California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Top Questions

I would say to my former high school senior self that you better be prepared to study your butt off in college. College is definitely not the same as high school. No one holds your hand in college and you are given the responsibility to finish all your work and to study for the tests and the exams. If you slack off, your parents will not be there to tell you to go to your room and study. But although studying is a big factor in college life, do not make studying the only factor during your time at college. Learn to balance studying with socializing and involvement in clubs and activities. Otherwise, you will have no other choice but to stay holed up in your dorm room all day watching videos on Hulu (assuming that you have done all your studying and homework). Finally, last piece of advice- have fun in college, but always have in mind that you are in college to get a degree.

I would tell myself to do as much as you feel you can, don't do more than that. People will tell you many different things and to do everything possible, but that is just other peoples' opinions. You need to do what you want. Take the classes your interested in and study something that teaches you something new everyday. I'd tell myself to be prepared for many new apportunities. You will have the chance to meet people similar to you but from completely different walks of life. Have fun! Go play sports, join clubs, invest in student council, apply for scholarships early, and stay on top of work. Explore the town or city the school is in very well. Pick a difference your comfortable with from home but always have some family close. Most importantly I'd tell myself to do what you always do, try your best. Be social, be a friend, be a professional, be apart of the community you just joined, and don't get to wrapped up in the future.

When I was a high school senior I didn't apply to many colleges, only to four CSU's. I dont regret attending Cal Poly Pomona because it was my best option of the only schools I applied to, I really like this school. The only difficulty I currently have is the commute. I take the metro lightrail and then i take the subway, form there I take the silver streak and then the 480 bus to Cal Poly Pomona. I procrastinated when it came to filing paperwork so that i could recieve my Cal Grant in time and therfore apply and pay for housing. I would tell myself to send in the papers I needed to so that my college expirince wouldn't invovle the 6 hours of commute to and from school. I would have learned a lot more about being on my own and learning to manage my time and money efficiently, maybe even be in the work-study program. So if I could talk to my former self I would tell her to get her things together and not miss out on the opportunities that were available to her.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would probably encourage myself to take as many AP classes as I can. This could save me time as well as money. Taking AP classes while you are in high school is a great opportunity to get a feel for how college courses are going to be. I would also focus more on my extracirrucular activites and making sure I get involved more during my senior year as well as when I am in college. Being involved gives you a huge heads up on being noticed more by companies you might want to work for in the future or even own. I also believe that finding who you are early on in life and knowing what you want is a great advantage. I myself did not think of what major I wanted to be in until the ending of my freshman year. If I had explored more careers while in high school I would have had a huge head start on what I really wanted to study while in college.

if i had the chance to see myself in back in my high school year i would tell myself to work harder. The classes i took for AP i would study even more to pass all nine instead of just passing one. This would have definetely helped me get more transfer credits than i do now. the passage from high school would be more easier if i did not take high school more serious. My studying ethics were not as high as they were now. Instead of just watching television as soon i got home i would tell myself to get to studying for the AP exams and chapter test for my regular classes.

Lia, stay strong. There will be people who try to bend you, people who try to break you, and people who chose to turn their back on you. Find your friends, and hold tightly to what you know. I know you never thought of yourself as a ?sorority girl?, but give Chi Omega a chance. The girls are genuinely amazing, and you will need them. There?s also not much to say about parties. Don?t waste your time on too many. They are often full of people who are lost or trying to fill a void. You?re not looking to fill a void, and you don?t need to be around that. Conquer your fears, stick to your morals, never pass up a chance to meet a new friend, set ambitious goals, and stay on top of your studies. You?re going to experience both anguish and adventure, but you will get through it no matter what. Never forget who you are or how you got to where you are now, and just wait until you find out what?s in store for you.

Assuming I can go back in time to talk to my former high school senior self, I would basically tell myself to prepare for the real world, high school is just a stepping stone for what it's really like out there. I would tell myself that if I was interested in a major to focus on it now and do some work to see if that major is what really interest me. I need to make sure that I'm going to take high school seriously, because even though the grades are not really looked at anymore, preparing yourself is what really matters and its more important for me because if I fail, I fail myself, I'm not really letting anyone down but myself. I would also teach myself the one most important thing, time management. How to balance school, work and just my life in general would be a task. If all your doing is working and hanging out, you're not going to have enough time for school. Also being involved with what the campus is doing is important and can keep you informed and help meet other people and what they are like.

College is a different but exciting place and does take getting use to. Attending the orientation is crucial and provides a large volume of useful information on how the campus works. For the first quarter you're not going to want to take too many units so that you can adapt to the college environment. Socializing and becoming active on campus is important. As everything else, there are limits though. School work always needs to be the first priority and then socializing second. Quarter systems are different in the sense that the classes cover information faster. As long as you stay on top of your work there's absolutely nothing to worry about. An activity class is also very helpful in relieving any stress that you may have. Many clubs host parties and dances, but you need to be aware of those that are appropriate and those that are not. Living on campus is a wonderful experience, but not necessary to enjoy college. The key to enjoying your time in college, while still exceeding in academics, is to find a balance between school work and socializing. This balance is different for every student, but doesn't take long to find.

If I could back in time where I was a high school senior I would tell myself, ?don?t change.? As a freshmen, I see so many people around me act as if they have just been let off of a leash. I see girls throw themselves onto men for a feeling of joy, to have a sensation of being wanted. I see these girls lose who they are at the core and become someone they believe is awe-inspiring. These freshmen girls are so reliant on attention that they will go to any extremity to find it. I watch them pounce on the first adult male that is willing to give them an ounce of flake flattery. I would tell myself, do not follow this crowd because you are your own person and not a single person in the world can make you believe otherwise. I would tell myself to continue to stay strong in my beliefs because if you are firm in what you believe, you will excel greatly in this new place of freedom. If you stay true to yourself, you will triumph.

Hey kid, its the older you. I'm just dropping by to say "GET YOUR ACT STRAIGHT!" doing absolutely nothing in your classes is not a habit to get used to. Once you get in college you can't just sit around not do your homework and then expect to get an A on a quiz or a final. You have 10 weeks to do a years worth of work. Yes, it's important to have fun, but you are having way too much of it. Soon you are gonna like it and you will think that you can take all your habits from high school to college. Trust yourself (cuz i'm the older you) i no what I am talking about. Go all out in sports and your work, only then will you have the freedom and stress free life (sorta) that you want.

If I got the chance to go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I'd tell myself to do many things differently. I would tell myself to really thing about applications seriously and to apply to a few more schools I know I could have gotten into, which would have allowed me to have a greater variety of choices in the college process. I would then instruct myself to not be judgemental about different colleges or rule them out right away. I would tell myself to relax and that everything would work out and fall into place in the end, therefore, stress is unnecessary. I think that because I was so stressed and worried about making the right and "perfect" decision, I missed out a lot on the fun aspects of my senior year. If I had just relaxed, I think I would have enjoyed it more and I think that it also might not have gone by so fast. Another things I'd say to myself is to, of course, focus on my classes and grades because they REALLY are imortant. And lastly, to enjoy high school while it lasts, because college is completely different. :)

The transition from high school to college life is the most drastic change you have ever made thus far in your life. The change is more severe than the jump from intermediate to high school, and more intense than the change from briefs to boxers. First of all, there is an extraordinary amount of free time. You get to pick your own schedule. You can have classes that start at 12, so you can sleep in; you can even have classes from Monday to Thursday so you have three-day weekends. However, the free time makes you believe you have more time then there actually is. If you don't budget that time wisely you may have to face several chapters, even an entire book, of reading for one night. Also, compared to high school, the college community is tremendously larger. A population of 2300 jumps to 21000 and makes you feel incredibly tiny. You were once the top dog, "El Presidente," but now you're just a face. Before, you knew everyone and they you, but in college, especially since it's a different county, there are only a few people you'll get to know and comunicate with.

If there was one thing I could tell myself back in high school to better prepare me for college, it would be to not get carried away with my freedom level. I say this because back in high school I lived with a strict aunt and uncle who rarely let me do anything. Going to college would be my way of having fun and doing things they never let me do, like stay out late or go to a party; therefore, when I went to college I, plainly putting it, didn't take my school work serioulsy. Instead of studying for finals or doing homework, I hung out with friends and had fun. Thanks to my inability to focus on what needed to be focused on, I ended up failing two classes that I could have easily received an A in. Now I have to fight my way to get classes that I've already taken in order to continue on with my major. If I could talk to myself in high school, I would say this: Raquel, you're a smart kid, but that doesn't mean you can ignore your education and party all the time.

My advice I would give to myself is work harder in school and try not to procastinate that much. Let all the studies I learned form high school to the betterment of myself in college. Not only work hard but also responsible by organizing all the work.

I would say, "Know yourself. Pick a school that fits your needs and personality." Take the time to visit each school you are interested in. If you will be living on campus, make sure the dorms fit your needs. If you are going to commute, make sure that the time on the road does not take away from your college experience. Visit the department of your intended major on each campus. Meet the professors and the department chair. If you dislike the people you will be studying with, pick a different school. If you dislike the entire environment, it is unlikely that you will succeed. If you are a student that thrives on individual attention, make sure the class sizes are small. If you are a person that likes "anonymity", look for a school with large lecture sessions. If you do best taking "on-line" classes, find a school that has multiple offerings. Knowing what you need to succeed, and finding that "perfect fit" for yourself will guarantee success. College is expensive. and YOU are the educational consumer. Finding an environment you will thrive in, is the most rewarding and sensible thing a person can do.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice for the transition from high school to college, I would say that the two are completely different atomospheres. In high school, you are limited to your main group of friends that you most likely grew up with. You stick to those friends and hang out with them all through high school. When entering college, you meet so many different people and you are not limited to a small group in which you would hang out with all the time. There are so many different races, cultures, and backrounds of people in college and everyone is looking to meet new people. Also, going from high school to college, expect a different work load and maybe more of a desire to learn and get good grades. In high school, we took classes that we had to take in order to graduate and move on. In college, most of the classes we take are toward our major, which will lead us into the career of our choice. When you take college courses that help you succeed in your future career, you are more likely to be interested and want to do well.

Stay focussed in school. As much as it sucks take as many classes as possible, especially math and science. College classes are so much easier when you've seen the material before. Building quality study techniques and organization skills will give you a smoother transition into the more grolling pace of college. My poor study habits and low math classes set me up for a difficult time in college. You don't need to over work yourself in high school, enjoy it. At the same time though, don't slack off. It only makes life harder. If you're interested in sports, greek life, or competitive clubs, there is a 3.0 high school overall gpa requirement. Make sure your grades are there or you won't be able to participate in certain activities your freshman year of high school. Every school is suffering from the economy. Every school is offering less classes and have issues with students getting the classes they need. Most of my friends don't feel their private college cost was at all worth it. Try and get involved in school. Learn how to interacti with your classmates. This will help college to be enjoyable.

I would love to go back in time and give myself some pointers. However, the truth is I most likely would not even listen. I would suggest saving lots more money and advise myself to attend the Claremont Colleges instead of Cal Poly.

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be brave and bold. For some reason, I was very shy in high school. I look back and I think, ?Why did I even care what other people thought of me?? It is not like I see them anymore, so why conserve myself. It took me some time and experience through college to realize just that. In college, you really have to stand out. What makes me different? What makes me unique? The problem is that if you don't try something, you will never know what your weaknesses are.

I would tell myself to practice better study habits and to learn how to balance my time. College can be very demanding at times, so time management is a very important factor. I would also tell myself to get my priorities in line. There are so many distractions that are, in the end, not worth losing out on my education for. An 'A' grade is much more rewarding than a night out. I would tell myself to manage my money better; that buying new clothes that I need, or saving up in case of emergencies would be a smarter choice than spending $100 on a night out. I would also like to tell myself that college is not as scary as it seems. Yes, it is a completely new envrionment and the work load is more, but as long as you stay focused on what you need to do, college is fun and an experience you should feel lucky to have received.

I would say, Greg, the next four or five years are not going to be easy. Physics requires a lot of commitment and the professors will expect the best from you. They will also help you, assist you, guide you. This is not high school anymore. You are an adult, no one is going to hold your hand and ask for your parent's signature. You are in charge of your destiny. If you do not come to class or do not do homework, the college police will not come after you. College is an exciting time, full of opportunities and driven young people all with the same goal you have: to recieve a better education and make a better life for yourself. There are also missed opportunities, and it can become overwhelming. Especially in the last two years, with the course work becoming more difficult, graduation approaching, job interviews or graduate school applications on the horizon. You are becoming an adult, taking charge of your life. All parents and professors can do is to guide you in the right direction, but at the end of the day it comes down to you, Greg. College is the first step.

Having the chance to go back in time and speak to myself senior year would be extremely beneficial. Now that I have gone through my first quarter in college I understand how to correctly manage my time and most importantly how it affects my parent?s bank account. I would tell myself over and over to give one-hundred and ten percent in all of my classes and to manage my time correctly. From experience now, I know that the free time I have isn?t really free time but actually study time and when there is nothing to study it is in this time that I should apply for scholarships so I could take some weight off of my parent shoulders. I would also tell myself to be more open to my surroundings and to take advantage of the university resources because they are there to help everyone including myself. Having the chance to go back in time after the first quarter with a large magnitude of experience would really help one very much.

If I went back in time, I think I would tell myself, no matter how hard to road, no matter how many obstacles stand in your way, don't quit! Even when money is tight, and you feel that you could try again later...don't quit! Just keep telling yourself that you're almost done. Do not to listen to those who try to push you down, instead believe in yourself and be confident in your abilities to work hard, and keep your goal in mind. In the end, you will have what you set out for, then nothing and no one can stand in your way for any goal you set for yourself in the future. Learn as much as you possibly can, because your future is wonderful, and if you stay focused, you will just make it there faster. Make us proud!

To research each major that sounds interesting.

Based on my experience here at Cal Poly, I think I would tell myself to really prepare myself for the type of coursework that I'd be doing in college. I would insist on taking all honors and advanced placement classes so that I would know what to expect when I went to college.

I would have started earlier to gather money and other resources for college. As it is, I started too late to really make a difference, so now I am struggling to make ends meet, especially with the fee increases (more than 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in the last two quarters). As it is, the financial aid office is not able to help me with grants, as my partents made enough that I don't qualify. Not enough however to easily provide for my education.

I would say to really take the time to research good schools that you want to attend. If you are planning on getting your bachelors degree, go to a four year university right away so you don't waste your time and money taking classes at a junior college that you don't need. Start taking 15 units instead of 12 if you want to graduate in four years. Talk to your counselor as much as possible. Be very organized with everything from your transcripts to your school work. Make sure nothing is late.

Self: Maybe you'd better take that calculus course this year, you'll realize later you love science more than any other option and you'll be grateful. Oh and take advantage of some scholarships for women affected by Breast Cancer before you are 25, it would save you some money and stress. Also, corporate america is not all you think it is.

I would tell myself that growing up isn't so scary, and college life is not as bad as everyone was saying it would be. I would also advise myself to pay just a little more attention to my english and math teacher, their methods of teaching were astonishingly similar to college professors. Also, that it doesn't matter whether I was the dorky kid or not, college students don't really have a sterotype when it comes to getting the grades and creating a long lasting career choice. Eating with the cool kids everyday really doesn't effect your G.P.A. or your choice of major. Everyone was correct in saying highschool and college are two very different things. In the end, your life decisions are in your own hands, not in the prom queens.

The best thing I would advise myself is not to be in a hurry to get a part-time job. Having extra money is great but school comes first. By having a job, time from my social life was cut, which balances my schoolwork stress. Also I would tell myself to be open to knew ways of studying because some study habits will become useless in college since the school work is different.

If i were to go back in time and give my young self advice, I would definately tell me about the strains in life are more likely to develop from lack of knowledge. I'd advise myself to manage my time wisely as every second counts and there is not a minute to waste! I'd make sure to also include the basics about getting overwhelmed can make it hard to concentrate on things, and could interfere with what goals have been set. Causing slip in grades and participation. When getting overwhelmed, there should be an escape plan. Try taking a walk, take a nap, even crochet if you have to, just to clear the mind, rejuevinate. Don't be scared, it's only learning!! Hang in there, There is light at the end of the education tunnel. Close enough you can almost touch it, REACH!

If I could go back I would tell myself to study harder in high school. There was a lot of material I missed out on and opportunities to get ahead that I should have taken. I would have gone straight to Cal Poly instead of coming in as a transfer. College is a fantastic experience full of life lessons. and I would remind myself of that fact.

I would certaily take everything very seriously then in terms of the classes and how I would dedicate my time and efforts for them. I would pay attention to teachers and take very detailed notes. I would cherish every moment that I spend at school since not everyone has that luxury.

I would say to pace myself. I started out my first year with too many classes and really messed up. I would tell myself to take it slower. Only take 3 classes and ease into more. I would tell myself to make sure I go to every class because every lecture/lesson is important. I would tell myself to do all my homework and projects before going out with friends. But above all I would tell myself to have fun and make the best of it.

One important thing I would first tell myself is find something you have the most interest in and the most passion for, and find a way to achieve an education in that subject. Do what you love, and don't worry about the cost associated with learning more about the subject. Money can be obtained through financial aid, and there are always opportunities on most campuses. Secondly, become involved in campus life. Being well acquainted with fellow classmates and professors can set you on the right track to develop meaningful contacts later in life when they will be quite handy. Thirdly, you will only get out what you put in. When you've figured out what you want to study, take it seriously, and strive to learn as much as possible, and keep in mind that professors' office hours can be very helpful. In the end, nobody can tell you what is best for you. You know what's best for you, but above all else do what you love, and have fun.

As a high school senior, I thought I knew everything and could handle anything. I appreciate my youthful confidence, but it got shaken when I entered college because I was surprised about how difficult the life transition was. I think I would've told myself to hold steady and not let myself falter because of trivial worries or stresses. I've always done well for myself,and know I always will. It takes work to succeed, but as long you as enjoy it (by not stressing about it) you'll be fine. College is the perfect blend of work and play; a time like no other in life when you're work is supposed to always be play.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about college, I would advise myself that I am choosing the right major and the right college. I would also advise myself to apply for more scholarships to help save money on tuition. I would also advise myself to relax, and know that grades are not as important as I think they are. I would tell myself to spend more time with my friends because once college starts, its going to be hard for us to get together once school starts because we will be so far apart. I would explain that grades are important, but spending time with friends and family while I still have the chance is what matters most.

Stick with it. it's super hard and not always very fun, but theres a lot of fun stuff in there too that makes it all worth it. as you get older everything will start to make a lot more sense.

If I could tell my high school self a few things before college this would be exactly what I would say: don?t sit back. In college you don?t meet people because you sit next to them for a year. Every few months your classes change, and weather there are hundreds of people or only fifteen in your class you won?t meet them by sitting back. You need these people. Study groups, borrowing notes, even asking when the midterm is, you will need all of this, and these people have it. Also don?t sit back when it comes to clubs and organizations. In any college you get out what you put in, so put in the effort, and in the end, it won?t feel like an effort at all. Getting involved will get you the best experience, no matter who you are. What does all of this have in common? People. Friends are what you will remember from college, they are what make it fun, they help you make it through. College is much faster paced than high school. Everything in moderation, even moderation, you need to go crazy sometimes, to keep from going crazy.

I would tell them to make suer you do all the research you can. Also if given the opportunity make sure you visit you top 3 choices.

Take your time and find the school that best fits you!! names arent all that important

I would say to visit the college and the people, get to know the surrounding. Also know what the college offers, for example classes, activities, clubs and other social and career based opportunities. When in college, stay focused on your school work and work hard but at the same time get invovled by joining a club or greek life. Making life long friends and networking are very important in college.

When selecting your school, be very aware of the availability of courses offered. A school may reportedly have a wide variety of classes, but lack of funding may hinder students from placing into their desired classes, which also has a tendency of prolonging the road to graduation. It would also be prudent to choose a school that has strength in the program or major the student wishes to pursue, regardless of its general reputation. Another aspect to look into is the mix of clubs and organizations available. These tend to be the best way to socialize and mingle with others. An obvious factor of school selection is personal affordability. Financial aid tends to be offered in smaller amounts than desired or expected, and scholarships are either very much competed for or are fairly scarce. One wouldn't want to cost himself an arm and a leg just to end up being dissatisfied with the education and experience they are paying for. An essential part of the selection process is campus visiting and touring so that the student gets a good feel of each school. Finally, don't just base selection by school reputation. Lesser known schools are just as promising.

I feel that the most important part of the college experience comes in the beginning when you are selecting the college. Be sure to research and compare various univerisities, and ensure that their values, and academic focus reinfornce and resonate with your lifestyle and career focus. I would also recommend that once the student decides on a college, to research community college options as well, as they are able to take their first 2 years there then transfer. This is an excellent way for students and their parents to save money, an option that I feel many are unaware of. Furthermore, I feel that students will enhance their college experience if they find a school with a sense of social solidarity, where the alumni networking is strong, and the professors are well known experts in their field. I would encourage the incoming and prospective to student to become involved in the extra curricular activities that they enjoy, do not to join "just to join" but join to make a difference in the community and on campus. Meet with full- time tenured professors in order to ensure their curriculum is a good fit with what you want to study.

When looking for the right school one must look at all the options. Never be discouraged by junior colleges, they too offer great education and resources. It is never a bad idea to keep a junior college in mind as a safety school. Attending a junior college first can save money and in most cases make transfering into a university a lot easier. In general always look for the school that offers their major of interest, the vibe that best suits them, and the location (city/state). It is always safe to look into other majors just in case their number one choice gets full. Always visit the schools they apply to or have an interest for. This way both the parents and student can look at the campus life/activities and get the real functioning vibe. At the end it is best to pick what they want (not what parents want or where friends/significant others are attending). If they are not a party person, do not go to a school known to party. It is their future and career and it starts with college (even if it takes more than 4 years). It will be worth it!

Visit every college you seriously want to apply for. and if you dont like the people there, dont make it your first choice! college is about making life long friends, and if you dont like the people when you visit there is no way you could like them while actually attending!

Ita all worth it

I would advice parents and students to not only look at the academic reputaion of a college, but to look at other factors such as the environment of the school, on campus clups and also the alumni affiliation with the college. Many college graduates find jobs through clubs that have events with their alumni's which rather then having a costly education that will not give you a good job.

The best advice I can give is to visit the college you are applying to. You may be surprised that a more popular college is less suited for you. While the education provided at a college is extremely important, if you do not enjoy being there, then it is a waste of time. Find out what clubs are available to help you in your major, much of the learning happens outside of the classrooms. College is all about the experience, not just the grades.

Parents, find a college that won't put you or your students in financial trouble. Find out costs ahead of time so that you can make a prepared decision. Look at the surrounding area, is it safe? Would you want to go to school there? Are there a lot of extra curricular activities at the schools you are looking at? Make sure the school spirit is strong, this usually is directly proportionate to how powerful their sports program is and how many different sports that school plays. Check out the student body size, does your child need to feel unique or would it matter if he/she was one in thirty thousand? Student, make sure you know somebody going into college. It makes things a whole lot easier. If you do not know anybody going to college I would advice going to early orientations and making friends as those people can be who you spend the rest of your years with. Meet new people, participate in sports and clubs. That is truly the best way of meeting people. Take advantage of all the on campus amenities such as counselor help, medical help and tutoring. Most importantly, have fun!