California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Top Questions

If I were to give myself college advice as a high school senior, I would tell them its much easier than you think. Although at times it feels like college is going to be this horrible experience with having to change and meet new people and having to find financial aid and scholorships, I would say its good change and its not as hard as one would expect its to be. The school itself helps a lot with money situation and asking questions never hurts anyone. The people in college are different than those in high school. They don't care what you were or what your past is like, all they really care about is you now. You can make friends with anyone and they will respond in a kindly manner. Meeting new people isn't so hard the 3rd or 4th time around. The level of difficulty in classes is no harder than that of an AP class in high school. Plus you get to choose when to come and thats pretty amazing compared to high school. Its an exciting experience, plan to make the most of it.

With the knowledge that I gained over the years, the most important thing I would tell myself would be to make lots of friends in college. I would tell myself to try and be as sociable as possible because networking and having friends is very important in my social and academic life, especially having friends in the same major. High school did not prepare me for how difficult architecture actually was. It did not prepare me for the late nights of staying up, working on projects, or the constant stress in the major. I was not prepared to stay up night after night alone, working on projects and breaking down from the stress and loneliness. I wish I had known how important it would be to have a study buddy or to have someone help me when I needed it most. College is about making friends and creating experiences while pursuing your education. Knowing more people would have made a substantial difference for me. The only thing I regret would be that I did not put enough effort to meet and make new friends in the beginning, especially since I moved 120 miles away from home just to attend college.

As a highschool freshman, I dreamed of going to college. Unfortunately as I worked my way through school, I graudally lost interest in college and focused my ambitions on becoming a rockstar instead. The rockstar life, although it was exciting for a while, never took me anywhere. I never made it big and I dropped out of college. After I got out of the Army, I started attending a community college and am now doing really well in school! My grades are excellent and my teachers respect me because I take college very seriously now. If only I could go back in time, I would tell myself: "Gerardo, go for it! You can get better at playing the guitar but don't lose sight of college. It is the only way to be successful in this society."

If I could go back to high school I would tell my high school senior self to not sweat the small stuff. To enjoy life as a young adult more because once you get to college things are not as easy. Classes are harder and you are on your own left to figure out a way to pay for your college education. I would also tell myself that life gets better, life in high school does not define who you are and the mean kids that seemed to have it so easy are just normal people with the same problems as me.

Aivan (that's me), you should have take more AP classes so you don't have to do the all the GE requirements in college now.

If I could go back in time, one of the first things I would advise my senior self, regarding college life, would be to not stress out so much. College life is easier than high school teachers and advisors make it out to be. In college, most professors only care about two or three tests that you take in the course, unless it is an English class, where most of the work is essays. There is hardly any assigned homework, but studying is important to maintain good grades. I believe it is also important to get involved. When I joined the track team on campus, it was then that I meet some of my best friends that I spend a lot of time with. Joining a club will make campus life fun and you will meet so many people. It may seem scary moving away, but it is one of the best experiences for me. Also, eating at the dining commons can be terrible at times, but remember that the farm store is an option for healthy food.

"Never look back at life thinking you "should've", "could've", "would've", done anything. Be appreciative on what your parents have provided for you and actually adapt to the life you soon will end up living if you truly are given that opportunity to. Don't be lazy and slack off because it is your last year of high school and you think you already have it easy, make sure to finish above a 4.0 and don't settle for anything less. Whatever work you put into studying is going to determine on what you become later in life. So remain humble and keep focus on what you are set out to achieve. Every human being can change the world. It just depends if you are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to change it and make an impact in it. Lastly don't ever stop being open-minded, if you want to be the best, then you have stay open-minded and take all criticism as a positive and benefit from all of it. Good, bad, or neutral, make sure you never stop growing as a person. You have high potential on becoming someone, now prove it".

I was born with clubbed thumbs. My thumbs look like a ping pong paddle, short and round compared to normal thumbs. Throughout high school, my biggest fear was people's opinion about my stubby thumbs. Even though almost nobody actually looked at my thumbs, their opinion had a huge affect on me. Over my first two years of college, I have learned that my thumb shape is the least of my worries. By playing collegiate baseball, and working in the tutorial center, I have gained self confindence in my abilities on and off the baseball field that surpass anyone else's opinion of my thumbs. I would tell my high school self to take that self confidence and thoroughly apply it to my dreams. I would absorb knowledge like a sponge just because learning is one of the most powerful tools we possess. Finally, I would tell myself to take nothing for granted, and to try to becoe a better person everyday.

One important aspect I faiedl to realize back in high school is that the world is so much bigger than I thought. I would tell my former self to get out there more, and discover life. I would tell myself to not be shy, to meet new people, travel, learn about the many different cultures, and to explore the world. I would tell myself to not worry about what others think, and to always be yourself, do what makes you truly happy. I would also tell myself to stay close to God, pray always, study the scriptures and be kind to all people you come across. We all have different lives and experiences which in turn helps us to be special and unique, what I would tell myself is completely different from what others would them themselves. In my life, I was always shy and timid. Being in college has helped me to open up and be myself. This is something I wish I knew earlier in life. I wish I could have done more things, and been involved in more school activities and dances. Now that I know these things, I plan on taking advantage.

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself I can think of many things to say. I would remind myself to enjoy life, and not let the stressful things get to me or let them affect my mood. I would tell myself to be openminded as well as try to not be afraid of the future. I would also tell myself to enjoy the friendships I made in high school, because sadly they won't last forever. One piece of information I would like to tell myself is to continue to be a hardworking individual that does not believe in giving up. On your darkest day, remember that the sun will rise tomorrow. Try to think about the big picture when you are upset: will this situation matter ten hours from now, what about two days from now. If the answer is no, try to take a deep breath and let it go. The biggest piece of advice I would give to my younger self would be to love. Don't be afraid to love and be passionate about things. And always remember that everything happens for a reason.