San Diego State University Top Questions

Don't pick SDSU.

The best advice I can give students about the college experience is to make sure they find an area of study that they love. It is a very hard decision to make at the age of 17 or 18 right out of high school but I suggest spending the first 2 years of university exploring different fields of study and taking many different courses in order to find the perfect Major. The hardest part for me in my college experience was finding the field that I enjoyed the most. I took courses in almost every Major available until I found the one course that I loved going to class every day and learned that I would enjoy having a career in that field for the rest of my life.

Make sure you know what you want to do and choose accordingly. Especially in bigger schools there is not a lot of room for exploration. Which in my opinion is one of the biggest crimes of the college system.

I would tell parents and students to look around before selecting a school that is right for them. It is important to tour a variety of schools before making your decision. I would suggest that they ask students at the schools they visit how they feel about going there. They also need to plan financially, state schools are usually more affordable than private schools. I would tell a new student to not be afraid. To make the most of their experience they need to have the courage to step out there and do it. Running back home every weekend will not make you new friends. I would tell new students to lean on their roommates when they are having a difficult time, chances are their roommates are feeling the same thing. I would also recommend that new students try to spend more time studying and less time partying, then good grades will come more easily. Most importantly, I would tell a new student to have fun! College is a unique experience, and should be enjoyed. A lot of learning takes place in the classroom, but I have learned the most from being out on my own.

Allow the potential student to understand the situation they are going to be involved in while still allowing the student to contemplate and make decisions based upon their own thoughts. The student should be able to responsibly understand how to maintain a responsible school aesthetic while able to create and develope a personality that is amenable to themsevles as well as their classmates.

Make sure you have somewhat of an idea of what you want to come out of your college education and what kind of career path you are aiming for. It's more difficult then some people to think to narrow it down when they have absolutely no idea what to do degree and career wise. It's also good to attend the same school as a high school friend or a two because it makes the transition to college life a lot easier.

College is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. No matter where you go, you will have to dedicate 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your time to succeed and it will become tiresome, and sometimes you may want to give up. But in the end it will always be worth it. This is how I look at it: I must make a choice now. Will I work my butt off, stay focused, and finish college with a strong education and the freedom to choose what I am going to do? Or will I attend part-time so that I can spend more time with friends, relaxing, not having to worry so much about school, and staying in school 2-3 years longer than I would've had I been more focused? Possibly, not even finishing my education. Which sounds better to you? Picking a school can be difficult, for me it was a matter of having an exceptional department for my major and being close to home so that I don't have to worry as much about this economic crisis. Find what is best for you and your circumstance. Best of luck to all who dare to succeed!

In order to choose the right college make sure you look at the major that you are pursuing. Also, if you do any sports make sure to choose a college that has the sport. If you want to stay close to home then choose a school that is the same state. If you want to live away from home then choose a school in a different state. Last but not least make sure you can afford the college or get loans in order to pay for it. The weather would be another factor to look at. If you don't like to be in a place that is in a remote area then choose a place that is close to many stores.

Networking is a big part of success in the real world. So network early! The best opportunities I have receive or heard about where from professors and students in my related field. But my best advice is to make the most of your college life. It goes by quickly!

My advice to parents is to be prepared! College is well worth it for any student, but the cost may be something that initially looks fearful. In the end though, it will be well worth it. To students, my advice is to balance your social activities with your academic schedule in a way that won't be harmful to your studies. Temptations are strong, but you have to be stronger!