San Diego State University Top Questions

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

Miriam

I would advise the parents to let the students choose and to be as supportive as possible of their choice. Thoughout the years of undergraduate, an individual discovers a lot about themselves and who he/she wants to be. Therefore, the student must think carefully of what they want out of those years and the parent must trust the individual to make the right decisions for themselves.

Myleen

My advice for parents and students in search of the right college would be to make a list of colleges you may want to attend, with the first college you put down as your first choice. Choose around three to six different colleges to keep your options open. Second, you may want to do a little bit of research by either going online or visiting the campuses. Make sure that the campus is a place where you can grow academically, but engage in student life as well. Remember! You will be spending the next two to four years there, so find one that you feel will best cater to your needs. You may also want to take a look at tuition and other expenses that come with the campus. Consult your parents and see if the cost of tuition will work with the family budget. If you can , try to apply for scholarships and different grants that may help offset the costs. Finally, be invovled. Find a campus where you can be invovled in extracurricular activities such as sports or clubs that can help to enhance your college resume. Good luck and may your future be bright.

Jayson

Know your personality and the environment you will most likely succeed in.

Rachel

I am a student who ended up at one of my ?back-up? schools. Initially I was disappointed, but I now know I wouldn?t be who I am today if I had gone anywhere else. Visiting colleges after you have been accepted helps you have a realistic expectation of where you may spend the next four (plus) years of your life. Once you have decided, experiment with classes that seem interesting early on, in order to find the major that is right for you. By taking classes I enjoyed, I ended up with two majors and a minor, through sheer interest! Getting involved in school activities is a great way to make friends and to find welcoming communities within your university. After joining the school's A cappella group and writing for the school newspaper, I found I had a great group of friends and something fun and rewarding to take away from my college years. Studying abroad is also an invaluable experience that I would recommend to every student. It gives you a breath of fresh air, worldly experience, friends, and a maturity that you would never have the chance to gain by simply sticking around your campus.

Mindy

maintain a good relationships with your child through via phone or email with your college child

Dane

Look for a college that fits the major the student is looking for. Beyond that, look for ones that have social lifes that are in line with that of the student's. Students should have fun while at school, but should be able to feel comfortable with those at the school.

Lindsey

I have many pieces of advice that I'd love to pass on to students and parents alike. First, talk to people who go to the school or have gone who are in your major. They will be able to tell you everything you need to know. Also, get involved in a club or organization on campus where you can meet people that have the same passion as you. Next, find out what resources are available to students in your major or with your professional interests. They can help you find the right path to take with classes and internships to put you on the fast track. Parents, talk to parents of other students at the schools your child is looking at. They should be able to give you an idea of what to expect during the years they are in college.

Danny

First, seriously question whether college will help you, or if you're going to college because it's "what you're supposed to do." If you attend college, remember that you get out what you put in. Don't rely on coursework alone. College is about giving you the tools to learn, not about teaching you. It is up to you to use those tools and increase your knowledge and experiences. There will be many hurdles, and you will question the value of many of those hurdles. The important thing is that you clear them, first, and afterwards question their value. Finally, college is also about creating networks. It is simply the classes, but the people you meet in those classes. These are the people who will be important to you during and after college.

Christine

I think that visiting college campuses and picking a school based on the quality of education you will recieve are the best ways. There tons of nice campuses but if you can't picture yourself there then why go? It's hard to think about the future but, basing your pick on how good the program you will be in at different schools could help narrow down your list of colleges to vist.

Hayley

I would recommend doing as much research as possible before deciding on a college. Nothing is ever going to be perfect, and what you want at 18, ight no be the same at 22, so try to find a balance in your choice. I was actually surprised how important where you went to college is in applying for jobs. Many Bay Area companies only hire designer university graduates. Keep in mind that transfer is an option, and if you make a choice you re unhappy with it doesn't have to be permanent. When choosing a major, try to think of what career path you might want to take, and if that is going to be a field that you are going to excel and succeed in. Minors are a great way to diversify your education without prolonging your stay too long. College is chance to focus on what you do well, but also a chance to find new passions and directions, so choosing a campus with balance is a great way to be comfortable, and also grow and develop into well rounded induvidual.