California State University-Long Beach Top Questions

I had an interest in an impacted major so I had to work hard just to declare that major. I spent many weekends studying and canceled many outtings to stay on top of my school work. Of course, I still had fun once in a while but it was not enough to say that I have experienced many college events, sporting events, and many others that I wish I could have experienced. I remember college students telling my high school class that "college is hard and you have to study 247" and teachers saying that "we have to sacrafice our social life to succeed in college". I always kept that in mind and I am thankful; however, if I could go back, I would tell myself to make sure I give myself time to have fun and enjoy college. I would tell myself to find a way to integrate school work and social life. There is nothing wrong with working hard because eventually I got into my major, but there is also nothing wrong with enjoying life. When one does not enjoy life, how will one get the motivation to go day by day studying for a college degree?

There are alot of advices i would give myself. First, is not missing any classes because sometimes you can be held behind and with all the notes to write even though you may have friends to help you but its way better to be there and pay attention. Second, not to be overwhelmed with all the activities that are given in the school because then it would cut back study time. and in college study time is a big deal. Third, would be to STUDYYY!, in highschool studying for a test really didnt mean anything and its not taken seriously, but in college studying is a HELPFUL tool. The more we study the more knowledge we have in our brains.

Applying to college is the most difficult part of the whol college experience. I found that filling out and submitting applications ended up being exponentially more challenging than the coursework I had when I started attending. It's important to get help from a college counselor who can tell you what your chances are of getting into certain schools. Also, make sure you pay attention to deadlines and fees. Financial aid is a nightmare every year because I am an out-of-state student and the fees are constantly being raised due to the poor economy in CA and the fact that I am at a state school. I was told by financial aid counselors at my college that I could become a resident after my first semester, but that was a lie. I am now a junior and have tried unsuccessfully for the past three years to become in-state. It's impossible. Now we have excessive budget cuts and teachers' salaries have been slashed. These are important things to consider if you are going to attend a state school.

If I could go back in time and advise my high-school self about life during my senior year in order to enhance my current college experience, I would emphasize the importance of recognizing the humanity and helpfulness of teachers. When I was in high school, several of my teachers reached out to me on a personal level, trying to connect and give me advice that would have been helpful - if I had made the choice to listen to them. Unfortunately, I was either intimidated by their knowledge or position in life, or I did not recognize that they might have knowledge or insight that would have been of use to me, because I never really spent any time getting to know them or listening to their wisdom. It is amazing that now, two years later, I can relate to my college professors in such a friendly way, but I was unable to allow myself to do that in high school. It would have been great to have insight beyond what my parents provided as I thought about what I wanted to study, which colleges would be ideal for me, and whether scholarships were available to me.

I look back at myself as a senior in high school and even a college freshman and I feel that I really didn't have a plan or set goals when it came to college. My parents never attended college, therefore I never had someone to guide me into the process and tell me how college works. I think that seeking people like teachers and other proffesionals who have gone through the college experience is something I would advice myself to have done. As a high school senior and college freshman, I was very confused in what field I study. In my freshman year I took a personality test and I never listened to the career objectives it gave me or the career counselor. Ironically, I am currently specializing myself in one of the fields that the test indicated me to pursue. I think that I should have explored those results earlier and I would have finished my bachelors in Psychology sooner. Therefore my advice would be to make an appointment with a career counselor and explore the options given to you, because they might be right.

"You really should be involved with people and organization on campus as soon as you enroll your college. You will regret if you join a student club or organization in your last semester before graduation. You would miss a time and a lot of opportunities to meet people, and build a long-term relationship and network to help you find a job or your life after graduation. Be active and involved as soon as you get the campus!!"

I would have told myself to take certain courses and not enroll in courses that were unneccessary. Another thing would have been was to keep my GPA a bit higher and engage myself in more extra curricular activities. Applying for financial aid would have helped as well. On a final note, I would have told myself not to hang out with the exact group that I did near the end of my high school experience. It wasn't the brightest of ideas.

I would advise myself to go in open minded with the willingness to try everything! College is what you make of it and the only way to provide yourself with a successful and happy experience completing higher education is by getting involved and putting yourself out there. After all, what is there to lose? You have to take risks and learn from your mistakes. I would rather look back on my college experience and be proud to say that I tried a variety of academic and nonacademic activites. I would definitely advise myself to work hard in the classroom and take advantage of all the on and off campus tools aiding my success through school. Also, i would advise myself to find good people to surround myself with and not be afraid to get out of my comfort zone. I would honestly say that most learning goes on outside the classroom and i would prepare myself for the real life struggles that I was about to endure, such as paying bills and managing money. The only way to learn about the real world is to experience it. So get out there, and live life.

This school is all the good you expected out of a university and everyone is so friendly. Join two or so clubs your first year and you'll find that the upperclassman are more than eager to help you get used to the school, the system, and give you plenty of advice as to what classes are good to take for your major. The campus is big, but not so big that it feels like you're walking for miles just to get to each class. Also, some classes me seem like smooth sailing but don't slack off! It's not like high school where minimum effort where you can easily pass a class. Choose your classes wisely so that you don't have all the hard classes at the same time, especially since the cultural and business club activities will also demand some of your time. Good luck and do your best high school self.

To start off, I would of applied for more scholarships and got a job in order to have money when i get to school. Its too hard paying for all the college expenses when you are only depending on government funding through grants and loans. I would of also tried to move into the dorms instead of waiting too long and ending up on the waiting list. Its hard to make friends when your in college unless you're involved or live in the dorms. If i would of lived in the dorms, I could of met other freshman like myself and joining groups and clubs would of been easier than trying to do it on my own, alone. Also, if I could go back of would of did more research on the universities I applied to. I applied to schools based on their location and what I heard about these schools from other people, rather than what I researched and found out on my own.