San Diego State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at San Diego State University know before they start?

Amanda

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the number one thing I would tell myself is to take chances and get involved. I would tell myself to be excited for change and not scared of it. The transition from high school to college is a huge change but the most exciting change I have made in my life. College gives you an opportunity to focus on what your good at and it gives you the ability to excel in areas that interest you. Overall, I would take the worry fact out of heading off to college.

Angela

I would tell myself to start out strong and not under estimate the work load. I would tell myself to spend time studying so that I can do well in the beginning so that I won't have to stress later. I would also tell myself to not get too crazy. Going away to college gives you alot of freedom and it is easy to not go to class, hang out, and fall off track. So I would definitely have to let myself know that I need to just stay focused and do what I came to San Diego for, which is to go to school. I would tell myself to take at least two classes every summer in summer school so that I can stay ahead and possibly graduate early. The last thing I would tell the younger me, is that it's okay to have a social life. I have to take care of school, but I also have to take care myself and that includes making friends and taking time off from studying, and doing it in a responsible manner.

Erica

If I could transport myself back to high school and give myself advise about what to expect in college, I would say, "Don't be afraid, my child". I would tell myself that all my hard work in high school -- taking the SAT three times, getting up at 6:00 every morning, pushing through my AP classes, cramming for pre-calc, and putting up with my boring, humorless teachers was all totally worth it. I would smile brightly, slap myself on the back and say, "Girl, you are in for a radical ride!" I would advise myself to attend orientation, make a few good friends, find the financial aid office and the campus mental health clinic. I would say don't drink tequila on an empty stomach or throw up on your shoes. I would warn myself that time-management was going to be crucial in college and to brush up on my juggling skills. I would say study hard, take your vitamins, find a support system, ask questions, floss regularly, talk to your academic advisor, don't flirt more than fifteen minutes a day and what ever you do, ENJOY the hell out of it.

Alexandra

I would tell my high school senior self to seize the day and that everything will work out for the best. College is a time for new opportunities and to learn what you want in life. My uncle was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and it has been very hard on my family. It has taught me that you don?t know what tomorrow will bring and that you should live each day like it is the last. My uncle and my father who passed away due to cancer are my motivation to be the best that I can be. This made me realize what is important in life and to take everything, the good ad the bad, in stride. There is no sense dwelling on the mistakes you made in the past as long as you learn from them.

Kelly

If I had the opportunity to go back and give myself some advice before attending San Diego State University, I would have some helpful hints to make it through this school. I would have tell myself to try to make friends in each one of my classes, not only to grow a larger network of friends, but also have the possibility to have study groups for those classes. Secondly, I would say to have no judgments on people that you may meet. Since this is such a large school you will encounter many different types of people with various lifestyles, and one may never know who could be your great friend. Finally, I would say to remain true to yourself and to not stress the little things that may come in my life. There are all new experiences and opportunities that will appear in front of you, but do not be overwhelmed by them because you never know when one of them may change the direction of your life.

Kayla

After experiencing one semester as a college student, there is one major piece advice that I would have given myself as a high school senior. First, it is important to recognize that a college like San Diego State University will have much more diversity than my high school. Everyone is different and has different habits, which is important to know if you are planning to live in the dorms. You can not judge anyone for how they are; you must realize that you will not get along with everyone and everyone will not get along with you. Second, I believe that the most important piece of advice would be that everything is your choice. You can control how much effort you put into your classes and how much time you spend working. If you want to skip class, the choice is up to you...but realize that there are consequences for your actions. Before going to college, it's important for a high school senior to know that starting the very first day they go to college, they are in control of their lives and they will make the decisions that will lead them to success or failure.

Giovanna

If I was able to give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to never give up. After attending San Diego State for the past three years, I know now that sometimes you have to fail in order to succeed. I would also tell myself that when life is challenging and you are overwhelmed, just take one task at a time and take time to organize yourself. I would tell myself to not worry if you are unsure what you want to obtain a career in because there is plenty of time in college to gain experience and identify yourself and your identity. I would tell myself that although the transition into college is frightful, in the end once you have risen above all the obstacles, the struggle was worth it when you are able to see yourself get from point A to point B in life. Never give up, you can do anything you set your mind to, and do not let any one discourage you from your goals and dreams.

Mario

If I could go back to my senior year of high school, I would tell myself to be more dedicated towards doing the work for classes. Because I have not always followed my own advice, I have indured much unneeded stress in my school work and have spent many nights catching up on the work I had not done in the previous weeks. I can not stress how important it is to stay on track of the work required from classes, but this can be easily avoided by disciplining myself to being dedicated more to my school work. Also, procrastination is a big problem for many students in college, including me. So studying two days before a midterm is not an option anymore; the studying has to take place at least one week prior to each big exam. If it wasn't for these two flaws in me, I would have easily been a part of the Honor roll in high school and college. So listen to me, younger me, DO NOT WAIT FOR LATER to do the most important things, do them that same day, it will benefit you.

Brianna

My number one advice to myself would be to get my education done right away. College is not as scary and overwhelming as I may have thought at 17. I should go to a community college to get my GE classes done and then transfer to a University. It is so much easier to complete your education right out of high school, then to go back and complete it with responsibilities and a career. Working full-time and going to school full-time takes a lot of time and sacrifices, and I wish I had done it differently. In order to explore my options, to be able to study abroad, to have a wider option of classes and schools; I should have gone to college right after high school. There will always be time in the future to make money and to have a good time with friends and family. Without an education, it will be hard to accomplish any dreams I may have of living abroad, climbing the corporate ladder, or being in a skilled position. Bottom line, don't procrastinate, get school out of the way ASAP!

Jennifer

"College" can stir up a myriad of emotions- plethora of opportunities, chance at a different life or gaining independence, furthering education, or simply something our parents expect of us. But the reality is college is about choices. In college, you get to choose what you like or dislike, love or loathe, and what brings us passion for life or self-contempt. Your experiences in college are what you make of them. Remember the PB&J: Pace yourself, Be true to who you are, and use Judgment and discernment in all situations. P: Pick a college that best suits your academic abilities. Consider quarter or semester- Do you learn better with a condensed or expanded amount of time? Set a good regimen. Leave enough time to do all the necessary things as well as pencil in the recreational. Take the amount of classes you need and are able to manage. Schedule time to breathe and have fun. B: Many people will want your attention and may tempt to change your identity. Do what you love and keep your own head on your shoulders. J: Judge situations before making them. Weigh the pros and cons. Ultimately, make sure your adventure is fulfilling.

Michael

The first thing I would say is be prepared for the most life changing experiences in your young life. What you heard about college being hard, you're right. It is going to be a very difficult transition but you have what it takes to continue your academic success. When you first start out come with an open mind to everything that comes your way. Whether it's very important decsions to make or just everyday situations. It took me a while to get involved with campus activities, do not let it take a while for you. There are so many things to do at school. Do not hesitate to choose classes you know you'll enjoy. Besides your required major classes, take additional easy classes that are fun such as bowling and weight training, I know you would like those. My last piece of advice would have to be to keep in touch with old friends but do not hold back, you are about to meet so many people and gain so many new friends, even friends you never thought you would have in high school. Well good luck the rest of the year and get ready for life.

Emily

I would tell myself that it does not matter where I go to school, I will find a group of friends that I belong with. I was so worried about knowing someone that I chose my school based on where my friends were going and now that we are sophomores, we don't even see each other anymore. If I had known that we would drift apart I would not have followed them to school, I would have gone somewhere new and found myself in a new environment that would challenge me intellectually and socially. I would also tell myself to take time to learn who I was and what I wanted to do with my life. I entered as a business major because it is so versatile, but I would like to do something exciting with my life instead of take the safe road.

Daishanna

Daishanna in order to prepare yourself for college you need to do the following: 1. Start reading more 2. Study for all your classes (especially math) 3. Do more volunteer work 4. Be more involved with school 5. Start filling out scholarships And last but not least remember even though you will be writing admission letters, be yourself.

Sara

Going to college is a scary step into adulthood. It gives first-year students a taste of independence, especially for those who choose a school away from home. Because of the magnitude of such a change, there is one piece of advice that every high school senior should have when considering their academic future. The most important piece of advice for all seniors is to understand they are in charge of their own future. Many high school seniors seemed to be very pre-occupied with getting into a ?name-school.? While there are many benefits in attending such a school, those who choose to attend alternate institutions should not feel any sense of dissatisfaction. Whether a student chooses to attend an Ivy League, state school, or local community college, it is up to the individual to make the best out of their experience. Undergraduate education is a time to explore new ideas, learn, meet new people and build long lasting relationships. No matter what college a student attends, there are opportunities for success knocking at every door. Deciding on a school is only the first step. It is what one makes of the experience that determines their future.

Samantha

If I could go back and in time and talk to myself about what I know now I would first off tell myself that I don?t need to stress, because my senior year was much harder than my first semester in college. I would also say that when my roommate called and asked if I was a neat freak I would tell myself to say yes, in hopes that this would make her keep her side of the room cleaner than she does now. But the most important thing that I would tell myself is that I need to try even in the easy classes. Writing essays the night before won?t cut it the way it did in high school. Also even if I think I know the material I still need to study. Studying for test would be the most valuable piece of advice that I could tell myself. Realizing this later in the semester made it harder to get the grades that I would have like to get it. I would also tell myself that I?m proud of her and her hard work paid off.

Antonio

I had a great time in highschool and there is not much that I would change but I would have told myself to do more. You are your own worst enemy and you set your own limits. I would have probably taken more advanced courses and done more extrecuricular activies. I miss playing volleyball and it is hard to find the appropriate competition level in college because intermurial is too easy while club is too hard. In high school I had the perfect level.

Kevin

I would say to focus more on being accountable for my actions and responsible for my own affairs, as opposed to relying on others so much for help. I would also express how important it is to be organized so that you have easy access to past work and documents in order to increase your efficiency. Be well prepared ahead of time for upcoming assignments and events so you will never be caught off guard. Avoid procrastination at all costs because it can get you into trouble. Learn to identify resources up front, so that when you need help you will know exactly where to turn. In addition, take note of advice given by those who you aspire to be like, or those who have had similar experiences in the past. Also remember that first impressions can go a long way. You never know when you will meet someone of importance who can assist you in the future.

Berklee

I can't believe it was a two years ago that I commited to going to SDSU. Being from Arizona, I was completely stepping out of my comfort zone and picked a school that I would know no one. Looking back, I was happy that I had the confidence to make that scary decision. What I would have changed though would have been to apply for as many scholarships as possible, take a tour of the residence halls before I moved in, and take advice from as many current college students as possible. College is a totally different environment than high school. It is important to take memories from the past, but in college you must be open to change. Your world expands and you are exposed to different people, views, and ways of life. You have to learn to be strong in your beliefs, morals, and values, but you also must be open and accepting of other people and their beliefs, morals, and values. College is such an eye opening experience that truely changes you as a person. High school seniors need to be open to changes and realize that their transformation as a person is not complete yet.

Lizette

Choose a school that is close to home, close enought to visit every two or three weeks, but far enough to where you can be independant.

Jing

Work hard and be responsible for eveything you do.