So I know because CSUs are not always very selective schools, students with “average” high school transcripts still have a good chance at admission, and often attend a CSU. I’m above average (4.3 GPA for example). Since this is a school that kids with way lower scores than me can still attend (their average SAT score is far below mine and mine was 1400), does that mean the classes are also easier?
I don’t want to end up at a school that doesn’t have rigorous courses. I do want to be challenged rather than just breezing through without learning anything.
(I’m not trying to sound prude, I’m merely curious.) Does anyone have experience at CSUN and can speak to whether or not the courses are a breeze or if they do present a challenge? And is there any way I can research this information?
Yes, CSUN and all the CSUs are real colleges and the courses they offer are rigorous. There are easy and hard classes at every accredited college in the country - though what’s easy is pretty subjective. Math, science, public speaking to large groups, playing an instrument, all come easier to some than others. Even the smartest student will need to do real work to earn a degree.
Your premise is all wrong - and frankly offensive. Not all CSU students are idiots incapable of complex thought and difficult assignments. Many people choose to attend a CSU for financial, family or simply out of preference.
Because of your tone, I am tempted to end there but, you are a kid… so, i will add you that CSUN have a great honors program that targets high stat applicants like you. https://www.csun.edu/undergraduate-studies/ge-honors If your family or financial situation requires you to go to Northridge, you should look into it. The GE classes are smaller and full of high stat students. I don’t know Northridge;s program well but, my son was in a similar program at another CSU. They typically include perks like priority reg which is a huge asset at a crowded school.
I also think it is important for you to understand the caliber of their top grads… yes one is Cheech Marin, but also, the CEO of Hilton, a Nascar Team owner, a Space Shuttle Astronaut, former Governors from CA and Hawaii, VP of research for Airbus, the creator of Triabrain Theory of Relativity. And that’s the tip of the iceberg of successful CSUN alumni.
In the real world what you do and how you do it are WAY more important than which college you attend. Go in with an open mind and make the most of the opportunity you have. Take advantage of clubs, internships, on campus culture/music, and everything that makes a college - college. As someone who’s been involved in the hiring of LOTS of people over the years, I’d prefer a stand out student from Northridge who had an internship was a club prez and a frat treasurer and managed solid grades to someone who went to UCB and did nothing but study.
Your life’s path is not set by the hand you are dealt - rather by what you do the cards. Here’s a great example of an inspiring CSUN grad. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympia_LePoint
Good luck
Kudos to @NCalRent. I could have not said it better and as stated in the above post, check out the Honors Programs at the CSU’s. I would highly recommend SDSU’s Webers Honors College if you are thinking about applying to the CSU’s. Below are the average Stats this program:
Average SAT (math + verbal) is approximately 1345, the average ACT is approximately 30, and the average CSU weighted GPA is approximately 4.14.
Hello @NCalRent, I’m sorry if anything in my post came across as offensive or anything like that. I’m not actually expressing my own personal opinion of CSUN, but rather what I hear from those around me. My high school is filled with people who constantly criticize the Cal States and praise the UCs and all the Ivys…I’m not by any means saying their opinions and negative remarks are true, but hearing this being said so often has naturally made me wonder if there’s any merit to their harsh words. It’s a school I’m strongly considering, actually. I was just trying to find some insight into why I’ve heard/read so many critical comments. I myself have no reason to believe that there is a lower educational standard/rigor at CSUN. But because I’ve constantly heard how “they’ll take anyone, even those with low test scores and GPAs who are way way lower in class rank than you,” it just made me wonder if there’s anything accurate in what people have been saying. Thanks for your insight, though! It’s helpful and reassuring. 