San Diego State University Top Questions

listen to your gut. College life will shape your future, direct your career, and help you devolop into an adult. College is a personal time and a personal decision so do whats best for you! And remember, have fun.

When deciding where to go to college you must: Know who you (or your kid) really are! Don't pick a school solely because it looks good on paper, it's vital to feel comfortable where you are. Visit schools and ask specific questions to students: ie "how's the food?" "what do people do in their free time?" "Is greek life a big deal?" "Is there a lot of alcohol and drugs? "Do you know of students that have dropped out? If so, why?" "Is it true that if you dont' live in the dorms, you won't have a social life?" Is this a place you would celebrate your association with? Realize it's a two-way road. (It's like dating!) Yes, they must admit you...but you must like them too! Decide if they are what YOU want. Ultimately, you have the final say. (If you don't get in the first year, community college is a great way to still graduate from the alma mater you respect most.) Spend the time, do the research. Find out as much as you can so you can make the right decision. It's worth it in the end.

I would have to tell the parents to save as much money as they can, as early as they can; and if this is not a possibility I would advise them to always keep the dream of college in their sons or daughters mind because an education is what ultimately defines a young man or woman's career. I would advise future college students not to dilly dally on their college applications, and not to limit their choices to the closest, the cheapest, or even the easiest to apply to. I would advise them to select colleges that will provide the tools they will need to stand out in their field of study. I would also let them know that even if they dont get accepted to their primary school, not to worry because if they study and work hard enough things will start to turn their way and before they know it they will find themselves in a position in which they have control over their own futures, and believe me, that is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world.

Make sure to talk to students that go there, especially those in clubs and organizations. They have a better sense of what campus is like.

Make a lot of college campus visitations. Remember that you are an outsider looking and things are different from an outsider's point of view. Never settle for less, choose your top college. These 4 years are going to impact your outlook on life.

Finding the right college and making most of the college experience means being happy at the school, feeling safe, and confident about oneself. The right college means having a good social life, being involved in activities, meeting new, life-long friends, and having a library that has many of the tools needed in order to ace the next exam. If someone is living on campus, it is important to know that there will be safety and security at all times, and having the right roommate. Furthermore, one should feel confident about life after college as well, such as what jobs will be offered if one did attend that college. College should be like finding another home. College is life, and if one does not feel like he is living his life to the fullest at a college, then that school is not for him. I would also advise prospective students to focus on what the campus food is like and make sure that there is a variety. I would also advise students to pick a college where th classrooms are not full, and the classrooms are not outdated where there are only as few as 20 smart rooms on campus.

The right college is about finding the right fit for a certain individual. Any college that a prospective student is considering must be visited to really take in what the school has to offer. The right college is also about proximity to a person's friends and family. My personal experience in selecting college provided me with a school that was far from home but not too far if I was feeling homesick. I grew up about 100 miles from campus; so, no matter what I was only about an hour and a half from home. To make the most of the college experience is to get out there and get involved with campus activities. there are tons to choose from and all are fun and offer a good way to meet great new friends. Schoolwork must come first. After your work is finished you can have all the fun you want. I was forced to learn the hard way and missed out on many good times with my friends because I was finishing projects at the last minute. If I had learned proper time management sooner then my first year in college would have been much more enjoyable.

College is the obvious gateway to any students future. It is critical to find the right school in order to execute a plan for the years to come. When finding a college that is appropriate, one needs to look at all aspects of the campus, whether it's the academic credibility, social environment, or overall surroundings. College is very important in molding the happiness and sustainability of adulthood. It is a place where one can find a concrete job, lifelong friends, and social skills that will enable a successful tomorrow. There must be a good hard look into one's self in order to correctly determine what college will be the right choice. College shapes what each of its students will become, and knowing what is in one's heart is key to all decision making.

first and for most i would find out what it is you want to major in, there is nothing worse than going to school undecided and spending an extra 2 to 4 years in school cause you keep changing or you dont know. however, if you know there are a few things but not sure that is a good start. now that some of the schools are knocked off your list you should decide what area you would like to live in, most likely when you are done with school you will stay where you are and live the rest or most of your life there, so be comfortable with where you choose. now that you have a few in mind apply to them all and wait to see if you get in this may or may not knock off some more schools. i would definetly check out the school ahead of time once with the parents and once without the parents, if you cant afford this then get on your myspace and meet some people at those schools and find out about it. good luck

Don't second guess yourself and go with what feels right. I visited many campuses and SDSU felt like home. I felt comfortable here and the people were very friendly. It was close enough to drive home but still gave me the feeling of independence I needed. Also, plan ahead. Make visits to campuses, talk to counslers, and look at all the different majors to choose from and what that school can offer you. Also, students, don't worry if you get into schoola and decide you want to change your major, MOST STUDENTS DO! I did and if it takes you a little longer to graduate.... SO WHAT? At least you found something you want to do and this is the best time of your life SO ENJOY! :)