California State University-Sacramento Top Questions

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

staci

To stay focus to make a plan and stick to it no matter what and who happens to come accross in my life. To remember that at times it is okay to be selfish to take the time I need to get my stuff together. The only people that are important in my life is my family and my very close friends because they are the ones that will remain in my life through the good and bad. I am not superwomen I can not be in three places at once so to pick and choose carefully. Always trust God and make conversation with him as much as possible, that it doesnt matter how many songs I sing, how popular I become or how "anointed" others say I am. All that matters is I have an actual relationship with God. To always remember my roots, and never forget the blessings in my life. To trust in God is to have confidance in myself and in him to accomplish all that I set out to do. To surround myself with people who love me and who will push me to be amazing; finally SUCCESS IS THE ONLY OPTION DEFEAT IS UNTHINKABLE.

Shareyl

I would tell myself that 12 years down the road I will be 30 years old and unemployed, with two children and a husband who will be getting laid off in a few days. Every job will be asking for ATLEAST a bachelors which you won't have. The friends and social life that I am so worried about in high school will be non-existant because everyone esle has already graduated college and are well into their careers and making great money. I would tell her how sad I feel waking up every morning because I feel so unaccomplished and how difficult it is to get back into school with children. How embarrassed I feel still living with my parents when all my classmates have their own homes and luxury cars while I'm struggling to make my car payments. Finally, I'd beg her to stop thinking that being popular is more important than going to class. That memories with boyfriends will fade but the pride of finishing college and having that degree hanging up on your wall in your own corner office will last a life time!

Nataliya

The most important thing I would tell myself is to stop being lazy and work harder. In high school, fun seemed to be more important than education. The knowledge I have now versus then shows me how wrong I was. I would make the most of every class I was in, instead of sliding by just to pass. I would tell myself to study hard now in order to instill a strong school ethic and passion for succeeding. I would also tell myself, the attitude I have in hight school will shape me in College and in life, so get a better attitude about school. I would make sure to tell myself to get into College right away and never miss a semester. To ask lots of questions when applying and make sure to apply for scholarships. Having a drive for success and shaping a wise personality is more important than fake friends. If they are truly your friends they will help you succeed. Most important to pray every step of the way from High School to College.

Ren

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to manage my time extremely well, join many clubs, and get to know my professors. Managing time is one of the advice that I cannot emphasize enough about because when students lack good time management, they create additional stress and pressure that can possibly lead to illness, or lack of passion for their education. Furthermore, I would also recommend joining clubs to help ease the trasition of college life. When students join clubs, they can build new friendships to alleviate feelings of loneliness and become more open to exploring fun activities that can take the pressure of college work off their mind. Getting to know professors is another important tip I could not exclude because professors are reliable mentors that students can depend on and they can give students great recommendation letters for scholarships or future employments. Although these suggestions may sound cliche, many students still take them for granted. It's only when an individual is put into the college environment do they truly realize the signifance of such words; thus, it is crucial that I highlight these advice.

Benjamin

After High School I was in a serious relationship with a girl who is now my wife. I stayed in the local area in order to attend a Junior College so we could stay closer to each other. Although I am so happy in my marriage it's hard managing working full time paying for a house and also trying to work on what you want to do with your life, and figuring out your career. If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I'd say make it work. Go to a 4 year university right off the bat even if it has to be long distance. I'd be finishing this year and not having to worry about finances. Make it work!

crystal

If I could give myself advice two years ago, I would tell myself to enjoy my senior year with friends and family. I'd tell myself to take some time to apply for scholarships once in a while. Also my choice of school ended up being a great one, I'd tell myself to consider the distance of the college from home. One big piece of advice would be to be careful while driving. At the end of my senior year I totaled my car. Although I learned the hard way, a serious talk about being careful would've definately helped. There are probably a lot of things I could've advised myself on but I feel as if I did pretty good. My senior year I went to three different high schools and managed to finish my last semester with a 3.8 GPA. If I could give myself advice about my first year in college that would be a different story. For any senior getting ready for college, I'd say to prepare, don't procrastinate and make the best of each moment. Afterall college is once in a lifetime. Make it memorable and make it count.

Jonathan

Remember that everyone else is just as afraid and uncertain, so take a chance. We fall so we can learn to pick ourselves up.

Nobuhle

If i could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, i would tell myself that everything would be just fine and that not getting a high SAT score was not the end of the world. I would tell myself that throuhg the transition i found passion and college is not as difficult as it sounds as long as you keep focus and know what you ultimate goal is. I would enphasis to myself that hard work finally pays off.

Kristina

Get into the habit of studying. Don't procrastinate, try to get things done as soon as you get them that way you don't have to worry about them later. Try getting into a routine of where you go to sleep at a certain time as well as wake up at a certain time. Get involved with different organizations outside of school. Get to know people. Build networks/connections (those will come in handy some day). Actually study for the ACT and SAT and SAT II. Read more books to increase vocabulary exposure. Start taking classes during your junior year, don't wait to go to college to take college courses (you can possibly graduate earlier if you do so). And please, please, please don't ever take your school work lightly, it is your key to the future...don't put it aside like it's nothing!

Antjuan

If I could go back in time and advise myself on the future, I would begin with "listen." I would say to myself, "Really try to understand the college program you've selected. Try to understand the long-term financial outcomes of the decisions you're making right now and that you're going to make. Really commit yourself to your schoolwork and manage your priorities correctly. Have fun but stay focused on your goals. Surround yourself with other goal-oriented individuals. Understand you will be given a lot of freedom, but along with that there is much responsibility. This "point" in your life will greatly affect the rest of your life, either future opportunities or setbacks will await based on choices made. Please consider what I say and stay positive."

Alejandra

Knowing what i know now about college, the best advice i could have given myself when i was in high school would have been to begin saving money since i was a freshmen. I did not plan on attending a four-year college; therefore, i did not plan ahead and i didnot save money. if i had known that i was going to end up at a four-year college i would had saved as much money as i could. Another advice i would have given myself would have been to apply to UCSC because that school was closer to home and i would have not needed to move out of my mom's home. This would have saved me a lot of money and i would have been able to help out my mother.

Briana

Before attending a university I was very unaware of the college life and if I could go back in time to give advice for the preparation of college I would. I would inform myself that time management is the key to success. The reason for that is, in college one will have many things to-do in so little time. In high school one could slack off a little bit and still receive an decent grade, however; in college one needs to devote them self in their study's 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} because if not theirs is a possibility one might not even pass the class. It is very important to be aware that college is not like high school and that one has to realize school is a priority so manage your time wisely.

Ashley

Going back to when I was a high school senior, I would have to say I am a different person know then what I was then. Knowing what I know now as a college student, I would advise my senior self in a postive way. I would go back and tell myself that, I should be prioritize the important things in life of what has to be done rather than worry about the unimportant things. Besides this be a little more outgoing, because i was always on my books and id not have as much friends as i wish i would have had. For the most part that is what i would say, because back then I was a very caring, repectful, polite, friendly person that got stuff sone tht needed to be done and I am still that person today. So I would not change much. Even though I have gained a lot of knowledge entering college, I know I am the same person who consentrates on my education to push forward and strive for a successfull carreer of my dreams. I got to say though, I have had the privilage of making friends that I have always wanted.

Danny

One of the first things I would advise myself as a senior would be to remember to keep school the first priority. There is a risk if getting caught in the middle of your social life and doing your homework or perhaps studying for an exam the next day. Professors are not on your tail telling you to hurry up and turn in your homework or asking if you’re doing well at home. Professors in college expect you to turn in exceptional work regardless of what current situation you may be going through. Acknowledging the lack of support you receive in high school is important to understand how the academic society works. Another advice I would give myself would be managing my expenses wisely, especially when applying for loans. One thing that should always be kept in the back of your mind is the fact that one day you will have to pay the money back. Setting a limit on the amount of money you spend a week and in a month will definitely payoff in the long run especially once you graduate.

Amber

If Iwas givin the chance to go back in time and tell my high school self something about attending college it would be to ask more question and not be afraid to ask for help. The transition isn't much harder but there is alot of paper work and filling that needs to be done and doing it yourself is very difficult. If you mess up one item it can mess up everything so always ask if you are not sure and always double check your work. Asking question does not mean you are dumb, but smart enough to know you need help. Don't think you are on your own there are many people in and around the school who can help you with everything you need to know. Also time is your biggest friend and your biggest enemy, give yourself eough time to process everything so you arn't rushing and in the end hurting yourself and your education. That is what I would advise my high school self if I was given the chance.

Tiffany

I would tell myself, your college education is the greatest investment you could ever make. Give an honest 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort every class, every paper and every assignment because it all makes you a better person in the end.

erika

I would tell myself to get more involved in activities sooner. Since I 've been involved it has made my school life easier. Also, apply to internships as soon as possible because its necessary to start getting experience for your future because sac state has many resources and they are there to be used.

Anh

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell my self that I should work much harder and be more responsible. In my experience in college, I had much more responsibilities and I was on my own. All of my high school years, I never had much responsibilities and I was pretty much living a carefree life. My transition from high school to college made a huge difference in my life. Now, I have to be more manageable and responsibe with my life. Another thing I would tell myself is be dedicated. I decided to major in computer engineering. I have heard from many people that not many students graduate as an engineer and some change there majors. If someone wants to be an engineer, one should be extremely dedicated and on track with work and assignment. Meaning, one should not slack off on work, procrastinate, and ignored important assignment. And one final thing I would like to tell myself is that I should enjoy the college experience. It is good to work hard now and then, but one should find the time to relax and enjoy the experience.

Shelbie

Shelbie, you have done a wonderful job getting yourself ready for College. Now that the time has come, it's ok to attend a Junior College for a few years to save a little money by living at home and working on your pre-requisites for your degree. However, something big will happen to you and your family, so be sure to save your money, because you will need it! And be sure to take a full load when it comes to classes, your work willl understand and support you. You are a bright young lady who has infinite possibilities ahead of you! Please remember that you've got the world at your fingertips and if the chance presents itself to travel, take it!! Always remember who you are, what you stand for, and that no matter what, everything happens for a reason!

Jacqueline

I would tell myself to prepare and decide on a major before going to college. I would say save every penny that I made in order to pay for school. I would advise to keep in close contact with counselors in order to stay on the right track. I would also say keep your head in the books even more than I have in my college career in order to graduate with honors. I may even advise myself to become more active in clubs, intramural sports, events, ect. that the school puts on. I may even adivise myself to work for the school on campus to not only kill time, but to earn more money in order to pay fo the high costs of school.