California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Top Questions

If I got the chance to go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I'd tell myself to do many things differently. I would tell myself to really thing about applications seriously and to apply to a few more schools I know I could have gotten into, which would have allowed me to have a greater variety of choices in the college process. I would then instruct myself to not be judgemental about different colleges or rule them out right away. I would tell myself to relax and that everything would work out and fall into place in the end, therefore, stress is unnecessary. I think that because I was so stressed and worried about making the right and "perfect" decision, I missed out a lot on the fun aspects of my senior year. If I had just relaxed, I think I would have enjoyed it more and I think that it also might not have gone by so fast. Another things I'd say to myself is to, of course, focus on my classes and grades because they REALLY are imortant. And lastly, to enjoy high school while it lasts, because college is completely different. :)

The transition from high school to college life is the most drastic change you have ever made thus far in your life. The change is more severe than the jump from intermediate to high school, and more intense than the change from briefs to boxers. First of all, there is an extraordinary amount of free time. You get to pick your own schedule. You can have classes that start at 12, so you can sleep in; you can even have classes from Monday to Thursday so you have three-day weekends. However, the free time makes you believe you have more time then there actually is. If you don't budget that time wisely you may have to face several chapters, even an entire book, of reading for one night. Also, compared to high school, the college community is tremendously larger. A population of 2300 jumps to 21000 and makes you feel incredibly tiny. You were once the top dog, "El Presidente," but now you're just a face. Before, you knew everyone and they you, but in college, especially since it's a different county, there are only a few people you'll get to know and comunicate with.

If there was one thing I could tell myself back in high school to better prepare me for college, it would be to not get carried away with my freedom level. I say this because back in high school I lived with a strict aunt and uncle who rarely let me do anything. Going to college would be my way of having fun and doing things they never let me do, like stay out late or go to a party; therefore, when I went to college I, plainly putting it, didn't take my school work serioulsy. Instead of studying for finals or doing homework, I hung out with friends and had fun. Thanks to my inability to focus on what needed to be focused on, I ended up failing two classes that I could have easily received an A in. Now I have to fight my way to get classes that I've already taken in order to continue on with my major. If I could talk to myself in high school, I would say this: Raquel, you're a smart kid, but that doesn't mean you can ignore your education and party all the time.

My advice I would give to myself is work harder in school and try not to procastinate that much. Let all the studies I learned form high school to the betterment of myself in college. Not only work hard but also responsible by organizing all the work.

I would say, "Know yourself. Pick a school that fits your needs and personality." Take the time to visit each school you are interested in. If you will be living on campus, make sure the dorms fit your needs. If you are going to commute, make sure that the time on the road does not take away from your college experience. Visit the department of your intended major on each campus. Meet the professors and the department chair. If you dislike the people you will be studying with, pick a different school. If you dislike the entire environment, it is unlikely that you will succeed. If you are a student that thrives on individual attention, make sure the class sizes are small. If you are a person that likes "anonymity", look for a school with large lecture sessions. If you do best taking "on-line" classes, find a school that has multiple offerings. Knowing what you need to succeed, and finding that "perfect fit" for yourself will guarantee success. College is expensive. and YOU are the educational consumer. Finding an environment you will thrive in, is the most rewarding and sensible thing a person can do.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice for the transition from high school to college, I would say that the two are completely different atomospheres. In high school, you are limited to your main group of friends that you most likely grew up with. You stick to those friends and hang out with them all through high school. When entering college, you meet so many different people and you are not limited to a small group in which you would hang out with all the time. There are so many different races, cultures, and backrounds of people in college and everyone is looking to meet new people. Also, going from high school to college, expect a different work load and maybe more of a desire to learn and get good grades. In high school, we took classes that we had to take in order to graduate and move on. In college, most of the classes we take are toward our major, which will lead us into the career of our choice. When you take college courses that help you succeed in your future career, you are more likely to be interested and want to do well.

Stay focussed in school. As much as it sucks take as many classes as possible, especially math and science. College classes are so much easier when you've seen the material before. Building quality study techniques and organization skills will give you a smoother transition into the more grolling pace of college. My poor study habits and low math classes set me up for a difficult time in college. You don't need to over work yourself in high school, enjoy it. At the same time though, don't slack off. It only makes life harder. If you're interested in sports, greek life, or competitive clubs, there is a 3.0 high school overall gpa requirement. Make sure your grades are there or you won't be able to participate in certain activities your freshman year of high school. Every school is suffering from the economy. Every school is offering less classes and have issues with students getting the classes they need. Most of my friends don't feel their private college cost was at all worth it. Try and get involved in school. Learn how to interacti with your classmates. This will help college to be enjoyable.

I would love to go back in time and give myself some pointers. However, the truth is I most likely would not even listen. I would suggest saving lots more money and advise myself to attend the Claremont Colleges instead of Cal Poly.

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be brave and bold. For some reason, I was very shy in high school. I look back and I think, ?Why did I even care what other people thought of me?? It is not like I see them anymore, so why conserve myself. It took me some time and experience through college to realize just that. In college, you really have to stand out. What makes me different? What makes me unique? The problem is that if you don't try something, you will never know what your weaknesses are.

I would tell myself to practice better study habits and to learn how to balance my time. College can be very demanding at times, so time management is a very important factor. I would also tell myself to get my priorities in line. There are so many distractions that are, in the end, not worth losing out on my education for. An 'A' grade is much more rewarding than a night out. I would tell myself to manage my money better; that buying new clothes that I need, or saving up in case of emergencies would be a smarter choice than spending $100 on a night out. I would also like to tell myself that college is not as scary as it seems. Yes, it is a completely new envrionment and the work load is more, but as long as you stay focused on what you need to do, college is fun and an experience you should feel lucky to have received.