San Diego State University Top Questions

College can definitely be described as a life changing experience. I had a decent idea of what college life would be like. I knew that classes would be enormous, dorm life would be crazy, and the culture shock would be extremely, well, shocking! If I had to inform my high school self of one thing, it would be to not take time spent with my best friends for granted. The first week here was extremely difficult. I am a girl who loves to have good, clean fun. I can be extremely goofy or silly at times, but I know when to stop. Also, my morals and beliefs are extremely strong and set in stone. The first week of school, I was not comfortable enough to be myself around anyone. It made me miss my high school friends like I never imagined. I was eventually able to meet some really fun girls that I clicked with immediately. Each day I grow closer and closer with them. However, I would advise anyone who is in their senior year of high school, including my past high school self if I was able, to enjoy every second spent with your best high school friends!

High school self... sit down and I will tell you about the college life. Hindsight is always 20/20. Looking back from where I am now I can tell you that 99{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your fears about college and the transition are unfounded. College may seem like a big step(or leap) which it is. It is a leap into a fun and exiting new experience that you will relish and remember for the rest of your life. If you take full advantage of the educational, social, and personal growth opportunities afforded to you in college, you will certainly get back much more than you put in. Don't be afraid, follow your dreams because college is a phenominal trip! Now get out there and live it! Hurry up you're already late! -Sincerely, Future Chris Radomski

Dear Ms. Guppy, You may have grown from a fry to one of the biggest fish in the pond, otherwise known as high school, but soon it will be time for the ocean a.k.a college. Enjoy your final moments of "pond time," but learn how to manage your time wisely and keep an open mind for upcoming changes. First, start using an agenda. Their great practice for college because it teaches you time management skills like learning to distinguish between study time and free time. This is extremely important not just in school but the real world too, just wait till you get a job. Second, you must not be afraid of change, instead find ways to adapt to your new environment. Study and use your resources to best suit your needs. It's not always easy adapting but sometimes being taken out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow stronger. Lastly, do be proud of your accomplishments but always strive for more because if you don't you'll never know of the many opportunities your missing out on. Remember, "just keep swimming."

Advice I would give to parents and/or students would be to do their research on which school they would like to attend before making a decision right away without even thinking about it. I would also suggest to make sure that they would be financially prepared throughout the years of attending the college or also be willing to search for any type of financial aid as well as scholarships. Procrastinating is very common in everyone and its easier to dive into everything than putting it off because if not, the decision wasnt fully thought out. Making the most of a college experience is to get involved with school activities or sporting events. Meeting people and having a good time would contribute to the college experience. I would also advise that no one should feel sucked into pressure. Just because someone is doing something inappropriate doesnt mean you should follow. Just be yourself.

The students should decide what school they should go to since they would be the one going there. Attend all classes and join groups. Introduce yourself to others as everyone is looking for new friends.

The right college for a student must have everything that the student needs in order to be successful in his or her educational endeavors but also needs to provide the student with a level of happiness. The student should feel a sense of belonging. They obviously must study hard but must not let it consume their lives. College is also about having fun and even the most studious of students need a good social life. Finding the right school goes hand in hand with making the most of the college experience: responsibility, prioritizing, and being involved in clubs, campus organizations, student government, and fraternities or sororities. The top factors that I believe should go into the decision-making process are the location of the school, the student to faculty ratio, which programs or majors are available, and of course the price of tuition in relation to the quality of education. Even if a student does not get accepted to their first choice, making the most of college is about making the best of it.

First and for most attending college is the most important part. Knowing that you want and should go to college is the first step in choosing the right college. Then one has to ask themself if they want to move away from home. If so, how far? Out of state? Then taking into consideration the financial aspect of it. Moving away from home, and living on campus or off has a drastic affect on one's financial status. Researching some schools that one may be interested would be key as well. This includes the majors they offer, extra cirricular activities, ratios, clubs, ect. A person should attend the university THEY want to attend and not the one their parents or friends want. Chose an environment that you feel you will be comfortable in. Just remember this area will become your second home.

When deciding on a college, it is a really good idea to visit your campus. Talk to students on campus and not just the ones that take you on tours. They are suppose to be nice and well tell you anything to get you to go to that school. Talk to the kids carrying the basketballs or the ones that are in the library. It's easier to figure out your perfect match by asking around. Also go to places off campus. I choose a college that was close to the beach, mountains, desert and a nice downtown area,. What more can I ask for when I have time off from school. One mistake that I made was that I didn't live on campus. It is so much easier to meet people and there is no commute. Join clubs. Maybe your not good enough to play Division 1 ball but you still want to play. Find a club that you like. At SDSU, we have a ultimate frisbee team, how cool is that? Remember that college is where you go to learn, but it's also the place where you'll meet the best friends you'll ever have.

My first piece of advice for a student trying to find the right school for themselves is to actually go visit the all the campuses they are thinking about. I visited a few schools before visiting San Diego State and it wasn't until I was walking around their campus when I got an overwhelming feeling, a feeling I never got at any of the other schools, that I was at home and I was at a place I belonged. My second piece of advice for a student would be to not base the decision of where to go to school on what friends are doing or what a boyfriend or girlfriend is thinking of doing. Do what is right for you because college is the basis and foundation for the rest of your life. Make your own choice! As for parents, let your student go where they feel they belong. Be sure to support your child in their decisions because that support is the difference between your childing calling you frequently to chat about their day and how things are going and you only hearing from them when they need money.

It's never to early to start looking for the perfect college, however be patient in your search. The college you choose is the bridge from adolescense into adulthood, and the rest of the real world and what will be your/your child's future. Find out what you're interested in. Do research that includes all the colleges that specialize in your interest. Visit ALL the colleges that fit your criteria, and ask any questions that you may have while you're there. Along with the academic standards you may have for your college of choice, be sure to take its location into great considertion. A college's location will provide the multicultural, physiological, and intrapersonal aspects that you/your child will need to become a well rounded adult who is suited to take on any challenge that comes their way. While at college, be sure to get involved and take part in as many school activities as you can. Dont be scared to interact with new people, and dont be scared to put yourself out in plain site for everyone to see. Be proud of who you are, and what college will turn you out to be.