University of California-Los Angeles Top Questions

If I could go back in time to tell myself a few things about college, I would start with how serious college should be taken. I take my education very seriously but in high school, I did not. I would tell myself that I should give everything I have to improving my GPA and learning so that I could attend a better college and start on the right path to a career. I would also inform myself about exactly how financial aid works, and that I don’t need to put off college, I need to take advantage of my parents’ ability to pay for my education. I would take the time to make myself understand that all choices have consequences and that while I was 17, I will wake up one day and realize that was almost 20 years ago and you should have done so much more with your life. I would tell myself, “Be serious about your education and your career, or you might find one day that you have very few of the things you wanted in life.” I would make myself understand the choices I was about to make, and change them.

Gloria, I know the pressure of college applications is immense and unbearable, but please do not give up. You may be breaking down by the thought that all the hard work through college now seems useless because you have nothing outstanding to write about for your personal statements, but that is wrong. You have done a great job thus far, and you just need a great way to end those four years. In order to do that, give your all on those college applications. Start early to stay on top of the pressure. Perfect them so you don't regret anything. But if your dream school denies you even with a perfect application, just dust it off. It's their loss for not accepting a jewel like you. Be confident in your applications as well as your love life. Don't trust that boy with your first kiss. He is broken and has nothing good to offer you. And stop thinking that you can change him; you are not ready. I hope you take these advices by heart and end your high school symphony with a boom. Love, Gloria

I have to be very honest about the transition from high school to a university, it has not been an easy one. If I could go back and give advice to myself, I would tell myself to take as many AP courses as possible and pass all the AP exams. I would go back and be enthusiastic about every class, because in a university level, you are on your own. Your teachers are not telling you what is due when, you simply get a syllabus. I would advice myself to begin being independent, and taking my education seriously, because in the end, I am the only one who will benefit from it. Lastly, I would find ways to deal with stress and time management, because in a university, these two things are what either make you a great student, or they bring you down.

Relax. Breathe. Enjoy this moment. Leaving the comfort zone of home can be daunting, but don’t let that keep you from appreciating every moment of this new time and new environment. Be fully present wherever you are, because your most life-changing moments may come from the most unexpected experiences. In fact, many probably will. Most importantly though—don’t underestimate yourself or be afraid to fail. Don’t worry about the courses you are going to take, major you are going to declare, or taking GAP-boosting classes. Instead, set the bar high and commit yourself to truly getting the most you possibly can out of college. Take every opportunity to get involved with new things and discover who you are and what you’re passionate about, because once you know what you’re passionate about you’ll discover classes that will expose you to concepts you never knew existed. Focus on the bigger picture and the effect the experiences you have will have on your aspirations and overall impact on the world. Study smarter, not harder. And if things ever get difficult or overwhelming, remember how you felt the moment you opened that acceptance letter.

College is not a breeze. You WILL hit the ground running. The quarter system is SHORT, and you’ll feel the pressure pile on as the weeks go by. Religiously visit T.A.’s office hours – your essay grades depend on them. KNOW YOUR TEST AND ESSAY DUE DATES. That way you can easily schedule Testbank (place to get past midterms and finals) and Essay Writing Help Program appointments. Get involved! Don’t just go to meetings; find ways to get immersed in the clubs you decide to join. Actively search for scholarships for the following year. Don’t get carried away with the excitement of college life and schoolwork, and forget that you have to be able to pay for school next year as well. And lastly, make sure to make the most of your college experience! UCLA is at the heart of Los Angeles. Don’t miss out on not taking the opportunity to get to know the area to its fullest. College is only four years. There are many decisions to be made and more work than you think you’ll be able to handle, but so many memories to enjoy and look back on. Carpe diem!

Were I given the opportunity to return to the time when I was completing my college applications, I would not advise myself to do anything differently. My only advice to myself would be, "do what feels right." This reasoning does not stem from total satiscaction with the way I got to college, but from appreciation of the growth I experienced while getting there. I was deeply humbled by the college application experience. The stress was at times too much for my high school mind, and I became self-critical and moody. However, when I received my results I saw there was no reason to be harsh with myself. That realization prepared me for many of the mental challenges of college. Were I to speak with the stressed-out Senior version of myself today, I would resist tempation to console him or tell him not to worry. I would tell him that no matter what the situation, it's important to do what feels right, because I know that every feeling carries potential for growth, and if one thing is essential to college life, it is the ability to adapt.

[Miraculously, a time machine is invented in 2013.] One year ago: Are you really me in the future? Now: Yes. When I was you I had many questions but couldn’t find the answers so I came back for you. One year ago: How do I know if choosing a college will be THE best for me? Now: Your decision will shape your life for sure, but it’s about how you shape your life at a college than about which college you attend. As long as you live the way you want to, your experiences will automatically shape the best for you. Believe in yourself. One year ago: Really? I really don’t have to use the random generator on the graphing calculator to choose a college? [Now smiled and thought, “Yes you really don’t. I did that and now I can only laugh at my past self.”] One year ago: Is there one piece of advice you’d wish you had when you were me? Now: Yes, that is why I came here. I want to tell you, “Live the life you have imagined.” Be self-confident. Just be you and believe that everything will be okay.

I would slap my past self silly and demand that he become more involved in campus life when he got to college. Aversion to unfamiliarity was always a major vice of mine; I hated trying new things, whether it be music, hobbies, or clubs (in high school). I enthusiastically participated in the clubs that I DID like, but straying from my comfort zone tended to rub my fur the wrong way. As I mentioned earlier, diversity in UCLA is unparalleled; there are countless clubs where everyone is capable and willing to accept and understand you. All this would be a terrible waste if I stuck to the same old clubs I did in high school. UCLA has a gym that admits free of charge and hosts a variety of dance, martial arts, and fitness classes; take advantage of that! UCLA has associations and clubs for every ethnicity known to man; make that of use to you! There are countless advantages of becoming more involved. Connections will be made and not only will that result in a better college experience, it would also open up opportunities for jobs and internships later. The importance of grades pales in comparison to getting involved.

Christina, when you begin college, remember to let all the people you know that you've wronged in some way or feel indebted to that you care and that you are sorry for your actions, because sadly, all the high school melodrama that you thought that you could avoid will come back and haunt you for a while. Tie up all those loose knots before starting afresh, because there is no new when the supposed new has already been tainted by the past. Along with making amends with people, please take care to be less aloof with your fellow first-year students, because a first year of loneliness is a first year of boredom, resentment, and unhappiness. I know it's hard to admit that you need people too, like a normal human, but give up your pride and your 1-foot thick walls and allow yourself to connect with people for a change. Don't be afraid to get people's numbers and contact them for a random lunch or a dinner; who knows, maybe that person could become one of your best friends. And lastly, learn to let go of the past. I wish you luck.

High school was full of embarressing moments, heartbreaks, and mistakes; however, I believe that is what high school is for. If I could talk to my senior-self, I'd just say,"You just need to relax, it's okay to mess up, and everything is going to work out how it should." Graduating is utterly terrifying, and it's hard to know what comes next. What comes next is something different. It's a combination of everything wonderful and terrible at the same time. School is so much more important than prom or who has the nicest car. Find who you are and don't hide it. The growing apart from people that you shared so much love with, the new feeling of independence, and the scary feeling of growing up makes life worth while. Don't try to hold on to people or memories that are trying to leave. Imbrace the new life that you're building, try hard, make new friends, and don't ever be afraid.