California State University-Long Beach Top Questions

I would tell myself to have worked harder in high school. Maybe could of taken AP classes that way it could of helped me finish faster in college

Don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions. Smile and take advantage of every opportunity. Raise your hand in class and be present in the moment. Don't worry about what others think of you. Make this time yours and be open to new opportunties and experiences. Also, get involved early and study abroad. Follow your passions and chase your dreams. It's okay if you aren't sure what you are doing or what you should major in. Don't let anyone tell you aren't good enough or won't make it. If you believe in yourself, you are half way there and can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

High school me, you have a lot of romantic ideas about how college would be like; getting to be independent, get good grades, then graduate and find a job. Besides being a college student, you are an adult with responsibilities. Even though you will finally be free from your strict mother, that doesn't mean you can get all crazy and do whatever the heck you want. You actually do need to work harder than in high school. You need to show up to all classes and study even though you may presented with a more desirable option, like take a spontaneous road trip to Sea World. Trust me, it's better to keep working as hard and being relaxed than later regretting that you could have done better. I'm telling you this because you still have to compete when your in college. Though you got the grades that got you into the college you wanted, you still have to keep up the grades to get you in the major you want. While in college, the economy got bad and many majors are impacted. So keep working hard and don't loose focus.

To make sure you get the best grades you can and not focus to much on working, you are not going to stay there that long anyways. To also enjoy every minuto of being a college student and be more involve in the school activities. Make more friends in each of your classes and don't worry to much about the future, enjoy the present. Try to be friends with your professor because you might need an adivice or a letter of recommendation in the future.

Dear Self, Do not join Business Academy, even though it is a great program. You should definately join that Computer Academy with the geeks. It will teach you the Adobe Design Suite so you do not have to struggle in photoshop and illustrator when you start taking your core design classes. Also take a couple of GE classes at a community college before you get CSULB. Your GPA might not suffer as much; plus it can help you graduate in less then six years.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would start by saying "relax! take it easy!". The idea of college may be scary, but besides bigger classes, bigger campus, it's just school. The big difference about college, is that not only will you meet new people, you'll be able to find yourself there, and figure out what you want to do in life. Going to college is going to be nerve wrecking and a little intimidating at first, but you'll get used to it. The key thing to remember, is to never give up on your dreams and yourself. Although times will get rough, and the information given to you may not always make sense, never stray away from your goals. College can be fun if you make the most of it and dedicate time to study. There may be times where you become indecivisive about your major and thats okay. Change your mind as often as you like, college is about exploring who you are and who you want to be. So, take a deep breathe, keep your head up high, and stay confident!

If I could go back in time to high school I would tell myself to stay at home with my parents and go to a four year college with a good nursing program. I would say don't waste your life running after a guy who wont be there in the end. I would say apply for as many scholarships as possible and fininial aide. I would say take a study course for the ACT and rent books to help study so you will make a good high score. I would say you better pay attention in high school while you can, because you wish you had. You will feel behind in your classes. If I could go back I would have done a lot of things different.

I would tell myself that the best investment I could make towards my future life and success will be to invest in myself by obtaining a college education. I would make a strong case for working hard, staying focused and disciplined while discovering what interests me as I attend college. I would paint a clear picture of a future where the benefits of today's investment will more than reward me for the minor time sacrificed while earning a bachelor's degree in my field of choice. I would point out how the options afforded by a higher education can help minimize any potential down turns in the future and provide a sense of security and added peace of mind. I would dare myself to conceive the bigger picture that is a life's legacy for my future family where excellence is expected to continue for the greater good of our future generations and society at large. Most of all, I would encourage reaching out for help when needed and in building good, solid friendships and relationships that can offer support and advice along the way.

College life is not easy. Many people will tell you it is the best time of your life. Truth is, not for everyone. Between dealing with expenses, choosing a school to transfer, and working 20 hours a week, it has been the most stressful experience for me so far. I have matured and learned so much while in community college but it has not been a breeze. If I could talk to my high school senior self, I would have told myself to not to be afraid and just settle. Fear is an obstacle necessary to overcome so that you can reach greatness. I would tell myself to be concerned for my academic future and not just sit back thinking "it will all work out." I would tell myself to focus more on school and searching for scholarships rather than focusing on my social life. Grades are essential for scholarships. I am now finally transferring to a 4 year, with 2 years left to go. If I could really go back and tell myself these things, I would be graduating from college this year. Instead I have taken a more challenging path.

Dear Self, I would advice you to apply to CSU Long Beach straight out of high school. Once accepted, make as many friends as possible before the semester starts and share general education classes with them. Get a few friends to go through sorority recruitment with you and simply pick the one you feel you truly fit in at the most. Don't be afraid to join the paintball club you always wanted to join and minor in Theater since that is something you have always loved to do for fun. Why not implement it into your career? Do not procrastinate. You were never a procrastinator until your last year in college. Apply for as many scholarships as you can and good luck with them. Apply for as many internships as you can because you will cry with joy when you find out that you will get the opportunity of a lifetime. I won't ruin the surprise though. Lastly, attend all career fairs and do whatever it takes to stay ahead of the game. When your friends are looking for their it-job, you will already have it. Good luck!