San Francisco State University Top Questions

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

Alexandra

Look for a school that fits your major and that you think you will like in terms of education, location, and price.

Clarence

Try to find a school that reflects your currrent social-economic environment. You will be able to communicate better with advisors, faculty, and other students. You will also know what to expect for your time you spend at this school. The more time your spend on their website and even walking around the school prior to registration is invaluable. If possible, try to attend a summer session that can give you a feel for that particular school. Being flexible is very necessary in dealing with the academic environment. Prepare to face a few egos who have been here a long, long, long, time. Keep in touch with your family and old high school friends to help make the transition to college life.

Anthony

Just choose one: I'm sure you'd be surprised about what you can learn.

Teague

Figure out how to balance your social life and academic life early on and realize you're going to have to do a lot more studying than you expect. There's plenty of good times to party, but take it from me, school nights are not among those.

heather

Be true to who you are and make your goals fit your desires. The worst thing to witness is a student struggling, not with the amount of work, but with the subject of the work and their lack of REAL interest in that subject. Go to a college that suits your personal and academic needs, while also enabling you to get a real college experience without too much of a struggle to make it financially or scholastically. Remember that transfers are always and option if you find yourself at a school that is a poor match for your expectations. Do not force yourself to stick out 4 years in a place that doesn't allow you to thrive!

Marie

Not to pressure the child because college is already hard and forcing them to pick their major or to get into the program that is required to finish their major can be really irrating and frustrating for them to the point where they are overly stress and cannot deal with it anymore. be more relaxful with them and let them go on with their own pace because no matter what they finally got into collee which is the goal from the beginning.

Rabih

knowledge is power. Education is a most important aspect in one's quest to better themselves, to become positive active members in a colorful social fabric. Going to college just because you have too can work out, but it could be a much more exciting and valuable experience if the student knows what their passion is, because it is important that one loves the work they do, and have fun with it too. Southwest Airlines mission statement reads "People rarely succeed at anything unless they are having fun doing it". Then comes the college experience, well: that's all up to the student to make the most out of it, but it's important to remember a few things. We live in a world inundated with information, but with focus and diligence one can find what's pertinent. I can't emphesize enough how important networking is, getting to know people in your field. keep good relations with instructors in your department, they are the ones that are going to recommend you , or maybe find you a job. Best of all, breathe, enjoy, and know that your life is going to change for the better!

Belia

My best advice is to choose the college that has the best enviornment to help you learn and enhance your college experience to the fullest. College is not only about academics but its is also about finding yourself as a person and meeting people who will encourage you to become a better person.

Roselle

It is really hard to give someone advice, since everyones needs and desires are different. I needed to stay in the area therefore that is why I choose San Francisco State, I did not have to comute far and it was close to my other commitments, wich allowed me to complete school, while continuing to work. I think the most improtant thing to do why applying for schools, is to ensure that you are picking a school that is going to fullfill your needs, whatever they may be. Do your research yourself, do go by word of mouth.

Kathryn

Although it is expensive to apply to colleges, I would recommend that students apply to many. During the course of my senior year, what I wanted in a college and what I wanted to major in changed drastically. When it came time to choose from the schools that I was accepted to, I was disappointed to only have three choices, none of which seemed to fit perfectly. I would advise incoming freshmen to visit many schools and apply to as many as they can, both safety and "reach" schools. Also, I would advise students to apply for financial aid and scholarships early. I had the GPA and extra-curriculars to attend a better school, but couldn't afford it. Students could avoid that trap by taking advantage of their school's advisors and career center to find scholarships and financial aid that will allow them to go to the best school possible. Students should also consider the social aspect of schools as much as the academic aspects. I wish I had chosen a smaller school that had more school spirit and a traditional university atmosphere. Students need to consider all aspects of many schools to make an informed decision.