San Francisco State University Top Questions

The perfect college experience is one that allows the student to explore an environment different to the one they come from. College is as much a academic learning environment as well as a social learning environment. Students should be able to experience new things and meet new people that expand their veiw of the world. Getting involved in your school's extracurricular activites, like clubs and sports, is a great way to get integrated into the school's atmosphere. It is also important to be very critical about the city in which your school is located. Some students might want to be nearby home so they can visit when they want to, or need to. Some others might want to be on the other side of the country if they feel like they need to leave the nest for a while. Focus more on the culture, and vibe of the school more than what majors they specialize in. In California, most universities will give you a quality education in all of the majors they offer. The best advice I can give is to surround yourself with unfamiliar, and interesting, people and places to enrich your soul and expand your world.

go with your gut

You must do your research on what kind of college you want to go to : junior college, state college, univeristy, or private. It is also important to have a campus tour because you cannot actually see how a campus is like until you go there in person. Review what kind of programs they offer from all around the specturm of needs: academic programs, student services, housing, meals, quality of professors and classrooms. When you begin your semester, remember to stay positive and try to do your best in school. Always ask for help if you need it.

dont go cheap on education

My advice would be to be open to everything. College is such a big step in a young person's life and it is going to be filled with an incredible amount of new experiences. Don't be afraid to try things that first year in college that you have never tried before. Usually this is the best way to make new friends, build networks, and make your university life something to remember. First of all, I would recommend that you begin your college search with your academic pursuits as a priority. How well is the program for this academic major at this college? Then try and find the school where you think you might be most challenged and where you would have the most fun. Try new sports, join clubs, and make friends with reckless abandon because that is what college is for. College is there to prepare you for adulthood. Just remember that that journey can be one of the best experiences of your life.

The major piece of advice I would give is to visit potential colleges BEFORE you apply. I went to UC Irvine right out of high school because it was recommended to me, but I never visited the campus. I was left in shock and went home after one quarter because it was not the school for me. I was unhappy and my grades suffered because of it. Also, look for schools based on what major you are hoping to study. Keep in mind that you may want to change your major, but if you choose a school you love, you will enjoy studying an array of subjects there. If you don't know what you want to do or where you want to go, go to community college! It saves a ton of money and allows you more time to look for the campus that fits you and the general education will help you find which major excites you the most. Once you've entered college, have fun. It is scary at first, but after a while you realize that fear helped you grow and mature. Also, be grateful to those who help you through - they're just as proud!

The best advice I could give is to make a list of what you like. For instance, do you want to go to a college with divesity? Do you like cold or hot weather? What type of major are you instrested in? Housing? Once you do this, find colleges that suit your needs and VISIT THEM! Some people research the college and never visit them till the first day of school and end up hating the enviroment. Go on a campus tour and/or orientation. Its also a good way to make friends as well.

You should always remember that the people who give the tour guides for colleges are not necessarily those who would know best as to whether you would enjoy the school. The key is not to decide on a school based upon the enthusiasm of the tour guide (is his/her job to be enthusiastic), but to try to find others who share a similar interests, love of learning (if you don't love literature, do not bother trying to get an opinion from someone who does), and need for socializiation as you do. Make sure that the things you like to do now, or wish to try in the future are readily available. Attend a few classes and ask yourself if you would be comfortable participating in them. Most importantly, sit down and map out the classes you would need in order to complete your intended major; make sure that the plan seems manageable and that at least 75{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the classes you will have to take genuinely interest you. Be willing to make changes to your classes, major, or even school if things are not working out.

I jumped into finding the right college only because of its great location which now I feel was the stupidest thing I ever did. Now my classes are too packed and my education is not what I expected. Really study schools, visit the uni, look at class size, clubs they offer, and what they specialize in. One thing I do love about my school is that once I joined a few clubs, I met great students from all over the world and they made me grow so much more.

search everything about the school before applying and know what major you are interested in. stay focused.