California State University-Monterey Bay Top Questions

College is the time to get to know yourself and what you are capable of doing and accomplishing. Greet each day with a fresh start and open your mind to new people, experiences, and opportunities. Here, you will grow as a student and a person and it will put you on the path to who you will become. Try new things and broaden your horizons. Make the best of every situation and learn from them. Push yourself to your limit and you will be amazed at how resilient you can be. Have fun whenever you can, but remember why you are in college. Stay focused and work hard academically. Build your resume as much as you can, even if it is just volunteering. Test yourself and see where your hard work can take you. Embrace this opportunity to grow and learn and discover who you are and what you want out of life. Finally, just be you!

If I were to go back into time and talk to my high school senior self, I would tell myself to stop being lazy! College is an exciting time where you can be anyone you want to be away from your parents. You really have to think about where you want to be, what type of weather you like and actually think about a career/topic of interest you want to study. Think of all the possiblities before you pay thousands of dollars to decide that you hate college. College is what you make it. I've seen dozens of students go to college and think it's boring, but they never leave their rooms. Make the most out of your experience, join a club (actually go to that club) and meet amazing people. College is about getting out of your comfort zone and of course you're going to miss home, but also remember that you're there for a reason! Experience something new, but be responsible about it and embrace the unknown.

Dear Ritz, I know you're seriously excited about attending attending college, but there are so many things that you need to keep in mind before packing your bags and saying "bye" to mom and dad. Just remember to always keep your grades in top shape, and to continue doing your best to achieve academic success. Get everything submitted on time, and no matter what, avoid catching the deadly "senioritis" virus, because it will definitely mentally and physically impact you. Be involved so you can learn how to divvy your time equally, and just balance out your social life with your academic path, because after all, it is your last year in high school, so make it all worthwhile! And when it comes to college, you need to always remember that no matter what, you're there for a reason, and that you're paying for your education. It's not a free ride any more. Also, visit Mr. C whenever you need advice for college, he'll always have your back no matter what. I believe in you, and have fun, because just like high school, college will pass you by just as fast.

I believe the most important advice I could give myself as a high school senior would be to live in the moment. To enjoy every moment I had with family and friends discovering who I was going to become. To take each moment and truly discover what I was capable of accomplishing. To be open to learning from every challenge I might face while in college and know that it is part of the process. To never give up, to always believe in myself. Finally, to know that in the end it was all worth it. College was and is worth every moment I have and will spend creating the person I want to become; a person who is compassionate, creative and confident.

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First I would tell myself not to worry so much. Stressing over transitioning and whether or not you're going to make new friends in an area you know nothing about is not worth it. Now that I've gone through the process it isn't as hard as I thought it was. You're going to get into a school no matter what, so you're going to college. You're going to make tons of friends because everyone in their first year of college is looking to make friends. The school work isn't as bad as you may think and it is definitely achievable to get through. Another big thing I would stress on is the fact that I need to spend more time with family and friends. College is definitely a great experience where you get to meet a bunch of new people but you need to cherish everything that you have now because you're going to be moving away from all of it and starting over new. The time you still have to spend with family and friends is extremely valuable.

Before you make your final decision on which college you would like to apply for, think about what you want, not what your mother wants. Take the risk of following your dreams because once you've had enough, that's where you will be headed towards in the end anyway. In doing this, you will save time and money. Please make a wise choice for yourself, not for someone else; it's your own life, and everything depends on you and what you want for yourself.

If I was able to go back and do my senior year again one thing I would change is how lazy I was. I would go back and work on my scholarships. I worked on them but I know I could have done more. Their were so many scholarships I let pass me and now I haven’t received any. Sometimes I wonder how my parents are going to pay for my education because we can’t afford it. I admit it's my fault.

The advise that I will give myself is to start in college and take as many classes as I need to get my general education finished along with transfer credits. I would also take as much classes that count for my major since it is cheaper in college than a university. Even though, I would still be undecided I would tried my best to decide a major as soon as possible. Applied to different universities instead of just one university. Taking classes that I needed instead of taking whatever classes in order to qualify for full time of financial aid. Finishing college in 2 to 3 years instead of 4 years in order to have more financial aid grant money and qulaified for more help since financial aid only helps a student for a certain units and years. Working in the summer on part-time jobs to save money for school. Since tuition keeps increasing more and more haivng no money to afford school. Being a low income student gives me a lot less chances to be able to afford college. Especially, university where it is surprisingly expensive not having the money to continue my education.

Every freshman should know that getting out there and joining clubs is the fastest and easiest way to make friends. Sure someone will probably create a group on facebook and you will talk to each other on there, but when it comes time for school to start no one talks to each other. Also try not to text your friends from home so much. They aren't with you at college and even though you have probably known them forever you need to make some new friends to. I'm not saying forget about them just don't invest all of your time in your phone.