California Lutheran University Top Questions

The advice I would give myself as a High School Senior would be to stay focused and don't let senioritis allow me to slack off. I would encourage myself to obtain the best grades possible because the payoff is better then the activities I would be attending by blowing off school. California Lutheran University has taught me that working hard and staying focused allows for a greater reward in the end whether it is achieving success in your chosen career path or moving up in your career faster then you would have expected.

Focus more on what scholarship oppertunities are out there, any money will help. Also make more contacts where you will be attending schools to workout oppertunities to reduce your tuition prices and book fees. Your study habits are good and they will carry over, just be more confident when looking at scholarship (no scholarship is too large for you to contend with).

I would definitely tell myself to take a chance and go somewhere new. Don't stay in your town (like I initially thought I wanted to) and not even the same state. You have at least FOUR years to go live somewhere you never thought you could live until now. At least if you go and don't like it, you can still come back home after and not look like a giant failure. If you were to move after college, there's more stress riding on your move (where will you live?, for what reason are you moving?, how will you get loans for living? where will you work? etc.) College is an easy excuse to experience a new culture, meet new friends, build a network. I would also tell myself to not let a bad college experience get you down. You must remember that YOU are paying THEM, and not the other way around. You have the CHOICE to leave if you don't like it. That is something to never forget. And P.S. Strive to LIVE, and not just EXIST. You are never truly living until you step outside of your comfort zone.

As a kid I dreamt of college and the experience; I envisioned living on campus, participating in clubs and activities, socializing, and most importantly studying harder than ever in order to get to a place in life that I would be forever happy. However, the reality turned out to be the complete opposite. I left high school unsure of what I wanted to do career wise. College came too quickly and I was forced to attend a community college because I could not afford to attend a University. I have three jobs; I babysit, work at Jc Penney's, and work at a dental office while also attending school full time. I am not actively involved in any clubs, I do not socialize in school with the other students, and I am not living the life I expected. Here is my advice to myself in high school: volunteer, discover what you want, attend a University immediately, and avoid work. The more focused you are on school, your future career, and networking, the easier it'll be to find your dream career. Invest in yourself!

I would tell my old self that college is a place to experince many things and to find out who you are and who you want to be. You dont have to know your exact path right when you graduate high school. Experience life and its ok to change your mind even a few times on what you want to do with the rest of your life. Dont go a certain path because others tell you or want you to but because thats what makes you happy. Its your life and your the one who has to live it. Also, transferring from schools seems like it will be scary but be your self and be open to meeting new people. College is just another adventure like high school was so dont worry, have fun and work hard. Everything will come together. Enjoy!

- College is a privilege, not an obligation- Educate yourself about deadlines to apply for financial aid and scholarships- Make it your job to find internship opportunities and scholarships- Apply to EVERY University you're interested in, and research EVERY one you get in to- Read the real student reviews online- Be aware of the deadlines to drop a class and the schools grade change and course repeat policies- When picking a major research what kinds of career paths it's likely to lead to- Make a plan to assure that the classes you're taking, and paying for, are essential for your major, and will work towards fulfilling your undergrad course requirements- Find good people to study with, and set up times to meet with them- Before classes start, have a go to person for each class you think will be particularly challenging for you- Make a graduation plan and checklist- Get registered for your classes as soon as you're allowed to- Consider working at your school, and see what benefits come with the jobs available - Never miss the first day of class, and on the first day, exchange phone numbers and emails with a few classmates

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school about college life, the best advice I would give to myself would be to never give up on school. In high school I was very shy and didn’t care too much about my academics; at the time I just wanted to survive school and graduate! When I was in high school I was more concerned with what my fellow class mates thought about me rather than my grades. This way of thinking distracted me from reaching my full potential in school. When I entered community college my motivation for school and achieving good grades was still absent. It took me a couple years to finally realize how important college was and from then on, until this very day, I have learned to really enjoy school. I have to say now I’m glad I didn’t give up on school because I love learning. This year I am transferring from community college with an A.A. degree in Psychology and I am very proud. I'm ready and motivated to continue my education and reach my next goal, a bachelor’s degree!

Be very independent, know when to say no, always strive for a better grade in the class, and never give up.

Nothing is impossible with the right attitude and passion. Pursue what you want with your whole heart, work hard for it, and you will not be disappointed.

Addison, Listen to your mom when she tells you that college will be easier if you pay attention in high school. The extra-curricular activities you are a part of now will open many doors for you in college. Also, your GPA will be a great factor in helping win scholarships. Your high school career is a job, as you will have a "pay-off" in the end. Your GPA is worth cash in the form of financial aid. Your friends in high school will NOT be your friends for life. Make your college decisions based on where you want to be in the future. The experiences you have now will determine the experiences you will have in college, which will in turn help you forge your future. Most of all, always remember that your thoughts determine your words; your words determine your actions; and, your actions determine your future. Regards, Yourself