California State University-Fullerton Top Questions

Form good study habits and do not overestimate your brain. Doing well on exams and tests without finishing much of the homework may be fine for high school but college is completely different. Without studying and doing homework, college is impossible. Throughout high school, I would ace my exams with minimal effort outside of the classroom. That same approach did not work so well for me in college. I learned this the hard way and if there was one thing I can go back and change about myself, it would be just that. I would tell myself to put in as effort outside of school as I do inside. Only then I would I know what it is like to earn my grades and I would be more appreciative for it.

I would tell myself to experience everything. Make plenty of friends from every group. Join as many clubs as you can. Spend a year on campus in dorm life. Make mistakes and learn from them. College life is the time of your life to enjoy and experience as many possibilities as you can.

The best advice I could give myself is to not procrastinate, worry about yourself and apply for scholarships. Now that I'm in college, finances are a major problem that has stopped me from doing so many things that all of my peers and classmates are able to do. I feel as if I'm not reaching my full potential and I'm not fully enjoying the college experience because I can't afford it or I'm too stressed about how I will pay for something that I could afford. Apply for at least 10 scholarships a week, not just one a month! Although winning all 10 you apply for is highly unlikely, even winning one scholarship gives you money that you won't have to worry about later. Also, don't let others stop you from making the choices that truly make you happy, chances are that you won't see anyone from high-school after you graduate; Do what makes you happy, because in the end, that's all you truly have.

I would tell myself do not be afraid of the change. I would tell myself to live on campus and make new friends. It is a time to find yourself, and that includes getting out of your comfort zone. If you want to try something, just do it. Do not be scared. Do not sit there and think of why you shouldn't, think of why you should. Try and get every college experience you can, because once it's over, it's gone forever. Try not to be so overwheled by everything, and just take advantage of everything the college has to offer! I would also tell myself it is ok if you do not do well in every single class. College is challenging, and there will be classes much harder than high school. You will not exceed in all of them, and that is acceptable. As long as you try your hardest, and have an open mind about what you are learning, you will do just fine. Do not let the stress get to you, it is just a class, enjoy it.

Never stop applying to scholarships.

I would advise myself to take more AP courses in high school. I would have been able to take less units each semester at Fullerton, so that I could have enjoyed more of time here, without studying so frequently. I would have also made sure to take 15 units every semester even including the first semester. It was great getting to live on campus my freshman year, but I could have saved a lot of money if I had decided to live in my off campus apartment in the first year and beyond. The financial aid that I was given helped me a lot, so I am very thankful that my mom helped me through that process. I would also advise myself to invest in more of my classmates at college. Meeting my roommate in my biology class freshman year was a memory that I will always cherish. I realize that time is a lot shorter than what it seems, so we really have to salvage those awesome relationships that we can make in college. I love Cal State Fullerton and I am very happy that I chose to attend this fine institution.

High school teachers often say one of two things: One, that college is a non-stop party where you will be the minority if you try to complete your classwork and get good grades; or two, that professors no longer care about you and expect that you'll do everything on your own and fail you without a second thought. It's so much more complicated than that. Yes, there are parties and yes it's hard to balance a social and scholarly life, but it can be done. Teachers DO care about you and often try to get to know you, as long as you're open to them and willing to put your best foot forward in class. They won't hold your hand, but they understand you're going through a difficult time and they want to help. The professors are always available to meet with you outside class and work through a concept you're trying to understand, and all things can be done even if you hang out with your friends on Friday night. College isn't black and white. Make it the time of your life, but also prepare for the rest of it.

If I could go back in time and speak to myself high school senior year, I would tell myself to keep sharp focused on prioritizing and drivened to get through college as quick as possible to transition on to the real world. My mentality during high school transition was more about having college fun as opposed to the true essence behind pursuing a college education. I would have tried much harder and took more units than I did sparing off for leisure time. The reason behind pursuing a calibrated college education is too dig deep and uncover a career field you develop a passion for with hope to turning that passion into a career and opening doors to further opportunities that will help you exceed in life. I would tell myself to save the fun time for later and get on with the serious side to it , because I am paying for this education and it only right to take full advantage of this opportunity. I saw many of my friends drop out and lose out on a future career because they didn't focus on studies,so with that said, I would walk in to college keen minded.

I would advice myself 1) don't compare your successes with others and don't chase anyone else's dream but your own. 2) Intern as much as you can while you're in school 3) Become friends with your professors 4) Build a strong work ethic 5) Don't be afraid to ask for help

I would tell myself to not let little things interfere with my studies. I was not a huge socialite or "partier" however, I still had lapses where I didn't excel to my best potential. I would either procrastinate or make excuses. If I were to go back in time, I would make sure that I did everything to my upmost potential to receive a 4.0 like I know, if I really put some of my priorities straight at times, I would have been capable of easily doing. If you choose me I WILL NOT let you down!

Don't be afraid to take chances. As Stephen Colbert once said, "Don't be afraid to be a fool. Remember you can't be both young and wise." That doesn't mean being dumb and getting yourself in trouble, it means don't let your fear control your life. Fear of being rejected, fear of being hurt, fear of being a failure... That fear is just an illusion. Please, try to take chances, try to make your own outcome instead of being such a defeatist, try to get the girl of your dreams into a reality, like I didn't. Enjoy the present, with the ones around you. You're probably never going to see them again. I know you're stuck in a rut. But ... "When you hit your lowest point, you're open to the greatest change." Please, make me proud.

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to not fall victim to the high school popularity pool. In high school I tried so hard to fit into the group of people who were considered "cool". I engaged in a lot of rebellious activities such as sneaking out, drugs, alcohol, parties, cigarettes, sex, and all of the things your parents told you to never do. I wasn't my own person back then and I changed who I was and what I did to be accepted and liked by people who I now longer talk to. In response to my irresponsible actions my grades suffered. I was able to graduate and walk with my graduating class, but I could of done so much better. I left high school with an average GPA and an average opporunity at success in the real world. Now three years later I have realized my mistakes and I have earned honors with a 3.76 GPA, now having a great chance of success. If I could change my mind set of what it was in high school to what it is now, I would of been on the track to success a lot sooner.

As a high school senior I felt very pressured when college was discussed. I was under the impression that if I did not have every detail of college planned, then I was expected to fail. If I could go back and talk to myself during these stages of transition I would explain that not knowing everything is completely acceptable. My life decisions such as major, career, and living arrangements varied each year. I would tell myself that college will allow me to find my identiy throughout the journey and that maturity will phase in stronger each year, guiding me toward making wiser decisions. College not only provides a "book smart" education, but teaches a practical approach to life as well. I was so worried about GPA in high school, that I overlooked the social interaction skills that I would obtain from attending a four year university. I would also tell my high school self that reaching out to guidance counselors for help could only benefit my life in ways unimaginable. Finally, I would remind myself that I should live my life happily and find confidence that I am making an incredible choice by working towards a Bachelor's degree.

I would have told myself that people grow up, and to not be afraid that people would be the same transitioning into college. I would have told myself to be more open minded, to give everyone a chance, and to never let anyone get in my way of reaching my goals. Set goals high! I would have said that no matter what, education is MINE and no one can take that away, that my hard work will never go to waste, and I recieve what I earn. I would have told myself to make friends, bond with professors, and keep in contact with people you meet. There is no going back in time, and whats done is done, but moving forward I can turn everything in my life into a positive, and become the best me. I would have told myself to never get down on myself, theres always room for improvement and success is always an option. Do your best, regardless of what your peers are doing, get involved and be kind to everyone. Gain knowledge beyond the course material, it is unlimited, always more! Take everything as yours and do the best you can, be the best you!

Some of the best advice I would give myself is to do what I am doing right now. Everything I have done up to this point has been great. As for what I am doing right now, I am applying for this scholarship to try to earn more money for college to help pay for my debts. I would go back and tell myself to apply for more scholarships to have a greater chance of winning them to help pay for college expenses. I would also tell myself to not see scholarships as a job and more as something that I could gain a lot from and to do them even if I don't win. There is no harm in trying and you could never have had the chance to win if you have never entered in the first place. Good luck past self and take care of yourself. Have fun but work always comes before play. Don't forget to enjoy your youth as it comes to you because you'll never get it back.

“What if I don't graduate? What if I don't pass my classes? Shoot, I have three AP tests to study for. I hate my life. What is the meaning of life anyway?" Okay, so maybe I didn't ask myself what life meant, but these are the kinds of thoughts that plagued my fragile mind throughout the latter half of my senior year. As graduation day loomed nearer, I spiraled into the darkest depths of a teen-life crisis. It's amazing what two years can do to a melodramatic kid, worrying about nothing but his post-high school career. Knowing what I know now, I would say to myself: Will you lighten up? It’s really not that bad. If you spend the rest of your days worrying about how you’ll do in the future, you will never be able to appreciate what’s in front of you. Everything that you expect to happen in the next four years will come to you. It’s inevitable. So will you do me a favor, and sit back, relax, and just enjoy the ride (or what’s left of it)? I promise you won't regret it.

Knowing what I know now about college life if I had the chance to go back and give myself advice I would tell myself to do three things; be active, study hard and take extra classes. In college I worked two jobs and was not active on campus. After class I went straight to work and vice versa, not knowing that being involved in different groups or volunteering at places of interest would help me look desirable on paper. Graduate Schools or places of employment like to see that you were involved. I also used to think as long as my grades were passing I was ok, but now trying to get into graduate school I wish I would have studied harder, I wasn’t thinking long term were your GPA is a major factor in getting into Master level programs. And the reason I say take extra classes is because you are paying tons of money to go to school, why not maximize your experience and take classes that you’re interested in or that will benefit you in the long run. As long as you get good grades in those classes it’s only going to benefit you.

I would inform my younger self to challenge himself a bit more. Yes, it is true that when it came to academics he excelled, but they were never any really challenging classes. I woould advice him to pursue more AP classes so that he could reek the benefits that you recieve from taking the AP tests. These tests if one performs well in them can save you so much money in college and have you commence in the classes required for you to achive your bachelors in your field of study. This also means that one could reach their graduation status much sooner than expecterd. I would also advice him to join athletic groups and stick with them as they form friendships that last a lifetime as well as provide a finacial boost when applying for colleges. They provide other means by which you can attend a college and be successful there. That would be my little speech to the younger me.

Take the time to really study what you are taking. Especailly in your non-major classes. You never know what will open your eyes or inspire you down the road.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have a plethora of things to say. It would probably sound a lot like this ”You are totally prepared for college. College is not as unbearably hard as everyone says it is. It requires hard work and dedication but you can handle it. In fact, do not worry about anything. Not about what people will think about you, because they won’t. People in college don't have time to judge others. Don't worry about standing out, you won’t. Do not worry about not knowing things and looking stupid. Asking questions and standing up for yourself and your education is commendable. Remember how smart you are. Just because you are surrounded by people extremely intelligent doesn’t mean you do not have a brain. Take this opportunity to learn and experience new things instead of staying in that little bubble I know you love. And you will only have four years as an undergraduate so enjoy it. You are not just paying for an education you are paying for an experience. Also, you can't park in lot J until 6pm.”