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.

Get better study habits and be prepared for a lot more homework.

Yesenia, as a college student I know that expressing your feelings and thoughts will get you more friends and your opinions are greatly looked upon and the students will respect you and they will come to you when they need help. I know that you are very quite and shy but you tend to be talkative and outgoing when you have your friends with you. Well, in college you are not going to have your high school friends .You're going to be more outgiong and you will have more friends then you wish for but your future friends will be friends that you can trust upon and you rely on. Furthermore, college classes are going to be harder then you plan for. Don't panic and stress if you're not doing well in your classes the first weeks in school, it happens to everyone. Don't be afraid to ask for help because everyone in college is willing to help you. And students in college have a lot of fun but they study hard and do excellent in school. Be happy and enjoy your first year in college and do things you wouldn't imagine yourself doing.

Don't stress about the small things such as getting perfect grades or taking so many honors classes if you know you are going to a junior college. Instead, focus that time on internships, clubs, organizations, and volunteer work. These along with good grades look great on a resume and most importantly shape you and help you to undestand what you want to pursue as far a degree.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a senior all I would do is reassure myself that I was making the right decision. I would not be able to tell myself honestly that college is not one of the hardest experiences of my life so far, but I would be able to ensure myself that it was one of the best. I would tell myself to not be afraid to be open to new experiences, and especially new people. College, besides giving a person a wonderful opportunity to pursue their education, is also a great place to meet lifelong friends. On top of this I would remind myself not to procrastinate! The easiest way to be successful in school and deal with all the stress that comes with it, is to keep up with your homework and reading. Cramming just leads to exhaustion and a temporary memorization of the material at hand, while keeping up with the coursework from day one leads to mastery of the subject, and much more sleep at night. Above all else however, I would just remind myself that I am going to be okay.

The best thing that you can do is tour the campus and talk to students who are currently attending the school.

I would say visit as many of the prospect colleges as possible. I fell in love with my school based on the campus look, feel, and size. I would also advise to know a little about what you wanted to do and pick a college that would help you out in that field in the future. For instance, if you wanted to becoome a lawyer find a school that has a high acceptance rate into law schools. The most important part of picking a college for me was finding the right atmosphere. Make sure that your college is a place that you can make lasting friendships in. A place that has people that you would want you or your child to surround themselves with. In order to sum everything up; pick an environment in which you can grow. A place where you could possibly see yourself staying after college.

find a school that has a few things you're interested in majoring in, then a town that fits your personality! (busy/traffic/shopping/laid back...etc...)

I would advise students and parents to find a college that the student feels most compfortable at. Keep in mind if they want a competitive college, sports, greek life, or culturally diverse. I chose Chico state because It was gorgeous and I loved the community. If your students feel overwhelmed and scared when looking at a college, I would say it was not for them. If they feel excited and relaxed in a certain college environment I would reccomend that college. Keep other things in mind such as financhial aid scholarships, as well as number of graduates.

My advice to is find a college in an area where you feel comfortable and alive (big city, small town), and once you get there, get involved! The more active and involved you are in campus clubs and groups, or even volunteering off campus, the friends you will make the bigger support group you will create. This is key to surviving college. And you will walk away with priceless experience that the books do not teach you. Have fun, but don't forget the reason you are there: to go to school. College is about balance: social time, study time, work time, me time, family time. Put aside a little time for each, stay on top of the homework, go to class, get involved, eat well, call home, and you will be successful. Good luck!

Don't try too hard to impress or be anyone but yourself, if you have doubts about a school you may just not have found the right one yet. Keep looking until you're in an environment you know won't make you homesick while you're gone.