California State University-Northridge Top Questions

What should every freshman at California State University-Northridge know before they start?

Chandelor

Research is key when finding the right college. Explore all of the programs your school has to offer and make sure that these programs will fit you. There are so many choices out there. Schedule a road-trip to the campuses that you are interested in and experience the campus atmosphere. You will know from your first visit if the school is right for you. Look at the financial aspects as well. If you are not interested in taking out hefty student loans to pay for school, explore the scholarship programs and financial aid that the schools have. Every college has programs that they are nationally recognized for whether it is music, communications, business, medicine, computer science, etc. Take a look at on and off campus housing as well. The key is to cover all of the questions you have about your school and experience day to day life on those campuses of choice. Make sure that the colleges of interest to you, are going to be a good fit financially and academically.

Dean

Apply to all and any schools, even if you think you will not make it in. Keep your GPA over 3.0. Look up organizations that are available at your college of choice and see if they some things that interest you. That way college will not be a boring place to be at.

Monique

Make sure it's a place where you feel comfortable and where you know you cang row. Leave the nest and go away. Choose a school that will not only help you grow academically but as a person also.

Abelino

It is mostly the connection between the student and the school. I highly recommend to take a tour of all the schools of interest and by the end of the touring process that person should know which school id right. As for the 'college experience' be outgoing but don't fall behind on your studies.

Elizabeth

I feel it is important to consider factors such as location, future career options, safety, environment , and living costs when considering finding the right college. It is wise to visit college campuses prior to making a final decision about where to go. I've seen first hand students that start to attend college, but realize two months into the semester that particular college isn't "for them." For me personally, making the most out of the college experience is enhanced by finding a fitting balance between academics, family, work, and social life. It is important manage time between all of those things so that a colege student can be well-rounded, not feel overwhelmed by one particular part of their life, and enjoy their experiences.

Michael

The best advice is that the prospective student choose a college that will ake him or her comfortable. And to make most of the college experience, never regret any decision made, for even if that decision is a mistake, you will always learn and grow as a person

Leslie

One of the things I learned during my freshman year in college was that I was all alone and was responsible for my own future and Happiness. My advise to parents is letting go of your young adults because they are growing up and college is all about learning for their future (academically and real world experience). To Future students my advice is just enjoy your new sense of freedom, if you ever need any help you will make new friends to lean on and have any resources on campus to make your college experience great.

Brian

There are many factors that parents must take into consideration when selecting the right university for their student to attend. First, consider the student?s fields of interest, and narrow the choices down to two or three potential majors. Next, look at the different colleges that are known to have excellent programs in the student?s choices of majors, and determine a few campuses that would meet the academic needs of the student. When looking at universities, consider the financial aspect of attend the institution. If the cost to attend the student?s first choice of schools appears to be prohibitive, consider having the student attend a community college to satisfy their general education requirements. In addition to the academics and the cost to attend a certain university, consider the community of the campus. Visit the campus and explore the various services and activities offered at the university. Visit the dormitories, and see if the facilities will be able to accommodate the needs of the student. The final consideration is whether you and the student are both comfortable with your choice of school. Following these few guidelines should provide for a smooth transition from high school graduate to college student.

Aaron

When thinking about college, it is easy to be distracted by the sheer size of the decision. It is very important to think beyond the institution itself and focus more on what is to be gained educationally, personally, socially, and how those factors will affect your career and ultimately the rest of your life. So, even if one were to be accepted to a great school, if the education received did not work to the student's advantage, the acceptance is irrelevant. To put it metaphorically, think about where you are now, and where you want to be in 10, 20, or 50 years. Now, use the college choice decision as a bridge to get to where you want to be. Finally, remember that no cost is too great to invest in your own future. Do whatever it takes in order to ensure your own success, and when you get a taste of success, remember to share that with those who helped you along the way.

Sandra

Research is the beast way of finding out whether a college is the right choice. Everyone can have a different opinion and it is not fair to base your future on one persons opinion. I would suggest visit the campus and become familiar with staff members. My experiences have ranged from my undergrad studies to my graduate education. Going from a public university to a private universtiy has its pros and cons. Is it worth it? That is the question you must answer for yourself. If the college is worth it then you have nothing to fear. Of course money is an issue, but you have the rest of your life to pay back a great education, amazing experiences, and wonderful opportunities. Do not make money a priority, you will find it one way or another. The caliber of your education should be your priority.