Mt San Antonio College Top Questions

Assuming that I could go back in time to speak to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that an academic gpa does not determine how well you will truly do in college. There are a set of characteristics that come with succeeding such as dedication, organization, and passion. In high school, I was involved on campus but never as much as I am now. I would tell myself to dedicate more of my time to reading and doing outside research on topics that matter to me, so that I could have that trait already developed before discovering that it is important to be able to push myself further than only studying academically. Organization because unlike high school, there is no set schedule to follow by, as everything is set upon what flexibility one would like for the week. Lastly, to be passionate and take that passion onto everything I do because that will be the main attribute that will lead to success and will give to you as much satisfaction in return than any other. Where passion is found lies friendships, confidence, knowledge, and utimately happiness.

During young adulthood, most people experience very few things that are as nerve-wracking, terrifying, and thrilling as their transition from high school to college. As I reflect back on my senior year of college, I realize that much of the anxiety, terror, and anticipation that I experienced while preparing for college were unnecessary. If I could offer some advice to my senior year self, I'd focus on easing my fears about socializing and preparing myself for the financial problems that I would inevitably suffer once I arrived at school. In high school, studying was an option but during college, it is necessary to spend an ample amound of time with textbooks and flashcards prior to an exam. Although moving into a dorm with hundreds of strangers sounds terrifying, a kind smile or a friendly greeting is all that is required to gain a new friend. Saving money with little income is nearly impossible and I wish that I would have thought to be more frugal with my meal plan money. Had I been advised about my social anxiety and financial stability when I was a senior, my freshman year would have been significantly more successful.

If I had a Time machine or maybe a Magic Genie that would allow ?present me? to talk to high school senior me, I would give this advice: "live for no one but yourself." They say that college changes you or that life changes you, but that is not true. It is not the changes that you go through that drastically alter ?you?, so to speak. It is what you learn. If the gradual transition into real life has taught me anything, it is that living is for you. That life you were given is no one else?s but your own, so you should be able to discover what is your passion. You should do what you love. Do not always try to blend in. Do not "go with the flow." A person's greatness is not simply stumbled upon; greatness is something you achieve. In High School, an individual is always worried about what other people will think of them. What I believe and what I have learned is that the most important thing in life is not to worry about how others perceive you, but to worry about how you perceive yourself.

High school to college is the great transition we as students have been waiting for since teachers first tell us thats the option we have after high school. Most of us have been preparing for college since middle school or the beginning of high school, all in the hope that we will have a smooth transtion and dont struggle as much. Although I considered myself prepared and a good student the transition from high school to college wasnt as easy as I assumed it would be. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I'd tell myself to try harder in my AP classes to have a higher GPA, to register to the colleges sooner so I could get a sooner registration date and be able to get more classes and finally to remember that I need to be more imdependent and not rely on other people to help me. The answer to is to be self motivated and help myself reach my goals. I would tell myself that college is all the good things I expected but difficult also, but its nothing I cant manage.

I would, first of all, tell myself to not be so shy, that asking questions is okay. I won't look like an idiot because most of the people around me probably don't know the answer to the question either. Its okay to talk to my classmates because thats where new friendships bloom and many of the people i'll meet will make great friends. That speaking up actually helps in class, and visiting the professor after class can make a difference between a B and an A. Second of all, I would tell myself to try for scholarships now, not half way through my freshman year of college because it makes a BIG difference. Books are expensive, and the economy in the future makes tuition costs rise. Selling my books after the semester/session ends would help with buying new books. Lastly, I would tell myself to apply to all the universities I'm interested in, forget about the costs and just apply. That Dad won't plan my future the way I want it, I have to make it happen. And apply for the fafsa early, like January. And enjoy college, its fun.

I would have told myself to apply to universities, and for scholarships. I would have also told myself that the documentary film that my father and I worked on for the next few years wasn't important. What was important was going to college directily after riding my bicycle across the country. I would have told myself that because instead of living on my own and trying to put myself through college. I would have been living with my stepfather and done with school with little out of pocket expense from myself. If I could tell myself how easy college would be instead of taking life the hard way, I would. I would tell myself that as long as I focused while in class that I would have plenty of social time for my friends. I would also tell myself that at first the freedom of going to class if I wanted should be considered as a privledge gained by getting good grades. I would also tell myself to try and find people that had the same interests in careers and in making it through college that way I would be set up for success.

If I could go back in time to my senior year in high school, I would tell younger self to stop skiping school to get hard working attitude that my parents have tried to install in me at the time. I aswell would would want to tell my younger self to work hard at my grades, and that even if I dont make it to a University that community college is one of the greatest places to go to school you meet many type's of different people from different backgrounds and that you will feel great cause at a community college they have extradonirary programs to help you improve yourself, and it is a great institution for people who want a second chance in their education.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would definitely have a lot of information and advice to give. First, I would inform myself that it?s time to become more responsible about your career path and understanding the obstacles that might hinder your future. I would explain that now is the time were you become more independent. Taking care of school responsibilities is going to be solely on you. Next, I would advise that the decisions your making within the next few years are going to affect the rest of your life. You must remain focused and not slack off. I would also express to myself to be open-minded toward classes, professor?s opinions, and other students. I would suggest asking as many questions as possible and to never be afraid or embarrassed about what other people think, because that is the first sign of ignorance. I suggest talking to as many people as possible and create many friends. It?s an intelligent idea to network within your own school. Lastly, I would advise myself to complete all classes asked by the school under the Math, English, and Reading category.

I would advise myself to start with a junior college and transfe to a four year later. Not only is this a cost saving measure, but it allows for a transition from high school to a four year university. This will give you the time to understand how you study best, the work load expected out of you at college level, and to get used to not having your hand held through every step of your education.

Having the chance to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself, try your hardest and never give up because, when you graduate from high school its a hard world out there and trying to make it without going to college is going to be even harder. Take chances and apply for the colleges you want to attend and if you dont get in the first time try again after you spent some time at a community college or another college. Staying focused is they key point to being successful in college and in life, always work to your fullest capablitiy and prove all the people wrong who did not believe in you and remember always believe in yourself.