California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Top Questions

My college and many others provide a great orientation/week of welcome for incoming freshman. They plan out tons of activities and ways of meeting people during the week. The college transition and all the new people were so intimidating I didn't take advantage of all the opportunities provided. I would tell myself to make the most out of the beginning weeks. Get out of my comfort zone and open up to new people. There were always BBQ's and parties happening at the end of the day full of people in my same situation that would have been grateful to make a new friend.

The advice I would give myself is to stay on top of my studies. This is a tough school, things aren't going to come as easy as they used to. Utilize teachers office hours if I need help. They are willing to give up time in their day to help you so go to them. If that is not enough help find a tutor, there are many available on campus. The last thing would be to join clubs and innermural sports. Activities are a good way to take your mind off of school and have fun. It is also a good way to stay in shape in college.

If I were to go back in time and give myself advice about making the transition into college life, I would tell myself to have no fear and make the best out of every single day. College only happens once (for most) and everyday should be spent getting the most out of classes, making new friends, have having new experiences. I would tell myself to not dwell on how far my friends and family are, but focus on making new friends and spending time with family on school breaks. I would tell myself to get involved with clubs and activities on campus from the very begining; leadership is one of the best skills you can possess.

Join in as many clubs as you can and keep in touch with all the friends you meet along the way.

I would tell myself to continue to study hard, and take more AP classes.. I would also tell myself to enjoy high school and keep in touch with all of my friends. I also would encourage myself to get a job and save more money while going to high school, so I wouldn't have to work so often during college. I would enjoy the company of my family and friends more, and never take anything for granted. I would also tell myself to relax and not stress out so much. I would also encourage myself to sign up for more scholarships. Finally I would tell myself to look forward to college because it has been a blast, and wonderful learning experience.

GET INVOLVED!!!!! It is impossible to make new friends and new connections if you do not attend everything you think you might be interested in. Just go for it; don't be shy. College is not all about your grades, and you will need more than grades to land a good internship or a job. Experience it all. Don't hold back. Rather try and mess up, then never try and never know. Give college everything you got, and college will give you everything it's got.

Take every opportunity that comes your way. Go to class every single day, no matter what time it starts. Call your parents often. Meet lots of people.

I thought I was ready for college during senior year, but when I look back on that year I realize now that I wasn't ready. If I could I would go back and tell myself that in college Physics and Calculus are extremely important concepts in Engineering. If I knew that before hand I would have taken those classes before I graduated. In high school, my problem was procrastination and it has even showed itself during college. Looking back I would tell myself how procrastination in college can ruin your grades, with deadlines, labs, homework, it is easier to just get the assignment done and overwith. During high school, it doesn't affect you as much compared as to college. If someone had told me that before I graduated I think my freshman year would have ended a lot better than it had. This is what I would say, "Take as much science and math as you can before you graduate because it will never hurt you; also DO NOT procrastinate. Procrastination only hurts you in the end and makes more work for you. Trust me I've been there and done that."

Don't be scared to jump in. All the anxiety that high school gives you about getting into a prestigious school is not worth your time. College will give you whatever you put into it. Life is too short to be afraid of taking risks. Don't waste time overthinking things and running through every possible negative scenario. If you want to do something do it. If it doesn't work out no harm done.

Above all else, students should visit a potential college and talk to current students before deciding on a college. You will know when you find the right college because it will feel comfortable and make you even more excited about starting school. Current students can truthfully answer questions better than anyone else; their answers are not clouded by a desire to make the school seem irresistable. Campus tours are great for showing you the campus and touring many of the classrooms and labs. Parents should accompany students on the campus tours because tours often give important information for parents, which can make the difference between a parent sending his or her child off with confidence or fear. Once attending college, students should make sure to get involved in clubs or other extracurricular activities. They are an excellent way to make friends and feel connected to your school. Clubs also present opportunities for you to try new activities that you may never have had a chance to try. Just make sure that you are not afraid to be yourself. Parents, let your child enjoy his or her freedom as they become a self-sufficient individual throughout his or her college career.