San Diego State University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a senior who was frantically trying to find a respectable college to go to and never knew life beyond her academic realm I'd say, "Slow down, and just live life one day at a time." I was so concerned about getting into a UC and figuring out what I wanted to do that I didn't really know who I was. Going to SDSU, a less respectable school than UCSD or UCLA made me realize its not so much the school that is important but what you do in it. I learned to care less about the money and follow a dream that would make me happy, doing something I was truely interested in and felt accomplished in completing. I learned to trust myself and take risks. In doing so I figured out who I really was through not being what everyone else thought I should become. I rediscovered my love for subjects I discarded because they wouldn't make a lucrative living and made friends I'd keep forever. I'd tell myeslf then, the exact thing I'm telling myself now, "Breathe and live life."

Dont listen to the guidence counselor who forced you to take a math class that didn't prepare you at all for college math. Keep the good grades up, but dont think that freshman year of college is going to be anything like high school.

Education is a very important aspect in our lives. A person who has reached far in his education will definitely reach far in his career. This is the reason why you shouldn't let anything stop you from obtaining a good education. I joined the military after having a year of college education. This didn't hinder me from achieving my goal of getting a Bachelor's Degree. While in the military, I was still taking one or two college classes at a time. I got my Associate's Degree by doing that. Although I am still on active duty, I was very priviledged to get accepted in a program that would pay for my tuition fees to get a Bachelor's Degree. Seeing what has happened in my life, if I were to go back in time, I would definitely tell myself to just "keep on doing what you're doing because there are many opportunities out there for you (like the military to pay for tuition fees and different scholarship programs to pay for other expenses like required school materials) and there are many people out there eager to support your aspirations for a higher education".

I would tell myself not to be so scared. I was very nervous about going to college, that it would be incredibly hard and difficult to get used to. But it turns out that it was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I would tell myself that I was more ready for it than I thought, that I could handle it. I would also advise myself to prepare for more demanding classes and music performances. I would tell myself that it would be stressful, but to keep doing my best and keep hanging in there.

I would tell myself to be more confident in the beginning of the year. It is so important to get involved right from the start so you don't feel like you missed out on making friends. Otherwise, everyone else will have made friends and you will just be stuck with your roommate, who may or may not be nice. Also, I would tell myself that I would face some very serious situations, such as a suitemate's rape, and I would remind myself not to judge the person, but to help her. It is also very important to keep a calendar of work you have to do. Keeping a calendar and makin sure you stay on track (deciding what you will do each day) really helps bring down the stress level, because you are able to do a bit at a time, rather than the whole project the night before it is due.

If I was given the chance to talk to the high school senior version of myself, I would emphasize that prioritizing and staying organized is very important in college. In college, you are more in control of your education in comparison to high school and it is very pertinent that you prioritize and remain organized so you accomplish everything needed for your major and classes. Living in the dorms can pose as a distraction because you are constantly surrounded by some of your best friends and it is tempting to socialize; however remembering your priorities is important. Simple things such as a planner or meeting with an academic counselor can help you stay organized and on track with your education and thus helping you prioritize. There are requirements that need to be met, such as for registration, and it is crucial that you stay on top of these so that you don?t fall behind and are able to accomplish all your prerequisites. Not only will prioritizing and organizing help you throughout college, but it is an important trait that will be useful in future jobs and in life.

I would tell myself to always remember why I am going to college and to focus on whats most important. The transition is hard, but if you surround yourself with the right people and make the best decisions for yourself, college will be a breeze. College is where you will change the most as a person it's where you really need to start focusing on youre future. Balance your fun and your studying because if you don't, you will find youreself living in a world of no fun at all. And yes, it will be FUN to study really hard in the library for two days straight and see that A on your biology exam.

If I was back in High School and I had a chance to explain to myself what college was all about I would first start with being independent. In college teachers nor anyone else will remind you when something is due or when an exam is. It is ones responsibility to keep track of any due dates, and then I would continue by stating that shyness should not be a factor in college, because when you have a question, and you don?t ask because you are shy or fear of asking a stupid question, then you are only failing yourself. Another thing I would consider telling myself is to manage time well. If you have 10 minutes before a class starts, be there early and ready to work and pay attention, don?t waste time by getting an extra snack or talking to a friend, do what you need to do to succeed in that specific class. Lastly, I would tell myself to enjoy the time at school, enjoy learning everything you can, and with the responsibility, the hard work and the enjoyment, college will be a successful experience.

If i could go back to high school, I will probably pay more attention to my professor advisers. Also, I will have more time with my friends because after graduation I lost track with many of them. I will advise myself to apply to school and do all the things I wanted to do before graduation, to enjoy life and have fun.

I would definitely tell myself to become more organized and work on my time management. Also, I would emphasize the importance of extracurriculars and the availability of scholarships and how both should be taken seriously. Basically, I would relate the importance of being an efficient and well-rounded individual.