California State University-Long Beach Top Questions

What should every freshman at California State University-Long Beach know before they start?

Albert

I would tell parents to get more involved with their child's search for higher eductation. Parents shouldn't just be the ones signing checks, they should also be the ones giving rides to campuses and attending open houses so they can learn how to help their child succeed in college. My parents wanted me to go to college but their advice ended there. Now that I am in college and taking classes I enjoy they are telling me to hurry up and decide on a major or to get a full time job instead of going to school. I don't think they realize how much work students put in during a full time semester. Deciding on a major is one of the hardest things to do in college. I think that if they were more involved from the start of my college career they would be more supportive and understand that college is the place to find out who you are, and to have a good time, not a place to speed through just for a degree.

Patick

If they have daughters attending the school, look out for me, because I will most likely make a pass at them

Emily

I would suggest that the summer before senior year of high school students and their parents should start researching the schools that interest them. Find out as much as possible about the schools and use that to help them decide. One of the best ways to figure out if the school is right for you is to take tours of the school. If the schools have programs where prospective students can spend the weekend at the school then I would recommend doing that. Also to make the most of their college experience I recommend joining a fraternity/sorority and/or a club on campus. The best way to get to know people at a new school is to get involved and join clubs. Also another way to get to know people is by working on campus. Not only is it convenient but also it is a great way to make friends.

Beatriz

First of all students should attend workshops that couId help them answers that they have concerning college admission and requirements. They should also talk to any career counselors that they have on their high school. IGoing to the career center could help them be infoprmed of any deadlines and events that concern important information regarding requirements for admission. Secondly, as a first time student entering college, they should have an idea or know what they want to major in. It is important to know what the student's career choice is because they have to look for a school that has that major. The student also should make sure that it has programs for their choice of major, so they could get involved in. Students should also interacr with an academic advisor at the school they wish to attend so they could get informed of what are the requirements in enetering the institution and the the program of their major, if any. It is important to be aware of deadlines that regard a student's life career and their academic success.

Nina

Finding the right fit for college is not always easy. Its important that one visits the college numerous times to get a real feel of what they have to offer. Talk to other students that aren't part of the tour. Then once you've found the right college, try everything that seems remotely interesting. You can always drop things that lose your interest in. Most colleges have a lot of information the first few weeks of school. I am generally a shy person when it comes to this but opening up at these first few weeks makes all the difference. I was also able to live on campus which forced me to make friends outside of those I went to high school with. Try not to be shy, you never know what will spark your interest. It could be something you never imagined you would like. I got a job on campus. Not only did I get a discount on my books but I also became knowlegable with running a business which was far from my major.