California State University-San Bernardino Top Questions

Since graduating in 2011, I have found myself putting off the whole college ordeal for as long as i can. Although it hasn't even been two years, I realize now I can no longer successfully continue in life without a college education. In the two years since graduating high school, I have learned a plethora of ideas and concepts that I never even considered while in school. My advice to the more naive and callow high school self would be to not waste the opportunities that are given to you. Learn as much as you can and take everything in life as a lessoned to be learned to better yourself and the people around you. In school I had a legion of opportunities that I let go because I was to nonchalant or was concerned more with other things. Although I don't know much about tansitioning into the college life, I am more familiar with the job/life transition we all must go through. Don't waste door-opening opportunities is my advice to the former Bobby. That is why if this scholarship opportunity is presented to me, I will not waste it, I will change my life.

That I would really enjoy my field and to study it more outside of class. Network with other Graphic Design students, join the clubs and attend related events. Also get a car.

Well "High School Senior Ariel", first things first, you need to work harder and graduate instead of testing out. Get as much community service in as you can, this will help with resumes and college applications. You also need to work hard to bring up those grades and get in a few honor classes. Take the principal's advice and go to middle college; you would have graduate college by now your 20th birthday. School is more important than money. You will NOT find a job in this economy so please go straight to college after school. You will end up homeless because you couldn’t find work, this all can be avoided if you just go to college, they will assist you if you take this serious and like a job, get in at least 12 units but no more than 15. Try online and on campus, so you don’t feel you are not spending too much time away from your baby. It is all worth it and it’s not hard like some people make it to seem. You are too intelligent to not be in college. Good luck in college Ariel.

I would give myself the valuable intangible commodity of educational drive. When I was a senior I wanted to go to college, unfortunately my family discouraged me to do so. They felt it was too much time and money. Therefore I allowed my distractions to get the best of me. Eventhough I have learned in most cases enviornment is what unconsciously determines the choices in life, I would tell myself to not allow my enviornment to do so by increasing my drive like I have today. To push harder. And to know that I am much smarter than I thought I was. Also I would give myself the advice to participate in class discussions and to sit in the front row. This helped raise my grades in college significantly. Lastly I would tell my younger self that it is always best to read ahead, study for test way ahead of time, and periodically review the study material up until it is time for the test.

Sarah, listen: stop stressing out now because what you have ahead of you is much more difficult. Don't get me wrong, college is a great time, but you also have to work very hard at it. Honestly, everything that you worried over for the last four years will not mean anything once you get to college. Nobody cares about the clothes you're wearing, or that you weren't considered one of the "popular" ones in high school. People in college are so much nicer, and a lot more laid back! My advice to you is to not procrastinate on essays and projects, especially ones you do in groups. Communication with group partners is key. Be organized, stay on track of when assignments are due and ALWAYS ask questions when you don't understand something. I know you are afraid to speak up in class sometimes, but remember, there is no reason to be scared in college! And honestly, nobody is really judging you. They are most likely just as lost as you. Take my advice and you will have nothing to worry about. Last but not least, don't forget to have fun!

The influences I had in high school were certainly not the ones I needed at the time. My friends didn't know much and had things to think about for themselves and yet I looked to them for guidance. My parents are hard working people and don't believe in education. So they were concerned about making a living, for them, to survive you must make a living. I have always been a deep thinker and had intentions of a higher education but my mind was being informed to spread my wings. Find independance and a living. It has made me the person I am today but if I knew how vital an education would be at 25 when I was 18 I would have done things differently. So in short I would tell myself to listen to your heart, put yourself in school no matter the costs. Suffering the debts now for what pays off exponentially in the future is worth the time, energy, and criticism. Listen to your higher self and don't let those around you control you.

The greatest advice I could give is take it slow and embrace every class. College education is truly rewarding when you own your education and provide yourself with ample time and energy to consume the information. When you own your education you will provide yourself with a well rounded experience. Always be your own advocate and don;t let anyone or anything stand in your way of your aspired accomplishments

Try harder. Do not loose your motivation for working hard and getting the grades you truely deserve. Stay optimistic and don't let life bring you down. Expect new experience and oppurtunities.

If I could go back into my HIgh school years, I would had push myself t read more, and force myself to be more involve in activites because once I enter the University, time for activites is less common since some students have to work to pay for theirbills. Also, another thing that i truly regret not doing is taking AP classes. I never could had image that having AP classes were reallying going to impact some of my courses in college.

Dear Stubborn and Feisty, Everything you did in high school that pertained to academics, athletics, clubs, friends, keep up the good work. You are an honor roll straight A student, varsity track and field runner, a link crew member, math club member, and a junior ROTC member, so good job. As far as friends go, you had a handful that behaved as annoying as high school teenagers are designed to behave. The only advice that I wish to offer is that you try to have some fun, talk to your parents more, even though they tip the scale on strict parents. I say this because, upon graduation from high school, your first year of college is challenging because you partied like its’ 1999 and your grades suffered for it. Focusing on your academics becomes a chore and you spend your junior and senior years trying to fix these mistakes. Also delaying gratification with hot shot, smooth talking, and horny young men is not so bad either. With Concern, Your Future Self P.S. This advice is a jewel that I’m giving you so be sure to catch it.

You should research options available to you before making a major choice. Don't be so shy about asking questions. And find the right people to ask, not those who have never been to college! That doesn't make any sense! Discover who you are and stick to your values and morals. Don't let a significant other sway you....ever! Your life is your life, and you need to make the choices that are best for you, and if that means leaving others behind, then that's what you need to do. College is not as hard as you think it is, and you should plan on going straight to a 4-year school instead of a community college, it will cut down on how mant classes you're going to have to take in the long run. And always remember that whatever problems you run in to, someone else has been in that same situation, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

If I could go back in time I would do exactly what I did. I worked hard to get into college with a very high GPA. I would find time to volunteer and be actively involed in my community. I would follow my dream and don't let anyone tell me that I am not good enough and that I will never make it. I would not waste my time taking classes that I do not need for my major . I would explore all the possible ways of finding funds to pay my tuition. Getting informed and trusted advice is a key to success when transfering to college and in any life transition. I would definetly take the time to fill up my scholarship applications. I trully belive that dedication and not giving up is an answer to getting college diploma.

The advice I would give myself is to leave for school right after college. I would tell myself to skip the 2 years at a community college because even though it is cheaper, I feel like I missed out on the "typical" college experience, and that is something I will never get back. I would also tell myself to be more confident and sure of myself, because I really struggled through high school and once high school was over, it would get better. I feel that my lack of confidence in myself through high school was the main factor for staying in my hometown and going to my 2 year community college and that if I left right away, my life would be different.

I would give myself the advice to take summer classes to get some of my pre-requisites and GE's out of the way and so I know what some college courses may demand. Also before entering college I would say "don't be afraid to become involved! It's so rewarding!"

If I could go back time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to study more and use my time more wisely. The extra few points from assignments, the extra five points on test could have really made a bigger difference to my education. In my first couple weeks in college I realized that every little detail counts. I would also advise myself to push myself harder in my classes because when I transitioned into college, my classes went by at a much faster pace. It's still taking time to get used to it but I'm hanging in there and getting the hang of it. The final thing I would adivise myself to do, would be to take advance placement classes. This kind of falls into the category of pushing myself harder but taking those classes would have given me college credits, and right now they would really have came in handy since it is pretty tough to take many classes in short period of time and to pay for those.

Not to stress out so much about not being able to pass the classes or doing the work in the classes. The work load is not as much as you think it is. Just pay attention in all your classes and do all the work. It will all be easy if you do that. And if you get stuck or don't understand something, don't be afraid to speak up to a teacher or to an advisor. Stop being shy.

College life is a whole new world. In high school there were little secrets to pass by with decent grades and even though you had 'senioritis' you were still able to get through with a B or higher in each class. You had people there to help you with your every need. But, college is different. You don't always have the ability to speak with your professor, one-on-one. Time is of the essence and procrastination isn't quite an option. The transition is difficult when you're used to 'getting by'. Your education is based on quality of absorbance and I would say that is the most important advice to give my past senior self along with present seniors. Do the work in high school. Make the transition to harder classes and work easier on yourself and pay attention to the material being taught to you. That work definitely pays off.

The most important advice I would give would be to take my homework seriously. In highschool it was fairly easy to still get good grades without completing all of your homework. Also, i Wish that someone would have taught me more study habits. In highschool you could easily fly by without studying becauses the tests were so simple. Now that I have taken college courses I understand how much studying really helps. In college your grades are determined mostly based off tests where in highschool you could fail tests and do tons of extra credit and still earn an A.

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior i would simply encourage myself to never give up. I would try to make myself realize that college is a big step in life, it's the road to success. Studying should be a priority in college, balancing things is an essential thing in order to get through college. And last but not least, I would tell myself to pray and trust in God, because I know that the plans he was for me are perfect. Patience will get me through the hard process of starting college, not only will I be growing as an adult, but as a person as well.

Kristen, Don't mess around! You were prepared for this 2 years ago, and somehow fell off the wagon. Jump on and hang in there, because you CAN do this! Reach towards your dream and don't let anything hold you back. Get a job and save up for it, pay as you go along. Don't take any loans. Stay debt free. You can do this. Have faith in yourself and let the others keep their doubts. You WILL prove them wrong. Sincerly, YOU!