San Diego State University Top Questions

If I could go back in time,I would tell myself to stay focused and to work hard to get to where I want to be. Even though I was a good student then, I wasn't as focused as I should have been. I was more focused on hanging out with friends, having fun, and I was definitely boy crazy. I would go back and tell myself that none of those things matter and my future is what is important. I would tell myself to stop worrying about my high school boyfriend and concentrate on my homework because we weren't going to work out in the long run anyway. Had I concentrated more, I probably could have gotten into more colleges that I wanted to attend. I would also have told myself to join a sports team. It could have helped me physically and to be used to exercising to live a more healthy lifestyle. It also would have taught more about teamwork and this trait would have helped me alot in college and in my adult life. I would have learned to communicate effeciently with others, listen to others, and handle criticism better.

I always knew that college was expensive, but the reality of facing college costs did not hit me until after I finished high school. I was accepted to go to a university in high school, but the school ended up being too expensive for me to attend. Now, I am at the stage where I am ready to go to a university again (I just finished up my Associate's at a two-year college). I am facing the same issue now that I was back when I was in high school when I applied to the university that was too expensive for me to attend. If I could go back to when I was in high school, I would tell myself to keep my grades up so that I could qualify for more scholarships.

As a high school student. I had no worries in the wide world of life about my education or finical stubility. Going thru High school I do remember thinking. No, I dont understand why they make us go thru these classes. And fill all these forms out . And stay on a schudle. But I have came to the conclusion that I now understand why WE had to do all these things. I am at a part of my life where I am eager to learn. I have a chance to further my education but i am at a stand still with my education due by the lack of funds. I am working real hard trying to make it all work but I just cant with out alittle bit of help. I am currently working 2 jobs. with 2 kids and divorced...

Study hard, apply to all the colleges you can. Seperate yourself from the crowd that drags you down and only hang out with people that will be positive for you. These people will do something selfish later on anyway so have a head start.

Never be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions is the best way to learn. Take high school seriously and try to take as many math and science courses. Try not to procrastinate. Apply for as many scholarships as possible. Make sure your time is used productively to study. Shadow employees from different careers and do research on different career paths. Take advantage of college credit classes if they are available through the high school. Meet with current college students to know what to expect. If possible talk to college professors and maybe sit in a college class to see what is expected of college students. Always keep up with college and scholarship deadlines and maybe even keep a planner with important dates. Try not to over work in a job and focus more on your high school classes. Having a job your senior year should not be your priority. Better jobs will come after a college education.

Tyler, you must speak with a guidance councelor before jumping into your classes without any idea on what your objective will be! Having an educational map has been the most helpful choice I could have made regarding education purposes. Having a goal and something to work towards makes school a breeze.

I would tell myself apply to the best colleges available, and a wide variety. Do not go to "community college" because it is cheaper, you will miss the college experience and you will not make long lasting friends. Focus your attention on the requirements for graduation and pick a major that will lead into a promising job. Make sure to spend your time wisely, try to get a double major to make yourself more marketable upon graduation. Make as many connections with teachers as possible and build strong relationships to secure excellent recommendations. Constantly take advantage of internships and workshops that build on your skills and experiences. Plan for life after college; think about graduate schools and possible job opportunities. Apply for as many scholarships as possible to ease the debt you will incure. Make sure to take part in clubs, organizations, and you must study abroad. Be an active student and enjoy your experience while maintaining a respectful GPA. Remeber to have fun, drink responsibly, and set yourself apart from the crowd!

"Look out! You're in for a bumpy & beautiful ride!" I said to my younger self. "You will have your heart broken, & then have it healed by the man you marry in a few short years. Yes, you'll still have children, despite what that doctor said after the surgery you'll have in 2 years. Don't worry - you'll find that getting your GED doesn't hold you back at all. Also, when you go to college over the next couple of years you will drop that too & go to a trade school for skin care instead. Hahaha! Surprised, huh? But, sadly you don't stick with that either & it's okay! Because by the time you hit 28, you'll find that passion that you always knew was there, & you will venture out on becoming an adult-student in psychology! Yes! So, don't stop doing what you're doing. Learn everything you can along this journey & be thankful for it all - because you will make a great difference one day! Strap on your knee pads because it will be a bumpy ride, but remember, it's all worth it & will work out in the end!"

In high school, the underlying drive for attending college was to make my parents happy. At the time, I cared about what my friends would go on to do and how I would fit into those plans. After experiencing college life and developing a passion for education, there is plenty of advice I would give myself, granted I could go back in time. I would tell myself that tapping into the world of higher education strengthens your appreciation for the diverse world and helps mold you into a culturally competent and educated person who can be successful on your own. I would advise that high school friendships, although valuable, do not last forever and it is in college that you develop the strongest bonds with people who have similar goals and outlooks. College opens up an incredible amount of opportunities and gives you the freedom to decide where you want to take your life. It introduces you to areas of knowledge never even heard of prior to college and allows you to have your own point of view, separate from your parents. If, as a high school student, you are looking for freedom, college is the answer to that.

If I could speak to myself as a high school senior, I would stress how important the first two years of college is in regards to setting the groundwork for your GPA. I would tell myself that I should be building my resume throughout college and that it is never too early to start getting involved in research on campus and other extracurricular activities that can help me get into graduate school. I would tell myself that professor's office hours are a great way to get to know faculty and find opportunities with faculty run research or faculty mentorship, which make great letters of reccommendation for graduate school. I would tell myself that college is only 4 years and it will go quickly even though entering into college can be a bit daunting. I would tell myself that sometimes it is all about who you know and networking will make your academic life a lot easier. I would tell myself that SDSU is a great university to explore what you love and plug in to the campus community. I would tell myself that tuition will rise and to be fiscally prepared for those changes.