San Francisco State University Top Questions

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

Jaclyn

I would tell myself to choose fun, interesting courses for my general ed classes, because once you start your major coursework, you don't have as much freedom with classes. If possible, avoid taking out a loan. I would also tell myself to get a job as soon as possible, because college isn't cheap. Learn how to budget. It would also be a good idea to learn how to cook.

Natalie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior and explain to myself what I know now about college life and making the transitions, I would tell myself to make sure I am finacially stable becuase tuition, books, housing, commuting, food are not cheap. Plus other expensives that will come up, you will need money for that, which would be part of your social life. I would also tell myself to study, study, study and do not procrastinate. I would also make sure that I tell myself to keep in contact with an advising counselor because they can help you map out your classes that you will need to complete for your major and general education in order to graduate on time, so you won't be a 6 year senior. I think the final thing that I would tell myself is to enjoy college and do not take it for granted, go to class, do the work, have time to socialize, and get involved with on-campus organizations. For the most part it is not difficult to transition from high school to college, just more responsibilties, but you will do fine.

Eric

I would probably not party as much. I would also enter school earlier. I would definitely take advantage of opportunities that I didn't take advantage of since I would be wiser.

Maria

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to prepare a lot better. I would tell myself, "I know you're just worried about finishing high school, and being done with that chapter of your life, but you have to prepare for the next chapter in the meantime." Applying for scholarships would be my first suggestion. Apply for as many as possible and early. Also put the effort into the applications. They really do make life easier. I would tell myself to study and learn the high school material as well as possible because college professors expect you to have a strong background. For the most part, they don't reteach the basics. If you have good study habits in high school, college will not be so hard because it will be normal to go the library and do homework for a few hours. I would also tell myself to join clubs and run for class officer to help build my resume. They may seem like extra work at the time, but when you are competing against others for placement and money, it's worth it.

rachel

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a High school senior, I would first give myself the advice of, ?You are not here, nor did you pay for college to party all day.? I would suggest to obviously have fun, but I would also explain that college should be taken seriously because the amount of work you do basically determines a great portion of your future. I would explain that in order to be successful, you need to do the hard work and never give up no matter how rigorous the course is. I would also remind ?me? that no one is there to baby-sit you like high school. If you are doing bad in a particular class, the professors will not come crawling to you to hold your hand and help you. You need to learn to be independent and responsible to go to their offices hours and ask for help. Also, keep good relationships with your professors because they can serve as references later in the future for a scholarship or future job! ( I actually asked and used my Physiology professor as a reference for an internship!?you will see.)

Lauren

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about college, I would first tell myself to take more hours at my job for more spending money. There are many activities to do here in San Francisco and they gobble up a lot of money. I would also tell myself to apply for the dorms at SFSU a lot earlier than I did, because I wasn't able to live in the dorms because I ended up too far down on the waiting list. However, I am now in an apartment and loving it. I think I would also tell myself to try and be more socual in college. I'm not antisocial, but I could have a few more new friends.

TIANA

Start searching early. There are different types of college enviornments traditional, non-tradition, faith driven, art focus, vocational and trade. Decide realistically, assess your overall situation: Do u have kids? Do you need a high paying job? Can you work more than one job? How soon do you need to graduate? Are you going online or to a campus based setting? Then tour the school. Educational institution should feel welcoming and reseptive. This is where you will be spending most of the next 2 or more years so make sure you feel comfortable. It's your education. Apply to the school and apply for financle aid + any scholarships and/or grants. Go see a academic counselor pick your classes. Remeber this is not high school even though it may feel like it. You are investing in your self. So do not be strayed by people that have crash their own DOW and want in on your portfolio. Ask questions but recheck the answer between two or three different people. Think positive and do not give up.

Alexis

To be completely honest, San Francisco State University was my back up school. From the beginning I had no intention of attending this school. In my mind I was better than it. For months I was heart broken that the only school that I was accepted to and could afford was San Francisco State. As I watched my closest friends go off to UC schools my feelings towards state got more and more negative. As I moved into my new apartment in the vibrant city of San Francisco and started to claim the city as my own, my feelings changed. I started to love it here. Looking back, I would try to tell myself that no matter where I end up, as long as I try to get involved and truly try my hardest in schoolwork I will get the most out of my college experience that I could get anywhere else. I would advise myself to relax and make the best out of what has been handed to me. I'm lucky enough to attend a university and should make the most out of my college experience. After all, it really is all up to me.

Kyle

I graduated in 1992 from Fallbrook High School in Fallbrook,CA. I remember that school came very naturally for me; I did well. For some reason however, I just could not wait to get out of there. I guess that's typical of most kids. For the last eighteen years I have wondered how my life would be different if I had continued on to college then, instead of earning a living by the sweat off my forehead and blisters on my feet and hands. It has been no easy life for me. I have realized the importance of higher education. That realization did not happen resently though, it is something I have known all along. I have just chosen ignorance by thinking that to further my education would be just a waste of money and that I could make just as much money and live just as fulfilled without it. Oh boy was I ever wrong! So, to answer the question, I would definetly tell myself to stay the course and stay in school as long as possible. Because information is valuable and that needs to be my biggest commadity. Thank you for your consideration for this scholarship.

Rachel

Don't be scared, but I've come back in time to make your college life fun and easier for you; sadly I can't keep this Time-Turner as a souvenir. Anyways, listen up kid. College is what you make it. If you want it to be just as great as you high school, it starts with putting yourself out there and introducing yourself in class. Don't wait for people to come to you. You're going to want to study abroad and take an intership at Disneyworld. You can and will, but to make things way easier, you've got to plan ahead! Talk to your advisors! Make your professors know your name! Freshman year is gonna be tough cause you have to commute everyday, but seriously work on math cause you don't want to take that class 3 times. Actually read the chapters in your textsbooks and you'll start to see how easy school is. I know this seems like soo much, but you have got to find your mojo and get crackin at school so you don't find yourself at a rut. You'll be great, Rach.