Arizona State University-West Top Questions

If I was talking to my past self from high school, I would probably try to slap some sense into me. It's not because I did bad in high school per say, but what I was not doing that could have helped me beyond belief. I should have been applying to scholarships and trying to get as much money to help my family with college out as possible. I should have been applying since freshman year. I would tell myself to kick it into high gear, and put an effort towards trying to get some scholarships. I was a selfish kid in high school, but college has taught me the errors of my past self. I dont see it as a weakness or a strength, but as an opportunity jump into really helping my family.

The advice I would give myself is to work hard in high school. A big tip is learning how to manage your time. If you get a job during college, you would need to manage your time for both school work and your job. School will take a lot of hard work especially studying. Your whole grade is made up of tests. In high school, your grade was mostly made up of homework and some tests, but in college there is little homework and more tests. Time management comes in hand when you have to study for tests. I would take advantage of advanced classes that are offered in high school, so it will help you prepare for college courses. Another tip is to learn how to study. Learn how to take notes where you understand it. Some professors won't write notes in college, so it would be great if you start learning how to take notes without notes given to you. The main tip I would suggest is to talk to your teachers. If you are confused about something, ask them to clarify. They are there to help you and talking to them will make a difference.

The advice I’d give myself in high school is to do more research papers, this way I have more practice. At my high school they offered AP courses that would get you dual enrollment, I'd strongly would have recommended to enroll in those classes. By enrolling in these classes I'd get the high school credit needed and also college credit which would same me time. I'd also tell myself to stay in all the extracurricular activities I was in. To continue being student body President of the school and show everyone a good example. I’d also think that is wasn’t so important to have a job so I shouldn’t have gotten one towards the end of the year because that was time consuming. In college you have time to get a job if you really need it but its best not to get a job because being a fulltime student is hard work. You must study hard in high school so you’ll be prepared when you come to the university.

The most beneficial thing you can do for yourself within college is to engage in thoughtful discussions with your professors. Building these relationships with your intellectual superiors is extremely imporant when constructing your academic prowess and future career endeavors. Networking in this way really expands your horizons and enables you to have a friend in the area of expertise you are attempting to pursure. In order to get into the field you desire, many employers or institutions will ask for letters of reccomendation. With these significant relationships, the letters will be filled with kind words and raving reviews. This sort of action is what I wish I explored more within my undergraduate career because it would have made my transition into graduate school go more smoothly. Now that I know these crucial elements, I have put forth a great amount of effort in forming lasting relationships with my mentors.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to apply to Arizona State as soon as I got the first email from them. Mostly because of finacial aid as well as scholarships, but because this is such a great place. Looking back on it now I cant believe I even considered going anywhere else. I would also apply for more scholarships to help pay for college,because thats a huge issue in todays society. Furthermore, I would tell myself to always be on top of important deadlines and due dates. Nothing is more frustrating than missing an important date, and then having to come out of pocket for it. Lastly I would tell myself to buy things for housing as I went along, buying it all the day before you leave is way too stressful.

Miss. Lucero, First off, while you may be graduating a semester early it doesn't mean you are smarter than the world. You still need a college education. Getting married at 18 years old will not be enough. Sorry to say, but it didn't work out. You started college 2 years later as a single mom. In the last 8 years you have had another failed marriage, another child to raise alone, been struggling with your personal choices and have bounced between Community Colllege and ASU. You have exhausted your Pell Grants and Federal Loans while trying to get through school and survive. And while you have crossed into a wonderful sorority, you still feel down because you know you should have graduated college by now. So here I am to tell you that you have your whole life ahead of you. Education is one of the most important things. Make it a priority and experience all it has to offer. Yes, your chilldren are the light of your life but wouldn't you want to be raising them as you rise in your career instead of having them watch you struggle through school? Please, make a better choice.

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior, the advice that I would give myself would be to save up as much money as possible, apply for scholarships, and start studying for my MCATs. Students attending high school do not realize how easy and simple classes are until they reach University level courses. Today, I look back at my high school days and realize how easier my courses were and that I had a lot more free time on my hands. High School was the perfect time for me to begin applying for scholarships and to save up for my tuition and textbooks. It was also a terrific time for me to begin studying for the MCATs. It is never too early to begin studying for an importan exam that you will have to take in your future. The earlier the better.

I would tell myself to not wait until my thirties to go back to school and start my journey towards my career however I would warn myself to take a couple years off to figure out and mature in life to truly know what I want to do for a career. I would also tell myself to be leary of academic advisors and financial advisors because although they appear to be educated, they sometimes lead you in the wrong direction and you end up spending money and valuable time on classes that are not necessary to meet requirements. I would also tell myself to enjoy life and to not take everything so seriously.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior there is so much I would tell myself. The first thing I would make sure to tell myself is to read a lot more. Reading really helps expand the mind and helps you aquire so much more knowledge. I would also tell myself to not procrastinate. There are so many great oppurtunities for internships, scholarships, and other great things that I never took advantage of and once I thought to look into it, the oppertunity no longer existed. I wish that I would have taken the time to apply to school earlier and I would of put in more of an effort toward my classes, although I still did well. The last most important thing I would have told myself would have been to take my GRE my Junior year in college instead of waiting until the last minute.

To my younger self, do not worry about the future. The plans you have are not necessarily the best plans for you. Start every day with a deep breath and a smile. College is a different ball game. Sure, you won't be surrounded by the same friends you had through-out high school; that doesn't mean you can't make more. There will be heartbreak and struggles along the way, but don't let them weigh you down. Hold your head up high because there is something great along the way. Read your books, and study hard. You have everything it takes to succeed, just have faith in yourself. High school was just a small slice of your life. This is when you truly start living. Enjoy every minute and every person. You are in for a crazy ride.