Arizona State University-West Top Questions

What should every freshman at Arizona State University-West know before they start?

Austin

If I was talking to my past self from high school, I would probably try to slap some sense into me. It's not because I did bad in high school per say, but what I was not doing that could have helped me beyond belief. I should have been applying to scholarships and trying to get as much money to help my family with college out as possible. I should have been applying since freshman year. I would tell myself to kick it into high gear, and put an effort towards trying to get some scholarships. I was a selfish kid in high school, but college has taught me the errors of my past self. I dont see it as a weakness or a strength, but as an opportunity jump into really helping my family.

India

The advice I would give myself is to work hard in high school. A big tip is learning how to manage your time. If you get a job during college, you would need to manage your time for both school work and your job. School will take a lot of hard work especially studying. Your whole grade is made up of tests. In high school, your grade was mostly made up of homework and some tests, but in college there is little homework and more tests. Time management comes in hand when you have to study for tests. I would take advantage of advanced classes that are offered in high school, so it will help you prepare for college courses. Another tip is to learn how to study. Learn how to take notes where you understand it. Some professors won't write notes in college, so it would be great if you start learning how to take notes without notes given to you. The main tip I would suggest is to talk to your teachers. If you are confused about something, ask them to clarify. They are there to help you and talking to them will make a difference.

Jarely

The advice I’d give myself in high school is to do more research papers, this way I have more practice. At my high school they offered AP courses that would get you dual enrollment, I'd strongly would have recommended to enroll in those classes. By enrolling in these classes I'd get the high school credit needed and also college credit which would same me time. I'd also tell myself to stay in all the extracurricular activities I was in. To continue being student body President of the school and show everyone a good example. I’d also think that is wasn’t so important to have a job so I shouldn’t have gotten one towards the end of the year because that was time consuming. In college you have time to get a job if you really need it but its best not to get a job because being a fulltime student is hard work. You must study hard in high school so you’ll be prepared when you come to the university.

Corie

The most beneficial thing you can do for yourself within college is to engage in thoughtful discussions with your professors. Building these relationships with your intellectual superiors is extremely imporant when constructing your academic prowess and future career endeavors. Networking in this way really expands your horizons and enables you to have a friend in the area of expertise you are attempting to pursure. In order to get into the field you desire, many employers or institutions will ask for letters of reccomendation. With these significant relationships, the letters will be filled with kind words and raving reviews. This sort of action is what I wish I explored more within my undergraduate career because it would have made my transition into graduate school go more smoothly. Now that I know these crucial elements, I have put forth a great amount of effort in forming lasting relationships with my mentors.

korey

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to apply to Arizona State as soon as I got the first email from them. Mostly because of finacial aid as well as scholarships, but because this is such a great place. Looking back on it now I cant believe I even considered going anywhere else. I would also apply for more scholarships to help pay for college,because thats a huge issue in todays society. Furthermore, I would tell myself to always be on top of important deadlines and due dates. Nothing is more frustrating than missing an important date, and then having to come out of pocket for it. Lastly I would tell myself to buy things for housing as I went along, buying it all the day before you leave is way too stressful.

Lauren

Miss. Lucero, First off, while you may be graduating a semester early it doesn't mean you are smarter than the world. You still need a college education. Getting married at 18 years old will not be enough. Sorry to say, but it didn't work out. You started college 2 years later as a single mom. In the last 8 years you have had another failed marriage, another child to raise alone, been struggling with your personal choices and have bounced between Community Colllege and ASU. You have exhausted your Pell Grants and Federal Loans while trying to get through school and survive. And while you have crossed into a wonderful sorority, you still feel down because you know you should have graduated college by now. So here I am to tell you that you have your whole life ahead of you. Education is one of the most important things. Make it a priority and experience all it has to offer. Yes, your chilldren are the light of your life but wouldn't you want to be raising them as you rise in your career instead of having them watch you struggle through school? Please, make a better choice.

Maryam

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior, the advice that I would give myself would be to save up as much money as possible, apply for scholarships, and start studying for my MCATs. Students attending high school do not realize how easy and simple classes are until they reach University level courses. Today, I look back at my high school days and realize how easier my courses were and that I had a lot more free time on my hands. High School was the perfect time for me to begin applying for scholarships and to save up for my tuition and textbooks. It was also a terrific time for me to begin studying for the MCATs. It is never too early to begin studying for an importan exam that you will have to take in your future. The earlier the better.

Kelly

I would tell myself to not wait until my thirties to go back to school and start my journey towards my career however I would warn myself to take a couple years off to figure out and mature in life to truly know what I want to do for a career. I would also tell myself to be leary of academic advisors and financial advisors because although they appear to be educated, they sometimes lead you in the wrong direction and you end up spending money and valuable time on classes that are not necessary to meet requirements. I would also tell myself to enjoy life and to not take everything so seriously.

Rochelle

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior there is so much I would tell myself. The first thing I would make sure to tell myself is to read a lot more. Reading really helps expand the mind and helps you aquire so much more knowledge. I would also tell myself to not procrastinate. There are so many great oppurtunities for internships, scholarships, and other great things that I never took advantage of and once I thought to look into it, the oppertunity no longer existed. I wish that I would have taken the time to apply to school earlier and I would of put in more of an effort toward my classes, although I still did well. The last most important thing I would have told myself would have been to take my GRE my Junior year in college instead of waiting until the last minute.

Chelsee

To my younger self, do not worry about the future. The plans you have are not necessarily the best plans for you. Start every day with a deep breath and a smile. College is a different ball game. Sure, you won't be surrounded by the same friends you had through-out high school; that doesn't mean you can't make more. There will be heartbreak and struggles along the way, but don't let them weigh you down. Hold your head up high because there is something great along the way. Read your books, and study hard. You have everything it takes to succeed, just have faith in yourself. High school was just a small slice of your life. This is when you truly start living. Enjoy every minute and every person. You are in for a crazy ride.

Lauren

I would tell Lauren to apply to colleges during her senior year. I would tell her that she would be taking math, english and reading placement tests so that she knows ahead of time to take them while the subjects are fresh in her memory. I would advise her to go speak to a college counselor at the college she plans to attend, prior to registration date to recieve guidance and assurance in her declared/undeclared major. This would build a strong foundation for her to build on, and while she is working her way through classes she might come to find her major. I would encourage her to do an educational plan with a college counselor to help map out her classes so she wouldn't take unnecessary classes. I would also encourage her to get involved in her senior year; like in clubs or volunteer work. This would help push her to stay involved when she gets to college, because she has experienced it via high school. I would tell her to apply for governor's waiver and financial aid early in her 2007 graduate year so she can recieve money by the time she gets to college.

Adrian

try your best. Dont settle for a 3.0 GPA. your Gpa is very important so take care of it by doing your work in every class. Oh just because your a senior does not mean you can mess around. Senior year can determine if you are elgible for aa University. Dont settle for a "B" fight for that "A". Yes its work but at the end trust me it is All worth it. Dont srew around going on to some parties, study first then you can party. there is time for everything Sports! Girlfriend! Party! but first you have to get your school work done. if only i would've had some advice like this.

Alyssa

I wish this were a viable option. If I could go back and talk to myself I would let me know how many more options there were than just the three major universities in Arizona. I would let myself know to start scholarship searching sooner, and to have a job in high school to save up some money. I would tell myself to know my major now instead of switching it like I did. I would tell myself not to take worthless credits so I could be done with school sooner. I would have been a lot better off if I knew then what I know now. Hindsight is 20/20.

Amanda

Hello Amanda. First let me start by saying you have a knack for working with young people and an ear for listening. Don't dismiss these gifts, because they are just that, gifts! Before you decide to go to the Army talk with those caring adults around you, like Mrs. Gulick. I'm sure Mrs. Gulick can tell you what some of your strengths are. You don't have to go to the Army just because don't know what you want to do with your life. Go to a community college and start taking your general classes. You already have great study habits, all you have to do is apply them to your college classes. Make an appointment with an advisor right away, don't procrastinate! Lastly, look for other adults who went to college and ask if they could mentor you and keep you accountable. Choose your study group wisely; only select students who have the same goal as you! (BTW: That goal should be to get an A!) This way, you will have a strong support system and you will succeed! Please know that the only dumb question is the one not asked!

Arilene

The advice that I will give myself will be to not loose focus. Another thing I will advice myself will be to have a set plan and know that you are not alone in trying to complete your goal. Life is not easy, but with a great education you sure will make it smoother. I will advise myself to seek help when you need it and do not assume people will not help you. Organization is a must when it comes to finishing college. Yet, to never stop having fun, but to not forget the goal that you have set for your self. Transitions are never easy, but choosing the right campus and career will always help the transition seem seeming less.

Steven

Apply for scholarships/grants like crazy. College is terribly expensive and you won't be able to pay for it all by yourself. Your high school teachers are not adequately prepping you for the college experience no matter what they tell you. Don't stress out too much. College is a huge step up from high school, but it doesn't have to be as over whelming as everyone makes it seems. Lastly, try to have fun. College is supposed to be an awesome experience. Don't keep your nose in those text books too much... but don't slack off either.

Tarryn

At Arizona State University on the West Campus, I have learned a great deal about myself as well as the people I work with. The past year and a half that I have attended this school I have discovered more about myself in terms of what I hope to succeed as well as how I manage my school work, work, and social life with friends and family. I have found a great desire to learn about the human body and want to help those in need with the knowledge I am gaining. At this point in time, I have learned that I am interested in becoming a pediatrician who specializes in cardiology. As a person, I have grown more mature in the sense that I am now more responsible for paying bills, completing my homework in a timely manner, and making time for myself as well as my friends and family. Attending college has helped me grow and learn how to work hard and to balance other parts of my life. I have also learned that there is no easy way out when wanting to pass classes, I am always required to work and study very hard for my classes.

Willie

I have learned valuable material in college, both in and out of the classroom, that I use in every day life. The classroom material is what makes me marketable, eligible, and qualified for employment in my field. Outside of the classroom I have learned how to socialize, volunteer, recruit, and participate in organizations on all levels. It has broadened my persepective of the world because I've been able to meet people various other countries. Attending college has been valuable to me because it allowed me to grow and have a diverse realm of experiences that I would not have had otherwise; and I am no where near complete so many new experiences lie ahead!

Thao

There's a strong sense of independence. High school was a blur. I managed to get all As but it is nothing like that in college. I overestimated myself and am still grasping the fact that is up to me to succeed. Things aren't as easy as it used to be and you have to understand that and fly past that. College is a time for you, and I think it's unlikely you'll get a chance to have as much opportunity find yourself. I have been coddled by a well-meaning family, who thought I wouldn't understand the world, and by a wonderful boyfriend, who still takes care of me. In the classroom, learning and taking the exams, it's just me. My college experienced has been me finding myself and putting my success as my own personal responsibility.

Kimberly

My post high school education career has all occurred via night classes, this made making friends and participating in extra cirricular activities very difficult because I worked full time during the day. It also made it hard to connect with professors to discuss assignments and/or reading. My current school, Phoenix School of Law, caters to both the day and night program, which as been very valuable. I can not only participate in student organizations, but I am able to seek out professors even though I am a night student. This gives me a feeling of loyalty for the school and makes me try to achieve the most that I can. I have been able to experience the secondary education experience and it has been wonderful. I feel very fortunate to be able to be a part of this great school. The education I am receiving is making it possible for me to be able to know how to practice the law once I graduate because they teach theory and practical skills. The combination of the two gives the students at our school an edge, which is a priceless comodity.