San Jose State University Top Questions

There is such excitement as a high school senior to finally be down the road to graduation. It would be the opportune time to advise my younger self in order to live a successful life, go straight back to college and earn a working degree. A working degree is one that can be used for a job immediately after graduation. I would give myself positive affirmations to say, at those low times, when I am unable to get into the laddered pre requisite class because there are so many applicants. I would tell my younger self to complete every single transferrable undergraduate course at a two year college and then transfer to a university in order to save money. In terms of money, don’t take out any loans, be a working student as much as possible and not be burdened with debt. Be involved with activities at school but don’t get lost in them because in the end it’s good to have the stories but even better to have that degree. Don’t buy non degree books! Rent books either online or even in the library or if must buy one edition lower than the other.

In addition to what I already stated in the previous question, I would tell myself many things about college life at San Jose State University. For example, I would say the standard "do the readings and homework" and "don't procrastinate and study until the break of dawn". But I would also make it imperative to my old self that I would need to get over my social anxiety as best as I can in order to maximize my socializing and possibly my happiness at the school. My first semester was nothing short of miserable because of how little I interacted with other classmates and even dorm-mates. I was alone and morose for the first half of my first year in college which I feel reduced my opportunities to getting the most out of my college experience.

If I could go back and give myself advice as a hugh school senior, I would prepare myself for college by saying that you definitely need to research/visit the campus you plan on attending, and yes, you do actually need to READ THE BOOKS, you need to learn how to study, stay focused, GO TO OFFICE HOURS and make sure your professor knows who YOU are because he/she has hundreds of students, sit in the front of a lecture hall (or else you will completely fall asleep or find some other type of distraction), go to the gym, and go out and meet as many people as possible. Do not worry about small things, make sure people know who you are for networking purposes, join greek life, be prepared to meet people of all different backgrounds and personality types, be responsible, and have fun. My summary about college is that this is the time of my life. I am going to make sure I work hard and party hard because these are the years i will never get back!

My advice that I would go back and give to myself would be to study more and study well. During my high school years, I felt like I was too good to study, when I got rejected to all the schools I applied too it was a wake up call to me. I attented community college for five years until I finally got into San Jose State University. At San Jose State University I realized that I needed to study and learn the concepts instead of memorizing the concepts. Ever since taking a new initiative and approach to studying I achieved a 3.350 G.P.A at my first semester at San Jose State. So the advice I would give to myself is to definetly take studying more seriously because when I look back in my high school years, classes would have been a lot easier if I pushed myself to study.

This question has revisited my mind frequently ever since I finished my Freshman year at San Jose State University. The number one tip I would tell myself if I had this time travel opportunity would be to take multiple colleges classes as a junior and senior in high school. College is expensive, which in turn imbues the students' life with stress and anxiety about monetary needs. Before every semester I have barely acquired the necessary amount of money in order to continue my education. And this constant financial worry has been looming over my head and has become sort of an impediment in my daily life. When I go back in time to talk to my high school self, I will say, "take at least 4 online colleges classes!" For one, they are free when you're in high school and it will prepare you for the academic transition in college. Secondly, If you take at least 4 college classes, you can save thousands of dollars that you would have spent on tuition, books, parking fees, and so on and so forth because you will have completed a semester's worth of college. Note to past self, TAKE COLLEGE CLASSES!

Never miss the first day of class, it will screw you up for the rest of the semester. Also try to cushion your load with some easy GE classes instead of trying to take physics, calculus, java programming, and c programming all in one semester. You might learn more and avoid a useless class, but you will get bad grades, and good grades are necessary to continue your education, so in the long run they are important. Also work on your computer programming homework assignments with your friends, because that's how its done in the real world, and it relieves a tremendous load off your back to have a buddy there to help you when you are stuck for what could otherwise be hours and hours of wasted time you could use to start your business and become a millionare instead. Also stay away from facebook, only use it for talking to colleagues about homework or class questions but don't post anything. Basically don't use anything other than the instant chat function or the facebook groups if / when you are managing a club or your own startup company. Also never exercise, it's a complete time waster.

Caitlyn, there’s so many things to tell you. This is a time where you can make something of who you are and who you want to be. Go and pursue what you want, just as long as it makes you happy. Money is secondary if it’s what you love. Things will happen in life. Whether it’s good or bad, keep your hands out for both of them. If you ever feel lonely, keep it as company. Be yourself. The process of self-discovery takes time, but those who don’t accept you for who you are don’t have a place in your life. Love yourself. It’s alright to take yourself on a date. Things will fall into place. Life may seem like a whirlwind and you’re in the center. You have grades to focus on, a job, family, and endless expectations from yourself and others. It is overwhelming at times but always have faith. Opportunities may come and leave, but you have the choice which door to shut and open. You are constantly changing. Embrace it. Lastly, be kind and keep on inspiring people. You’ll get there kiddo. Don’t give up.

If I could go back in time I would tell my high school self to apply to Point Loma Nazarene University's graphic design program. I would encourage myself to focus more on graphic design. I tell myself to get emancipated because not only will my mom not help me with finical cost for school but she won't talk to me. I am in a pickle trying to get Federal Aid. Getting emancipated would save me from the shock of getting kicked out of my home during my senior year, save me heart ache, and reduce finical complications.

Knowing what i know now, i would have pushed myself to take AP classes and push myself to do more extra curicular activities. I would have gotten involved more in school clubs and worked harder to better myself.

Make friends. Join a club. Talk to Dad. Talk with professors. Don't worry about finding a girlfriend, you will get plenty.