University of California-San Diego Top Questions

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would advise myself to study for all my classes and make sure that I can retain the information and not just glance at the information. I would also advise myself to take advantage of all my resources because in college, you have to make the effort to get all your questions answered. There is no one there pushing you and reminding you to get things done. You must take the initiative.

Make sure you study more, college is not as easy as high school. You have to spend alot of time on your studies or else you will not suceed as well as you did in high school. Don't spend as much money either. You are given money for school and you can save the rest for future quarters. Be safe and don't drink unless you know you are with good people.

I would definately look at more college choices , even if it meant going out-of-state. I would make sure to enroll in a college-transition program, so that I'd be well prepared at the beginning of school. I would try to sit through a lecture to get a sense of what I was going to get into. Search the school for their extra-curricular activities they offer. What sports are offered there? Is their carreer center helpful/convenient? Talk to students already enrolled and get some honest answers from them; ask if they enjoy that campus. Make sure you like the location. For ex: Are you into cold/hot weather. Do you like the beach or the snow? Do you see yourself graduating from that college in particular? Do you know what you want to major/minor in? Check out the dorm-living life. Are there convenient ways of getting thorugh and out of campus? Do you like the fast-food places on campus? What type of work-study jobs are available for students? Is the college aiming to GO-GREEN? How are the students giving back to the community in general? What kind of attractions are around?

I wouldn't tell myself anything because what I know now isn't because someone told me something. I went out and learned it for myself and now my knowledge and views are broadened because I have had these experiences. Not having those experiences would have made me into a different person than what I am today and I wouldn't want to change the person I am today, Sure, I am flawed but those flaws are what builds character and makes me, well, me. I guess if I could tell myself anything though, it would be to be grateful for who you are and everything you have because in college you become vastly aware of those around you and the different lots those people have been thrown in life and how long it has taken them to get to that point. The transition from high school to college can be hard but it was a learning experience that I will never forget.

It is okay to go to community college. At first I was ashamed that even though I had exceptional grades in high school, I had to go to community college because of financial stress. I would get those puzzled looks from people when I told them I was going to community college, followed by the response, "But I thought you were smart?". Overall, it was the best choice for me because I was able to keep my mom from going into a huge amount of debt over the past two years. I got a nearly equivalent education, as I was taking my general education requirements, for a fraction of the usual cost. In addition, when I transferred I felt like I was finally ready to be on my own, as compared to the maturity and independence I had coming out of high school. It may not be the decision you want, but it is the smart choice, and it will make you appreciate your dream school even more when you finally get to transfer.

Be prepared as much as possible. When you find yourself going to bed at 3 in the morning more than twice a week, you need to change your routine during the day. College life may seem difficult, but if you really look at it, you will catch yourself wasting unnecessary hours taking naps, eating, or browsing the internet. When you count the hours, the amount of time you spend in class during college is nothing compared to the number of hours that you use by being at school. Also, try to plan out your days a week at a time so that you are able to stay focused on your current situation instead of being distracted by the upcoming break. While everything that I have just said is important, I have to say that the best piece of advice that I can give you is to get to know your classmates and make friends. Having friends in college is vital to keeping you active and focused on your schoolwork and on your social life. In addition, these friends become one of the biggest motivators that keep you going to class--which helps tremendously towards doing well in the course.

I would tell myself to start college focused. People get to college and realize that they are so free they start to have too much fun. This leads to slacking in school and it will hit you hard. People usually have their worst quarters the first quarter of their college career. An incoming student should be focused and commit to doing well early on in their college career.

It's not always the case where a student is accepted to his/her first choice college. If a student ends up somewhere else than where he/she expected to be, the student must make the most out of his/her time there. Never underestimate the school in any way, may it be, the quality of education, facilities, and faculty. Every school has something to offer the student as long as the student is responsiveand open-minded.

I would advice myself to take more AP classes and actually try to pass the test. A few extra units would come in handy. I would also say that I should try to learn better study skills. That college is hard, and good study skills would really come in handy.

I would definitely tell myself to try harder and put forth all my effort, no matter what. In high school I was a relaxed student who was able to score well on tests without really studying. This, on several occasions, led to satisfaction with getting a B+ on an assignment over the A if it meant getting by without an additional hour of studying. I also didn't become interested in what college I wanted to attend until junior year, so current students should definitely do some research in that area early on. When reception letters came, I was rejected by my top 2 schools and had to settle with my 3rd choice. I was seriously not happy for a couple of months, but after attending this school I now know it was the right choice for me. Students should do extensive research on what their top choices are like and even talk to current students to get a better idea. Visits are highly recommended as well. All in all, college is a highly important 4 years of your life. You want to do a good job of deciding where you spend them.