California State University-Los Angeles Top Questions

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

Maria

You should go to college, because there is nothing better than going to college and get a degree and find a job, meet friends that are for life.

Maria

If I had the chance to go back in time and talk to my senior high school self I would tell her that she should start preparing herself for long nights of studying. I would also tell her that procrastination is not an option when dealing with college homework due to the fact that if not dealt with in a timely manner it would all pile on. Then if I needed to turn in assignments for my classes it would be a headache trying to finish all that work on time. From the perspective of a high school senior college seems scary, but I would tell myself not to worry. There will be times when the homework load will be overwhelming and it seems nothing can get done or nothing will be done on time, but I would still tell her to hold on because although it is hard right now the end result will be worth it. I would tell her to stick to the motto I have always lived by "winners never quit, and quitters never win" because there is nothing more rewarding than an education, with that you can achieve anything and everything.

Damaris

If I could go back in time as a senior in high school I would advice myself to be more aggressive or assertive knowing now how college life is. Mainly because, I have learned that in order to get what one needs in life one has to be aggressive in order to get what one wants. I never had imagined the real world being so hard and heartless at times. I knew it was going to be hard but because my parents pampered me too much I have had a hard time adjusting to the world out there. I really wish that I could go back in time and tell myself to prepare mentally for what is to come because the road to success won't be easy.

Mary

College is like a strong current, if you arent prepared to swim in it, you wont survive. Flexibility and adaptation is super important, this is all new territory, so my suggestion would be to expose yourself to various groups, clubs and activities., this is help you decide where your area of interst may be. Do the best you can in school, and dont forget to set a goal for yourself. A few small ones that lead to a big picture is a good way to start, but try to map it out the best you can. Focus on what matters to you and know how to utilize the school as well as its programs to reach your goals. Dont ever be ashamed to ask questions, its the only way to get answers.

Leyla

Continue to work and study hard and not have a full time job so that you can put more time into your school work.Also, join clubs and organizations.

La

I would advise myself to construct a college plan. Know what college is compatible with my field of interest. I would also instruct myself to apply for scholarships (as many as possible) and find out all the information needed for financial aid. I would make sure I know the great deal of responsibilities that college places on ones life. Especially being responsible in utilizing all the help I can get from professors; and speaking with the academic advisors. The counselors provided at school, I would say, are there to serve a purpose. They are there to advise you which course to take for your intended major. I would tell myself to obtain all that you can, never settling for less than to strive and squeeze all the information and knowledge from the professors and counselors. I would encourage myself and let myself know, it's not going to be easy. So many distractions and complacency will be an option, but stay focus and know that in the end; your hard work and late nights of studying will pay off. Complete the dream your father himself wanted to do, and that's to finish college and achieve greatness. Thank you

Daniel

I would tell myself to travel after high school, after which I should prepare to get myself into college instead of going into the workforce. The biggest way to make the most of my college selection process would be to discover my affinities and desires and plan to pursue them. Having a consultation with a talented job placement counselor could help facilitate this. Once I have an idea what I want to study, a good next step is to identify and list the schools that would be a good match for those studies. I should then look at cost and financial aid availability for each institution in narrowing down my choices. After choosing the top 10 schools that fit my needs, each of the schools should be contacted and, where possible, visited. Finally, I should select a mix of most practical and most desired campus choices and submit applications and, if necessary, request fee waivers. Then I should pick the best school and throw myself into my studies 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}.

raiko

the advice i would give to parents and/or students would have to be to visit the colleges of your chioce for either the parent and/or the student. get to know the college very well, and decide based on what seems right for you as an individual. make sure the college fits you best interest towards school and/or other activities you are interested in being involved in. and it never hurts to go on a tour of the camps when one is offered.

Christian

While deciding which college is best for you or your child, look for the same qualities one would look for in a person. A college should not only be fun with multiple parties and social options, but should also be trustworthy, honest, caring, and resourceful. The right college should be well-rounded and should not focus on one aspect, ie. sports or academics only. College is the time in one's life to get a once in a lifetime experience. and it should be fun but intellectually stimulating. Students should play sports, join school clubs and study groups.

Gisselle

Choosing the right college is sometimes listening to the people that love you, ie your parents. When choosing the right college the student might be 17 or 18 and sometimes are just driven by the popularity a school has of the parties. I was aiming for a school that was more of a party school, but my parents wanted me to go to another school that was not a party school. Parents are more wise and knowledgeable about life then the students, therefore knowing more and just knowing what is best for their son or daughter that they are sending off to college. So when choosing a college listen to your parents I did, and thank God for that, I love my college life. Get involved, join clubs, fraternities/sororities, club sports, to get the most out of the college experience. Also don't skip anything: Class, Homework, sleep, meals... or a good party have lots of fun!! But remember to Study Hard. It is up to you to get the most of your college expereience.

Priscilla

Just be happy you are blessed with the opportunity to continue your education and make the best of it where ever you choose to go.

Stephen

My advice would be to find a school that offers a degree that you or your child is really interested in. Your college years will be a lot easier if you are pursuing something that you really enjoy. If you do this, you'll find that everything else comes a lot easier. You will meet people who share your interests and you will enjoy almost every moment at your school. Even the days of hard work will seem easier, as you will find the challenge rewarding. Do not be afraid to pursue your dreams. You only go through this once, so make it something beneficial that you will fondly remember years from now.

Kevin

Go to the college with the people you are most comfortable with. You won't do well if you aren't happy with where you are.

Holly

Alot of the time, students just want to get away from home and live freely, which is why they mostly choose schools far away. I was thinking the same thing, but then I thought of how expensive it would be! Not to mention, I get homesick quite easily. At any rate, choose somewhere you love, that has a diverse group of people. It will truly change your way of thinking. And if you still want to get away from home, there are always programs like studying abroad. So, not only do you get a home away from home, you also have something to come back to with open arms.

Rio

save a lot of money, as much as possible, and learn to schedule your lives so you get the best out of it

Samantha

get a good councelor

Tiffany

I would encourage them to weigh all your options and go with the school that is best for you and not necessarily the least expensive or the most prestigious.

Hanna

My advice is to research all the schools you'd like to attend as much as you can. It's also good to have visited the campus; the more you know about your school of choice, the more you'd be comfortable with getting around, and the more certain you'll be of what you want to major in. It's best if you have at least a little idea in what you want to do in life, so you'd be able to start on your major's studies/courses a bit faster. Take your time and don't take too many units at once; you'll be really overwhelmed with all the work you have to do and the requirements you have to fulfill. Manage your time wisely, and it's good to sacrifice hanging out with your friends for a night of homework! Go to all of your classes; missing one lecture turns to two, then four, then eight, then you struggle to catch up, putting more pressure on yourself. And for parents, don't pressure your child into getting a high GPA, or doing well in school (clubs, etc). Home should be a comfort!

Jessica

Look at each school and what they have to offer. What you heard is totally different from what you will get. Go to orientation ask questions, and talk to people they wont lie. Be sure your in it for the long run and make sure your waisting nobody's time.

analorence

What I would tell students is to always follow their dream no matter how hard it might seem. Always have a positive actitude and do not give up . Do not be shy to speak up for what you believe in and for your education. Try to get as much involved in school as possible it will help you in being a well rounded student. In finding the right college go with what you feel comfortable with and not just because one of your friends it attending that particular school. Friends come and go, but your education does not. For parents try to suport your child as much as you can in their education since this is their future. Try to better understand them since their role of a student would be different in a way because of more responsibilities they would have. Always encourage them to ask questions since there is nothing wrong with that. In addition, be there for your child and make them realize that no matter what decisions they make you would be there for them. Try to establish a good communication.