Sonoma State University Top Questions

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

Jesus

I would definitley go back and tell myself to do as much as possible in school, participate in extra curricular activities, join clubs, and do interships that would look good towards my career. I aslo would tell myself to not worry about the "now", but the "future" because that was something I always had a problem with untill recently. I would tell myself to be aware and take advantage of the different scholarship opportunitee's I could apply for as a senior in high school, I never really paid any attention to scholarships because I thought I would just go to community college and financial aid would cover it so I wouldn't need any scholarships, but now I've changed my major to Recording Arts Bachelor's and that cost a bit more than general education. and last but not least I would tell my self think about whats important for my future, hanging out with friends, or applying for aid to attend college and better my self to start a career of my choice that I love and have a passion for.

Haley

i would tell myself that the ap classes really do mater and help significantly in college.

Molly

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would say to go away to school the first chance you get. I would've started right away at a 4-year university instead of attending a community college first. I would say to go away as quickly as possible so you can experience life in the dorms as a freshman and actually be a part of a campus community. I would get more involved form the beginning so you won't get caught up in the 9-5 world while you're still attending college. Go away to college as soon as you graduate high school and experience all there is to do like studying abroad and attending campus social events.

Devon

"Don't drink the water!" College will give you the oppurtunity to meet people with a lot of different ideologies than you! Speak up, stand up for who you are and where you came from. College is about finding out who you are, but its also a place to find you voice. If you believe in something than speak up. Professor's appreciate students who care, regardless if it doesn't comply with their own beliefs. Don't sit in the back and mindlessly agree or accept others views, be true to youself. "Dev, don't drink the water." Quench your own thirst.

Ryan

I would first kick myself in the butt and tell myself to shape up. Having gone to a community college for three years was nice to get a feel for what college is like but it didn't give me the full experiance. I would tell myself to try harder in applying to colleges my senior year instead of taking the simple route and just going through the motions of community college. I would tell myself to accept the call to adventure and work harder in trying to go to a four year colege off the bat. I would also tell myself to party less, I wouldn't take back the memories I have had but to tone it down. I needed to concentrate on some of my studies more in my first couple years at Sonoma State but instead I was trying to have a social life. Follow you heart, have fun and learn from experiances. I could tell myself all the do's and don'ts but that is what life is all about learning from our mistakes and memories.

Olivia

I wouldn't care so much about what others thought of me

Courtney

Reach for the stars. Keep your priorities and heart in mind.

Virginia

If I could go back, I would tell myself to follow my instictions when it comes to school, because my college experience has been great, and i feel so good about the school I picked. Also, take those math classes a bit sooner so you're not scrmabling to get them done at the last minute.

Jessica

You aren't going to stick with an English major. Try for scholarships to calarts or academy of the arts.

Ashley

My advice for parents/students finding the right college would be, to keep your options opens, go to the college you wish to attend and that best fits you, and start preparing ealry.

Jenna

I find a lot of students that I work with come to Sonoma State because it is a beautiful place, but I also find a lot of students leave my school because the campus life was not what they expected. I would suggest that students not only look at the environment but campus life, availability of classes, and how the campus applies to his or her field of interest. The best way to get a feel for the campus is by visiting it during the school year, take a campus tour and talk to the university students. If you can't afford to visit a school, a lot of universities have virtual tours now. There are also great networking websites, such as facebook, in which you could find students who attend the campus in question.

Kendall

A college should be one a student and family can afford. No matter how fancy the college, keep in mind that it is the student who makes the college, using it's unique resources to further enrich their own education. Some students may need more time to determine which career path to take. There is nothing wrong or embarrasing about attending a junior college close to home. What matters more is a student's personal pride in their own education. Preparation is everything. Students who have participated in extracirricular activities and developed good study habits throughout high school will find the college transition much easier to make. As for students like me who were not the most social in high school and who did not have education as a top priority, will be in for a harder transition once college starts. College is the time to accept whatever mistakes we have made in the past and move forward. Whatever college experience a student will have is their responsibility to actively shape. There will be many experiences, both good and bad, that is life. Time is something a college freshman still has pelnty of. Put it to good use friends.

Will

When looking for colleges, I was focusing on big name colleges and ignoring which schools had what I really wanted to study. I did get in to UC schools and larger schools but was really drawn to the Humanistic Psychology department at Sonoma State University. I recently graduated and am very happy with my decision. I would advice prospective students to look for campuses with majors that interest them, have a diverse student body, and are in an area they would want to live in. Of course one should consider financial issues as well. When attending college I highly recommend getting involved in on campus events. It is the best way to meet a lot of people and keep busy. Many of my peers would get into trouble or live unhealthy lifestyles when not faced with enough to do. Many schools offer programs for any interest and it is a great way to meet other people with similar outgoing attitudes.

Cina

Whatever you do, don't apply to every college you can think of. At 50 bucks a pop, it's not exactly the best route...financially. Choosing the best college involves some research. I know, I know. Research is something to do IN college, not while you're looking for one. But it still needs to be done. Think of it as practice! You'll want to figure out what you want to study first, and then narrow your search by finding colleges that offer that area of study. Once you've got a few solid choices, the best way to gauge a good fit is to visit the colleges you're interested in. Always visit on a day when classes are actually in session and students are roaming the campus. Observe their behavior. Are they smiling as they head off to class, or do they look like they'd rather eat a flaming pile of cow manure? And finally, once you make your decision and begin your college life, remember that what you get out of college is determined by how much you put into it. So make lots of friends, try not to procrastinate, and have some fun!

Christina

Please don't apply for any and every school you can think of. At $50 per application, it's not exactly financially practical. The best way to pick the right college is research. I know, I know. Research is something to do IN college, not while you're looking for one. But you might as well use it as a little practice, right? First, even if it's really vague, figure out what you want to study...it's a good starting point. Some schools are "known" for certain programs of study, so it'll narrow your search a little. Also, decide if you're an urban or rural dweller. There's nothing worse than being a city kid stuck in a small town. Finally, visit colleges while they're in session. Observe the students on campus. Do they look happy while headed to class, or do they look like they would rather drop out of school and work at Burger King? (Seen it). Once you decide on a school, keep in mind that what you get out of your college experience depends on what you put into it. Study hard, make friends, and have fun. Can't go wrong.

Mike

Finding the right college means that you have found a place where you feel comfortable, happy, and able to excel in an academic environment. In order to make the most of the college experience, it is very important to get involved in something (such as student administration, greek life, intramurals, student clubs/organizations, etc. ) so that you may apply yourself in a positive way while at the same time having fun.

Lindsay

Make sure you go to the colleges before making your final decisions and check out the student/teacher ratio.

Nicholas

visit any school you consider attending

Jenny

Be sure that you and your child understand the major programs, and consider declaring a major going in to the college, whether or not it will be pursued. This allows them to explore what they are most interested in at the time, and if it does not work out, they are no worse off than if they were undeclared. I cannot get into the major of my choice yet, so at least they can already be accepted into a potential major. Also, I was never given too much responsibility regarding finances, so without making it a burden on the student, I think that some way to give them more responsibility than they were given at home would be appropraite. (if you are paying their bills, put the money into their account and let them pay the bills). This teaches them budgeting and will probably make them more conscious of their money, and of all that you do for them. Finally, let them explore their new college on their own at first! I have seen very often where students appreciate the freedom, and in turn, wish to see their families more, as they want to share their accomplishment with you!

Stacey

To the parents: let your children go and grow; college is a great learning experience. To the students: it's important to find a good balance between school and friends (and work too, for most). Make sure to visit the school before you choose it. Being away from home can be frightening but once you're well-adjusted it is amazing.

Daniel

Make sure you visit your top choices and stay in the area for at least 2 days. Don't let a financial burden decide for you, the experience at the place you want to be will make up for the finacial set back. Apply for any and all scholarships!

Breana

The one main piece of adivce i give to perspective students of any college or university is get involved. When freshman sit in their rooms and do not meet people, they do not give themselves the chance to get to know people other than their roommates and maybe classmates. By getting involved they will be able to make friends who have both similar and different interests in life and be able to make friendships that will last a lifetime. Also, students who do not get involved will find themselves more often transfering home because not makeing friends is the same as not fitting in. When trying to find the right college, i would give people the same advice i was given, "pick the school where you can see yourself on graduation day, not the school your boyfriend or friends are going to." Choose the school that is best for you not for others.

Tina

Communicate! It was very important for my parents and I to be on the same page about the experience we both wanted for college. My ideas and theirs did differ, and we didn't know it in some ways until up to the last minute. By talking out ideas and being honest about not knowing what you want, it is easier to get help from qualified people on campus. During college, if you are behind in your studies, low on cash or feeling lonely, your parents are an amazing support network. I had to keep my pride in check when things got tough and I didn't want my parents to be disappointed with some bad choices I had made. However, when I broke down and told them everything, the first thing they said was, "Why didn't you come to us sooner?" So, my strongest, heartfelt advice is to trust your parents and communicate with them. Not only does it relieve stress, but it shows signs of maturity and readiness for the real world.

Ivan

Value your time in college and take it seriously. Always follow your heart.

Ryan

Don't worry about the name of the school, just go somewhere that feels right to you and makes sense. Every school offers a great education.

William

Finding the right college is not the most important choice that you will make. The most important choice is deciding that you need to learn what is being taught and not just studying for the tests. You are expected to know the information that you have studied and use that information in your career. One very important thing for choosing the right college is that you are compatible with the professors and other students on campus. You can find your major and then talk with a few of the professors and see how you interact with them. They are the key to your future. Making the most of your college experience is learning how to interact with other students and professors in your studies and in your social life. Learning how to be a productive member of society.

Angelica

I would say that you should try to visit the college first. Most students will look at the brochure and assume that is how the campus looks like when it is not always the case. Once you visit the school you can get an idea of what the campus is like, and if you could see yourself attending to that particular school. I have had people tell me that they choose their college by brochure only to realize it was not that way and that they wished they had not done so. Once you are in the college of your choice, I would say to take advantages of the many opportunities. Check what programs and clubs the school has and see if there is any that would interest you. That way you can easily find other students whom share the same interest as you. Lastly, I would say to be outgoing. If you are shy, try to put that behind you because that will only prevent you from meeting other people. In order to get the most out of college is to be involved. You wont get the college experiece being in your dorm or apartment. Get involved!

Christina

The best option for finding a college you'll be successful at is research. The easiest thing to do is go online and research all the potential campuses. Once you have a list of possible colleges, attend campus tours, look at the majors offered, look at the clubs and sports available, and make sure the distance from home is comfortable for you. Living on campus is one of the best ways to meet new people, learn more about yourself, and learn how to cope with differences. Joining clubs is also a great option for making friends. Looking at the clubs in your major can help you after graduation through networking. Don't let your inhibitions get the best of you; introduce yourself to your neighbor, speak up in class, rally for what you believe in. College offers endless opportunities to mold a better you, so find one that has classes you may like, clubs you're interested in, and a surrounding area to your liking. It will be the best schooling experience of your life.

Loren

Look around, don't settle for the first one that looks the best, do the reserch and ask lots of questions, visit the campus when class is in session, and talk to professors and acedemic advisors before you apply, KIDS get to know your professors even your freshmen year they really do like to talk to you and that is what they get paid for, don't be afriad to meet new people, put yourself out there, even if you are scared, participate in activites around campus, join a club that interests you, don't worry if you don't know what you want to do yet, the first two years of college will help you decide, volunteer it looks good on appliations and resumes! HAVE FUN! and a little advise your last year of college will feel like your last year of high school! dont think your done with those feelings! o and you have to read and study in college it is not like high school at ALL.

Nicholas

Go to a school where you fell safe. When touring the campus, look around and see if you can picture your self being there alone. Then picture your self walking across campus with a group friends. When picking a school make a list of things you need. If you need an ocean nearby cuz you like to surf go to a school near the ocean. If you like to go to football games go to a school with a football team. Make a list of things you want to have and the school that has most of those things is probably the best one for you. Goodluck.

Tyler

Make sure that find a college that will fit the student. One that will challenge them, but also help the grow and elarn.

Al'Lisha

Make sure that you choose the college that you feel is the best fit for you. Do not decide simply because someone you know is going to the school, or because you think you should attend a school because you parents/teachers "expect" you too. You want to go where you will feel confortable enough to branch out and explore things outside of you norm. Also, be open to new things. It's part of the college experience to try new things. If you've never taken a dance class before, but have been curious, now this is the time to try. If you are normally a structured person, try signing up for an art class. Have fun! Learn more about yourself, by doing things that you never thought you would. There is nothing wrong with being a well-rounded person once you graduate.

megan

look at class room sizes and if they are taught by the professor or undergrads. Look for diverse majors and programs.

Joe

Go with what feels right, money should not not be an option for YOUR future!

Clay

Visit the campus to get a feel for what college life will be like. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Take a tour of campus. If available, sit in on a class. Meet with the faculty in your major department. Be willing to meet others around you; the best opening to make friends is having some of the same classes.

Megan

Visit the college. Don't rely on pictures or what other people tell you about the school. Make sure you see it for yourself.

Hannah

Pick the school that caters to you're liking

Brooks

Find the campus with the best reputation and in the safest area and is the most cost effective for your budget. Plan very well with majors offered and class size. Plan early for grad school. Get to know academic policies of the University very early in your career so that you can take advantage of them. Use your resources given to you by the university to their full potential.

Mallory

visit the campus and talk to people who are in your major. you find out a lot of what you want by talking to currently enrolled students. i strongly recommend living on campus. that's where you can meet the friends you will make for the rest of your life, even if it isn't your first roommate. take advantage of the free stuff the college offers, you save money and meet more people. the most important piece of advice i can give is to find what you truly want to be. there is no better time. i switched my career choices three times until i realized what i really wanted and i love going to class because i'm learning about things that interest me. you will have a better GPA and you will have more satisfaction from your education if you pursue what you really want.

Elizabeth

If you want to find a college that fits you best, take time to write a list about what is most important to you about the environment that you're going to be in for the next four years. Food? Housing? Social Networking? Career Placement? Find those things at every school you look at, and look at many many schools. Send away for information for schools overseas, and check out one right in your backyard. Don't limit yourself and don't be scared to step outside your boundries. Parents, don't hold back your child from a place they really love because you want them to be close. They'll visit you. They'll call you. Best of all, they'll have amazing stories and be extremely happy if you try and help them go to a college that they really like.

Kevin

If you can't picture yourself living there after college then it probably isn't for you. Choose a place you instantly fall in love with.

James

I believe that when it comes to finding the right college for a student it is very helpful to visit many different types of schools. The best thing to do is to go to a variety of locations in order to find where the student would feel most comfortable. There is nothing worse than going off to college and not enjoying where the area surrounding the campus. When it comes to the academics of the college, parents need to take advantage of their child's time in high school to research different colleges and find which school will strengthen their child's current skills. Also, taking part in the different orientations at most colleges can really give the parent and student a feel for which fields each school is best. One idea is to have the student take notes about different things they experience while touring each campus so they can later reflect on which ones they enjoyed the most.

Helen

Finding the right college can be the biggest decision you will ever make. You want to make sure that you are going somewhere that will assist you academically and for the benefit of your future. It's been my opinion that someone choosing a school should do so based on academics (what type of classes can you take for your major), extra-curricular activities and the professors that teach at the school. These three things are going to help you adjust to a new life away from home and away from any thing you have ever experienced before. Make the most out of your college experience by actually attending class, taking up an art class or an athletic sport, and talking to your professors. Become active in your college community and you will make friends faster and do a lot better in school.

Heather

First of all, I would suggest to any incoming student that the specific surrounding campus means the most, don't go straight to a school with the highest party "scene" or best sororities, it is more about the educational experence. You want to feel comfortable to be able to get your work done sufficiently, while interacting with other students and teachers that engage this learning and help you to succeed. Touring campuses will teach you alot about this interaction and connection, while allowing for the student to feel the atmosphere and vibe of the neighborhood. It is extremely important for you to get the most out of your dollar, considering college is so expensive these days, take appropriate actions to visit the schools, while finding out as much information about meal plans, housing, financial aid, emergency care and everything that consists of sufficient living for you or your young adult.

Benjamin

Let you're son or daughter do the picking, don't try and influence them because if they choose the wrong one they might drop out.

Chelsea

You will be developing into the person you are to become in these next crucial years, so picking out the right college for you is extremely important. Whether you are involved in sports, academia, clubs, or volunteering- you will be involved so deeply in the college that you utlimately go to, and if the environment that you choose isn't who you want to become it will be difficult to find the place that is right for you. Just researching the college on the internet will not be sufficient in order to decide what fits you best. It has to feel right when you actually visit the campus. And when you enroll in the college that is perfect for you, getting involved is critical. You will find the people who will become your friends for life and who will have the most in common with you. There are so many oppotunities to get involved but if you don't take the chance to put yourself out there, no one will be there to help you. You have got to take the initiative to work at meeting new people- especially in the first few weeks of coming to college.

Nicole

Finding the right college is a very important thing, but it is not the most important thing. The biggest thing to remember is to make the best out of it, where ever you go. I believe that it is important to go away from home, because it gives you an opportunity to really find out who you are, not who your parents want you to be. It is also important to remember the things that you learned in high school, such as how to study, and to do the best that you can personally do. Please, please, please don't get caught up in the drinking and drugs. I can't tell you how many good kids have dropped out of college because of it. College is a time for fun, but it is mostly a time of learning. You are going to use this for the rest of your life, so take the classes that interest you, and that will keep you out of trouble. Though it is very cliche, college will be one of the greatest times of your life, so enjoy it, but always make smart choices!

Danelle

make the decision based on youre first impression. and dont make the decision because of proximity to a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Mallory

My advice would be is to start looking at colleges while the student is in their junior year of high school. First figure out what area you would want to live in and then take a look at the schools in that area. Make sure you have a few options to choose from when it comes to applying. You also want to look at to see if the size is right for you or if the school is very interactive with sports and greek life. When you first go away to college, you need to get involved as much as possible. Usually the school puts on welcoming events for the freshmen and its the best idea to go to them. Go with your roommates or make friends with your neighbors around you. Also try to get involved in greek life or an intermural sport because you are going to make friends that way. You want to make the most of college because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and after you graduate, you are off to the big working world!

leslie

Go to the schools and talk to students, not just the tour guides. Ask if you can see a real dorm and not just the one that the "show".