University of California-Los Angeles Top Questions

I've thought a lot about this question recently, having just finished my first year of college. In retrospect, I realized that I have grown significantly since graduating high school. As such, the advice I would give my high school is the course of action that I took this past year. I would characterize my high school self as being afraid of taking charge of a situation. Beginning college in a new environment, I wanted to make the most of every chance to experience as much of the university culture as possible. In order to do this, I quite literally said yes to everything that came my way during my first year. As a result, I was able to find internships, learn from incredible mentors, meet hardworking, passionate individuals, and learn more about myself than ever before. In just one year, I believe I developed more as an individual than I had in my entire fours years in high school. The biggest piece of advice I would offer my senior self would be to make the most of your undergraduate experience. You're only there for four years, and you want to graduate with absolutely no missed opportunities or regrets!

If I could go back and talk to my senior self, I'd tell myself to spend more time with my family. I never realized how homesick I would be!!! I would have told myself to get a job so I wouldn't have to resort to Ramen meals! I would've told myself to apply for scholarships much earlier on, because the deadline for most scholarships currently is next year. Oh man, I would've told my senior self to NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!! Do what you can today, so it won't all add up tomorrow and you won't end up feeling discouraged!

My advice to myself would be to more avidly pursue ways to pay for college on my own-- in other words, to seek scholarships and part-time jobs. College is expensive, and any psychological maturation we experienced during high school seems meaningless if, as soon as we exit, we need to begin asking our parents for such exorbitant sums of money, which is something we (hopefully) hadn’t been doing previously. To me, it feels like a step backwards. During adolescence, we become socially and emotionally independent but remain financially dependent, and this "gap" eventually becomes difficult to rationalize. I hadn't realized any of this by the time I graduated, nor did I anticipate how much it would sting to still be dependent on my parents. By letting them shoulder the burden of paying for college, I’m maintaining (or even heightening) my reliance on them at a point in my life where I should be lessening it. I think that my younger self would understand the grim implications of that. Also, I would tell myself to ask out a girl I liked who came to UCLA with me. She went to winter formal by herself, after all.

Do research for scholarships, make sure you socialize more and involve yourself with organizations and other students. Live on campus rather than commuting and make sure to choose a major that you can see yourself building a successful career in.

The only think i regret is not getting my GE classes out of the way. Take all those AP course while you can and get the tutoring you need. Tak even community college classes if need be. Especially if you are set in the field of study you would like to enter, get those taken care of because right now thats the only thing holding you back. Delevop and keep good study habits and stay self-disciplined. You have great freedom to do awesome things but do not get side track. Stay FOCUSED on what you want and need to do and then build on your expierience with extras.

I took a trip to the future and there is a little advice that I want you to know. First things first, don’t be so afraid to be adventurous. College is truly all about finding your true self. That cannot happen if you choose to remain in a shell. Try new things. Speak to different kinds of people. Learn to be comfortable expressing your authentic self. When you are one hundred percent acceptant of yourself, others around you do not have a choice but to accept you as well. Honestly, the transformation from high school to college is nothing less than frightening. However, when you learn to accept the fact that change is inevitable, you can accomplish anything. College is all about change. Change in scenery. Change in academic style. Change of self. Do not fret when you experience this constant change. View it as an opportunity to learn another life taught lesson. Wisdom is attached at the end of each lesson. It is important to realize that wisdom, by far, is the best gift that you can obtain. With that being said, welcome to the “Real World.” Open your eyes to its remarkable and indescribable beauty.

I would tell myself so many things, but there are a few that stand out. I would tell myself to really prepare yourself. College classes in high school are way different from high school classes. You can’t slack off just because you don't have class every day. I would also tell myself that college is very important and not to take the opportunity of granted. I would also to tell myself not to take to set a goal and become very goal oriented. Some friends may leave you but your education is more important than your parties and your friendships. Another thing I would tell myself is to not over load myself with classes and work. It gets very stressful and you can't do both and succeed at both. Something is going to suffer & you don't want school to be it. Those are a couple of things I would tell myself if I had the oppurtunity to do so.

As a high school senior I would tell myself to prioritize the improvement of your study skills. Entering college was a difficult transition because I had to improve my study habits. I would also mention to make more time EVERYDAY to get some studying and reviewing done, because unlike high school, college requires you to constantly review the covered subject material. Establishing a functioning study routine that caters to your personal needs will be key to achieving academic success in college. As far as writing essays, don’t be afraid to think for yourself and have your own interpretations of readings, lessons, etc. In college all you will be writing about will require that you develop your own arguments and ideas. By starting to feel comfortable with your own thoughts and ideas, college essays will be an easier task to complete. Overall college requires you to be self-efficient and complete tasks INDEPENDENTLY. Don not count on anyone to do your thinking for you. I know this sounds a bit obvious, but it is easy to simply agree with other people’s ideas without fully analyzing it for yourself.

There are many things I want to tell to my high school self. College life is unrestricted, flexible, and a great place to make friends. It is unrestricted because the student can feel free. Instructors do not order students around because it is the student’s responsibility. The stress I have experienced in high school does not exist in college. The college life is flexible because a student can create their own schedule. If a student wants a longer lunch break or nap time, a student can fill in a space. I always wished for a longer lunch time or an hour of a nap, but I can do this in college. Finally, college is a great place to make friends. People from different background and age attend a college. For some reason, I only made a few friends in high school. However, when I started attending college, I am able to be friends with people of many ages, especially people who are two decades older than me. They match my thoughts, so conversations are very enjoyable. I want to tell my high school self that college life is not intimidating as the rumors say, but it is very worthwhile.

Knowing about the complexity of college life, I will encourage myself to be open and learn from all the opportunities. Learning pathway comes from everywhere. Going to college will make me grow; as a human being and the future professional. I am now responsible of myself, about where I am, and how I can take advantage of all the tools offered to help me reach my academic goals. I have a plan for my future, and I am determined to reach the other end of the path. I know this is just the beginning of my journey in pursuing a higher education. My new life as a college student will really depend on me. I do not think it will change who I am because my parents had taught me along the years good values, how to manage my time, be responsible and proactive. I know there will be academic changes, different homework workload, and class schedule; as well a whole new environment that probably will make me feel alone or perhaps scared which is and will be a fundamental part of my personal growth. I am ready to face new challenges that will be worthy in the long run.