University of California-Los Angeles Top Questions

Now that I reflect on the past few weeks, I feel that there is an awful lot of advice that I would give myself as a senior in high school. First of all, I would tell myself to be a little more humble, and not assume that, just because I got mostly 5's on all of my AP Exams, I would easily earn A's my first quarter at UCLA - that in fact, both of my chemistry and calculus midterms were extremely difficult even though I had already taken equivalent classes in high school. Second, I would suggest that my younger self come to college prepared to be around diverse people who had not been raised with the same values that my family taught me; I would tell myself that I would witness a lot of my peers drinking, doing drugs, and having loveless sex in the dorms and would feel extremely disillusioned by the second week of class. However, I would assure myself that, in the end, I would eventually make new friends who would help me steer clear of peer pressure and would become comfortable with my classes and professors by the middle of first quarter.

If I had that amazing opportunity, I would go back and give myself some sound financial advice. First of all, I would teach myself how to budget my income. Second, I would show myself how to wisely invest any extra money in both a savings account and stocks or bonds and could help in future income. Lastly, I would instruct "me" to stop complaining about all the hard work and enjoy the leisure of high school, because once in college, free time will be a luxury!

College is an opportunity for self-discovery--academically, socially, and intellectually. College provides an opportunity for you to explore your interests, your identity, your goals and ambitions. While some come to college with a solid concept of what they want to do in the future, others come uncertain, hoping to discover what they are passionate about. At both ends, however, college can transform you and help you determine the best paths to take. But college is not merely preparation for the future--education is a process of living in and of itself. So come to college with an openmind, a willingness to explore and make yourself vulnerable. You will be presented with many opportunities--in the classroom, in a social setting, or in the community--so take these opportunities to learn about yourself and find out what role you want to play in the world. Engage yourself in your surroundings, and take advantage of every moment as an opportunity. Don't limit yourself or place boundaries around yourself. Instead, make concious decisions that you think you'll feel good about. Make the most of every experience and be the person you want to be.

These are basic rules to live by but it's shockingly easy to detract from them: do all of your work accurately and on time! When the teacher assigns you that thick novel, just read it because even if you think you can look it up on the internet, it's absolutely going to be assigned again here in college so just save yourself the time and trouble of skirting around the book and just read it! In any subject, when you take the time to learn it properly here in high school, once you reach college you'll already have this vast bank of knowledge and you can save so much valuable time. Please immunize yourself to that rampant college virus known as PROCRASTINATION. Do it now young high schooler because once you get to be our age...the damage is done. Get involved in extra-curricular activities and working. You'll quickly master time mangaement earlier in life. It's pertinent to know how to prioritize your academics, social life, and work because the people that follow through with the items on their agenda are the ones that achieve success in all facets of life! Good luck Merica!

Here is the biggest secret: academics aren't everything. Yes, it is important to go to class, do your work, and get good grades, but that is not where you are going to make lasting memories. College is not just about getting a valuable education that should help get you a great job, it is also about being on your own and learning how you fit in. Once you get dropped off on moving day, mommy and daddy are gone and you are alone in all your glory. Don't worry, this will probably be the best thing that ever happened to you. Now you are in the driver seat able to make the most out of your life and out of your time at university. GET INVOLVED!! There are a plethora of opportunities for extracurricular activities in college.; join a sport, learn an insturment, get a job on campus, find a cause, learn about a new culture, support school athletic teams, go to rallies, become a tutor, etc. And if you are not sure what to choose, try them all! Getting involved at your school will make your years there more worthwhile and will help you make lasting friendships.

Having been one year in UCLA, the advice I always give to myself is never to give up, always work hard, and succeed in my classes.

Start exploring early! Join various organizations and don't be afraid to try new things. There are so many opportunities, so start early!

Be prepared for a fast-paced environment at UCLA. Some lectures will have 400 students, and it?ll be easy to feel intimidated and insignificant. But remember that 5000 freshmen experience UCLA for the first time every year. You should reach out to these classmates, who share your concerns. Actively seeking companionship in the first ten weeks of school will be beneficial, because the friendships you make in your first quarter will last throughout your undergraduate years. You should also live in an apartment instead of a dormitory. In particular, there?s a complex located on 500 Landfair that provides meals to residents. The rent is only $500 a month! You?ll save thousands of dollars, so don?t let this deal pass you by. You should also note that the Celtics will win an NBA championship in 2008, and the Lakers will win one in 2009. Also, the Cardinals will make it to the Superbowl in 2009, but they will end up losing to the Steelers. In addition, Obama will become our next president. Take advantage of this knowledge and make bets with your friends. Make some money and be prepared for a major recession in 2008 and 2009!

The most important piece of advice I can give is that the student needs to really like the campus environment. Today, everyone is too caught up in getting into a "brand-name" college without taking into consideration whether they would really be happy there or not. Things like dorm rooms, class sizes, variation of majors, and diversity are more important that the ranking of a college on a list. Parent pressure may also be a factor, but in the end, it is up to the student to decide where they want to go and what they want to do with their life. Many students don't know what they want to do when they first go to college, which is completely normal--this is why it is so important to visit different campuses and take all factors into consideration. College is supposed to be the best time of a person's life--but that is only if a student chooses a college because they are happy there, not because of a ranking of a list.

There is nothing more confusing and nerve racking than choosing which university to attend. There are so many factors for students and parents to consider: cost, campus environment, instructional programs and a school?s reputation, to name a few. How can one decide? Students and parents must first make a list of the various criteria that they feel are significant and rank them in order of importance. The final decision will come from how well a college fits the criteria. To reach this final decision, one must do their research. There is a wealth of information online, but it is just as important to visit various campuses and talk to students and alumni. Some information is easy to access, such as tuition and campus size; however details such as social aspects or environmentally friendly campuses requires one to delve deeper. Making the college experience enjoyable is about trying new things and being engaged. Getting involved and working hard in one?s passions will achieve a sense of fulfillment outside of obtaining a degree. In the end, the student?s personal drive will make them successful, for a university provides the foundation, but the individual decides what to build upon it.