California State University-Chico Top Questions

It is no surprise that making the transition to college warrants a great amount of stress. From newfound independence, financial responsibilities, scheduling woes, to new social scenes (and subsequent pressures), college life can be overwhelmingly taxing. However, as I am about to enter a credential program, I now know that all of these hindrances can be alleviated with a more holistic approach, and that approach is as simple and as arduous as having integrity. The reliability of one?s moral character is something that is often not recognized or valued until it is lost. While in college, you are faced with several opportunities to take the easy way out of an otherwise demanding situation, whether it?s skipping class, cheating on an exam, or surrendering to peer pressure. Yearning to succeed coupled with the inherent burdens of college life compels even the most diligent of students to succumb to cutting corners. The most vital thing to remember while navigating through college is to do it with honesty and veracity. Not only will you value your education and overall experience more but you will also set up a foundation for the manner in which you conduct the rest of your life.

If I can go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, the number ?one? advice that I will give myself is: ? Please, put more time into looking for scholarships and actually applying for as many as I can.? This, I highly regret not doing as much and wished for extra time. There were so very few scholarships that I had applied for, there some unfinished due to obstacles in life: such as families, problems, culture, religion, and time itself. But there were a great amount that I did not even look at. Now as a CSU Chico State student, there are many educational assets I desire but can?t take hold of because of the lack of external financial aids saved or won. Now I finally see why my high school counselors and teachers said they couldn?t stress out enough about applying for scholarships and how they also said that it doesn?t hurt to give in a little for extra cash. If only I had the extra financial aid, I know my college life would be a lot easier right now.

I would definitely take AP classes and take my classes more seriously. I would also take my SATs more than once and apply to any school I wanted to - no matter if I thought I'd get in or not.

I would tell myself to be careful how I spend money, and to take scholarship applications more seriously and to focus on finishing everything on time.

Dear Court, I know how stressed you are about college and finding the right one, and even more stressed about money and what this is going to cost you. Do us both a huge favor and take three deep breaths and relax. I want you to know that everything will turn out fine, like it always does and always will. Which ever path you choose in life will have been the right one for you. You are a strong girl and no matter where you end up, we both know you will succeed. Believe me, you will love where you are in your life and will have learned so much. You will meet great people and make tons of new memories. There are people that love you and support you, no matter what you decide, and that is all that matters. I know sometimes its hard to have faith and believe in yourself and your abilities, but I promise you that you will do great things with your life. If you work hard, you can achieve anything. Remember that its ok to ask for help when you need it and to make safe and smart decisions. I love you. -Court

If I had the chance to return to highschool and give myself advice I would have alot to say. The biggest struggle in college is being able to put yourself out there. Highschool is a great time to prepare for that and if I went back in time I would tell myself to do that. I would want to bond with more people and make lasting connections with them . I also would tell myself to be a lot more involved in the community so that when I got to college getting involved and finding worthy organizations would feel less foreign. Also, I would tell my highschool self to take advantage of every oppurtunity given to me and taken a longer orientation session so that I could have met and connected with more of my peers before starting college. I would also tell myself to worry less about what I was leaving behind and prepare to succeed in the future more. Although I would have some advice for my highschool self I think I have efficiently transistioned into a college lifestyle it just may have went more smoothly if I would have done these suggested things.

I would have gotten involved with more organizations and applied for more scholarships in order to pay for my college instead of having to take out loans like I am doing. If I had know what I was going to be in High School, I would have completed my G.E. course works at Butte College in two years instead of three years. I would have told myself to study always no matter what. Not to slack off especially when my sister went into the military, I was getting burned out with school. However, I would tell myself not to give up and try your hardest. That the school is wanting to help with your education and not to take advantage of it. Try and save up as much money as possible for college because the price will increase and its better than taking out student loans.

Looking back on what I have done I would do the same things. Serving in the military was a very good learning experience that got me prepared for school and taught me how to work with a wide range of people. If I would have gone directly to school right after high school I doubt I would be doing as good as I currently am. It helped shape my views on people's situations and with my teaching style. I am proud of the things that I have done and the person I have grown into.

That college is extremely important and to take it seriously! It does not matter your age, but your desire to make choices that will benefit you in the future. Enjoy the time you spend in college and make lots of friends. Choose a career that will use your talents and that you truly enjoy!

I would tell the student to be ready for an extreme change, but to maintain a good attitude. Having a positive and open attitude will help with the transition into college life.