CUNY City College Top Questions

If I could go back in time to high school, I would tell myself to enroll in college ASAP! I am 48 and waited late in life. College is about 5-10x the cost of what is was back then, and the cost of living has skyrocketed. So, self, do NOT wait 30 years after high school to enroll in college! DO IT NOW!

If i could go back in time to talk to myself about college. My advice will be to never wait to the last minute to get work done. You want to get all the important things done because the deadline for things are not as long as you think. Waiting for the last minute to get things done will put you in trouble depending what needs to be done. Plus, it's better to get work done so you won't have so much stress on yourself. Sometimes when you wait too late you don't get everything done. I would also tell myself to do lots of scholarships and grants because that can help you pay for school. There are lots of scholarships that are being offered today because of the college tutitions are expensive. Another advice I would say is to be focus on school. Too many people are going to school and not being focus. When your not focus you tend to forget about school and get bad grades or drop out. Being focus can help you keep a good GPA. These are the advice I would of told myself about college.

The advice I would give myself would be to study notes on the daily/nightly basis. I realized the importance of note-taking and studying my notes every day and not cramming information into my head the last second. I honestly believe if I had a more forceful and encouraging teacher that would have brainwashed us to study our notes and textbooks, I would be in a higher education school like a SUNY or even an Ivy League. There are so much people with the potential to exceed great limits and become someone great in the future.

Initially, Barnard College was my dream school because of its excellent women's studies program and its impeccable reputation. Reality struck me when I realized my SAT scores, GPA, and low income background didn't reflect the majority of the Ivy League’s school standards. I was so limited in my thinking that I could not even fathom the prospect of going away for school, much less apply to an institution asking for more money than my parents made. If I could reach my high school self, I would motivate her to apply to less safety schools and try going after reach and target Colleges such as Mount Holyoke, or Barnard College.I would urge myself to research schools, majors, and scholarships before applying anywhere. I would also encourage myself to have more confidence because I still have a chance of being admitted into those particular reputable institutions through programs like HEOP, Seek, and College Discovery, despite having low scores. As a backup plan, I would tell myself to enroll in a 2 year school and complete an Associates of Arts degree, then transition to a 4 year school to earn a Bachelor’s degree for women and gender studies.

I would nag at my past self to apply for scholarships and to not be lazy when writing essays for my applications. I chose a school closer to home so I could save money and commute instead of dorming, but I wish I had had the proactivity to apply to more scholarship opportunities so I could have the money to dorm. Commuting isn't too bad but I also feel like I am missing out a big part of the college experience by staying home. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to manage my time better and set my priorities straight. I didn't think scholarships were too important but I realize now that no matter what amount you can get from a scholarship award, it helps a long way.

The very first thing I would tell myself would be "college is not impossible." In those days, I was convinced college was something available to people with a lot of money and stellar grades. Seeing as I lacked both, I didn't even bother with college applications for years following my graduation. I would explain to my past self that financial aid not only exists but will make it possible to handle the textbooks, transportation, and the food I would have to buy. I would also explain that the CUNY system allows for a one-time application fee that covers up to 6 separate applications. While I would be reluctant to pay at first, I know I would see the benefit of this feature. The last thing I would tell myself is "I know you can do it." It is the very same line a very important person told me long ago. While the memory would remind me of his death, it would also stir feelings of determination and remove any doubts from my old self. I could have told myself about the awards, the grades, the extracurriculars, and all of my accomplishments, but I work better when challenged.

If I could go back in time and talk to my former self, the first thing that I will say to me is, "you will do great things." I will look at my aloof self; the self that has been yearning to find a place in this world; the self that has begrudgingly followed monotonous and mundane tasks; the self that didn't know his self; and tell him that in college, you will find everything that you need. "I, that is, you will come across something incredibly precious. That thing is, 'a start'. Even though you care very little about the things that you are doing now and the topics that you are learning, just know that the knowledge itself isn't everything; it is what you do with your knowledge that makes the difference. Learn what will help you to be a great support to this world. Do not follow a script. Do not force yourself to fit a mold. Be smart. Be caring. But most importantly, be you." "Do not be afraid about college. This change will be the best that ever happens to you. Follow your heart. Do not confine yourself to one field. Have fun."

If I were to go back in time, I would particpate in a relationship instead of isolating myself from my classmates, who I saw were in worthy of my time. I spend way too much time in the libary alone with my studies and became a geek without friends in highschool. I had so much time in highschool, but I was too focused on my studies that I rejected many potential relationships and hurted many people with my arrogance and carelessness. Now that I am in college, I begin the make more friends, but I just don't have the time to do things with them. I wish everything would change...

The only advice I would give to myself would be to not forget that senior is the the most inportant year as we make a transition to college. I needed to apply for more scholorships, be more rigorous with my schoolwork, and apply for the FAFSA as soon as the application was applied. I am learning now that money doesn't grow on trees and everytime I see the money going out from my bank account, I wish I had applied for more scholarships. Right now, I apply for at least one scholarship a day but I am still waiting to get any type of financial help.

I would yell at my past self for not being more open minded on where I want to go for college. I was too set on staying in New York City for school and only applied to schools in the area. But, right now, as a commuter, I wish I could go away for college. Just scrolling down my newsfeed on Facebook, I see my friends with their roommates and new friends and I always feel a tinge of jealousy. Dorming would've been a great experience. If I could go back in time, I would've done more research on other schools and applied to different types of schools-- not just limiting myself to schools in the city.