California State University-Long Beach Top Questions

"Stop. STOP! What the heck- STOP! What do you mean you're going to be "the loner" in college? They don't have stuff like that anymore- freshman don't get trashcanned... College life isn't what you think it is; status isn't decided by designer fashion anymore. It's not determined by what you're involved in. There's hardly any superficial status at all. Everyone is forking over the same amout of money on school, and we've all chosen to be there for the same reason. Granted, you'll face the frats and soroities, but life would be dull without a little of their drama anyways. So relax. Don't think you're not going to make any friends- it's not like high school where the clicks have clicked since the day they all learned to tie their shoes. Most people are in the same boat as you. So just be how you've always been- chipper and upbeat- because there's going to be a lot of homesick kids that could really use a friend. Oh and don't use bleach... you'll ruin about 6 of your shirts the first week of school.

Do not slack off just beacuse school is almost over and avoid the advanced placement physics teacher at all cost. Everyone says senior year is the easiest, but in actuality, it is definitely the most important because it is the last chance for you to make any memories as well as improve your grades. Colleges for a well rounded person so grades alone will not cut it. Do not forget to join tennis! It might cost a lot of money but it is a neccessary investment because not only will colleges know that your in athletics but you can avoid the freshman 15 (weight gaining) in college. Most likely, you will spend more time at the college campus then at home. You will meet new and old friends and of course spend lots more money than you do now. Last of all, I know you will spend hours deciding what college to go to, regardless of that decision, you will not regret it and you will definitely pull through. Trust me, I know.

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior I would have encouraged myself to be more social. I missed out on a lot of wonderful experiences by being shy and keeping to myself. Most students would pick the cliche answer of telling themselves to work just a little bit harder in order to receive better grades. By the most part, I'm satisfied with the grades that i received in my college career. But the college experience does not only revolve around academics. College involves the life-long connections that one makes while socializing with the people around them. Currently I'm a senior who's staying in the dorms for the first time and I wish I could have stayed there in my freshman year. Before this semester, my life was a routine that involved school and work. I did not have much of a social life so I decided that I needed to make a change. Staying in the dorms was one of the best decisions in my life. The life-long friends that I've made outways the price that I paid to stay there.

If I could go back to high school, I would tell myself to stop thinking about silly things like boys and social life, and start focusing on what really matters. I didn't do terribly in high school when it comes to gpa, but I still wish I had done better and maybe had better school prospects. I would have also told myself to talk to my professors on a regular basis in order to build a good academic network, and to also get involved in campus organizations as often as possible. luckily, I am going to change all of that this coming semester, and I had already began this process last semester.

The advice I would give myself is to do my best in all the classes that I take. Also I would tell myself to try and take honor or AP classes and participate in extracurricular activities such as the debate team, decathlons, or class president because colleges and universities take that into consideration during the application process. When choosing a college it is good to take a tour of the school you will be attending in the future to get a good feel of the environment and area where you will be for the next four years. If you are in need of help or assistance, go out and look for it, don't wait help to come to you because it may never come. Discipline is the key to success and it is not always what you know but who you know.

I would tell my old self to relearn study habits so that it would be easier to study in college. Also, I would tell myself to stay active physically, since walking around a large campus all day does a lot on the body.

Take full advantage of all of the student services provided by the school. These services are only there for your benefit, they are very helpful in all aspects of college life. They can help you figure out financial issues, make a more specific education plan, and even help with career goals. The fees of these services comes out of your tuition, not taking advantage of them would be a waste of your own money.

You spend the first two years of college completing GE requirements for your bachelor's degree before you actually start taking classes that focuses on your major. Passing as many AP classes that you can actually handle is helpful. Begin developing excellent relationships with your teachers. By developing close relationships with professors, you get extra help with homework or essays and they can also write you helpful recommendations for jobs and internships. Get involved in as many clubs and organizations that interest you because you meet a lot of people and make lots of friends. Don't be pressured into joining fraternities/Greek life. Seriously think about your priorities and do your research on them before you join. You can still create close bonds with people and still have fun even though you're not in a fraternity. If you have any questions about sex, drugs, alcohol, or peer pressure, you should talk to your parents or someone you can trust. Living on or off campus means interacting with other young undergrads with tons of freedom and "raging hormones." Talking about these issues will help you learn how to deal with them and make smart choices like a mature adult.

Look here Carmen, college is a wonderful place where you will meet great people and learn from amazing professors, but it does not come in cheap. Make sure you start applying for scholarships now and find weekend jobs that allow to save money because even though the state may give you money for school, books and other neccesities do not come in cheap. Also, start building a good resume and get involved because the more you do, the more you get. Money is not given to any random person, so have some good qualities that are out of the extraordinary so that your chances in receiving the scholarships increase. Most of all, enjoy you last year in high school, because after this you are on your own. Best of Luck, prepare for all nighters.

The most critical factor I would suggest to myself would be to relax and be conservatively pro-active. Many seniors in high school tend to become stressed about what college life has in store for them, and it ends up either hurting them academically and/or socially in their final year. It is unfortunate because it should be their most positive and exciting time of their high school career. I would advise myself to not worry so much about what is ahead and focus on what's at hand. College has proven to have a relaxed and exciting environment that provides a huge relief when college freshman enter their first week of classes. I believe the stress on high school seniors, including myself, is unecessary and a product of the constant hounding and reminders by school officials and parents. Although it is important to be pro-active when applying for financial aid, scholorships, etc., it instills a false image of what is ahead for college freshman. While that would be my most important message, I would also advise myself to come to college with an open mind. The options of career paths and variety of friends is like no other.

If I could go back in time and give myself advices as a high school senior, I will tell myself to study harder for the SAT and ACT test. My SAT and ACT scores were not as high as I wished. Because of this, I eliminated my chances from getting into many colleges I hoped to get accepted to. Another advice I will give myself is to apply to college early, don't procrastinate. I didn't start on my college applications or work on my college essay for months like my friends did. Therefore, when the deadline for college applications were coming closer, I was stressing out and panicking. Another advice I will tell myself is to volunteer more. I rarely gave time to volunteer. I wished I had volunteered more so there is something proud that I had done I can feel good about. I will also tell myself to get more involved. Some colleges stress the fact that you had a lot of extra curricular activites. It would had been a lot easier applying for different scholarships or even jobs if I could had written how involved I was in high school.

"Although you have more freedom in college being a way from your parents, you should never let your hard work in high school go to waste in college." I would tell my high school senior self or any other seniors this quote, because when I got to college I had many opportunities to change the way I live my life like joining a sorority and become coming a member of Associated Student, Inc. However, if you focus to much on them you will lose sight of the educational reasons you came school is for. College is for exploring new things without the restriction of your parents, but college is the place where you have to learn to self-restriction and your field of study. I have known people that have partied and never focused on school have been kicked out because of their habits, but they are now regretting the things they have done that had lead to that point. In high school, everything is set and written for us, but as we transition into college, we have to gain an understanding to adapt our selves in a new surrounding without the safety of our parents.

Nikansha, listen to what I'm about to tell you because it will help make your first semester at a four-year go by a lot smoother. Take only the minimum number of units required to be a full-time student, and take morning or afternoon classes, stay away from night classes. Utilize all the resources and ask questions- don't be afraid and don't be lazy. Even though it is your first time being away from home don't forget that you're at school to get an education, don't get "caught up" having fun and hanging out with your friends. Even though the library might be far away, study there. Read before and after each class, and take notes on what you read. Even though it might seem like a lot of work, when it's time to study for tests it will be easier to read through your notes then reading the chapters all over again. Lastly, have fun, explore Long Beach but remember that you're there to get an education, and don't forget to call home every week.

Because of my mother's hospital stays and my father's recent death, both around the time I began at CSULB, I know that my transition was not as simple as most. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that everything is going to be alright, and instead of focusing on the things I cannot change, I should instead try to give myself a better future by trying to do my best in school.

The transition process from high school to college is a beneficial obstacle. Going to college requires from you many expectations. However, there are only four primary steps to be successful before entering the actual academic semester in college. First, visit your campus before classes start. Knowing where and when your classrooms are will ensure that your spot is guaranteed on that first day and not dropped from them. Second, take time to read your campus regulations. Having knowledge about strict rules such as, no plagiarism is allowed, can prevent you from making any felony that can ruin your whole entire career. Third, know why your here. Sometimes in the first year of college it is difficult to stay on task when your education is now considered a choice and not a requirement. Remind yourself that education builds opportunities to pursue an enjoyable career in the future with possibly a higher salary than without a college education. And fourth, research over all majors to find your true passion. Explore other areas before choosing one major because this can help you spend all your money in something you enjoy. By going through all these steps, you can guarantee yourself success in college.

I would strongly encourage myself to get more involved in community projects. In college I have been able to be really involved with community projects and it is extremely rewarding. I would also tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as I can. College is expensive and tution goes up almost every semester. I would strongly emphasize the fact that tuition, books, and housing is very expensive. Lastly, I would tell myself that I need to get a job early in my college life becuase that is when it is easy to manage a job and college. Now that I am upper divsion it is a lot more difficult to manage a job and college. However, the most important advise I would give myself would be not to worry. College is going to be great and I'm going to meet a lot of new and exciting people that share the same passion as myself.

One should take the time to get to know the environment they will be in for the next few years. In addition, a student should always look for a college that has their possibe major that will help enhance the experience of completing college. Students should never chose a school based solely on their reputation or being well known because I have seen many friends drop of colleges solely because they didn't like the environment. Thus, one should take a visit to the college before accepting to understanding the actual environment. It is hard to find out a lot of information from just word of mouth or by looking online as we all know that technology is a main reliance that the new generation now relies upon. As I have learned through experience that there is no better way to adapt then by getting to know the environment beforehand. By understanding the environment will help make college life easier. It will allow you to find guidance amongst your pupils and have further knowledge that makes learning an enjoyable experience.

Now that I?m in college, I?ve realized there was something I should have done earlier: decide on a career. In the past I had thought of being an engineer, but later on I realized I probably would fail. I also thought about being a doctor: I then realized how long it takes to become a doctor, so I decided against it. So, by senior year I managed to decide against two possible careers and have no career in mind. I was told I would be working on my GE during my first two years so it was okay. Now that I?m in college, I?ve realized it wasn?t okay. I?ve already met most of the GE requirements with my AP credits from high school. My college advisor told me that by the end of my fall semester I should know my major. I am currently majoring in Computer Science, but I still don?t know. If I do not decide on a career soon, I may waste my time taking classes that would be pointless. Therefore, I would tell my senior-self: ?Your future is sooner than you think. Find your career now!?

High school may have been part of my past and now I am in college. Man! if I can go back in time, there is so much advice I would give myself when I was a high school senior. First, the one thing I shouldve done in high school is keep close freindships and bonds with many of my freinds. I realize now I'm in college and I don't get to hang out with many of my old freinds. Also, I would tell myself to really practice the piano. This beautiful instrument can create magnificent music. During my senior year I loved playing the piano, I even received a school award for most improved piano player in class. Now that I'm in college i slowly lost my interest and skills in the piano. I really regret not practicing it. One of my biggest mistakes. Finally if I can go back and tell myself what I should do is practice my reading comprehension and math. I didn't realize how important this is in college. While in high school I kicked back and didnt give enough effort. I am so terrible at it, in school now it sucks.

I would of given myself a lot of insight to what it actually is that I want to do in life, instead of waiting around hoping I would figure it out along the way. I would of told myself what classes to take, and informed myself of better study habits in hopes of doing a lot better starting from the beginning.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about the transition into college life, I would tell myself several things. First I would stress the importance of getting scholarships before college begins. Without funds, it is very hard to continue with an education. I would also encourage myself to apply for several schools and not to feel too bad if I did not get into the first school of my choice. If I really had to get into a certain university, I would encourage myself to spend the first two years at a junior college and then transfer in if i did not get in to the school I wanted to. Then I would tell myself to be outgoing and make some friends at the beginning of the school year and get involved with on-campus groups, because a big university can be a lonely place. Lastly, I would say to just have fun and relax. College really is not that different from high school. There will be some new things, but change is a natural part of life. In order to succeed, you have to embrace it and let it transform you into a better person.

If time travel were possible, I would go back in time and give myself salient academic and financial advice. I would tell myself to not worry about having an undeclared major and to have more confidence in my academic ability and less self doubt. Thus, I would succeed in any course I set my mind to. Furthermore, I would counsel myself to go into the science field and to not be intimidated by its rigorous demands. It may be a frightening transtion initially but it is fun and rewarding when you grow as an independent person. I would persuasively encourage myself to save up for the future instead of spending money on frivolous things. College life is a wonderful experience and it helps you learn about yourself and grow as a person.

I would tell myself that sometimes I get too focused on AP Honors classes, and extracurricular activities, that I forget about my neighborhood. I need to be there more for my community, for my mother, and for my neighbors. This is the last year that I am going to have to spend with my mentor, Lou, and she needs me to spend more time with her. School is not everything, and there is a world, and a people that exist, correspondences that need to be made, a balance needed between school and the outside world.

There's going to be ups and definitely downs, but just keep your heads up and focus on your goal and you should do just fine. There's also going to be a mix of emotions, some which you've never felt before. The college path isn't an easy one, but don't forget to have fun once in a while.

I would definitely let my younger self know to keep working hard because everything I am learning in high school will be very helpful in the university years to come. Also, I would tell myself to major in Communicative Disorders because it took me a while to figure out what i actually wanted to do. Another thing I would tell myself to keep doing is keeping my good study habits because time management will be very important when juggling school, work, and personal life. Lastly, I would give myself the advice to keep up the good work and not lack off because all the hard work will all pay off in the future.

Before I graduated high school my main concern was focusing on being at the same university as my high school boyfriend. I now realize this was one of the greatest mistakes I made, but see it rather as a learning opportunity. Unfortunately, I didn't apply to several east coast schools I wanted to for this reason, but am so grateful I applied to CSU Long Beach. I would tell myself that this school is where I am going to find out who I want to be. This school is where I'll be encouraged by professors to be proactive in accomplishing dreams I thought I would never have the courage to do. This school will bring me to a whole new place and introduce me to all new people I'll be so lucky to have met. At CSULB, all of these things have happened to me. Being only two years in to my four year education, I'm eager to learn all the more interesting and inspiring things that will happen to me in the coming semesters. I am so glad I chose this university, and if I could, I would tell myself never to hold back.

Highschool was like one great flash; as quickly as it began, it was over. Becoming a senior and thinking about graduation made life seem so simple and sweet that I almost forgot what truly was ahead of me. If I had the opportunity to revisit myself in highschool with all of the knowledge that I have now, I would yell these words a thousand times; FOCUS. life is truly about coming into focus, staying in focus, and not veering off the path that leads to one's desired destination. It is easy to lose focus because college life offers so many things. The distractions disguised as good times are unlimited, but you must not forget why you are there. Education is key, so don't leave unless you are holding in your hands what you came for. Do not lose focus, do not lose sight of the goal that is attached to your dream and will someday determine its ability to become a reality. Focus, focus, focus; and when you are tired and weary from all the tests and papers, look at your keboard and remember that someday your ability to focus will result in the unfolding of your dream.

I would advise myself to stay focused on my goal of getting the degree. I would tell myself to balance between the social and academic lives. I would also advise myself to make friends with people who are like-minded and on the same path. Also remember that grades aren't everything. They are important but learning the concepts and applying them outside the classroom or after the test is real learning. Last piece of advice is to not overload on classes. Be able to enjoy extra-curricular activities like clubs, organizations, etc.

I have now completed my first semester of university.If I had a chance to go back and be able to advice myself as a high school senior I would have told myself to get more involved in sports and extracurricular activities. Although I was a member of the Hispanic Awareness Club and the school's Folklorico class in high school I would have wanted to challenge myself with more activities. Now that I see how university life really is I see how important and crucial it is for a student such as me to be more connected with your school as well as with other fellow students.That has been my greatest challenge so far in university, being able to get INVOLVED.

I would give myself advices on what classes and what professor to take.

I had an interest in an impacted major so I had to work hard just to declare that major. I spent many weekends studying and canceled many outtings to stay on top of my school work. Of course, I still had fun once in a while but it was not enough to say that I have experienced many college events, sporting events, and many others that I wish I could have experienced. I remember college students telling my high school class that "college is hard and you have to study 247" and teachers saying that "we have to sacrafice our social life to succeed in college". I always kept that in mind and I am thankful; however, if I could go back, I would tell myself to make sure I give myself time to have fun and enjoy college. I would tell myself to find a way to integrate school work and social life. There is nothing wrong with working hard because eventually I got into my major, but there is also nothing wrong with enjoying life. When one does not enjoy life, how will one get the motivation to go day by day studying for a college degree?

There are alot of advices i would give myself. First, is not missing any classes because sometimes you can be held behind and with all the notes to write even though you may have friends to help you but its way better to be there and pay attention. Second, not to be overwhelmed with all the activities that are given in the school because then it would cut back study time. and in college study time is a big deal. Third, would be to STUDYYY!, in highschool studying for a test really didnt mean anything and its not taken seriously, but in college studying is a HELPFUL tool. The more we study the more knowledge we have in our brains.

Applying to college is the most difficult part of the whol college experience. I found that filling out and submitting applications ended up being exponentially more challenging than the coursework I had when I started attending. It's important to get help from a college counselor who can tell you what your chances are of getting into certain schools. Also, make sure you pay attention to deadlines and fees. Financial aid is a nightmare every year because I am an out-of-state student and the fees are constantly being raised due to the poor economy in CA and the fact that I am at a state school. I was told by financial aid counselors at my college that I could become a resident after my first semester, but that was a lie. I am now a junior and have tried unsuccessfully for the past three years to become in-state. It's impossible. Now we have excessive budget cuts and teachers' salaries have been slashed. These are important things to consider if you are going to attend a state school.

If I could go back in time and advise my high-school self about life during my senior year in order to enhance my current college experience, I would emphasize the importance of recognizing the humanity and helpfulness of teachers. When I was in high school, several of my teachers reached out to me on a personal level, trying to connect and give me advice that would have been helpful - if I had made the choice to listen to them. Unfortunately, I was either intimidated by their knowledge or position in life, or I did not recognize that they might have knowledge or insight that would have been of use to me, because I never really spent any time getting to know them or listening to their wisdom. It is amazing that now, two years later, I can relate to my college professors in such a friendly way, but I was unable to allow myself to do that in high school. It would have been great to have insight beyond what my parents provided as I thought about what I wanted to study, which colleges would be ideal for me, and whether scholarships were available to me.

I look back at myself as a senior in high school and even a college freshman and I feel that I really didn't have a plan or set goals when it came to college. My parents never attended college, therefore I never had someone to guide me into the process and tell me how college works. I think that seeking people like teachers and other proffesionals who have gone through the college experience is something I would advice myself to have done. As a high school senior and college freshman, I was very confused in what field I study. In my freshman year I took a personality test and I never listened to the career objectives it gave me or the career counselor. Ironically, I am currently specializing myself in one of the fields that the test indicated me to pursue. I think that I should have explored those results earlier and I would have finished my bachelors in Psychology sooner. Therefore my advice would be to make an appointment with a career counselor and explore the options given to you, because they might be right.

"You really should be involved with people and organization on campus as soon as you enroll your college. You will regret if you join a student club or organization in your last semester before graduation. You would miss a time and a lot of opportunities to meet people, and build a long-term relationship and network to help you find a job or your life after graduation. Be active and involved as soon as you get the campus!!"

I would have told myself to take certain courses and not enroll in courses that were unneccessary. Another thing would have been was to keep my GPA a bit higher and engage myself in more extra curricular activities. Applying for financial aid would have helped as well. On a final note, I would have told myself not to hang out with the exact group that I did near the end of my high school experience. It wasn't the brightest of ideas.

I would advise myself to go in open minded with the willingness to try everything! College is what you make of it and the only way to provide yourself with a successful and happy experience completing higher education is by getting involved and putting yourself out there. After all, what is there to lose? You have to take risks and learn from your mistakes. I would rather look back on my college experience and be proud to say that I tried a variety of academic and nonacademic activites. I would definitely advise myself to work hard in the classroom and take advantage of all the on and off campus tools aiding my success through school. Also, i would advise myself to find good people to surround myself with and not be afraid to get out of my comfort zone. I would honestly say that most learning goes on outside the classroom and i would prepare myself for the real life struggles that I was about to endure, such as paying bills and managing money. The only way to learn about the real world is to experience it. So get out there, and live life.

This school is all the good you expected out of a university and everyone is so friendly. Join two or so clubs your first year and you'll find that the upperclassman are more than eager to help you get used to the school, the system, and give you plenty of advice as to what classes are good to take for your major. The campus is big, but not so big that it feels like you're walking for miles just to get to each class. Also, some classes me seem like smooth sailing but don't slack off! It's not like high school where minimum effort where you can easily pass a class. Choose your classes wisely so that you don't have all the hard classes at the same time, especially since the cultural and business club activities will also demand some of your time. Good luck and do your best high school self.

To start off, I would of applied for more scholarships and got a job in order to have money when i get to school. Its too hard paying for all the college expenses when you are only depending on government funding through grants and loans. I would of also tried to move into the dorms instead of waiting too long and ending up on the waiting list. Its hard to make friends when your in college unless you're involved or live in the dorms. If i would of lived in the dorms, I could of met other freshman like myself and joining groups and clubs would of been easier than trying to do it on my own, alone. Also, if I could go back of would of did more research on the universities I applied to. I applied to schools based on their location and what I heard about these schools from other people, rather than what I researched and found out on my own.

I'd tell myself that thirty years into the future I will have lived in America from 1989 to 2009, happilly married to a California girl the whole time, and that my only real regret, to that point, was not discovering in my late teens how much beauty and depth of human expression is in the great works of literature--and not just English literature but in all cultures! And I'd look at myself with these puffy forty-five year old eyes, hoping they still sparkled like the ones facing me (but knowing they didn't) as I explained how I had recently gone back to college to feed my soul before it was too late. I'd tell myself I had a talent for writing. That I would win poetry contests and write novels. That I would discover a joy of reading that I never knew was in me. That I was hoping I hadn't left it too late to find out who I really am? And I'd tell myself to forget Technical Drawing and stick with French. That my heart warms watching the Tour de France every year, and that it reminds me of dad.

Go see a advisor as soon as possible they are there to assist and guide you.

Don't be afraid to reach out to meet new people and audition for every show possible!

College is a completey different life. Once you move from home and into the dorms, life will change. The people you meet that first year are going to be some of the most important people in your life and do not let them go. You're friends are everything when you are so far from your family. Love them and care for them the way you would your mum and dad. It is okay to ask for help. That is what professors are there for and love to do. If you are having trouble with anything, sit back for a second and relax. Try and pay attention to every day. Remember the small details because everything goes buy in a blink of an eye. Especially when you study abroad. You will be gone for a whole year but it will be the best experience of your life and you will always want it back. Cherise every moment you have over there. When it comes to class, do your best. There will be times when you find it pointless to learn all that you are but in the end it is so important. Be smart and never give up

To make sure you always stay on top of your studies. It is important to have a social life so be sure to get involved in activites on and off campus. Focus on just being you and dont let anyone change that.

I would tell myself to take lots of career tests and also tests to see wht type of learner I am, maybe it would have helped me make my decision about a major sooner. Also I would tell myself to study hard and mix GE courses with major courses to avoid taking classes to fill out units.

Entering college as a 17-year-old child, I was scared to death of my first day of school. Hollywood movies showed me of parties consiting of binge drinking, date rape, and drug use. I communted to school from a hour South, to a city known for its slums and gang activity. I was a shy, quiet student from the suburbs. I didn't know how or if I would ever fit in. Throughout my time on my college campus, I have learned of many different ways to make friends through school sponsored activities. There are weekly events available for next to no cost. My university has plenty of on and off-campus events like pool parties, bowling, billiards, seminars, and study groups that are great ways to meet new people and make some friends. At first, I thought I was out of place at my new school. After talking with other students about my discomfort, I was suprised to meet others who experienced even more of a culture shock with college. I would encourage myself to always keep an open mind and not be afraid of something new .

i would tell myself to keep up the work i had done my freshman through junior year. everyone that said you can slack off your senior year was wrong. if you want to get straigh A's in college you need to work constantly.

College isn't that scary. It's much more liberating than high school. And don't worry about not seeing your high school best friends every day, it'll make your friendships more tight-knit.

Always go to class, get to know your professors, and get involved in everything you can. Try to live on campus and and attend as many events as you can.