University of California-Los Angeles Top Questions

I would tell myself to consider my school of choice wisely and to evaluate my wants and needs first, instead of focusing heavily on reputations. It is not so much the name or the reputation of the school that a student will carry with her for the rest of her life, but the experiences and lessons learned at the school. Though people may be focused on big name schools, it is more important for a student to take a moment and think about what she wants out of her education. I would have asked myself if a smaller or larger campus would make me happier, and what consequences campus size would implicate in terms of my ability to make connections and develop friendships with my peers, professors, and teaching assistants. Beyond the importance of a quality education, I would also tell myself to consider the other ways in which a particular campus would enrich my experience and my future. The ability to grow and to develop one’s character cannot come from education alone, it is connections with other human beings that truly enable a well-rounded and fulfilling experience. I would advise myself to seriously consider these matters.

Stop slacking off and start putting more effort into your work! Procrastination may be acceptable in high school, but in college, it's the enemy of all college students. Also, you should spend more time applying to scholarship during your high school year so that you won't have to worry about financial issues in college. Even though AP Biology is tough, TRY YOUR BEST AND LEARN THE CLASS! If you pass that AP Biology Exam, then you wouldn't have to worry about taking a life science in college. The biology class in college is ten times harder than the AP Biology class. OH! One more thing, read more, read more, read more! Reading is such an important factor in college that if you practice yourself to read daily to the part where you actually ENJOY reading, then you'll be so prepared for college. Other than those tips, keep up the community service and keep up the good grades in class because those grades will pay off one day.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say that you should not wait too long to go to college. That it is much easier to go to college when you are young, rather than waiting until you have a family. I would say that I know you want to get out into the world and live, but trust me there is plenty of time for that later and that your focus should be on your education, not friends, not parties, and not going out into the world without an education. I would tell myself that the world is hard enough, so why make it harder by waiting to get an education. I would have pounded in my brain that education is the most important and it is much easier when you are young, supported by your parents, have no bills, and no real responsibilities.

Eat at dining hall before you decide your college! Because food is very essential part of your life! Also, study hard and don't slack off. UCLA is pretty tough school so it is difficult to earn good grades in the class.

I would recommend that they take every math and science course possible! I would also advise them to go to college immediately after highschool. I joined the military directly after school and didn't attend any college at the time and I wish I would have taken a class, just one class per quarter and I would have had my masters by now.

If I could go back in time to visit my high school self, I would tell myself that everything is going to be okay. Life is not about perfection or being better than somebody else, but learning and trying to be the best version of yourself. I would tell myself that the pain I have been through with school, my mother passing away and other difficulties will only drive me to succeed in college. I would tell myself that college isn't about doing things you're forced to do, but about doing things that interest you. I would say that I will always love me, no matter what. I would tell myself that I don't need to do anything differently because, although there will be times where I feel I've done the wrong thing, it will work out for the best in the end.

I would tell myself to talk to other students that are now in college and ask them which classes I should take and try hard in so that I can get my full experience in education. I should have checked the undergraduate requirements to prepare myself because counselors are no help. Coming into UCLA, I have regretted not doing this. There were certain classes that I should have taken during the summer that would help me in completing certain requirements. This would have saved me time and money. I should have also tried harder in my AP English and AP Calculus classes and paid more attention so that I wouldn't have to take English Comp3 or a Pre-Calculus class in college. I would have also told myself to take AP Spanish and done well in my exam so that I wouldn't have to worry about my foreign language requirement. And last but not least, I would tell my high school self that I chosing UCLA was probably the best choice of college that I did. Although family's so far away, this college is going to help me grow in ways Berkeley would not have let me.

For one thing, I would like to tell my high school senior self that college is nowhere near as frightening as it sounds. People create a lot of hype about many sleepless nights worrying about classes that are supposedly impossible to pass, and I wish I would not have looked too deeply into this. Also, I would like to tell myself that the people in college are much more friendly than you expect when you first start, and making friends here is much easier than it was even in high school. Overall, I wish I would have felt more comfortable about going to college, instead of worrying about things I have now learned were totally unnecessary. In addition, as a senior, I was excited about the idea of living in a dorm, away from home for the first time. It sounded like a totally new and unique experience. I didn't think about it at the time, but I know now that it can be quite difficult to be away from my family at times, and I would like to be able to tell my old self to cherish the few times I do get to spend with my family.

College is not like high school. I know you already know this because you’re wondering how you’ll ever learn to manage time, deal with roommates, and cope with problems without mom and dad. Yes, these situations do arise and no, they do not denote the end of the world. They are actually much easier to handle than you think. You’re prepared for these things, but are you prepared to open your mind to a world of new people? The minute you step onto campus you will be plummeted into a melting pot of difference in opinion, belief, and background. In high school, the majority of students had similar situations and backgrounds. In college, every individual has a different story to tell, and you must be ready to listen with an open mind and heart. It’s the only way you’ll learn and grow. I’m telling you this now because at first I wasn’t tolerant and open-minded and this proved very detrimental. The minute I opened my heart to others views I learned a lot about the world and myself. I’ve been introduced to many more opportunities simply because I learned acceptance.

I would tell myself to embrace the college experience with all your heart; don't be afraid to join a club, you may just meet new people. And most importantly, college is a lot about finding your identity and learning how to be yourself, and who that self may be. A lot of people always told me that, but I was sure that because I have 18 years living my life that I KNEW myself. But it all changes when you enter college. New friends surround you, new activities, a new lifestyle. So just take time finding your interests and making the right choices.