California State University-Channel Islands Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Nicholas

Do this thought experiment with me Nick. Tomorrow morning, when you step out of your car and walk over to your girlfriend feeling held back and tired of her, remember what I'm about to say. You are not going to find what you're looking for here as fast as you think you are. It's not going to be found in the shape or form you think, quite the opposite actually. Which is why it's important for you not to crush this girl's heart. At least not the way I did. I get it man, you're sick of being in a relationship, but try to leave the earth better than you found it. That whole spiel about "you're young, you'll make mistakes", it's not gonna fix the hole inside you. I'm not asking you to live a different life or act on what I think I know, because I'm still 19, and not exactly in a position to give you advice. But just walk up to her, look her straight in the face, and decide if that's the mark you want to leave on your hometown.

Brandon

Don't stress. It will be alright. Stick to it in community college because when you transfer you will be on the right road. There are so many opportunities and experiences ahead of you. Have fun but take classes seriously. You only get to live this time once so why waste it?

Vanessa

If I could go back in time and give my high school self advise about college, I think I would have a whole book on advice. I am a first generation college student. Since my parents didn’t attend college I had to figure this whole thing out on my own. As much as they wanted to, my parents were unable to guide me through the path of college. Trying to decide what to major in and which school to attend is very difficult, especially doing it solo. On top of that my parents didn't make enough money for me to attend college in the first place. I had to also figure out how I was going to pay for my education. The first advice I would give to myself would be that there is financial aid! Start community college right after high school because I would be able to afford it now. The next advice I would give would be to seek out help from counselors. That way I wouldn’t have to figure everything out alone. If I would have gone to counselors as soon as I started community college I probably would have graduated already!

Evelyn

I would tell myself as a high school senior to take class seriously and its a big difference from high school. In college they don't give alot of busy work to help you recieve a higher grade. For example a class could consist of you writing blogs on a website, a midterm and a final. With only having those assisgnments in the class it can help make you get an A or break you to recieve a D, so work hard and study hard. Also, remember to listen to your father's advice which was stay away from sociology because its a hard class. If you do take it please study hard for the test in the class. And, please go to the advising center to grab your major requirement paper and take the classes you need. Try to take 18 units for your second semester as a freshman because you want to try to graduate in four. After second semester keep taking 18 units until you don't have too. I know its going to be hard but you can do with the help of your family, friends and religion. If you do get stress out go exercise.

Charlene

Throught out my high school year I was motivated to go to college; I had the top ten colleges that I wanted to apply to. But the top ten listed colleges that I wanted to go to was torn up in my face. My Parents wanted me to go a Junior College for my first two years and then transfer when I am in my Junior year. Being the Obediant daughter that I am, I let them persuade me into thinking a four year university wasnt for me. I sat back and watched others get ready to apply for their top ten colleges that they wanted to go to. All I could think about was that I was ready for a four year university. I did what I thought was best and applied to only my top two choices which were CSU Channel Islands and Wiley college. When I got both acceptance letters from both colleges I was thrilled. Now that im in college I realized it is not High school anymore. Knowing what I know now I would advise to myself that I can not go through college like I did with high school.

Peter

Study hard at school, because it helps you later in college. Everything you don't learn in school you have to catch up in college.

Gabriel

Study a little bit more and better for some exams and looks for scholarships before so I can pay my studies in arquitecture.

Emily

Dear myself: I know you are experiencing a lot of pressure to get in to an "Ivy League" school, and competing with all of your friends. I know you feel that you should go to a "big name" school out of pressure of hearing everyone else name drop all of the big names: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc. But in the long run, you will do better at a school that fits YOU, not at a school that has the most show-offy name. You will feel happier going to a school that fits you as opposed to a school that sounds impressive on paper. Make sure you look at the majors offered at the schools you are considering so you can see if the school has majors that fit your interests. Take a tour of all of the schools you are considering so that you can get a good feel of the campus and what campus life is really like. Ask too many questions. Join a lot of clubs and get really involved on campus. You will meet people that will forever change your life. Good luck! Love, future me.

Samantha

Future Self: Hello Samantha Past Self: Hi Do I know You? Future Self: Not right now but you will soon(smiling) Past Self:(Confused) I don't understand Future Self:Well Samantha I know you might not believe this but I am you from the future Past Self:What? Are you crazy? Future Self:No I'm not but I've come back to give you advice about your/our future and the transition into college life Past Self:Okay I'll play along whats your advice? Future Self:My advice to you...well me..well us...well you know what I mean, is to just be yourself there will be a lot of people who will try to convince you to be like them. Wear what they wear, say what they say think how they think. But I want you to remain true to who you are. You will grow into the woman you are meant to be but only if you follow your own mind Past Self:Thanks that sounds like great advice. We sound like we will do great in the future Future Self:(Smiling) We Will Bye Samantha Past Self:(Waving) Bye Samantha See you Soon

BreeAnne

Dear Bree, This is future Bree speaking. Do not worry about the transition from your private high school to Channel Islands because all the AP and honor classes that you slaved in will truly pay off when you go to college. The workload at CI is manageable, but I need you to pay close attention to the advice that "future and more wise Bree" is going to give you. I know how highly motivated you are and how much you enjoy learning. I also know that you will need to get a part-time job to pay for school. The classes at CI may seem easier than what you endured in high school, but do not let that become an excuse for you to give any less than your best in all you do! Keep giving your 100 {4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} best, and enjoy learning! I know you can thrive, so do not let your job distract you from being the best student you can be. Being a student is the most important thing right now. And since you are double majoring and minoring, I know it will be a stretch for you, but I know you can do it! Sincerely, Future Bree

Anahi

I have to admit that I worked my way through college. I was always a fulltime host/server/cashier at two restaurants and a full time college student. I decided to trust my ability to work rather than to spend time applying for scholarships. My advice number 1 would be: Apply to as many scholarships as you can. My english professor freshmen year told us that nobody would see our grades after graduating college. My second piece of advice: I would tell myself get the best grades you can, becuase after this you are going to want to go into graduate school. My third piece of advice would be: get involved as much as you can. Conferences, workshops, trainings have been very helpful in my selfdevelopment. Fourth, sleep is overrated. Fifth, practice, practice, practice. Sixth, keep your eyes on the prize there is light at the end of the tunnel. Something else that I would advice is to do the best you can to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life. The sooner you figure that out, the sooner you will be in your path to achieve that goal.

Angelica

Its simple all I would say is save! College is not cheap! I wish I can just go back into time and save every single penny I had and not spend it on cute clothes. I feell really bad now because I have my parents stressing over how they will pay for my tutition. The economy is not good right now and my parents are not so sercure with jobs. Sometimes I just want to quit college to help out my parents but thanks to their support they always motivate me to stay in college and they say they will earn the money somehow. To conclude this I recommened all high school students to save for college and never say you can't.

Tiffany

I would advise myself to make college a priority in my life, and I also would assure myself that college is an attainable and realistic goal. As a high school senior many students do not have any idea what course of study they want to pursue for their future; I would advise any senior in that perdicament to continue their eucation in a local community college. I highly recommend community college because it is an environment that provides students with a solid foundation in general education, a foundation which is essential for furthering a student's education and also essential for later transferring into a university. In addition to atending community college and transferring, I also would encourage myself to relentlessly search and apply for as many scholarships as possible before even stepping foot on campus. Actively searching for scholarships early on will prevent future stress concerning the financial pressures of college. Also the greatest resource for any student aspiring to attend college is the college councilors; I highly reccomend schedualing a visit with a councilor who will be able to help the student determine which courses need to be taken during freshman year at college

Jennifer

I would definately tell myself this school was an amazing choice for myself. It is close enough to go home in the case of an emergency but far enough to stay over the weekends and get involved with school life. I'd tell myself not to worry and get discouraged when I didn't think I'd make it. There are plenty of professors who care about me and my education to listen to my problems and help me as much as they can. I'd tell myself jump as high as I can and not to be afraid. I will meet plenty of life long friends who are always here to catch me or help me get back on my feet. This campus is amazing and filled with amazing people. I've added myself to it not only to become a better person but to get involved in the university and help others with fears in securites about doing well and making college one of the best experiences by far.

vianey

If I was to go back in the future I would advice my self to go for the AP classes even though it was an extra load of work. Since I know the AP scores do matter when you get in college. I would also advice my self to take some extra classes in the community college to get ahead. Also be more involved in school like joining more clubs or being in a sport. That would of helped with being out there. And lastly not to slack off the last few months before getting out and enjoying senior year more by doing more activities.

Jenna

What I have gotten out of my college experience is satisfaction. I went into CSUCI imaging what my college life would be like. I have gotten all the classes I needed, became really involved in the school, found a good paying, part-time job, and stayed on top of my academics. All while having a great social life and being a member of a philanthropic and academic sorority. Since CSUCI is so new, this experience wouldn't have been able to happen elsewhere. I gained so much important life knowledge and I am proud to have gone and to have been a part of the school while it was still growing. I have been so thankful for my education, my teachers, employers, friends, sisters, and school staff, because without them, honestly I don't think I would have been able to be so successful. Without them, I would have never been able to achieve the satisfaction that I feel when I reflect on my college experience.

Nancy

In my college experience I have learn to help one another (students) and to help the minorities with support. I also helps incoming freshman so that they won’t be lonely and miss their families that much. I tend to get them involved in clubs or meet friends.

Linda

Returning to school has given me empowerment. I've always wanted to finish school, but it was never the right time. I have come recently to realize there is no such thing as the 'right time,' only the 'are you going to do it now or not' time. I chose now. I was wracked with indecision for months about going back to school again. How would I fit it into my busy unpredictable schedule? Answer: online classes. How would my study skills be after all this time? Answer: just fine since I am an avid reader and natural studier. How can I finish before I am too old? Answer: I'm not too old now and won't be in the future either, for me learning never stopped even though the classroom studies did. The agonizing months of indecision disappeared the day I signed my application. I just knew it was right and I haven't looked back since.

Stefan

CSUCI has helped me to become a positive role model and leader of my campus’ community. I spent my first year dorming on campus and when I moved back home due to financial constraints I became involved with the bike club in Nov’09 to feel attached to the campus. I spent my time training to compete in collegiate road races while becoming deeply in classes. I achieved leadership roles of secretary and vice president within 6 months of joining the club and through persistence & hard work I am the current club president. Timid in high school, my public speaking class, let me embrace a new me. I wanted to find solutions to problems of the campus community and advocate for changes those problems. Since becoming more proactive on campus I've been able to network with faculty to participate in community projects as well as find employment opportunity in the community. I am thankful to attend this 4 year university because it offers so much to its students. Small class sizes, dedicated professors, and supportive friends are what draw me to this campus, and while CI was not my first choice I could not be more pleased withmy choice.

Spencer

I have gotten so much out of my first year of college here at CSUCI. In highschool I was not invovled at all and hated highschool, but at CSUCI's orientation I was inspired by the faculty and staff to come out of my shell. Now as the year ends I have won numerous awards such as Freshman Leader of the Year and others. This is all due to the staff and faculty here at CSUCI. They put the students first in everything that they do. The thing that has been most valuable experience I have recieved was being a part of the CI family. I felt like a real person like Spencer Keaster here, not a number or statistics like i may have felt like at any other university. I also have learned so many lessons in leadership, I know I will be a great leader in society and help build a very close community where ever I live and work.

Mark

My college experience has taught me how to think and reason. I have learned a plethora of other valuable traits but I use this one because people take the idea for granted. The difference I notice when I meet someone who has gone to college and someone who has not is that the those who have gone think for themselves. A person who has gone to college does not take "facts" or ideas at face value but questions the world around them. My college experience has taught me to keep questioning and to continue learning because the pursuit of knowledge does not end after the final is over and you receive a grade. What seperates humans from animals is our ability to learn and reason. It would be a waste to become complacent with a life style that did not include an ongoing challenge to expand my own knowledge of the world around me. What we learn and discover today is what will define the world of tomorrow. My college experience has not just taught me the skills to suceed in a job field but to live a life of leaning and discovery.

Camille

During high school I was too concerned with the present and not enough with the future; I made decisions without any concern for how they would impact my future. That being said, if I could, I would have a few things to tell my senior self now that I have lived through the consequences of those actions. First of all, I would tell myself to participate in extracurricular activities while I still had time. A lot of high school students don?t realize how much time they have and how it will disappear in college. I would also tell myself to fill out as many scholarships as possible. I regret not applying for any because I have wasted several hundred dollars that I could have gone towards university. I should have accumulated enough money to pay for everything so I wouldn?t have to worry about getting enough money each semester. In conclusion, even though I made several mistakes in my senior year of high school, I did indeed pull through them and came out on the other side a better person. I still wish that I had done things a little differently, but that?s just how life works.

Amara

If I could go back in time to my high school senior self, there would be so much to relay to her. I would start off by telling her to calm down about choosing a major. She may not know what she wants to do yet, but she has time before she needs to know. To go ahead and try out different kinds of classes before making that decision, especially classes she normally wouldn't really consider. I would also recommend that she get involved in the school however she can. She may think that school work is a full-time job in itself, but she wouldn't have to go to a club meeting every day, just do something simple, like make a poster for an upcoming event or attend a major workshop. Even small activities will make her feel like a part of the school community and be more determined to work hard, meet new people, and grow as a person. I'm sure as I progress at the University, there will be much more advice I could give my high school self, but I have already learned so much, and hope to continue doing so each semester.

Nicole

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to join as many clubs and organizations as I could senior year to gain a better understanding of what I would enjoy majoring in. I would also apply to more schools and take more campus tours to see what campus I could envision myslef attending. Applying for scholarships earlier on would have helped me financially. The last thing I would tell myself is to enjoy every minute of my senior year of high school and freshman year of college because you can only go through it once.

kimberly

the advice that i would give myself as a a senior would be to keep the momentum i had since junior year. keep all the working skills i had and apply all of them non stop throughout high school. also i would tell myself to take advantage of all the resources that my school had to offer. another piece of advice i would give myself would dont give up any dreams that i have. no matter what obstical that came my way. that last bit of advice would be to have fun and enjoy the four years of high school that i have, they go by so fast and without any notice, its over

MacKenzie

The four years that are spent in high school are a time for self-discovery. The progress I saw from those first days of my freshman year to the last moments of receiving my diploma signifies a time that will never be forgotten. Thinking back on my senior year, though it seems like a lifetime ago, I have come to realize how my fears of growing up hindered choices I made for my future. If I could go back to my senior year, I would tell myself to appreciate being young and enjoy growing up. Don?t fear the unexpected because it will hold you back. Meet all the requirements on time but don?t let yourself stress. Everything will work out; just be patient. When you do get accepted and find yourself making the final transition from child to adult, don?t forget to let your family know how important they have been in the entire process. That their support and love means the world to you and you understand letting go isn?t easy. But, the biggest thing I would tell myself? Go all out. Apply everywhere. You are good enough, no matter what anyone tells you.

Kathryn

Hey Kathryn. I know that you think college is some hard deadful place but it really isn't. College life is nice. The GE classes aren't that bad. Some are easier than others. The transition itself is easy to make. In my opinion college is better than High School. In college you have two or three classes a day, which you get to pick. You can also schedule classes so that you have a break between each class and relax on Friday. Hardely any classes you take are on Friday, which is really nice. The homework load is bearable. Essay can be a pain but the sooner you complete them the sooner you can relax. You are really going to enjoy the downtime in college. Depending on the class tests can be hard but again don't worry about them. If you pay attention to the lectures you will do fine. Studying isn't too bad. I know that you are going to enjoy college when you get there.

Jenissa

I would start at a community college and transfer to a four year after that. I went straight to a private school and racked up a large amount of debt. I tansfered to a community college after attending two private schools and still got an equally as effective education there. Be sure to stick with one school - transfering too much can make aquiring your degree a much longer process. Make the most of where ever you go. All schools have something different to offer. Most important piece of advice: get involved, stay active, and keep a smile on your face!

Elizabeth

Dont be afraid to take a class you might think would be difficult. Push yourself to do the best you can and become involved in school as early as you can. Meet students and faculty early on. that is how you make your connections. Have fun but stay focused on the what you came here to do. Ask questions and stay positve. Stay on the weekends in housing that is the only way to meet people and start off as a freshman working hard and putting more effort rather than putting too little effort.

Nigel

To the parents, I would like to say give your children all the resources they need in choosing the right college. Make sure they know that the possibilities are endless when applying for colleges/universities. also be sure to let them know that it doesn't matter where they go but that your just proud that they are going. For students, i would like to say that you should do your research on every campus you plan to attend. Try and go to as many campus tours as possible and if accepted to the school of your choice immediately get involved so in the fall it will seem as if you a second year student and you will be able to help out the other freshmen. You also may think about seeing which university will give you the most financial aid, that is very important. Overall find a great school for whatever reason you think it is great and hope for the best.

Veronica

Find out what works best for you. Do you like big classrooms where you can get little to no attention from professors or do you want a smaller school with les people in your classes and more attention from your professors. Also, take in mind the distance from home. Detertime early on, if you want to be close to home or if you will do fine with being far from home. Also, pick a school that provides co-curricular activities that your passionate about so that you are able to make the most out of your college experience. Much of the learning is done outside the classroom.

Erica

When searching for the right college, it's best if you make a list of things that you want and things that you don't want at your future college. That way, as you are completing your research for different colleges, you can check off items from your list(s) and see which colleges have the most things that you want as well as the least things that you don't want. Then all you have to do is visit the remaining colleges and talk to students and faculty there, check out the dorms and cafe, see where the classrooms are, and then follow your 'gut instinct.' You'll know which college is the right college because it will FEEL 'right.' Once you are in college, the best way to make the most of it is to get involved! It is the easiest and most fun way to meet people and to learn new things. Join every club that sounds interesting, and then see where that path takes you--you'll be pleasantly surprised by how quickly you feel connected to your new college!

James

Make sure you find out what kind of students attend the school you are looking at and be sure it is an environment (in and around the school) that you will be comfortable living in.

Alexandra

Research a lot of colleges before you decide on one. Keep your options open and never be close minded. There is always room to change your mind, but keep in mind that you should choose a college that best fits you and your interests.

Justin

Make sure you know what is most important to you first. If you love the arts, look for an art school, if you love science, look for soemthing more technical. Even if you don't know what exact major you are interested in, having a direction can make headaches of being halfway through school without knowing what you're doing minimal. Visit schools, don't always be next to your parents, talk to other students, go to a party, figure out what campus life really can be like.

Kaytie

Look for something that truly feels like it fits you. A university should offer a well-rounded lifestyle to help create not only well-rounded students, but well-rounded people who are successful in life. Enjoy all aspects of the entire university environment. Check out every event, you may learn that you don't always enjoy them, but you will be opening yourself up to being involved and making new friends. A good portion of college is the social life, so learning how to create opportunities to be social opens doors throughout college life.

Cassondra

When selecting the right college for yourself you must think about a range of subjects. For one, very important subject, academics. What is the major that you want? Does this college give you everything you need? Now this could narrow it done quite a lot. However, you still need to look at what the cost of housing might be, is there a lot of students on campus, and if not do you want that? Think about who you are and how your personality might fit into the right school. Go to a tour and meet people that already attend there. If you just sit and talk with a current student they might help you realize wether this school is right for you. If that isn't enough, talk to a teacher and see what they have to say about the school. This would give you a great idea of how they teach and how you could learn. I would recomend these steps to find the perfect school for you.

nicole

College is where most young people find out who they are and/or who they want to become. This makes the decision-making process very crucial. Very often it is the student's first move away from home, which means the student needs to be able to feel comfortable, safe, and challenged in order to succeed. The time spent in college is typically a student's last run before they get shoved into the real world. I believe students should make their time in college as enjoyable as possible because before they know it they are walking the line with a diploma in hand. I recommend getting involved in clubs, sports, and possibly even a study abroad program to really take advantage of the education offered at their chosen college. Learning does not always take place in the classroom and I believe stepping outside of the classroom to further their education should be strongly encouraged.

Jeannean

My advice would be for the parents to allow their child to pick a couple of schools that THEY want to attend and then you and your child could do research on it and see if its the right one for them. Then maybe you can suggest also some schools that you might think your child would like. Also to get the most out of your college experience, you should get involved with as many fun activities on campus and especially live on campus. It's the best way to meet people and still get good grades : )

Krista

I went to four colleges and it wasn't until number four that I finally felt at home. My advice is this: GET INVOLVED. It's cliche, it's overrated, but it is so true. I'm certain I would have felt more accepted at my first three schools if I'd taken the time to join a club, a leadership organization, or Greek Life, if I'd taken the time to find a cause I was passionate about, or just go see the city. Let yourself admit you miss home, and acknowledge that you're bummed, but also know that if you go home every weekend and you don't try to make new friends, your experience will be miserable. I look at the amazing friends I made at my fourth school and I am so lucky to have them, but I also think about all of the others whose friendship I missed out on because I wasn't willing to make a new life at my first three schools. Don't be afraid to have fun and laugh. It's crazy and it can be stressful, but these four years are literally the best years of your life.

Aena

In my opinion, a college experience consists of educational and social enrichment. The first and foremost consideration should be the educational potential of a school. The educational experience can be optimized in small schools where an individual has more interaction with the faculty. Professors, in turn, can also better assess the needs of the indivduals in class and adjust accordingly. Additionally, professors have the time to assign and engage in more activities with their students such as field trips, group projects, homework, and extra credit work. When students and Professors know one another personally within a department, there is a sense of community or family, while being away from ones family. In an adverse circumstance or illness, one is able to obtain the help needed if they have an understanding with their professor. These are some aspects compromised when attending large institutions with more decorated faculty, and sports teams. Social enrichment occurs in a school with a generous representation of minorities and international students of diverse cultural identities. Programs that offer Iearning abroad opportunities greatly broaden the students horizon. An ideal college should have multicultural activities and inspire its students with an ethic of social service and environmental responsibility.

Jimmy

Just research every possibility and every facet of a school to find out what exactly you want.

Katie

make sure that the student knows and understands that college is nothing like high school. The rule are copmletely different, the writing is opposite than what they are taught, and thing are much more abstract.

mark

Make sure your child finds a school that is cohesive to his/her personality.

Sam

It's when you're walking through the campus and you get that feeling inside of you: "This is where I belong." Other than that, it doesn't really matter. Forget where your friends are going, forget where your other family members have attended... this is YOU. Feel at home, and follow your heart and gut feeling.

Hannah

I would tell students and their parents to research what programs are offered at the campus to help the student decide if they school was right for them. I would also have them figure out if they wanted to go to a big campus or a small one as well as taking a look at the environment of the campus (education oriented or party school). As far as getting the most out of their college experience I would advise the student to focus on coursework and try their best. I would also encourage them to get involved in clubs on campus and get to know their professors personally.

Lindsay

It doesnt really matter where you go, but what you make of the experience. Also, financial need should not be a factor. You can always find aid or loans, so don't let that hold you back. Try to decide on a major early, as it will reduce stress when you start to approch graduation.

Danielle

College should be a time of growth and developement, and it goes by faster then you know it so make sure you choose wisely a school that fits you best.

Christine

Nothing

Jenna

I would definitely say that the students and their parents should go visit every school, a multiple of times.