, but also have fun. You need to find a balance between these two to succeed.

Vicky

I would advise myself to be strong and not to give up. Someday it will all pay up. School is very complicated, but someday you will be the first person in the family to graduate. I will continue with school, apply what I have learned in high school, and continue my success. With all my skills, I am going to take me and my family out of the bad neighborhood we live in. Jus keep working hard.

Nicole

I would tell myself to not run with the crowd. Just because people around me are doing things, does not mean that I have to do them. Focus on your studies, education is the only thing that cannot be taken away from you. Money will be very hard, but you will make it through. You will have to find creative ways to pay for tuition and housing, but you will do it. Dont let financial burdens distract you from studying. Make sure to balance family life with studying. All work and no play is not healthy, and will drive you crazy, and raise your blood pressure. Get involved with campus groups, start one you care about, and that will positivly impact the community. Meet people in your major, make friends, and form study groups. These people will support you when your family does not understand the strain of studying. Think of your long term goals. Pay attention to the short term, but keep the future in mind. Dont forget to exercise. It will help your brain. Have fun. You will only be this age once, so enjoy it.

Fadi

I would tell myself to be more focused. That life after High School is more demanding. Also to have a plan written out of everything I need to do, so I wouldn't waste time. To apply for every single scholarship that comes my way, so that I don't have to worry about money. As well as not to waste time taking class that will not help me graduate. Also not to wait until the last minute to do my homework and projects. So I can have more time to enjoy life and what it has to offer. The most important advise I will give myself is to start college as a senior at a community college. This way I would have a year of college courses under my belt. Helping mr finish school sooner.

Heather

I would tell myself to be patient and take more units early on to make the upper division course load easier.

Yonas

I would advise myself to prepare better for college. I had a problem of adjusting myself to college education when I transferred. When I was in high school, I had more attention from my teachers since there were fewer students per teacher. This makes students to do well in school. The school load was lesser and the time I spent to study and do schoolwork was lesser. In college, it is up to you to do well in your classes; there is no teacher to follow up on you. You have to give more study time to yourself since the schoolwork is not like it used to be in high school. So, I would prepare myself better before I made the transition to college. I would also advise myself to take fewer units of classes at least for the first semester. If I could go back in time and advise myself, I would have done better in my first semester in college.

Shane

As tempting as the opportunity may be, I would not be able to take such a risk on jeopardizing my own perspective of myself. The beliefs that I stand for conflict with the illusiveness of this question. If I were able to give myself advice on my predetermined college life, then I wouldn't have the same mindset and focus that I have at this point, defeating the whole purpose of the advice itself. Honesty and trust within myself was the clay that molded me into the motivated, studious, and slightly entertaining gentleman I am today. Telling my past-self how to live my future ultimately changes what i have worked for at the present. I've always relied on the "honest living" principle to separate me from the next person. My beliefs are equivalent to an artist's painting. I cannot start out to make a painting within an hour and expect depth and consistency. What I can do is start out with a simple stroke of the brush and make every stroke as perfect as I can possibly make it. Sooner or later I will end up with a masterpiece to be proud of.

Reginald

Don't mess around in High School, care about the future and change yourself for the better because it's a long dark confusing path before you find the light.

Jeanie

Work harder (in art) to prepare for college.

Samuel

i would tell myself to apply sooner, study harder and save more.

Alicia

Hey you...WOW you finally made it through high school man I know it was hard but it was worth it. Now I know choosing the right college is the hardest thing to do but just believe it will be worth every decision you make. Just make sure start off making the right decision on your major...but slow down don't rush through it. GET INVOLVED...join a soroity, communicate and make as many friends as you can and think positively....school is only as hard as you make it. Always remember that life is short so take time to enjoy it. Love you...peace and blessings!!!!!

Angelina

RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH. Its true that alot of schools try their best to provide resources and counselors to help but they can't help you if you don't know what you want to do. I had to learn that the hard way. If someone was knowledgeable about school in a student perspective that could have told me this, things would have gone alot smoother. Research on your major and the classes you need to take, especially your GE classes know how many and plan it out to fit your schedule because you will need to do them. When you know what you need and now you have questions, go to the counselors and use the resources the schoold tries so desperatley to have for you, it helps.

stanley

Remember to get your classes as soon as possible!!!

Lorebelle

No college is perfect. The main purpose of college is to begin studying areas that will be useful in life as a student pursues their degree. That is why when picking the best college, it is best to create a list that will help an individual stick to their studies. Such areas would include internships, clubs, resources, continuing extracurricular activities, ect. After finding schools that best meet those criteria, find the schools with the best environment and possibly other aspects for the social scene. Not all schools will be perfect, so that is why prospective students should rank their schools according to the importance of each school's attributes.

Alejandra

I would tell them to make sure you feel comfortable where ur going since you will be attending there for four years.

Daniel

In finding the right college, the student should do a lot of research about the schools that they are planning to attend. They should try to find the school that definitely makes them feel comfortable and a school that will really support their interest of major. They shouldn't go to a school just because it is where their best friends go, but to a school where they will achieve and succeed in what they want. In terms of making the most, future students should mentaly prepare themselves by only thinking positive about college. Be happy that you have made it this far and that you are about to set off in a wonderful career. Also, that you will be able to meet so many people and make a lot of great new friends. College is fun and educating at the same time, make the most of it by enjoying it.