University of California-Los Angeles Top Questions

In high school, all of my focus was towards academics and getting really good grades in order to become valedictorian. In doing this, I sacrificed a social life. I know now that in high school hard work is necessary but so is living life. I would tell myself to not take everything so seriously and focus on more opportunities and volunteering rather than academics. I would tell myself to smile and joke around every once in awhile because when it comes down to it high school is probably one of the easiest times in your life and you should enjoy it. You should connect with your friends because that connection could help you later in life. I would remind myself of the basic lesson such as peer pressure as it is a very real thing in college. I would want my younger self to have a strong foundation of beliefs and ideals so that when I got to college I could go back to these beliefs and not fall into peer pressure and "typical" college behavior.

Knowing what I know about college the only advice I would tell my younger self would be to meet as many people as you can, have fun, and stay focused. I would not want to give my younger self too much information because a big part of college is growing as a person and becoming a young adult. A lot of mistakes will be made, but mistakes are a fundamental part in an young adults growth. As long as we learn from our mistakes they will do more good than bad for us in life. It is the journey and not the destination that will have the most impact on our lives.

Don't be worried about being different and changing yourself to fit in. You're going to have the time of your life studying abroad in London and realize that you are happiest when you are true to your desires and wants. The confidence you exude when you embrace all your oddities will make you stand out and distinguish you in a great organization that will change the way you look at leadership. Don't feel broken for not feeling appropriate emotions. You'll speak to a university psychologist for days and realize that you can't tell your heart how to feel. Don't feel guilty for not drinking, you're going to find great friends that share your values and will support you when classes seem like they're getting to be too much for you to handle. Do prepare to be happier than you ever were in high school. Your skills are invaluable and you will find yourself being an integral part of several university organizations. Do remember to be thankful for every minute you have with your family, because you'll miss them once you've moved out. Do enjoy every fleeting minute of your life.

Don't stress so much, you're making the right choice in going to college! College is a great experience, and you will pick the right school. The new adventure will be what you make of it; if you decide to be an active member of the school, you can meet amazing people and have a great journey All of the other college freshmen are just as nervous as you, so pick some good ones and they will help make the transition easier. At times it may get tough and the studying will get hard. However, if you learn to manage your time well, you will have nothing to worry about. Enjoy your time in high school and make lasting memories with your friends, because it will be harder to stay in touch once you all go your seperate ways. But they will be there for you when you're in that new and unknown place and will know how to make you feel better. Don't forget that even though you aren't with your fammily and friends, they are there to help make your transition easy! You will do great things!

I would tell myself to build extensive study habits and to not be afraid to ask for help. Much of what I have learned in college I have remembered thanks to great study partners and techniques. When I was in high school, I crammed for every test, and then afterward, would retain none of the knowledge that I studied. By studying with others, creative solutions were discovered more quickly to problems that we all had with the material. I was able to recall the knowledge and apply it, not just regurgitate it for and exam or quiz. I would tell myself that it would not be easy at first, but in the long term, would pay great dividends through both my GPA and overall knowledge base. Asking for help should have never been a sign of weakness in my mind, as it is one of humankind's greatest strengths! Every human has to learn from another, building upon knowledge and inventing new ways to examine the world around us. We are built to learn from each other and we all need help sometimes. That is exactly what I would tell my high school self.

Rewind one year: I am a high school senior swamped with AP classes and a plethora of homework, multiple quizzes and two tests in the same week, club obligations to meet, and friends to socialize with. My entire life revolves around perpetual work, and I was blissfully ignorant that in only a few short months, I would move to Los Angeles to attend UCLA. What I would tell my high school self is painfully simple: spend more time with your family, because they are your foundation, and you will finally realize the adage that you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. My dedication to my academics clouded this vital truth from me. I would do anything to go back and go to that party with my mother’s family and find another time to study for my government test, or randomly go shopping with my sister during one of her impulses. I would put down my book and bother my brothers while they were on their computers or take my dad to Taco Bell on a whim. My family is a major part of my life, and every moment with them is an important one.

I would have told myself to not worry about boys, drama, frenemies, and to focus myself 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. I was a first generation college student, my parents highest grade level achieved was middle school. I had no role models, so it made it difficult to apply myself academically. I would have told myself that I was worthy of attending any university I set my mind to.

Dear High School Seniors: Every college has its own distinct advantages and faults. One thing for sure is that if you properly use the resources and keep your eyes on positive goals, you can be "successful" in any university. Yes, any university. So, instead of stressing out and blindly applying to the most prestigious universities in the United States, find the school that you think you'd be passionate about and one that fits you. Don't be discouraged if you don't get your first choice or less. Successful people aren't made by schools; they are who they are because of their experiences and the people around them. Think of school as a tool or stepping stone in your life, nothing more. Other people believe in you, so, have some faith for yourself. Cherish the last moments in high school and best of luck in life!

I would tell myself to be less stressed out. I always knew that UCLA was my dream school and worked toward admission with every late night review session and AP test. But the application process to college is so stressful, and it always works out. People end up where they are meant to be. And more importantly, if you approach college with a desire to succeed and a passion for what you are learning, you can do well on any campus. My biggest advice to myself would be to take it one step at a time and not worry about what will happen way down the line. All you can do is your absolute best in that moment and hope for the best. I could not be more happy about where I am now, but if I could've known that I would end up at UCLA as a high school senior, I would have eliminated many worried-filled nights!

I would make sure that I had more scholarships lined up for me. With that I would have put forth more effort to get better grades. I would have researched more colleges and made sure I was better prepared for the college life.

People are too busy worrying about themselves to worry about you. It may seem like what you wear, say, and do is being intensely judged by everyone around you, but that's simply not the case. Everyone is trying their best to define themselves in a new environment and in a new world. Factoring in the opinions you assume the people around you have is not only inaccurate but it is an incredible waste of time. Use your power of will and thought to decide that you are good enough simply because you exist. Base your idea of who you are not on the ideas or thoughts of others, but on the ideas and thoughts of you. Life is too short to wrap yourself in a blanket of worry that does no good for anyone, and in all honesty doesn't have to exist. College is a time where you can define yourself based upon what you want, what you desire, and what you feel you should contribute to the world. Don't miss out on the beauty of yourself because you're worried about what other people think. You are special. You are worthy. You are you.

I have two pieces of advice to make the best out of college: try new things and budget your time wisely. Check out clubs or groups on campus, either centered on things you know you like to meet new people with the same interest, or on things that you have vaguely heard of to learn more about them. Rush a sorority or a fraternity to see what it's like. Take classes in subjects you may have never known you loved or known you were good at. Be social and reach out to other students in your classes or in your dorm. Do all of this to make sure you haven't pidgeon-holed yourself into whatever college experience you think you're supposed to have. But, just as importantly, make sure that you are still alotting the appropriate amount of time for your studies. The focus of your studies may change a few times throughout your college career, but there should still be goals in mind at the end. Whether it's learning more about or mastering a certain field, or building a foundation for post-college life; actively work toward that goal. Balance is the key.

Follow your passion and absolutely, irrevocably do not let anyone or anything stand in your way. This is your life, your major, and your career choices. Don’t be afraid to fight for what you value and know is right. If you feel you don’t fit in, start your own movement. Hold your head up no matter what, but also don’t be afraid to seek help, advice, or just someone to lean on. Never be apologetic about what you staunchly believe in. It is 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} okay to not have a life plan set out, but take advantage of your time in college to try new hobbies, discover interests, and explore your own individuality. Time will fly before you know it so do not let opportunities run away, but at the same time, realize that not every opportunity may be right for you. Be sure to carve time for volunteering, exercising, and meditating. Mental health, including reflection and sleep, is essential to growth and success. Amidst working hard academically, never forget personal time is crucial to happiness and what more to define success than the state of happiness?

Although the transition between high school and college seems scary, you are on the right track at making the transition smoother. Doing the summer program will help you prepare for fall quarter and adjust to your new home. Do not worry about not fitting in or meeting someone else that is a mother. You will meet a couple of moms and find the support that you need from the school and your new community. Academically you will excel, but emotionally it will be challenging and yes you will cry at times. However, you will have child care, an apartment, school supplies, and food. Like always you found a way to make it happen not only for yourself, but for your children as well. The last thing I will advise you is to continue to push forward, no matter how tough it gets, and it feels impossible. Remember that you can and will accomplish your goals.

“Hibernate throughout the insanely long summer vacation. You have to listen to me. You are going to need all of that sleep for your first year alone. Who cares about hanging out with your friends and doing things you have not been able to do, you need your sleep. Yeah, I know you will most likely not see your friends throughout the year and you will have to wait until the next summer to see them, but you need your sleep. Sleep is sleep. In fact, tell them too to hibernate. They are going to need their sleep as well. They will thank you a million times after their first year ends. I can assure you that.” That is the advice I would give myself. It honestly would have been the greatest advice I have ever received if someone would have advised me that as I was awaiting to commence my first year at a university. So many nights spent up late at night studying, finishing up that six-page essay, or even just talking to my floor mates. “Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention. Sometimes just say no... Do not question it. You will find out later. Good luck.”

Expect the worst, then anything that comes in your experience will not be as much of a negative experience. Don't be a pessimist, but be aware that you will struggle more than others because of your background.

Recently, I was reminiscing about my high school experience a bit of euphoria and comical sentiments aroused in my soul and psyche. I thought I knew who I was. I thought what I was taught was true at face value. I now know that’s a fallacy at all levels. Not to cast any culpability on teachers, but to earnestly question the K-12 education system. I would have told the younger me of approximately one hundred fifty days ago to find out who I am. The more one knows, the more one tries and advances. I am Moorish the decedents of Moorish people who were notable in science. I believe if I knew the entirety of my ancestry I would be more motivated. Subsequently, I would have done more research on scholarship and sponsorship options, because I would have understood the key to education. The power that is generated is incomparably; not only to aspire to be an employee one day but to be an employer and an entrepreneur. Once you know your history, you will not act wayward in college like most students because you know who you are. You're not lost anymore, you’re found.

I would tell myself to give everybody a chance – including myself. Everybody deserves to be listened to, because it is impossible to understand anybody fully, and all too often we rob those around us of the chance to be heard. Obviously, some (including my high school self) would ask the skeptical question: "if it is impossible to understand others, why try?" I believe that without knowing others we cannot know ourselves. The man who lives in a red house never truly knows his house is red until he meets the man from the blue house. Imagine how much his worldview might change, and that's just based on learning of the outsider's house color, let alone his life story. We have so much to learn from others, so listen up. Knowing my high school self though, I would be sure to tell him not to get absorbed in the lives of others. As a third-culture kid I would frequently assume the personas of my friends. In reality, I always knew that I could truly be me, but never quite gave myself the chance. Listen to others, and listen to your real self, kid.

Do not worry about transitioning into collage. It does not matter what expectations you believe are put on you, both socially and academiclly. You do not need to fit in right away. The social aspects of univerity life will begin to work out the moment you stop trying to force them. There are so many people and clubs, that even though some groups may not seem to fit with who you see yourself as, that is ok. Keep an open mind, however if you find yourself unhappy in a situation move away from it and find something that makes you feel comfortable. As far as grades are concerned, you know you are one of the worst test takers in existance. Although it is critical that you study as hard as you always have, you should immidiatly stop focusing on test scores and gpa and shift your attention to learning and enjoying the material. The less stressed you are and the less anxiety you have over the upcomming test, the better you will do.

It isn't going to be easy, but you will get through it. Work hard and you will develop the best study habits you have ever had. Don't worry so much about your friends from home, the ones that matter much will always be there for you. Don't worry so much about making others proud, do what is best for you. Stand up for yourself, don't let your roommates walk all over you or they will steal $300 worth of your belongings. Gain some confidence, it will help you in a lot more aspects than you think. Get involved, it's the only way to meet people in this big of a school. Sit in the front row, professors wil notice you and it will improve your grades. Go to Office for Students With Disabilities, you don't know it yet, but you have ADHD. Getting this hep and receiving the accomodations will raise your grades by 20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. You aren't stupid, you just needed a little extra help. Get involved in research early, by your junior year it is too late. They want people who can dedicate 2 years. Good luck, you will do it kid.