San Diego State University Top Questions

I would first suggest visiting each campus when class is in session, not during the summer. Also go into this experience with an open mind and do not let your parents or friends control and sway your decision. My best friend at San Diego State was only allowed to apply to private colleges. He did not even complete his first semester at the college his parents chose for him because he was miserable. Now he attends SDSU and has never been happier. To make the most of your college experience you need to understand that as a student you make or break the stereotypes at the college you attend. Also It is always better to have five close friends then 30 fake ones. Finally, take school seriously because nowadays the mojority of people attend college, so a college degree won't guarantee an amazing career.

Make sure that you visit the school and seriously ask why your child wants to attend the school, becuase usually they wont even admit that to themselves.

Look at every college you can, do a lot of research and parents, pay attetion to your children. You will know which campus is the right one.

consider the reputation of the school, for some companies do discriminate according to school. Consider the cost of living(rent, food, transportation) and cost of school. Consider how active the student body is, they control what gets changed around campus and the activites that are put on.

Look for colleges that special in your specific major so you would get the best education possible. You want professors who are the best in their field so you can be the best in yours.

I would just advice anyone to have an open mind. SDSU was not necessarily my first choice, but I am really glad i decided to go there. Even though there may be things or people you would not usually hang out with, try new things and have a good time during your studies. It is good to focus on school, but a student should also have a social life, otherwise everything can become extremely overwhelming.

Don't just select a college based on it's "prestiege" and what you see on its surface. I had the option of attending places like UCSD and UCLA, and opted to come to SDSU. At first, I thought I had made the wrong decision, but after a while I realized that this school has been perfect for me. My school has a reputation of being a "party school." I think it is, but I also think that academic success depends not on the school, but on the amount of time you decide to dedicate to your schoolwork, and how you prioritize. My school has a large student body, but it's a small enough university to a point where I can access my teachers and professors with much ease. I remember that I was able to take advantage of several office hours the first time I took chemistry. One thing that I wish I could have done earlier is find out what kind of extra-curricular activities were offered at my school. It 's always nice to get to know others on campus while doing something that's not related to academics.

The advice i would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college is this: look for a college that fits your needs. For me, San Diego State is located close to my home, near the beach, it's a big campus with lots of opportunities for me to excel and there is always something happening on campus - these were some of the things i was looking for in a school. I would also advise students to live in the dorms their freshman year of college, this helps you make lifelong friends and it helps you acclamate to college a little better because you're constantly on campus with your peers. Don't be afraid of sororities or fraternities, they provide their pledges with ample social opportunities, community service work and the alumni might even help you find a job. During rush go look at the different booths and maybe you'll find one you like, if you don't then that's fine, there should be plenty of other things you can do at your school. The college you choose will determine how the rest of your life plays out, so be picky.

I would tell parents and students to talk to currently enrolled students about campus life and academics. Professors and administrators may say that their school is very academically oriented and not a party school but current students would say otherwise. I would advise the future student to come up with a list of things that are important to them- class size, location, social life- and talk to current students about these things. I would also adivse them to visit several collleges and ask several people to get a good understanding of the different schools.

The most important information I could give to college bound students would be don't worry! Throughout your senior year of high school the pressure was on to get into the "right school for you". Of course there are colleges and college areas that you prefer, but I do not believe there is that ONE college/University that is in your destiny to go to. Kids go back on forth on which colleges to go and it drives them star craving mad! I admit, I was one of those worriers that thought if I didn't pick the right college something awful would happen to me. But, don't worry my little future scholars, you will not blow up if you don't get into your first choice, or you settle on the school that's cheaper. College is what you make of it, therefore you and only you have the power to make it everything you hoped for. So, keep that positive attitude, that hope for the future, choose a school and enjoy the best years of your life. Soon, you'll see what I mean.