University of Southern California Top Questions

I would tell myself to make sure that I maintain consistent work habits through to the end of senior year in high school because once you start a bad habit of slacking off in high school, you will most likely be that way in college where it is much more competitive and more difficult to maintain a high GPA. I would also tell myself to make sure I work hard to take advantage of every opportunity for financial aid by applying to all the scholarships I could find that apply to me. In that way, I won?t have to worry about money problems while I?m in college so that I can just focus on my academics and extracurricular activities.

Hold on tightly to your sense of self. BE TRUE TO YOURSELF, JACKIE! USC is an incredible school, and you will find some of your best friends here and will find your success sitting next to you on the palm-tree surrounded knoll. Pray to your guardian angel and walk confidently in your studies. Learn to manage your time well so you can stare all difficulties in the face with the knowledge and understanding gained from your experiences. Walk the halls and walls of this school proudly, breathing in the legends of the great people who've walked there before you. Study hard and stay focused and love your life and everything around you! Your heart belongs here. Be open to the journey! :)

If i was a high school senior I would make sure I knew what I wanted to do when I got to college, or at leas be fully aware of the options available to me when I arrived at college. Knowing the endless possibilities of major and minor combinations is important but also having some idea of people you would like to meet as these are likely to be your frends for life. It's also important to realise there are other options available to you such as taking a gap year to go travelling and experience life before getting bogged down in college. I would make sure I kept up my Math skills more as they are neccesary for any facet of life. Finally I would try to fully understand that there is a world of possibilities and that even after freshman year, you can still change your mind and go in the opposite direction if yuo think its important, for example switiching majors, living arrangements or social circles.

Just be yourself. It's so easy to try to make yourself into somebody you're not to impress admissions people, new friends, new teachers, etc. But in the long run you don't gain anything. College is all about finding out more about yourself, and the best way to do that is to start from a completely honest and sincere place. If you're comfortable with who you are, other people will be too, and then you'll truly be able to grow.

Make the most of all the opportunities presented to you and those you seek out for yourself. Don't be afraid of making mistakes, do what you want, but remember school is the priority. Be outgoing and go with the flow.

Going to college is a trip. There is really no way to prepare yourself mentally for all the changes that are about to come. There is, however, a mindset that could better frame your college experience. You see the world as something in the palm of your hand. Throughout your life so far, school has been a breeze, you have never had to work particularly hard to succeed, even to excel. You must realize that this has been misleading. You are lucky that writing comes easily to you, that common sense can guide you?for the most part?in the right direction, but this intuition is not nearly enough. You have to really work HARD in college. The biggest change is the expanse of opportunity you are about to be presented. Open yourself up. Accept challenges and responsibilities as something to embrace, not something to shy away from. Take all the chances, learn to say ?Yes! I will! I can!? Once you change that ?Why?? mentality to a ?Why not?? mindset, you?ll begin to find life more exciting, more rich, more fulfilling. Give it a shot, put your ?no? in your pocket and wear that ?yes? on your sleeve!

Passion is the key to success. Paint your blank canvas with all the colors you want.

As a high schooler I got nervous very easily and worried about small unimportant things. I still do. However, After a year and a half of college, I have learned some things. Looking back, I would tell myself to chill out a bit, continue working hard on applications as well as in school and to remember my work ethic. As advice for beginning my freshman, I would prepare myself with a few points. First, not to be afraid of change, and different things. It is okay to become a different person without betraying yourself. Everyone develops and matures; otherwise they would continue as the same person they were in high school throughout life. Second, even though I worked hard in high school, college is not the break. In fact it's the other way around. High school is so insignificant compared to the work you do at university. This is the real start of your life. Third, one of the most important things I've learned is that balance is key. It's quite difficult, but it is imperative to balance schoolwork with extra-curriculars, friends and family. This is important for all aspects of health. And, remember to eat.

When I was a high school senior, I really cared about the prestige of the college I would be attending for the next four years. I am a New York native, and honestly if I could go back, I would tell myself that it's more about what you learn in college, and accumulating student debt is not a fun adventure. Back in high school I qualified for State and local City colleges that offered full scholarships plus a free laptop. I would tell myself to go for that, and nothing can compare to the luxury of living at home. I would advise myself, if I really still intend to go out of state for college, to make friends and start early, because friendships take time to grow strong, and once you miss out on initial bonding time, it will feel futile to try to catch up. As an Asian girl, I have always been shy, but in college you're really on your own now, and I would tell myself to suck it up and start speaking up, even if it means I just might embarrass myself! Finally, I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships!

You have to visit the campus, and explore the different activites. Meet the actual students and see if you can relate. Additionally, sit in one of the classes to see if you fit into the learning style and teaching style. Always meet with a fiancial advisor who could help you calculate and plan your finances. College is a lot expensive, and there are so many expenses that are hidden.