San Diego State University
Responses from the Student Interview
From a student who identifies as Major: Kinesiology
Minor: Cellular and Molecular Biology
Student Self Identifies as: African American Sttraight Male
Summary
I am grateful to be a part of (AKA) Associated Students. Through Associated Students I was able to secure an on-campus job and apply for leadership positions.
Background
Gender Identity: Male
Race/Ethnicity: African American
Sexual Orientation: Straight
High School Experience: Public school in San Diego, CA with a graduating class of about 500 students.
First-Generation College Student: Yes
Major: Kinesiology
Minor: Cellular and Molecular Biology
Extracurricular Activities:
Have any of your extracurricular activities had a particularly big impact on your experience?
I am grateful to be a part of would-be Associated Students. Through Associated Students I was able to secure an on-campus job and apply for leadership positions.
Academic Experience
Can you describe your weekly coursework for your major?
Couple of experiments, a quiz every week, and then a lab report due before the next class.
Is there anything you felt your major’s department did especially well or poorly?
I made a habit of meeting with my professors one on one to get to know each other, especially in huge classes of 100 or more. I always sat in the front row and stood out to where the professors knew me by my first name.
What is your favorite class in your major?
Anatomy and Physiology. Teachers were incredibly bright and engaging.
Why did you pick your major? Are you happy with your choice?
Combined with the location and SDSU’s amazing kinesiology department, the school quickly became my first choice.
How accessible have your professors been?
Professors are always supportive and willing to help in any way possible. My professor in my sport psychology class was an ex-Iron Man world champion, which was pretty incredible.
Reasons to Attend
1) Strong academic programs: SDSU is a good school for those that want to get an education that they will be able to use in their future careers.
2) There is basically a club for everyone. There are so many opportunities to meet new people and make friends.
3) The beach is nearby
Reasons Not to Attend
1) People who dislike large crowds, partiers, and running into drunk college students definitely wouldn't like the vibe that this campus puts off.
2) If you like a small, tight-knit learning environment, San Diego State is not for you.
Around Campus
Where have you lived on campus?
Freshman:
Sophomore:
Junior:
Senior:
How walkable is the surrounding area?
What is your favorite off-campus restaurant?
What is your favorite place to get away from campus?
Social Opportunities
What kind of nightlife or weekend activities do you participate in?
What nights of the week do you regularly do things?
Friday and Saturday.
What’s an alternative to going to a party or a bar that you like for a night out?
What is the impact of Greek life on nightlife?
How happy are you with the nightlife at San Diego? Is there anything you would change if you could?
Campus Culture
How did you meet your closest friends?
How would you describe the overall social scene at SDSU?
To what extent do people of different races and sexual orientations mix socially?
Do people generally seem happy with their college choice by senior year? Do people love your school?
How strong is the African American community on campus?
Careers
Has the alumni network helped you find internships or jobs?
What have you used the career office for? How helpful have they been?
Financial Aid
Have you used financial aid? If so, how accommodating are they to your needs?
Most students I know, including myself, received little aid in the form of loans that do not cover more than half of our tuition.