California State University-Fullerton Top Questions

Form good study habits and do not overestimate your brain. Doing well on exams and tests without finishing much of the homework may be fine for high school but college is completely different. Without studying and doing homework, college is impossible. Throughout high school, I would ace my exams with minimal effort outside of the classroom. That same approach did not work so well for me in college. I learned this the hard way and if there was one thing I can go back and change about myself, it would be just that. I would tell myself to put in as effort outside of school as I do inside. Only then I would I know what it is like to earn my grades and I would be more appreciative for it.

I would tell myself to experience everything. Make plenty of friends from every group. Join as many clubs as you can. Spend a year on campus in dorm life. Make mistakes and learn from them. College life is the time of your life to enjoy and experience as many possibilities as you can.

The best advice I could give myself is to not procrastinate, worry about yourself and apply for scholarships. Now that I'm in college, finances are a major problem that has stopped me from doing so many things that all of my peers and classmates are able to do. I feel as if I'm not reaching my full potential and I'm not fully enjoying the college experience because I can't afford it or I'm too stressed about how I will pay for something that I could afford. Apply for at least 10 scholarships a week, not just one a month! Although winning all 10 you apply for is highly unlikely, even winning one scholarship gives you money that you won't have to worry about later. Also, don't let others stop you from making the choices that truly make you happy, chances are that you won't see anyone from high-school after you graduate; Do what makes you happy, because in the end, that's all you truly have.

I would tell myself do not be afraid of the change. I would tell myself to live on campus and make new friends. It is a time to find yourself, and that includes getting out of your comfort zone. If you want to try something, just do it. Do not be scared. Do not sit there and think of why you shouldn't, think of why you should. Try and get every college experience you can, because once it's over, it's gone forever. Try not to be so overwheled by everything, and just take advantage of everything the college has to offer! I would also tell myself it is ok if you do not do well in every single class. College is challenging, and there will be classes much harder than high school. You will not exceed in all of them, and that is acceptable. As long as you try your hardest, and have an open mind about what you are learning, you will do just fine. Do not let the stress get to you, it is just a class, enjoy it.

Never stop applying to scholarships.

I would advise myself to take more AP courses in high school. I would have been able to take less units each semester at Fullerton, so that I could have enjoyed more of time here, without studying so frequently. I would have also made sure to take 15 units every semester even including the first semester. It was great getting to live on campus my freshman year, but I could have saved a lot of money if I had decided to live in my off campus apartment in the first year and beyond. The financial aid that I was given helped me a lot, so I am very thankful that my mom helped me through that process. I would also advise myself to invest in more of my classmates at college. Meeting my roommate in my biology class freshman year was a memory that I will always cherish. I realize that time is a lot shorter than what it seems, so we really have to salvage those awesome relationships that we can make in college. I love Cal State Fullerton and I am very happy that I chose to attend this fine institution.

High school teachers often say one of two things: One, that college is a non-stop party where you will be the minority if you try to complete your classwork and get good grades; or two, that professors no longer care about you and expect that you'll do everything on your own and fail you without a second thought. It's so much more complicated than that. Yes, there are parties and yes it's hard to balance a social and scholarly life, but it can be done. Teachers DO care about you and often try to get to know you, as long as you're open to them and willing to put your best foot forward in class. They won't hold your hand, but they understand you're going through a difficult time and they want to help. The professors are always available to meet with you outside class and work through a concept you're trying to understand, and all things can be done even if you hang out with your friends on Friday night. College isn't black and white. Make it the time of your life, but also prepare for the rest of it.

If I could go back in time and speak to myself high school senior year, I would tell myself to keep sharp focused on prioritizing and drivened to get through college as quick as possible to transition on to the real world. My mentality during high school transition was more about having college fun as opposed to the true essence behind pursuing a college education. I would have tried much harder and took more units than I did sparing off for leisure time. The reason behind pursuing a calibrated college education is too dig deep and uncover a career field you develop a passion for with hope to turning that passion into a career and opening doors to further opportunities that will help you exceed in life. I would tell myself to save the fun time for later and get on with the serious side to it , because I am paying for this education and it only right to take full advantage of this opportunity. I saw many of my friends drop out and lose out on a future career because they didn't focus on studies,so with that said, I would walk in to college keen minded.

I would advice myself 1) don't compare your successes with others and don't chase anyone else's dream but your own. 2) Intern as much as you can while you're in school 3) Become friends with your professors 4) Build a strong work ethic 5) Don't be afraid to ask for help

I would tell myself to not let little things interfere with my studies. I was not a huge socialite or "partier" however, I still had lapses where I didn't excel to my best potential. I would either procrastinate or make excuses. If I were to go back in time, I would make sure that I did everything to my upmost potential to receive a 4.0 like I know, if I really put some of my priorities straight at times, I would have been capable of easily doing. If you choose me I WILL NOT let you down!