California College of the Arts Top Questions

Some advice I would give to the Jenell in high school would be SCHOLARSHIP! I would stress the importance of scholasrship and tell her really just how expensive college is, so maybe save some money up ahead of time.

I was a bit of a slacker and procrastinator during my senior year because I was too focused on "having fun while it lasted". If anything I would tell myself what I now tell my friends still in High School. Make the most of the time you have left in school to ask questions and the most of summer to research before your senior year. Ask counselors or your trusted teacher about majors or school they feel suit you and instead of lounging on the couch doing nothing research about things you are interested or look for in a college. Don't be afraid to shape your own path this is your own new life you are creating. Try and find scholarships (no matter how crazy and weird) that can help you so your parents dont carry all the burden. Don't be afraid to apply outside of your state and comfort zone. Apply to as many colleges as you can, and all that truly interest you ( the more the better). Lastly, make the most of senior year by getting all the college planning and such out of the way first so there are no worries later. Good Luck!

Don't settle for Cal State Hayward or the Academy of Art University. Save some money by completing your general education at a community college. Once you complete your AA in English, transfer to the California College of the Arts. I know the school is expensive and that the writing program is new, but trust me this is where you want to be. Also, apply to scholarships . . . now! Seriously, there are a ton of scholarships out there that no one applies for. There is no excuse for you to pass up on free money. You also need to check in with your counselor regularly. Make sure you're on the right track. You're going to feel lost. Take advantage of the resources available to you. Don't act as if you're above help. Most schools have programs to help students with the transition into college life -- use them! Lastly, believe in yourself. It will go a long way. You are currently your own worst enemy. Try being your own personal cheerleader instead. You have to believe you can succeed.

In high school, I was an angry, spiraling kid, fearful of empty mornings and terrified there was nothing past midnight each night. My transition into college took longer than most, as I worked my way through endless depression and directionless wanderings. What I eventually found in college was a place for my drive and passion. In high school I yearned for happiness, a stable home, a decided path. It wasn’t that the things I wanted seemed worthless; I was convinced I didn’t deserve any of it. Perhaps what I needed to hear was this: Don’t mistake wanting for weakness. Even if you want so badly that it’s tempting to give up entirely, when it feels like your spine is made of rotted wood and your ribs, shattered glass. The furtive, complex kid you are will make everything you do and create singular and rich. Everything you strive for, are brave enough to ask for, and to say, will lend you steadier ground, even when you feel breathless and desperate.The struggle wasn’t only worth it, but was the means to who I am today. In college especially, the more I strive, the more I reap.

My college experience has taught me importance of time management and how to juggle various projects while still doing a good job and meeting the deadlines. It has also taught me the importance of education and how it plays a vital role in a person's development. I learnt that experience in the field is a must. Also, college life has taught me how to manage my expenses and not to over-indulge in unnecessary things.

During college, we are given the opportunity to change lives. We are allowed to change our ideas and views because college is about figuring out who you are and what type of person you want to be. College is the time to make changes, make friends, and have a lot of fun, and I am excited to continue to do all of these things throughout my 5 years studying for my Bachelor of Architecture degree. If I did not attend college I would not have been introduced to the different people and assignments that made me realize architecture is my passion. I am not a person to regret choices I've made in the past, but if I was I would have no reason or good explanation to why college isn't a valuable experience. Any and every student will take something valuable with them when attending college, no matter who they are or what ends up happening.

My college experience has been very beneficial to my college career and my whole life in general. I have been able to persue a career and afford it with the help of financial aid. Most importantely I have obtained two certificates in my choice of career which is Accounting. In addition I have received my AA this past semester and am working my way up to transfer. My college experience has help me improve my self esteem, for I have set and accomplished many goals. Comming from a low income family and having to work while going to school has set me back a couple of grades but in college I have learned to become persistant and to never quit because at the end of each semester when all those grades are As or Bs, it feels really good. To succeed in life is the ultimate goal and college has taken me one step closer to a new and better life. Perseverance and strengh , I have gained while being a student at ELAC by falling and getting back up and then rising to my fullest potential.

I have learned many things since beggining college in 2007. One thing I have learned the most is to attend class and participate. I realized that when I was in high school i never did either of these things. It hindered me when i first began college but i am beggining to grasp it as i hopefully head on to a 4 year university next fall. It has been valuable to attend because if i wasnt in school, i would be completely unhappy. It has given me many more oppurtunities already and will continue to do so.

Before coming to CCA, I was partially affraid of working with others and had a hard time talking about my ideas and concepts. Now, in just two short years I am able to visualize and communicate my thoughts in an effective manner. I enjoy working with like minded individuals and although i have not yet earned my degree I feel as if I am ready for the competative job market. I wish the school wasn't so expensive so I can graduate but I am confident that the skills I have attained in the classroom will stay with me for a lifetime. I am greatful to my professors for being more than just instructors and for their ability to connect with students on a personal level. I want to finish school more than anything and hope that I am able to do so in a timely manner so I can continue my education and someday teach as well. Thank you, Mark Johnsen

I would encourage myself to be open to the struggle that the first year of college is. Not expecting such a harsh transition came as a shock, knowing that there would be some major hardships ahead of me i would have prepared myself mentally beforehand. Also, coming to california from pennsylvania, i did not realize how different life would be out here, visiting the campus before making my decision may have eleviated some stress and anxiety before i made the big move. Preperation, mentally, is crucial for the best possible transition into college life.