California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Top Questions

I have absolutely no regrets from my college experience, but I could have done better academically if I had been able to transition more easily. I graduated from High School with a 4.33 GPA, and did not take the warnings seriously about how much more difficult college classes are. If I could go back in time, I would teach myself how to study in college, a process I learned after two years. Each person has a different way in which learning is the most efficient for that individual. It took me two years to really find the way I needed to retain information. Once I was able to do this, my grades improved dramatically, and I was getting the high score on midterms for multiple classes. I found out that, personally, I needed to make study guides and study throughout the quarter for the final, not just the weeks before the test. I would also tell myself to never say No. There needs to be a balance of academic and social activities that one does in college. College is unique in that you are learning more than ever before about your subject of choice and about yourself.

If I could go back and talk to my high school senior self than I would definitely put emphasis on doing every single scholarship possible. Even with getting the Cal Grant, money from the school, or loans, it won't add up to what you need. So without scholarships it might not be possible to pay your way through college. Which puts a lot of pressure on you and your parents to try to come up with the rest of the money. Knowing this now I wish I could really go back in time and put more effort into applying for the scholarships, and I would also tell myself to listen to what my parents say and that they are right pretty much all of the time.

Dear High School Maggi, College will be tricky-understand that now. And working full time while in school will be even harder, but if anyone can do it I know you can. And when the time comes when all you want to do is give up; don't. Because eventually you will get over that hurdle. Now, you know as well as I that money is a huge issue right now, and it will continue to be, but like I've said before (and will continue to say), please don't give up. Be a firm believer in things will work out if you put in the effort. Write loads of scholarships essays, save as much money as you can, and do not be afraid to ask for help! One last tip; when life gets overwhelming, don't forget to breathe. Lot's of love, Your Future Self

I would tell myself to finish high school first, then apply to a community colleg and earn a degree in the field that I love and will be successful in. I would not think about having children until I finish college and get myself established in life. I would say take your time and make sure that the field of study is right for me and make sure that I will be consistent in doing my school work and stay focused. Always strive to be the best in all that I do and push harder to reach for the stars even if I can't touch them.

Never give up, every single dream of yours is possible if you only try. Also never doubt yourself and know every obstacle will only make you better in life.

I'd tell myself "Don't date Chris and miss graduating early to be with him." I'd say "Graduate early, focus on general education requirements the first year of college, and take it from there." I'd say to myself "don't be so quick to jump into a college major." I would not allow people to pigeonhole me nor categorize me. I would make myself realize that this is college and that I have my own car, freedom, and life, and I should put myself first instead of hesitating to make decisions based on what others might think of me. If I could go back to my junior year of high school, which should have been my senior year, I woudn't have attended senior year at all. I could have been a full year ahead instead of with my class this upcoming semester. I could have nurtured my gifts as a writer instead of weaning them because "scientists aren't suppose to like literature as art." My advice to myself would have been to be content not caring for others' thoughts at all ---except my own future self's, of course.

I would have actually paid more attention to scholarships and get a job during the summer. I would have not been so hard on myself and let things get to me that made me think I wouldn't be able to go to college or survive at a college. As an advice, I would say that people mature one day and college is one of those days.

My own advice would be to take a study habit. So that when it comes time to review important not to have the concern that I have to learn everything about the exam soon, and would have that knowledge, only a matter of reviewing a bit to refresh your memory. And to obtain good grades and be satisfied with myself.

If I could go back to senior year I would tell myself to focus a lot less on the reputation of schools and more on how much I would see myself living there. A lot of applicants get lost in the sea of names and in the rush to get into a good school they overlook whether or not they actually like that school. No matter what major you are, I would advise keeping how much you like the school high on your list of qualifications. You are going to spend at least 4 years of your life at the school, and if you hate it not only will you suffer, but so will your work. It would be so much better if you went to a school with a lesser reputation and loved it. Mainly because you would become more invested in your school and actually make it count. In my experience careers tend to look for ambition and passion a lot more than they look for school name.

My first suggestion would be to get involved with as many things as possible that interest you. Stay true to yourself and don't try to force yourself to participate in things that don't feel natural or good, but do try to keep an open mind about trying new things and be open to meeting as many people as possible. My second suggestion would be to get involved in the community, not just the campus. By doing community service and meeting members of the larger community you are able to network and have more "real life" opportunities for experience. Lastly, I would encourage myself to take classes I am interested in and not force myself to attend college. There are some classes that are required and just aren't as interesting as others, but when choosing the direction you want your life to go, make sure you are choosing something that will make you happy and give you a feeling of satisfaction at the end of the day. Make sure that you will feel like you are contributing to the greater good of society and that your needs are being taken care of at the same time.

Now knowing what I do about transitioning into school, I would tell myself to take the new challenge head on. I do not think I was fully prepared for some of the courses I took so far in college; thus, I would want to tell myself not to stress about it and just take it one day at a time. I also would tell myself to study every day even though there may not be an exam any time soon. Besides that, college definitely is different than high school, but I think that with the willingness to adapt and ask for help it is a lot easier to transition.

The worst advice I've ever gotten was that it is okay not knowing your major at entry because at every school, the first two years is all about general education. I heard that piece of advice from conselors, upperclassman, even my AVID teachers has told me that. My AVID teachers, the ones who are supposed to inform me all about the college business, told me it did not matter if I was undecided because I can change it when I figure it out. Unfortunately attending Cal Poly has made it impossible. Every single day I was asked, "what's your major?" "Why are you here if you're not sure?" "Why did you declare something then?" The honest truth is because I thought I could switch. But I basically couldn't. All the classes I take by then would be a waste as soon as I switch majors. After one trimester of endless confronations, I made the desicion to leave. It was really hard for me, I had just made friends and adjusted to the new enviroment, but I had to leave. College is about finding yourself, and I definitly can't do that at Cal Poly.

Dear 2008 Tyrone, This is your future self, who goes to college. Seriously. I'm only allowed 200 words to provide you with advice, so here's what you should do: Only choose a major that you have real interest in. Don't choose something because you think you'll get the better job. School is for the mind. So you might as well follow your passions. Probably the most important thing at college is the networking. Meeting people and winning friends is best use of your free time. When I say winning friends, I mean that you have to prove your value to people through successes. This makes people respect you. Most successes are usually not greeted with any applause or real attention, but they always give you a boost. To begin, start by being more prudent. Do things carefully and consider potential pitfalls during all attempts. Learn to choose your friends based on merit and character-- and while you are at it, start focusing on improving and making yourself into a real person with character. Try not to be just another fool. Sincerely your future self.

Relax! No, really! Movies, books, and word of mouth have built up your expectations of college-the stress, the drama, and the work. But not to worry!! Once you get here, you'll see that everyone is just as nervous and confused as you are. So, take your time, enjoy the last of your time in high school. Try not to focus too much on the future and have fun with your friends before you have to go your seperate ways. Don't wory about college life just yet. You'll be able to figure that out pretty easily when you get here. Also, don't worry about making new friends-I know this is one of your main concerns. However, I can guarantee this won't be a problem at all. There are so many people to meet in college. Reach out!! And most importantly, be yourself. Because there are plenty of people in college who will like you for who you are. You will fit in. So remember to have fun!

If I could go back and give myself advice, I would emphasize the importance of separating work time, and play time. When I first started college, I adopted a tendency to spread my work out for long periods of time, and I was only half focused on it. I soon realized that it is far more effective to dedicate a solid block of time to go to the library and study until all my work is done. Then I have the rest of my time to relax, unwind, and have fun with my friends. A lot of this has to do with developing an efficient work ethic, and engaging fully in the task at hand. Before I realized this, I felt like I was both studying all the time and playing all the time, but not doing a very good job at either.

Don't be so confident about what is going to happen in the next four years, everything is going to change and you just have to accept it. It okay to change schools, majors, friends, and heck even sexual orientation. College is a time to change, and though you could have been totally against it in high school, it can be your new love in college. You can even use college to learn things about your culture, because even though we are all preassigned to a race, doesn't mean we know our culture. Or go explore another culture, the possiblitles are endless as long as you don't flunk out. But it is okay to get a F in a course.

Do not procrastinate! Set deadlines for assignments, readings, essays, and studying for tests otherwise you will spend the entire night cramming and getting little sleep. Begin to study for a test or midterm a couple days or more in advance because the information will be more engrained into your brain, and you will feel more confident going into the test. Continue to meet new people even if you find a close group of friends. There are an abundant amount of people on campus, and everyone has something new to teach you. Finally, do not be afraid to challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone. You can accomplish more than you realize and will have a better experience by sampling all that college has to offer.

If I were given the chance to talk to myself about college, I was advise myself not to be so stubborn. I would say eing eager is a great and wonderful thing, but it can also come back around to hurt you. Do not get over your head and relax and enjoy college. Learn how to manage your time and do not lose site of your goals. I understand that college is a time of independence. You honestly do not know what a blessing your friends and family are to you. You will miss them even though you are denying the fact at the moment. Do not slack off in school. Always try your best. Learn how to cook your own food instead of lying around the house during summer. Review your Calculus notes and read ahead for your future Statistics class. Again, do not be over your head. You need to realize and face reality at times and it is going to be tough, but you need to pull through. Good luck and remember how blessed you are right now,

If I could go back in time I would advise myself to save my money better. I would also tell myself to learn better study habits, my grades were decent in high school but I didn't study too much. For the most part I wouldn't want to alter what I did in high school because it made me who I am today, but if i had saved money better and had better study habits I would be a little better off right now but still be me. We can't change the past because it would change who we are now too much. That is what i would do if I could go back and speak to the high school me.

Knowing what I know now I would tell myself " you are stronger than you seem". Although that sounds very cliche they are the exact words that I needed to hear. The school I chose was mentally hard for me due to the lack of diversity and climate of the campus. Do not get me wrong it is an excellent school but being the only Black person in your class can have its effect on you. Now i grew up in Los Angeles, so I am use to a variety of people everywhere therefore it was a real culture shock when I was not only that one black person in class, but a black female and a black female who did not play sports. I would tell myself to have fun, be yourself and do everything you want to in college. This is the time of your life and yes they may not all look like you but you all have one thing in common, you are all students with goals of a better life. Good Luck! this is a big accompolishment and again you are a lot stronger than you think. Congratulations