San Francisco State University Top Questions

Before finding the right college, one has to find the right major, and then the right environment to study in. if you don't know your major at least pick something that you really love doing in life. "People rarely succeed at anything unless they are having fun doing it", I read that a while ago and it stuck with me, this statement resonates even more in our day and age. Picking the right environment is really important, a healthy condusive environment for learnig, the most important aspect of higher leraning is the ability to voice your opinion without being judged. Last but not least I say go for it and have fun, and remember not to worry and ask for help, you'll be surprised how eager people are willing to extend a hand, just don't be afraid to ask. Good luck, and hard work!

I would advise parents and/or students to go to a college where the environment is compatible with there personality because I think a persons surounding environment plays a huge role in either liking or disliking their college experience.

Visit all colleges you want to go to and talk to the current students. Go visit the housing areas.

Finding the right school is an exciting step, but it is into uncharted territory. For students right of high school, the exciting prospect of being away from home for the first time is postmarked on their applications. While its always a good motivator, it shouldn't cloud your judgement. When a choice is finally made, you must want it. But remember that party schools will swallow up years and leave a student exhausted and directionless. Trust me, this comes from Andrew W.K. himself. No one knows what they will be doing after college. But our lives are placed in tracks that we must follow, and if we fall of we are ashamed. However personal growth can only come from stepping away from the tracks. Instead of worrying about the future, think of what you'd rather be doing today. Where do you want to go? What do you want to change? Who do you want to meet? Most colleges have answers to these questions in the form of classes, and extra-curricular programs. Why not study abroad? People only work well as long as they are doing what they are wanting to do. Don't "work," just "do" right.

-Find a college that is not impacted with students and not effected by budget cuts (CSU's, in CA) -visit to your teachers office hours (often), they want to help you as a student...thats what they do..and the more that they get to know you and your situation the more they would like to help you. -dont look for party schools because EVERY school has parties and social life...look for school that you can actually get a good education and the parties/drinking/parties will always be there...anywhere. -if you have the money go to a private school because you can actually graduate in 4 years instead of 6 because of the impacted CSU system in CA. -get your general education classes (GE) done at a community college becuase it is cheaper and faster, then transfer to a four year to complete degree/major (this is very important, and I suggest it to everyone thining about attending college). -find a school which fits you the best in what you want in life/education..not based on other criteria. -research the school before applying because different schools help you out more than others after you graduate.

College is expected to be a time of growth, experience, and learning. With such high stakes, it feels impossible to make the correct decision about where to attend. At the culmination of High School, one is expected to choose such a determinate experience. But there is no perfect college, just the perfect college for you.

You have to go and visit the colleges you're looking at as well as the city/town that surrounds them. If you aren't happy in the environment where your school is you can't be happy at school.

To students: try and find a college which fits you best. The best college is one you'll enjoy and suits your personality. It isn't necessarily the one which provides the highest education. Plan carefully. In this economy, there's little chance for mistakes when it comes to picking classes so make sure you seek advice. In order to make the most out of your education, make sure you focus on school while having fun. There is definitely a balance, and it is key to find it. To parents: support you children as much as you can. If your able to provide in any way finicially, anything helps really. And try and avoid student loans. It's something I'm already anxious about personally. This is a once in a lifetime experience, educationally, socially, and individually, so take from it as much as you can while you can.

Visit as many campuses as you can, get a feel for each. Open your mind to possibilities. What you think you'll like many not be what you finally decide on. Trust your students/childs decision...it is their decision for their success.

The advice i would give to parents/students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to research and get involved. Chances are most people want to meet new people so just put yourself out there. Reasearch the specific college you would like to go to and make sure its right for you. An example would be UC DAVIS, there social life is greek life in contrast to SFSU which does have a greek life but is not as strong. Your college experience is what you make of it.