California State University-San Marcos Top Questions

If I were able to talk to myself as a senior I would have encouraged myself to apply to the better colleges and to not worry about the finances. Second, I would have encouraged myself to focus on building more relationships with my family and appreciate the time that I could spend with my father because I would not have that much more time with him. I would also tell myself to open-up more and to not be afraid to ask girls out because the worst they can say is no and to not be afraid of feeling uncomfortable.

Three major issues I would have consulted with myself about are learning how to manage money before college and knowing the school and its liberal versus conservative views among staff. Lastly, I would have told myself to drop a class immediately if I could not understand the professor or if I had no passion for the subject.

My college carreer so far has been bittersweet. Not living on campus my first year and not socializing very much has been making it the "bitter" part of my college life, since I do not have many friends at this college. If I could go back and talk to myself during my senior year of high school I wouln't change that much, for the endevours I have experienced have made me the strong and independent person I am today. One piece of advice that I think I would benefit the most from, would be telling myself to socialize and to visit the few people I knew in the dorms more often. The friends I have that lived their first year in school in the on campus apartments have made so many lifelong friends and I'm still stuck with the few that I went into college knowing. Not that I regret my decision of living off campus, but a few more friends would have definiltely made my college experience more savy.

In my particular path that I've chosen, it's taken me quite awhile to finish school. I find it a bit ironic writing this essay under the instructions, as Im now a senior in my final semester at CSUSM. If I were to go back and give myself advice,it would be to take high school and the college transition more seriously. Although I do feel as though I tried hard, my grades were just satisfactory. I didnt invest the time into researching colleges and majors and opportunities. I would tell my younger self to go above and beyond what was asked of me, to learn and aspire without limits. I feel as though I did the bare minimum and now I'm paying for it. In my last two semesters at CSUSM, I made the Dean's List. This has felt like some sort of redemption for the past, but in making the transition I would have told myself to focus more and stay on track despite the alternatives and obstacles around me.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would tell myself is "Don't go to Cal State San Marcos! Pick a higher rated school like USC." I would also tell my high school self to get involved in clubs and intramural sports at whatever school I choose. I would recommend to branch off and find friends outside of my roommates and other kids in the dorms. I would say to myself to just be myself and if people don't like me don't care about that. My final recommendation to my high school self would be to make sure I do well academically. I would say that grades are the most important part and just remind myself to not slack off so I can get out of school in four years.

If I could go back in time and talk to myslef as a senior, there is a lot of advice that I would give to myself. It would start out with the relationship aspect of going to college. I would say do not follow any boyfriend to college...it may turn out as pure heartache. I would tell myself to save money instead of taking out so many loans. I would tell myself to live a little and go out with the girls once in a blue moon. I would tell myself to keep in touch with the ones that I love, no matter how far away we live from each other. I would tell myself to never give up even when you feel like the world is coming down around you. I would say never lose faith in God because He is the only thing that will light your path in times of lonliness. I would tell myself to cut my twin sister some slack when she has had a long day and forgot to pick up laundry detergent. I would tell myself to call my parents and say thank you for raising me right.

Take those AP classes seriously because they can save me from taking classes in college that I could have taken in high school.

I felt the transition was easy. I felt high school did provide enough information for me to succeed. I feel very happy the way college has been so far. I feel I'm a part and the teachers have been outstanding so far. I'm considering furthering my education after 4 years at this college. I feel that the college is not too large. The campus is nice and I feel at home there.

I would tell myself to take my classes more seriously and that there is life after high school so prepare for it.

Since I am a Literature and Writing major, I would have advised myself to read more literary works BEFORE I arrived at college. Then I would be better equipped to integrate my prior readings into class discussions now and sound smart :) Also, this would have enabled me to better understand literary movements and periods. Secondly, I would have advised myself to buy my textbooks on amazon.com or from other outside sources. For my first few semesters in college, I bought all my books from the campus book store, and I had the "bright" idea that I should buy all my books new so I could keep them and they wouldn't have any marks on them. Well, it ended up costing me so much money, when I could have just as easily bought all my textbooks from a cheaper source and still kept them. Also, I would have told myself about ratemyprofessors.com the FIRST semester I came to college so I could avoid having some boring professors :)

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to apply to the UC system. I feel that I should be challenging myself more, and wish I could have gone somewhere else in the state to where I didn't have to live at home. However, I am content with the school I attend now for the major I am studying. I only wish I could have learned how to live on my own sooner. I have considered myself a very independent person for the most part, but one can never really know until they are on their own. I hope to share an apartment with a friend next year to get out of my parents' hair and prove I can live on my own. My younger brother will be attending a UC next year and I would love to be able to help my family by paying my own way. I owe it to the two people who have influenced me the most, paid for extracurricular activities all of my life, and ultimately have been paying my expensive loans out of pocket.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I might suggest taking more AP courses so I could have a chance to graduate early. Other than that, I am happy where I am now and I am happy with the choices that I have made to get here.

I would give myself the simple advice of not forgetting who you are. Although part of college consists of experimenting with new things and learning about different people its important that we take would we learn along side our current morals and values instead of taking on a lifestyle completely different from our own. Had I known that before I think my college experience so far would of been a lot smoother.

I would advise myself focus on academics and not people. Most of the people I have encountered at college do not take their education seriously. They are more interested in partying and the easy way out of any assignment. So, I would tell myself to give my all no matter what anyone else thinks or says. In the end, I will reap the rewards of my effort and dedication.

That everything will all be ok and work out the way it needs to. Dont stress over the little things and keep in contact with your high school friends.

I would meet with your high school counselor, and discuss your different concerns. They helped me a lot through this whole process.

Let your kids know its not one big party.

I would say to look carefully into every college they are considering. Look at classroom size, population, cost, campus organizations, sports, housing, food, etc. Take the time to take tours of the campus and talk to different entities on the campus to see possible places to get involved. Once you do find the school that seems to fit your personality and interests, GET INVOLVED! I am only going into my second year, but am involved in the two main entities on Campus; Orientation Team through student life and leadership and ASI (Associated Students Incorporated). It has made all the differnce. ASI is involvement and a paid position so I can pay for needed things. And Orientation Team is all volunteer, but all worth it! If the finances work out I suggest to live on campus! It is a great way to meet new people and stay connected to the campus!

The best piece of advice that I would give to parents and students who are in the process of find the right college would be to go to a community college for the first two years! Unless you are 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} certain on your major, then go to a community college. You will receive the exact same education there than you would at a four-year university because the first two years of classes at universities are all taught by teachers aides anyways. You will save a ton of money and the community college will assist you in finding the career that fits you best. Also, if you maintain good grades while you are at a community college, then when you go to apply to universites, your chances of getting accepted increases by more than 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. Another piece of advice that I would give to the students is to get involved in your school! Whether it be sports, clubs, honors program, or whatever. Get involved! This will help you to meet new friends which will make the transition period from living at home to living on your own that much easier!

My advice is to be realistic with yourselves. Understand your own or your student's personality and strengths or weaknesses. Try to find a school who's personality is the best fit for you. Visit schools if possible, observe students on campus and speak with them. Ask questions about professors, advising, and class availability. Hearing from students can give you a realistic idea of how long it will take to graduate. If a school's personality does not fit yours don't force it, there are lots of schools out there and college is about learning about yourself as much as it is learning about a field. As a student it is important that the decision is one you are happy with and communication is key. Even if your parents are footing the bill, remember you will be the one doing the work so be honest with yourself and them. Trust your instincts but remember that college is as much a journey as a degree is a goal. It may not be an easy journey, but when you make the right decision for yourself and you reach your goal, there will be no regrets about where you took that journey.