Sonoma State University Top Questions

I find a lot of students that I work with come to Sonoma State because it is a beautiful place, but I also find a lot of students leave my school because the campus life was not what they expected. I would suggest that students not only look at the environment but campus life, availability of classes, and how the campus applies to his or her field of interest. The best way to get a feel for the campus is by visiting it during the school year, take a campus tour and talk to the university students. If you can't afford to visit a school, a lot of universities have virtual tours now. There are also great networking websites, such as facebook, in which you could find students who attend the campus in question.

A college should be one a student and family can afford. No matter how fancy the college, keep in mind that it is the student who makes the college, using it's unique resources to further enrich their own education. Some students may need more time to determine which career path to take. There is nothing wrong or embarrasing about attending a junior college close to home. What matters more is a student's personal pride in their own education. Preparation is everything. Students who have participated in extracirricular activities and developed good study habits throughout high school will find the college transition much easier to make. As for students like me who were not the most social in high school and who did not have education as a top priority, will be in for a harder transition once college starts. College is the time to accept whatever mistakes we have made in the past and move forward. Whatever college experience a student will have is their responsibility to actively shape. There will be many experiences, both good and bad, that is life. Time is something a college freshman still has pelnty of. Put it to good use friends.

When looking for colleges, I was focusing on big name colleges and ignoring which schools had what I really wanted to study. I did get in to UC schools and larger schools but was really drawn to the Humanistic Psychology department at Sonoma State University. I recently graduated and am very happy with my decision. I would advice prospective students to look for campuses with majors that interest them, have a diverse student body, and are in an area they would want to live in. Of course one should consider financial issues as well. When attending college I highly recommend getting involved in on campus events. It is the best way to meet a lot of people and keep busy. Many of my peers would get into trouble or live unhealthy lifestyles when not faced with enough to do. Many schools offer programs for any interest and it is a great way to meet other people with similar outgoing attitudes.

Whatever you do, don't apply to every college you can think of. At 50 bucks a pop, it's not exactly the best route...financially. Choosing the best college involves some research. I know, I know. Research is something to do IN college, not while you're looking for one. But it still needs to be done. Think of it as practice! You'll want to figure out what you want to study first, and then narrow your search by finding colleges that offer that area of study. Once you've got a few solid choices, the best way to gauge a good fit is to visit the colleges you're interested in. Always visit on a day when classes are actually in session and students are roaming the campus. Observe their behavior. Are they smiling as they head off to class, or do they look like they'd rather eat a flaming pile of cow manure? And finally, once you make your decision and begin your college life, remember that what you get out of college is determined by how much you put into it. So make lots of friends, try not to procrastinate, and have some fun!

Please don't apply for any and every school you can think of. At $50 per application, it's not exactly financially practical. The best way to pick the right college is research. I know, I know. Research is something to do IN college, not while you're looking for one. But you might as well use it as a little practice, right? First, even if it's really vague, figure out what you want to study...it's a good starting point. Some schools are "known" for certain programs of study, so it'll narrow your search a little. Also, decide if you're an urban or rural dweller. There's nothing worse than being a city kid stuck in a small town. Finally, visit colleges while they're in session. Observe the students on campus. Do they look happy while headed to class, or do they look like they would rather drop out of school and work at Burger King? (Seen it). Once you decide on a school, keep in mind that what you get out of your college experience depends on what you put into it. Study hard, make friends, and have fun. Can't go wrong.

Finding the right college means that you have found a place where you feel comfortable, happy, and able to excel in an academic environment. In order to make the most of the college experience, it is very important to get involved in something (such as student administration, greek life, intramurals, student clubs/organizations, etc. ) so that you may apply yourself in a positive way while at the same time having fun.

Make sure you go to the colleges before making your final decisions and check out the student/teacher ratio.

visit any school you consider attending

Be sure that you and your child understand the major programs, and consider declaring a major going in to the college, whether or not it will be pursued. This allows them to explore what they are most interested in at the time, and if it does not work out, they are no worse off than if they were undeclared. I cannot get into the major of my choice yet, so at least they can already be accepted into a potential major. Also, I was never given too much responsibility regarding finances, so without making it a burden on the student, I think that some way to give them more responsibility than they were given at home would be appropraite. (if you are paying their bills, put the money into their account and let them pay the bills). This teaches them budgeting and will probably make them more conscious of their money, and of all that you do for them. Finally, let them explore their new college on their own at first! I have seen very often where students appreciate the freedom, and in turn, wish to see their families more, as they want to share their accomplishment with you!

To the parents: let your children go and grow; college is a great learning experience. To the students: it's important to find a good balance between school and friends (and work too, for most). Make sure to visit the school before you choose it. Being away from home can be frightening but once you're well-adjusted it is amazing.