San Diego State University Top Questions

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

Cheyne

The best advice I could give would be to go to a jr. college first and get used to the fact that no one cares if you go to class, you have to want to be there. You also have to want to study! A Jr. college gives you time to adjust to the whole "self motivation" concept. Take lots of tours and make sure you think you will really like the school you pick. It is a very hard transition weather you are in from high school or a transfer student so be preparred to struggle the first semester. Dont be afraid to ask alot of questions and make alot of mistakes. The teachers are here for you so talk to them every chance you get. Get involved! Volunteer! I hated school until I got involved and now I wish I was going to be here longer. This really, really is the best choice I ever made. I recommend college to everyone!

Courtney

Have as much fun as you can, and go all out with your college experience, but at the same time do not drift away from your academics because it will strongly effect you in the future.

Brent

Most students change their major before graduating, so a school?s particular area of academic expertise is rather arbitrary when it comes to the university selection process. What is important, however, is the rigidity of a school?s structure. When comparing schools, scale them according to their level of structure: think of Berkeley on one end as the most liberal, loosely-structured school and VMI on the other end as the most disciplined, rigidly-structured school. You then need to honestly evaluate yourself and the way in which you learn. Now, we would all like to go to Berkeley and party like hippies, but the truth is that that is not the best environment for everyone to learn in. Some of us have better educational and even social experiences in a more structured environment. Once you get to your school of choice, it is essential that you make the most out of it. I suggest a pledge, a pledge to yourself to at least once a week try something new, whether it be sushi or bungee-jumping. So long as it is within the realm of legality and morality, try it once. Experience is the essence of life.

Dustin

Everyone has their reason for choosing a school. Be it to leave home, the most affordable choice, or just because it is a party school. Whatever the reason be, the quality of your growth or education must be the top priority. As you search for the right school for you ask yourself this: will I get the education that I want here? Set aside and consider the cost later in your search, and remember that even though you are applying to these schools, they had to be the right choice for you first. Getting all the benefits of college life requires more than a good GPA, the best way I can say it is to step outside your comfort zone and participate. Colleges offer hundreds of clubs and organizations to choose from, and if anything you can always join study groups if you?re all about academics. I keep telling myself I need to be more involved with extracurricular activity after all the work. The point here is that you can benefit from college life by having a college, allow yourself to step away from the course work and have a little fun. And again, step outside your box!

Sheridan

Making the most out of your college experience starts with choosing the right college. While the task may seem daunting research is the only way you are going to find out what separates one school from another and you are going to have to do your homework. It matters. Why? Because education is personal and can change you in the most spectacular ways. Getting an A in statistics - pretty cool. Being able to later apply the statistical concepts to the real world - life changing. Interested? Start by putting yourself in an environment that facilitates learning. As a rule - spend more time studying than you think you need to; and when something peaks your curiosity, look outside the classroom - this may be something you want to specialize in. When you graduate what will matter most is what have you learned and who you have become. Those are your marketable assets. So be curious. Never hold yourself back from contributing what you could, and finally, don?t ever give up. If you follow my advice, you will find education will change you in the most spectacular way, and you will make the most of your college experience.

Cassandra

I would visit the campus to make sure the type of people there match the student's personality. SDSU was the perfect choice for me because it was driving distance to home, yet I was far enough away to enjoy a feeling of independence. I also recommend joining an athletic group or Greek organization because you will make many friends quickly and this will enhance the college experience.

Christina

Make the choice for you the student and no one else. It is your future try not to go to a college just because its safe i.e. its close to home, friends will be there, etc. Do whats best for your future! Research your options throughly to make sure they have what you need. Also, make sure to apply for scholarships as many students pass up the opportunity for free cash for school when college is getting more and more expensive. Make sure to visit the schools as well if possible as nothing can explain what its like on campus than personal experience. Don't be upset if you don't get into your desired school, every college has its opportunities its just what you make of it. Take risks, step out of your comfort zone while at college, its the only way to help develop you as a person and to maybe undiscover what your future interests are. Be yourself, don't feel lpressured to do anything if it doesn't feel right. Have fun and good luck !

Joshua

you should always visit the college to see if you feel comfortable and you shouldn't worry about money its all about where you feel most comfortable and happy at and as for the making the most of the college experience part get involved with your school and be open minded to everything including your surroundings and the biggest piece of advice I can give you is two words Time Management

Jacob

When choosing a school to begin your college education, pick ones that apply to your best interests as well as fit your personality. The personal relationship between the student and the university is very crucial to your success. If you're not comfortable or happy with your surrounding it makes it really difficult to focus and concentrate in your studies, making for a poor and regretful college experience. Always go with what you want even if it's not neccessarily the best situation that presents itself, because more often than not the best situation isn't what you want. Don't be ashamed to choose a less prestigous university over, say an "Ivy League School". The point of college is to get a better education for a better job, and have an amazing time doing it making life long friends and lasting memories.

Daniela

Make sure to find a college that suites the needs of your area of study, this is hte most important. And lastley to pick somewhere that you like. Make sure you like where it is located, because afterall you are going to be living there.

Jaron

Although the quality of education is a very important when searching for a college, it is also important to look into the atmosphere of a college. Parents and students should make sure that the college they choose stimulates the student both intellectually and socially. The college and the student have to fit together, so that the experience is a memorable one. The college should meet the student's needs in terms of social life. Some prefer the quiet, college town atmosphere because they offer a sense of security and community. Others prefer large, urban colleges where life moves quickly. Another thing to consider is class size. There is something assuring about having small classes where a student can get more face time with a professor. For some students it is the only way they can learn the material. Other students enjoy large classes and excel in large classes. These factors play a significant role in a student's experience. The more you enjoy the college, the more you will be motivated learn and succeed.

Shelby

When choosing a college it is important to consider the students ultimate goals and even personal preference. It is obvious that when choosing a college, academic curriculum is the most important factor, however it is also important to consider other factors such as location, social life, and even weather. For instance students must ask themselves ?Will I like this school both on and off campus?? Because of this I feel that in addition to academics, the student?s own thoughts and feelings should be taken into consideration when making a decision that will last a life time.

Esmeralda

Take the time to research different campuses. Do not be afraid to move and start off on your own. Do not be disappointed if it takes you awhile to discover your major. Students must learn and realize that while college might be 'fun', 'wild' and 'exciting' there is still an academic side to it.

Brittany

Finding the right college can be a difficult task. I believe that in order to make sure that the college a prospective student wants to go to, they should not only look at the different courses the college offers and the extracurricular activities that they provide around campus, but that the student should also take a tour of the campus. For me personally, the deciding factor was when I toured the campus. It is in the first moments of stepping onto the new campus that you will know if it is the right place for you. In order to make the most of the college experience, I suggest that students do as much as possible to participate in school activites. You develop a connection to your school and classmates simply by going to a football game or taking part in an activity. I'm currently on the cheerleading squad and it has allowed me to make friendships I may have not had the possiblity for previously. Just remember, college is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so make the most of it! Study hard and make new friends.

Plamena

Plan your coursework in advance. Meet with advisors-they are very helpful, explore all opportunities the college offers, always seek more than one opinion. Get financial assisstance, so you dont have to burn yourself and make your grades suffer. Get engaged in communities or extra activities the college offers-it is a good opportunity to make friendships that last forever. Be and stay focused, give maximum to do well. Enjoy ! These are the best years even if you don't think so right now!

Josh

Pick somewhere you think you can mature at, not an extension of high school. Do that and you will enjoy your learning experience.

Olivia

Finding a college that fits to your lifestyle and what is right for you will influence you overall college experience. San Diego State University was right for me because I was born and raise here and this is where I found it most comfortable for me. The campus is culturally diverse and the best place to meet other people with different cultures and beliefs and you can learn from each other. Picking the right college for yourself depends on what fits best to your personality and values.

Paul

Visit colleges and take campus tours which provide a lot of information about the college and social events/organizations. Do not pressure your child to get too involved with campus related organizations during their first semster and give them time to adjust to the new lifestyle / class workload.

Nicole

Finding the right college is a very hard thing to do. The first thing to do is look at the Financial Aid aspect, and make sure that it is avaliable. Next, make sure it is a place where they would like to live someday, because they will be there for four years. Definitely check out activities, sports teams or organizations because that is a very good way to meet people. Last but not least, make sure they have a good program in the area that you would like to study.

Dionne

Look for universities that have a lot of diversity and are involved with the public