California State University-Los Angeles Top Questions

What should every freshman at California State University-Los Angeles know before they start?

shahram

try harder, and don't think about money alot, becase money comes from different way. this was the most importatnt that i was worry about it, v=because i was not able to pay my registration. but in additional, i am very happy about my way that ia am going, there only money can help me to pay my classes ang get success as soon as possible.

demimarie

The advice I would give myself is be open minded to learning different ways, to interacting with different types of people and be very friendly. Everyone in college is trying their best to succeed so instead of being competetive, be a friend and supportive. Try to help as many people as you can succeed because they'll help you as best they can. Always go visit your professor in office hours and introduce yourself, it makes a world of a difference when your professor knows you a little more personally than just a student who comes to class. Interact in class and really engaged in the material that is taught. Lastly, take classes that interest you and take risks because that is where all the fun comes from in college. Collectively, all these tips will make for a great college experience.

Jie Hui Jeffrey

This is a really great chance of go back to talk to myself of how was college life like and what I could do to get into a better school. I think this is a great ways for me to do better in my senoir year and get better grades. Going back in time to talk to myself of what was the transition of going to college is different than high school is another way to help myself in the future. The advice that I would give to myself is traffic and going to CSULA in the East will always has traffic and Cal State Poly Pomona has little traffic. Another advice is other CUS program university has better academic like Cal State Poly Pomona and when it comes to final in college, college finals are much harder and more stressful than high school in finals week.

Eileen

If it was possible and i had the chance to do it, i would tell myself to listens to all my teachers and everyone else that was there for me and tried their best to help me succeed. I would tell myself to take all my classes serious and stop joking around and to stay away from certain people and to save up money and finish things that are making my life complicated now due to money difficulties. the mai9n thing I would tell myself to listen to the adivce of my parents, because they came from a different enviornment and they went through a rough path just to give us a better life and to be an example of what they had to struggle and work for just to get me and my sisters here to a better life. Also to push myself and work hard at what i want to achieve and that one day when i have what i worked fro help my parents and make them feel proud. Thats the pep talk i would give myself.

Maggie

My school background makes this an interesting and technically impossible question. I entered the Early Entrance Program at thirteen, enrolling at CSULA as a full-time college freshman. As such, I never actually entered high school, putting me in the interesting position of being a middle-school dropout with a BA. That said, I could still think of plenty of things to tell my eighteen-year-old self. I never developed anything resembling a social life, since I was more focused on academics. I kept telling myself that I'd socialize later, but that never happened. I also could and should have done a better job preparing to enter grad school, keeping better track of requirements and getting in my applications ahead of time. I think the thing that hurt me most was the fact that I more or less stumbled through college, and in hindsight, it seems miraculous that I eventually graduated. If I could give myself a single piece of advice, I'd keep it simple. I'd start by smacking my younger self to get her attention (I was borderline solipsistic), before shouting "Make plans! Make friends! Get a clue! You'll thank me in two years!"

Vivian

If I could go back to young and naive high school senior that I was ,I would advise myself to take my time and put more effort into studying than my social life and work life. I would also advise myself to save money for college and not to spend my money on unneccesary items.

Nuri

There are so many things I would say to myself if I could go back in time. The most important thing that I would tell myself would be to take a step back, breathe, really think about what my goal is and draw out a map before beginning the journey. I did really well in highschool. I earned high grades, took advanced placement classes, and participated in a college preparedness program. I was so focused on being ready for college and getting things done. I thought I knew where I was going but I look back now and realise that I was running a race without knowing where the finish line was. What I knew then was that I wanted to be a Music Therapist, that has not changed, but my journey has become more complicated. If I had drawn out a map I would have known to look for a school with a Music Therapy program and focus on getting accepted there and not just on getting into college. From the detour I've taken I have learned a lot but having a well thought out map would have been helpful.

Jessica

Your turning 18 on May 28th and then you're going to legally be an adult. Meaning you will have to start thinking about finances in college, and wether or not you can afford going to college. There's all kinds of scholarships out in the world that are giving away thousands of dollars, but with your GPA im just not sure you're going to make the cut. I know you're bombarded with all your classes, but you should look into scholarships that are need based or that dont need a minimum GPA. You are a smart and bright girl but in this world not everyone will see that. You have to make your own living and not depend so much on your parents anymore. Atleast now you know what it's like to have a low GPA— and to realize all the harm it can do to you by not letting you attend and/or finish college. Goodluck, but remember, no one will help you out unless you help yourself first.

Brittney

I would encourage myself to get involved in groups, go to workshops, clubs, and sports. Study hard and take your time. Make sure you do your research on what colleges you would like to attend. Visit many different colleges and talk to many different advisors/counselors. Ask questions and don't be afraid. Don't just settle for something; get what you want.

Tracy

My advice to myself as a high school senior would be attending community college after high school. Students who attend community colleges save a lot of money and the professors are much more hands-on. At community college, students can take a different variety of classes to find what interests them, simultaneously helping them narrow down to their intended major. The cost per unit for classes at junior college is less than half of what students at universities pay. It is easy to raise GPA and there are many resources on campus that will help students a guaranteed transfer to university. Since classes are smaller, professors are able to reach out to and help students who are struggling. Community colleges give students a taste of what university life will be like. Therefore, the transition from a junior college to university will not be as difficult as the transition from high school straight to university.

Valerie

If I could advise my high school-self, I would say find balance in life and let things go! I am still learning those points as a 24-year-old, but am realizing their importance; they have become my mantras. In academics, I would tell my younger self to find a balance in classes, neither taking on too little nor too much, in the workload, neither letting myself get too overwhelmed and slacking off nor working too hard and killing myself, and in extracurricular activities, neither avoiding clubs and events which help to create a whole new outlook on a young life nor doing too much to the detrement of my degree. In high school and in the beginning of college, I struggled to find a balance with these, often falling too much to either side. Because of that, I was very hard on myself and focused on small issues, blind to the big picture. So, I would also tell my younger self to let the little things go, whether they be a couple sub-par grades, a party missed in favor of doing schoolwork, or a slightly later graduation date. In the end, what matters is getting there!

Daniel

Finishing my freshman year in college I wish I could go back to high school and change my mind set. To all those mentors and parents who always told me to do my best and keep good grades thank you. Listen to your teachers take advantage and make the best of the gift of education. High school is no joke; colleges will only accept you based on your resume. If you’re an athletic like me I would manage my time on school and sports because in order to be a successful athletic it begins in the class room. I regret not taking advantage of tutoring to maintain a high grade point average. Get involve more in the community by joining clubs and organization offered on campus. I would encourage myself to take on more AP classes as you will learn in college it is a time and money saver. Start looking into what career you might wish to pursue. This will give you the opportunity to start building on your skills and experience within that work filed. Apply for internships or join work related programs that will give you the upper hand on other candidates in the future.

Alana

Try to get involved on campus right off the bat. Get all the tutoring help you need and don't neglect your studies for a party. Also keep in contact with old teachers that taught hard subject because you never know when you might have to remember that old information for some type of entrance exam. Be confident in what you believe in, but don't be afraid to try something new if it can adavance your studies. Also live on campus for at least one year if you can and SAVE your money, you don't have to go out to eat ALL time even if your friends want to.

Jesse Anthony

I would tell my high school self to take high school more seriously and to take better classes that will prepare me for my major. I would also tell myself to take some college courses over the summer to get a head start and to start saving money.

Madalyn

Hello, past Maddy! I have some advice for you about college. First things first, pick Cal State L.A. because it really helps you transition from high school to college. You know that you are not that independent and this college really helps you with that and makes you feel very comfortable. Next, STOP BEING SHY AND START TALKING TO PEOPLE SO YOU CAN MAKE FRIENDS!! I (your furture you) am going to be finishing up my first year in college and so far I have just made two friends. Trust me when I say this: you have had much more fun with just one friend than you did without any! Last bit of advice that I am going to give you is to talk with professors and advisors to help guide you in the right direction towards graduating. Your first quarter was a disaster because you chose undergrad classes that you did not need. It really helps when you talk with an advisor because they help you make your schedule and they help you pick the right classes. So that is my advice to you and you can either take it or leave it. (hint: TAKE THE ADVICE!)

magdalena

Looking back as a high school senior, I will tell myself to be more motivated in college. Have more dicipline towards my goals and accept greater challenges in college. Think about more accurate and imporant goals. I will tell myself that when you go to college, never miss an opportunity to challenge yourself and set your goals straight. Look into what major is best for you. Attend as many events as you can. Look into what kinds of jobs you can apply to on campus. Its also important to learn more and partipate in community service. In college there is more seriousness in school work and the relationship between you and your professor changes drastically. You may not have time to hang out with your friends since you get to make your own schedule so time is very conflict. When you go to college, you will change because once you are there college changes you. But one thing to keep in mind is to never lose yourself and remember who you are.

Stephanie

I would tell myself to keep up in my grades, ignore everything that does not have to do with school. School is the main priority at this point and the sky is the limit, if I work hard during High School it will pay off in the future and it would be worth it. I would also tell myself that most of the things that are occupying my mind in high school will not matter in a matter of few years, life has great things waiting for you and its up to you to discover them, no one else is going to do the work for you. I would also have told my self to join many clubs and be more involved in programs that could have help you prospered. Most of all, i would tell myself to never give up, theres always a way, you were put on this earth for a reason, take advantage of your education love it, live it, and be one with it. Expand your mind, the sky is your limit, read, study, write, and brainstorm!

sean

I would tell myself to pick a major that will best help me find a career. It's tough finding a job when you choose a major that can be considered worthless. I would have finished school much faster and I would be employed instead of having to go back to school to get a certificate in finance. Basically, make better choices and don't mess around as much. There will plenty of fun things to do after graduating and becoming fiscally sound.

Allison

As my future self, I only feel it is right to interfer as I watch my high school self struggle with the mystery that is college. I decided to step in, and maybe change the direction my life will go for the good! With a knock on the door, I stood on the steps of where I use to live. "Allison? It's me, well, you, from the future. Before you slam that door in my face, please hear me out! I have important information you must hear- about college!" With a puzzled look on my past self's face, I continued, "First off, learn everything you can from the classes you choose! You can take CLEP exams to earn college credit, get financial aid help, and even student loans! Also, never be afraid to ask questions. Be true to who you are, and never give up- believe in yourself! Keep motivated, keep wanting to learn new information, and be active in activities around campus, you never know what good can come from clubs! Be ambitious, study hard, do not waste college- it determines who you will become! Reach for the stars, my friend, listen to me and achieve greatness!"

soledad

Stay ahead of your studys and focus on your goal because is not easy and no one is going to make it easy for you.