San Diego State University Top Questions

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

Donna

If I could go back in time to see myself in high school I would have told myself to take school more serious. To learn better study habits, and ask more question when I do not know the answers. No matter how emberassing it could have been, that in just a few years all the people in this class that I am sitting with I will no longer talk too. Also just to have fun as a kid while I could because it will not always be fun, that grades will matter more then anything there is in the education world.

Kyle

Many students believe that college is a time to study, party, meet people, and learn about one's self. The idea of putting a label on college is completely incorrect. One thing that I have learned over these four years is that college is "dynamic". The experience will be whatever you make of it along the way. One should not go into undergraduate study with a long set of expectations but instead learn to continually try new things, take chances, maximize opportunities, and adapt to one's surroundings. College is more than finding a career path, networking, and maturing. This is a time where one can learn what type of person they wish to become and what they may truly value in life. You will uncover things that you never knew existed and it is important to confront the unknown. This is what college is truly about! Don't be affraid to take chances and maximize any opportunity that steps in front of you. This is a time where one can take more risks and pursue things that were never even imaginable. Most importantly, do not do things just because everybody else does. Try something of interest that moves you!

Jannette

When thinking about the most practical and meaningful advice, I would have to say the most important thing I have learned about college life and the transition is that being yourself is more important than what anyone else thinks. Use your voice and do not be afraid to go against what others are saying or doing. Sometimes the lone voice can be the loudest. I have learned that it is important to be sensitive to others' opinions and thoughts but that does not mean that you have to necessarily agree with them. Being true to yourself will bring your more happiness in the end. Not letting others define who you are will prove that those who are next to you in the end, like you for your true self. I think that this is so important to me because it is easy to let others be most influencial in life, when college is about finding who you are and using your unique qualities in life and inevitabley finding happiness in yourself and those qualities. Hopefully my high school senior self would be willing to heed these words of advice, however; they will be learned nonetheless.

brittney

Life makes twists and turns and changes direction without warning. In major transitional periods, such as when it comes time to select colleges and move away from home, it's impeccable to keep an open mind. Yes, its important to draw out a road map, but detours and pit stops should be expected. Personally, while ranking my list of colleges, I never thought San Diego State would be the university I would end up at. I realize now that it was crucial that I kept an open mind and took what came my way. The best piece of advice I'd give a college 'newbie' is that life will work itself out. There is not alot of time to spend worrying about the future and it certainly does not do any good to try and plan an entire twenty year career in one sitting. I would have told myself to trust my gut, stay true to my morals and know that I will end up where I am intended to be. By taking life one day at a time and striving to be the best person I can possibly be is how I have survived my first year in college.

mayra

I would tell myself to go straight to a four-year university like I had planned. I could have earned my Bachelor's degree this past semester if I had and I would be on my way to graduate school. Instead I just transfered to just barely start working toward my Bachelor's degree.

Vanessa

If I could give back to time and will return the school, with my knowledge now I was better prepared pear get to college. I do not mean in academic affairs since I graduated from school with an average excellent, but I had prepared for independence and doing things for myself. But to be honest but I like college, and I would not go back to school.

Daniel

Okay, Daniel. Before you throw these eggs at your assistant principal’s house, make sure your truck isn’t in view of his front door. Don’t worry; you are going to throw enough eggs that you can sacrifice a couple throws to ensure a clean (pun intended) getaway. You are going to have a lot of troublesome moments like this, but eventually a light will come on in your head. Some call it common sense, others call it maturity, and I like to intellectualize the process by calling it healthy exploration of my potential as a Major League Baseball player. Remember these moments because they are the ones you can laugh about when nothing else brings you humor. In the short term, you are not making your college transition any easier with your (hilarious) pranks, but in the long run you are building a person that others are proud to know. You will see that assistant principal again five years after graduation, and although you will still feel remorse for throwing a few dozen eggs at his house, he will greet you with the title of “the old egg thrower, himself” and put a welcoming hand on your shoulder.

Thomas

The advice i would give myself would to procces my dream, and to not let other stop me from procces my dreams. I would have like to become a better person, and stick to the school work in high school, but now i realize that becasue being in college hows teach me alot about life and become a man too.

Montoya

the simplest things I could tell my self is taking notes, keeping organized ,and having fun. Having fun would be my biggest college is great and I think that getting out there and communitcating with others. saling your self in a good way you never know who you will run into and who will change your life.

Desiree

When I was in high school, I was not a good student. I am 33 years old now and things are much different than they were back then. I wish I could go back and tell myself to focus and keep a positive attitude. I would tell myself that in order to succeed in life, I need a good education. "Desiree, don't be distracted by negative events and people who you think are your friends. This is a crucial time in your life. The things you do now will follow you for a lifetime. Live up to your potential and get as far ahead as possible now, before marriage, children and life complicate things. No one in your family has ever attempted college and you will be the first. You will be a role model for all future generations of this family. Work hard and you will be rewarded."

Brianna

If I could go back in time,I would tell myself to stay focused and to work hard to get to where I want to be. Even though I was a good student then, I wasn't as focused as I should have been. I was more focused on hanging out with friends, having fun, and I was definitely boy crazy. I would go back and tell myself that none of those things matter and my future is what is important. I would tell myself to stop worrying about my high school boyfriend and concentrate on my homework because we weren't going to work out in the long run anyway. Had I concentrated more, I probably could have gotten into more colleges that I wanted to attend. I would also have told myself to join a sports team. It could have helped me physically and to be used to exercising to live a more healthy lifestyle. It also would have taught more about teamwork and this trait would have helped me alot in college and in my adult life. I would have learned to communicate effeciently with others, listen to others, and handle criticism better.

Simone

I always knew that college was expensive, but the reality of facing college costs did not hit me until after I finished high school. I was accepted to go to a university in high school, but the school ended up being too expensive for me to attend. Now, I am at the stage where I am ready to go to a university again (I just finished up my Associate's at a two-year college). I am facing the same issue now that I was back when I was in high school when I applied to the university that was too expensive for me to attend. If I could go back to when I was in high school, I would tell myself to keep my grades up so that I could qualify for more scholarships.

melissa

As a high school student. I had no worries in the wide world of life about my education or finical stubility. Going thru High school I do remember thinking. No, I dont understand why they make us go thru these classes. And fill all these forms out . And stay on a schudle. But I have came to the conclusion that I now understand why WE had to do all these things. I am at a part of my life where I am eager to learn. I have a chance to further my education but i am at a stand still with my education due by the lack of funds. I am working real hard trying to make it all work but I just cant with out alittle bit of help. I am currently working 2 jobs. with 2 kids and divorced...

Armin

Study hard, apply to all the colleges you can. Seperate yourself from the crowd that drags you down and only hang out with people that will be positive for you. These people will do something selfish later on anyway so have a head start.

Leticia

Never be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions is the best way to learn. Take high school seriously and try to take as many math and science courses. Try not to procrastinate. Apply for as many scholarships as possible. Make sure your time is used productively to study. Shadow employees from different careers and do research on different career paths. Take advantage of college credit classes if they are available through the high school. Meet with current college students to know what to expect. If possible talk to college professors and maybe sit in a college class to see what is expected of college students. Always keep up with college and scholarship deadlines and maybe even keep a planner with important dates. Try not to over work in a job and focus more on your high school classes. Having a job your senior year should not be your priority. Better jobs will come after a college education.

TYLER

Tyler, you must speak with a guidance councelor before jumping into your classes without any idea on what your objective will be! Having an educational map has been the most helpful choice I could have made regarding education purposes. Having a goal and something to work towards makes school a breeze.

Sara

I would tell myself apply to the best colleges available, and a wide variety. Do not go to "community college" because it is cheaper, you will miss the college experience and you will not make long lasting friends. Focus your attention on the requirements for graduation and pick a major that will lead into a promising job. Make sure to spend your time wisely, try to get a double major to make yourself more marketable upon graduation. Make as many connections with teachers as possible and build strong relationships to secure excellent recommendations. Constantly take advantage of internships and workshops that build on your skills and experiences. Plan for life after college; think about graduate schools and possible job opportunities. Apply for as many scholarships as possible to ease the debt you will incure. Make sure to take part in clubs, organizations, and you must study abroad. Be an active student and enjoy your experience while maintaining a respectful GPA. Remeber to have fun, drink responsibly, and set yourself apart from the crowd!

Ragan

"Look out! You're in for a bumpy & beautiful ride!" I said to my younger self. "You will have your heart broken, & then have it healed by the man you marry in a few short years. Yes, you'll still have children, despite what that doctor said after the surgery you'll have in 2 years. Don't worry - you'll find that getting your GED doesn't hold you back at all. Also, when you go to college over the next couple of years you will drop that too & go to a trade school for skin care instead. Hahaha! Surprised, huh? But, sadly you don't stick with that either & it's okay! Because by the time you hit 28, you'll find that passion that you always knew was there, & you will venture out on becoming an adult-student in psychology! Yes! So, don't stop doing what you're doing. Learn everything you can along this journey & be thankful for it all - because you will make a great difference one day! Strap on your knee pads because it will be a bumpy ride, but remember, it's all worth it & will work out in the end!"

Elizabeth

In high school, the underlying drive for attending college was to make my parents happy. At the time, I cared about what my friends would go on to do and how I would fit into those plans. After experiencing college life and developing a passion for education, there is plenty of advice I would give myself, granted I could go back in time. I would tell myself that tapping into the world of higher education strengthens your appreciation for the diverse world and helps mold you into a culturally competent and educated person who can be successful on your own. I would advise that high school friendships, although valuable, do not last forever and it is in college that you develop the strongest bonds with people who have similar goals and outlooks. College opens up an incredible amount of opportunities and gives you the freedom to decide where you want to take your life. It introduces you to areas of knowledge never even heard of prior to college and allows you to have your own point of view, separate from your parents. If, as a high school student, you are looking for freedom, college is the answer to that.

Laurel

If I could speak to myself as a high school senior, I would stress how important the first two years of college is in regards to setting the groundwork for your GPA. I would tell myself that I should be building my resume throughout college and that it is never too early to start getting involved in research on campus and other extracurricular activities that can help me get into graduate school. I would tell myself that professor's office hours are a great way to get to know faculty and find opportunities with faculty run research or faculty mentorship, which make great letters of reccommendation for graduate school. I would tell myself that college is only 4 years and it will go quickly even though entering into college can be a bit daunting. I would tell myself that sometimes it is all about who you know and networking will make your academic life a lot easier. I would tell myself that SDSU is a great university to explore what you love and plug in to the campus community. I would tell myself that tuition will rise and to be fiscally prepared for those changes.