California State University-Sacramento Top Questions

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

Cheyenne

If I was to go back in time I would have a lot to tell myself about the college experience. I would start off by telling myself not to feel so bad about not getting into my dream school because what I thought I wanted to do with my life is no where near what I've found I actually want to do. In high school I was all about agriciulture/ animal science and I was certain that's what I would do. Now through volunteer work I have found a passion for teaching and can't see myself with a career anywhere else but the classroom. I would also explain how I should go into community college with an open mind because I will end up having amazing oportunities and learning from brilliant professors who will change my outlook on life. I would then leave myself by saying that while college may seem like a terrifying and looming thought I should not allow it to scare me but instead I should say yes to every oportunity that comes my way, because what is a college experience without a little fear and a whole lot of excitement and new experiences?

Wesley

First and foremost, learn time management. College life is busy and making time for thorough textbook reading is an important part of understanding the material. Second, use your available resources. There are many beneficial programs that Sacramento State offers that often go unused by students like the writing center and your professors' office hours. These programs will add so much more to your education if you seek them out and utilize them. Last, but not least, get involved on campus. Sacramento State is a commuter school in which some students merely go to school and go home. Those students are missing out on a huge part of the college experience. There are academic and social fraternities, intramural teams, sport clubs that all offer networking circles while also giving you fun memories and profitable experiences.

Rebecca

It is very important to maintain a high GPA. This will open doors for you that otherwise would be closed. It is also a good idea to do some volunteer work in your community. Giving back to the community not only feels good, but you will gain connections that may help you succeed with your academic career as well as your professional career. Get involved with school activities whether it be sports, performing arts, yearbook, or student government. These entities will help shape who you will become and give you valuable experience in human relations. One of the most important tools you can obtain is to learn about politics. Politics will help you succeed in whatever environment you encounter. If you don't understand what this means, don't be afraid to ask. No one is perfect and it's human error that helps us grow and learn. My last advice is...be a sponge! Soak up as much useful information as possible and hold on to the knowlege you gain. Be the most well rounded, open minded person you can be and reap the benefits! Make sure to plan ahead!

Bethilyn

Just because you hate the fact your mom made you take spanish put all your effort into it! Don't fall back on typical teenage rebellion and refuse to do most of the work out of anger because you wanted to take german. It will ruin your High School GPA and make it so hard to get a lot of scholarships. You could have graduated on an advanced plan instead of the basic because you refused to go through three years of spanish. Also get your act together don't let family drama get to you so hard and never give up your dream or you end up taking 3 years of community college trying to find yourself only to end up back at the same degree choice you had all your life. Life is hard but you will make it through your senior year even with all thats going on in your home life at the moment!

Jessica

If I went back in time and I could talk to myself about college for the future, I would say volunteer as much as I can and meet a lot of people. Also, I would say to focus on homework but not too much to where there is no time for fun, there should always be a time where I could have fun with friends. Another thing I would say is to talk to all the professors that are related to my major because they are the ones that can help for my future.

Mary

You have the keys to success and achievement in your hands. Don't settle for "good," be persistent in getting the "best." Take your grades seriously and finish high school strong, you've gotten this far and you can go even further with your hard work and determination. You will soon be in college, where resposibility will slap you hard in the face. Show off how well you can tackle this challenge. You will learn only as much as you allow yourself to. Absorb all that you can, these 4 years give you lifelong skills. Take advantage of all the resources offered, like financial aid, counselors, career centers, etc; you're paying for them, aren't you? Make friends, get phone numbers, join class facebook pages; your classmates are a great and honest resource. Don't forget your social life. You do have one; catch up during your days off to stay healthy and sane. This is a short, yet incredibly important part of your life and you can do it!

christal

If I were to go back in time, I would tell myself to take every opportunity and take risks. Coming into CSUS I was a trasfer student, and didn't get involved right away. I would tell myself to get involved in anything that interests me. All things I can dip into are resources and connections for later. Also I would say to explore. Explore everything! That includeds the campus like the great gym, amazing resourources, and cool spots to relax. and also the surrounding area. Sacramento is so intereting and has something for everything. Im lucky to be in a campus right in the middle of it all. Last but not least I would say have fun!

Giovannie

El aprender correctamente ayuda a ser mejor en la vida y encontrar la carrera correcta para desarrollar tus habilidades pero siempre se puede regresar al pasado para repasar esas pequeñas cosas que no llevastes contigo. Podemos olvidar muchas de esas cosas importantes que nos ayudaran a ser mejores personas en un futuro.

Luda

I would advice myself to study harder and take summer school classes at community college to finish faster. I would also reccomend myself to read the assigned material for classes to have better GPA.

Michelle

Assuming that I went back in time and talked to the high school senior that I was, I would advice myself that there was actually no need for me to have been so anxious about getting into a prestigious college. Though universally, the majority of high school students prefer attending a UC as opposed to a CSU, believing that attending a UC can bring you farther in the future, I currently believe that each college has its own distinguished features. Being a student at a prestigious college, such as one of the Ivy League schools, does not necessarily guarantee a brighter future. In fact, being a dedicated student at any college is the ultimate factor in determining one's success. To successfully transition from a dependent high school setting to an independent college setting, the most important thing to do is to actively seek activities that suit your interests. My chief advice to my old high school self is: Don't be misled on the idea that a degree from a prestigious college can bring you farther into the future, rather be led to believe you can well be a distinguished candidate in any college you decide to attend.

Kendrick

Take AP classes and college credit because a little bit goes a long way and the sooner you graduate the more money you'll save in tuition and fees. Get a job if you can because you may find yourself with some free time and the extra money will come in handy because books are VERY expensive and tuition will keep on rising year after year. Apply for financial aid and grants early and often because you'll need the money and even if it's for $50 try to get it. Don't be afraid to make friends because everyone else is also trying to get used to the change and they're just as eager as you are to settle in. Focus on your schoolwork because you will want to get the highest GPA possible and every class will count. Focus on your studies and try to get your classes finished as soon as possible by trying to take more than 12 units a semester and by focusing on classes you need for your major. Enjoy your college life to the fullest.

Jenny

If I could go back in time as a high school senior and talk to myself, I would advice myself to apply for universities that offers an Occupational Therapy program and continuously apply for scholarships. I would advice myself to apply for universities that offers an Occupational Therapy program because I would be able to graduate with my Masters’ sooner. Because I am enrolled in a university that does not offer this program, I will be taking longer to graduate. I would like to save one year from attending college for tuition is very expensive. This leads me to my second wish. If I could go back, I would tell myself to continuously apply for scholarships. With that advice, I wouldn’t have to see my parents work so much to help me pay for school. It is hard for me to see them exhausted from working over time and hard labor. Furthermore, my job is not enough to help me for my expenses for school. If I had the opportunity to go back in time and give myself an advice, I would take that chance in a heartbeat.

Crystal

Education is so much more that what grade point average you have. The knowledge that you have acquired is meant to be a gift that is shared with your friends, family, and community. Take the time to give back by volunteering to help other youths and get involved. Your senior year is not the end but a true beginning to all the wonderful things that are in store for you. Life is not just about work. Have fun and find your passion in life through a variety of engagements in the community. It is important to be actively involved so as to find not only what you are good at but what it is that you can give back to your community. Explore life to its fullest and make the most of the education that has been given to you. You are a good person with a big heart and you have so much to share. You can go to college and you have educational options that will give you even more opportunities to have a successful, happy, and truly fulfilling life!

tiffany

If I were to go back in time to my high school years I would tell my self alot of things. for example, that college isnt the same as high school. College is hard if you are not ready for it, you really have to stay on point with everything. You must have be organized and keep everything with you. All the things our high school teacher said about rewriting our notes its true, i understand the material better and remember it with clearness. We all always used the excuse that the teacher did not like us, but in college none of this is accepted. The teachers just go and do their jobs and its up to the students if they want to do the work. if i want to reach my goals and be someone succesfull i have to do the right things. i have to do all of the work, saty in on the weekends to work on pappers. sacrifice some time with the friends to study, but the best thing of all is that its all going to be worth it when we are done.

Daniel

I would tell myself to start paying attention in class because in the future the cost for going to college is going to increase. So, it is very important for you to have a high GPA therefore you can get scholarships to pay for your college education. You know that your family can't afford to put you through school. Hence, your education will rely on how many scholarships you are awarded. I know you want to chase girls and get into trouble but ill tell you right now that your not missing out on anything. You will be truly missing out by not finishing your education at Sacramento State. So, Daniel make sure you study hard and try your best to get good grades and remember "A mind is a terrible thing to waste". Godspeed

Veronica

If I was given the opportunity to go back in time I would tell myself to follow my heart and intuition. I would advise myself to choose a focus or career path that not only challenges me but that fulfills me. I spent a lot of time going back and forth on majors before eventually settling on my first choice and love. I would tell myself to try my best and to take the time to learn. Many students do well in classes without taking the time to learn the lessons we are being taught. I would tell myself to pay close attention and to develop professional relationships with my professors so that I could ask them for advice regarding school and career choices. Finally, I would tell myself to enjoy school rather than trying to get through it, it goes by much faster than you think it will and when you're done, a part of you is relieved and the other part wants to do it all over.

Trina

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would let myself know that no matter what obstacles and challenges I come face to face with, I will have to persevere and believe I will get through it. I will motivate my high school self to do well in my senior year by reminding “me” that what I learn and accomplish now will carry me through college and my future career. I will reassure myself that it is possible to balance classes, social life, and work as long as I learn to manage my time wisely and prioritize tasks effectively. I will encourage myself to work hard, stay optimistic and keep following my dream to become a teacher for young children because in my heart I know this is the right path for me. This is my passion.

Angelica

My advice would be to study hard play less, enhance GPA, and community work. GPA is extremely important to succeed and to obtain better opportunities not only job opportunities, but recognitions too. Employers look at GPA very closely when selecting candidates either for permanent hires or internships; therefore, maintaining a GPA above 3.0 is a crucial factor to succeed in school and for career opportunities. In addition, focusing on studying hard will not only maintain GPA high but will prepare the student to complete assignments/projects and be able to answer questions. Lastly, community work is really important to show that student cares for his/her community and is willing to return what was given at some point in life.

laura

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have many words of advice. I would tell myself to focus on the present and not worry about the future. Focus on getting each assignment done and then stop stressing out about it. This is something I didn't know back then which would have really helped me be stress-free. I was always worried about the future, but where I am happy with where I am now and I would love to tell that to myself as a senior. Another tip would be to prioritize school instead of slacking off to hang out with friends.

Gabriel

Stay focused. Determination is very important at this point. High school paves your way for your future in life.