California State University-Los Angeles Top Questions

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!)

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.

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!

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.

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!"

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.