San Francisco State University Top Questions

There are many things to consider when selecting a college. The number one thing to think about is money. How is your financial situation? You need to consider the cost of tuition, books and the cost of living in the city that the college is in. The less loans that there are to pay after college the better off both the student and his/hers parents will be. I, personally, chose to attend Jr. College my first two years because of the cost of living and tuition. Now, I do not have to pay back a large amount of loans, I was able to get a great education within in the city I grew up in, I have to spend less time in college because I was able to get all of my classes and attend summer school, and it enabled me to be accepted into the nursing program at the school I currently attend. Finances are a large part of college education, but there are also other aspects to consider like location, diversity, availble study spaces , and the ratio of faculty to students. Students should know the enviornment where they learn best. Choose a school that fits your lifestyle.

Make sure to visit the college during the school-year so you can get a first hand experience and ask students who attend and know it well.

First of all, I would ask the students to listen to themselves and think about what they want out of their education, not what their parents or family and friends want. Speaking from personal experience, my major was influenced by my parents. My family wanted me to become a teacher like them and also for a broader educational foundation. I had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad, which exponentially expanded my view of the world. I not only leaned a new language, but also gained new cultural perspectives. In addition, I came back to the U.S. with a whole new appreciation for what I had. Immediately after I returned, I switched my major to Communications Studies, because my experience abroad revealed the nuances of intercultural communication and and the value of appreciating the diverse world we live in. Therefore, I urge all college applicants to stay in touch with their heat's desire, get involved in their university's clubs, and talk to professors for guidance along the way. Also, remember, the opportunity to study abroad is an invaluabe growth experience and is a journey to be considered by all.

I would tell parents that even if they have financial issues they should definitely encourage their children to obtain a higher education. Part of going to college is finding the right atmosphere and right campus. Strudents should go to a college in which they feel comfortable and welcome. Students should also go to a college where their area of study or major is included in the colleges major options. The point of college is to be able to learn about things that one is interested in so that one day, one may be able to obtain a profession that they love as opposed to living their life working where they would rather not. One should be able to go to a classroom in which their teacher is actually passionate about what they are teaching. Today, i am a junior double majoring in cellular and molecular biology and chemistry and minoring in human sexuality with a GPA of 3.4. I hope to one day become a cosmetic dentist. Thanks to my school and family, every day I am one step closer to acheiving that dream.

Visit the college before you make a decision. Most people will go attend a college based on the word of someone else who went there, but they may have liked something you didn't. It's really important to spend a day or two on campus, to sit in a class, and see if you can imagine yourself being there for four years.

Visit the campus first. Sit in on classes(if possible). Talk to current students and professors. Walk through the library. Eat at different restaurants or cafe's on campus. People watch to get a sense of who you/your student will be surrounding his/herself with. Talk to the advisor for the students major to see what classes need to be taken so he/she can form a plan of necessary courses. Check out the surrounding area to the campus i.e. local businesses, parks. Find the parking lot or bus stop. Talk to the University police about the amount of crime/incidents that occur on campus. But most of all...Have fun! College is an AWESOME experience that everyone should try at least once.

Keep encouraging them to learn at school, for school is tough.

Choose an area that will make you happy. It is important to not go to a school solely because of academia. All the friends I have, who have gone to a school, and not loved the area, regardless of how strong academically is have left, done poorly, or just been plain miserable. School is important, but to be able to deal with school, you have to be happy, and there is nothign that can make you happier than an area that is accomidating to what you want in life. College isn't just about finding a career, its about growing up and becomming independent through experience and education. It takes work, maturity, and the willingness to do absolutely what you do not want too.

My best advice for college bound students is pick a college that is right fit Our parents and friends hold us to certain expectations, but in the end we have to live with the decisions that we make. I would recommend visiting a college before making a four year commitment. Make sure it is the right environment for you socially, academically and psychologically. Sometimes the top ranked colleges are not the right fit for every individual. I can?t stress enough the importance of physically going to the college and checking out the city or town it resides in. Its only when a student see the college through their own eyes can a good decision be made. College is a difficult and rewarding experience, it is important to take your classes seriously and also have fun. It is the only time we have the freedom to learn and grow. I also advise students with learning disabilities not to be discouraged but seek out support at there colleges. College is a chance to expand out knowledge and visions, which in the end makes us successful individuals in life and our chosen career path. And most importantly don't ever give up.

Make sure you know what makes you want to go there and why. When you go, be open minded because anything really is possible and if you are close minded, you won't appriciate the things around you that everyone else is able to. Make sure you are able to manage your time. There needs to be some set time for homework and studying in order for you to be successful in your work, but also make sure youre setting a time to hang out with friends in order to maintain and further your socialization skills. Overall, try to think positively about your experience and your year will turn out to be just fine!