CSUSM Notes

About CSUSM (from Ashley’s and John’s POV)

  • A smaller campus which allows students to be able to be more close and connected

  • A great place to learn your mistakes and failures and not letting them affect your future goals and dreams

  • Used to be a home to the Poultry Farm, where Cesar Chavez met with farmers

  • The National Leader in social mobility, refers to change in a person’s socio-economic status

Pathways

  • There is a great variety with lots of more specific majors than the surfaces

  • 7 major pathways including Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Physics, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, and Biotechnology

  • Lots of mentors and professors to help students get involved and join the right pathway that fits their interests

Club

  • Cybersecurity club, Robotics club, 3D Printing, Women in Stem, Society of Women Engineers, Society of Physics students, National Society of Black Students, etc.

Internships

  • An internship is a period of work experience offered by an organization for a limited period of time

  • A great way to find internship opportunities is to join clubs, check your emails as companies send opportunities, go to campus events, and use Google to help

  • Tips: avoid unpaid internships

Programs

  • Summer scholars program: a 10 week summer program which allows students with an intensive research experience together with enrichment activities aimed at career development and preparation for graduate school. Paid internship.

  • Quantum Bridge program: 4 week program for current CSUSM students to learn more about quantum physics and the principles of quantum.

Research

  • Lots of research across different fields is done such as math, science, and engineering

Paying for college

  • A subsidized loan does not accrue interest while you are in school and at lease half-time or during deferment periods

  • An unsubsidized loan does not accrue interest while you are in school and during grace periods

  • You must pay back your loans 6 months after you graduate, but there are options for financially troubled students

Scholarships and Grants

  • To find scholarships, opportunities are to apply for FAFSA (studentaid.gov) and check your emails to make sure you haven’t been sent an offer

Life after CSUSM

  • Continue onto grad school and other professional programs

  • A career in biomedical, chemical, and electric fields

  • Become an eductor either in K-12 or higher education

  • A career in variety of government agencies

Summary

Overall, I really enjoyed this presentation the alumni CSUSM students had created and shared with us to inspire us about the school and opportunities given. CSUSM is a university that values creating a friendly and connected community for students to learn and develop in. They are known for their efforts in promoting social mobility, and offer a range of specific pathways for students to pursue, such as Chemistry, Biology, and Engineering. In addition, the university provides many opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, internships, research programs, and events to aid their personal and professional growth. Financing for college can be achieved through loans, scholarships, and grants. After graduation, students have numerous choices, including furthering their education, pursuing a career in various fields, or becoming educators.