California State University-San Bernardino Top Questions

The knowledge and the experience to work with different types of people, different ethnicities, backgrounds, cultures, etc in different types of environments. Obtaining the idea that everything has deadlines and that one must work hard to get what they want out of life. The value of attending college is far more than just a price one might have to pay. The appreciation of higher education and being able to go farther into careers or just go ahead in life--to be able to experience, to grow, and to learn from everything that has happened during ones college experience shows just how much attending college really is.

The advice that I would give myself is to be more open in meeting new people. To get rid of the fear of rejection and make friends. And to also get rid of the fear of public speaking. I would also tell myself to focus on my studies more to make better grades to get into the school that I originally wanted to be in. I would advise myself to study more on the SATs to get a higher score. Getting more scholarships would be something I would most definitely advise myself to get going on. I had to take out loans to make payments that my father could not make. So I would love to work harder at getting more scholarships to pay for the things that I needed my first year.

Time is of the essence. You're seventeen years old now, but in the next four years you'll be thirty-five. I don't mean to scare you with that, I just mean to be honest. Be ready to earn your keep and work hard and meet deadlines--shortcuts are nonexistent in the very adult, very real world you're about to venture into. Think. Every day. Every Minute. Think about who you are in relation to who you want to become later on. Accept. Accept every shortcoming, every miserable failure, as your chance to demonstrate a courage you never knew you had. Forgive. Forgive yourself for that little identity crisis thing--it's happening to everyone around you too. Balance. Balance will save your life! We're all given the same 24 hours in a day--use them well. Lastly, when it comes time to choose your career, choose a path that truly speaks to you--follow the kind of work that you can see yourself doing for free and I guarantee you will die happy. Period.

If by some miracle I could go back in time, I'd warn myself to see my advising counselor early and to get that out of the way so there wouldn't be any holds on my account before I registered for classes. If I had that opportunity to warn myself about that, I could have had a better winter quarter. And as I stated before, it get pretty cold up there, so I'd remind myself to keep a coat and umbrella in the back of my car, even if it does look nice outside because the weather can tke drastic changes in an instant!

If I was able to go back in time, I would tell myself to get involved more. I think to get a great education and college experience, students need to put themselves out there. Joining clubs, being involved, and making new friends makes the college experience. Although sociallizing and being involved in school related activities is important, academics are extremely important. Academics and keeping up with all school work should be a top priority. Many students start college with a newly found freedom. Unfortunately this freedom can lead to students dropping out because they were too busy partying while they let their grades suffer. Keeping up on grades can set you apart from other applicants when it comes to applying for internships. Another great thing to do for your community is to volunteer. Volunteering gives people work experience and skills that employers look for in an applicant. Lastly, I would tell myself to relax and not stress out. School can be tough, but if you stay focused and have fun with your newly made friends, everything will work out and you will be successful.

People say we learn from our mistakes. It?d like to teach my younger self the lessons I?d learned without him experiencing them; However, I don?t think that?d be effective. Nevertheless, there are things that I?ve learned over the years that would?ve really helped me out in the past. First, I?d teach myself to spend more time on me. In high school I was so girl crazy it was ridiculous. Second, I?d tell myself to keep my outgoing personality. Most people don?t spend that much time on campus to socialize. Third, I?d tell myself to remember to get all of the e-mails of friends, and create a new social networking site like MySpace. I would teach myself that doing what?s hard and difficult is usually more beneficial than doing what?s fast and easy. I?d tell myself to read textbooks while using highlighters. I?d also have my younger self develop a habit of keeping his school books because the knowledge contained in them is worth more than the twenty dollars the school buys them back for. I might even give myself the winning lotto numbers, just kidding.

GPA is not everything actually study the material for AP classes and take as many as you can actually pass to get college credit. Enjoy not working and free books while you can it's going to end. One more thing, apply to the scholarships or you're going to struggle to pay for everything.

The advice that i would give myself is to concentrate as much possible to try to get every useful piece of information that the teacher is saying, while i take notes, to make myself a better note taker. That way i wouldn't struggle much in taking notes when the professor is lecturing, and i don't catch everything the professor says.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would say to take the AP tests and actually study for them. I would tell myself to pay attention more and do what ever I could for an A. Iwould of told myself to not be so inot sports and more into my classes. I finally realized that I need to stop being a child and grow up for college. I needed to get free money because I will be in debt once I get out of school. I would tell myself to go get all the scholarships that I could so I wouldnt have to work part time and barely have enough money to pay for things.

Paul houghtaling [email protected] 608-385-1429 36186 Roosevelt st. whitehall WI 54773 Paul I am your 33yr old self and I am here to tell you about college and the opportunities you could miss if you don't start earlier it will be harder to obtain things like scholarships , grants , loans, even acceptance to the college you want. The oppurtunities that are presented to you at this time will never be easier to get then now. Take the bull by the horns before the bull bucks you off and your 33 yrs old with a job that doesn't pay you enough and isn't fullfiling you're needs such as paying the bills or having the car in the garage being fixed because you can't afford a new one. The time is now so take advantage while your young and have your whole life in front of you, because if you don't the outcome is bleek. thank you paul hoghtaling 01/19/2010

The first thing i would tell yself, is that college is no joke then in High School, have to work harder to get the grade you know you can get. that having fun is good, yet the grades and the education is whats going to give you the life in the future > That college will be hard like everything in college, yet think that in the future you will be able to pay back your parents with all the sweat they put into your education to get you where you are. At the end of the day, just think about the day you will graduate from college, and the look on your parents face of how proud they will be of you. This will be the biggest gift or their lives and yours' and its better then anything you will ever give them. Be that funny and bright girl, but know what college is for and what can give you.

If I had the chance to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself to do more scholarships. As a high school senior I had a full load during school, with homework and other activities I was involved in, scholarships were not my first priority, but they should have been. Now that I?m in my first year of college I did not realize paying for it was as stressful and hard. I took out loans and I wouldn't have to if I stayed on top of doing scholarships when I was fully capable of doing them. My focus was more on my school work at the time, and i did not treat doing scholarships like doing another part of my homework. However, I am not able to go back in time so I look at it as a very hard lessoned learned and I can only do better now.

I would tell my self not to look at all the people who never wanted to achive anything and partied all the time. To listen to the people who mattered the most in my life because they are the ones who love me and want to see me succeed in life. Listen to the teachers who were the hardest on me because apparently they were the ones who seen something in me from the start. To enjoy life and take heed to all the opprtunities that were handed to me to make me a better person and develop a wonderful personality. To enjoy the little things in life and spend more time with my loved ones who knew I was something special because they told me everyday. To stand up for what you believe in and never let any one change your mind about who you are. Believe! Succeed! Achieve! and continue to move forward in life!

Some of the greatest advice I've received in my life regarding my education came about during my first two years of college. If I had the opportunity to reverse the clock and go back in time to when I was a high school senior, the best piece of advice I could give myself is to complete college and stay focused on my education before becoming concerned about establishing a stable career. Where I'm currently at in retrospect to my education, I truly wish that I would have attended a four year university right after graduating from high school rather than attending a community college and then transitioning to a university. I would advise myself to communicate effectively and efficiently with school counselors and advisors to educate myself on all of the options available with financial aid, class selection, tutoring, community involvement, and campus life. What I've learned through my experiences has shown me that high school is the foundation for college and the rest of my educational endeavors so it's beneficial to make decisions based upon what would excel myself towards a rewarding and fulfilling future.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to do as many things that are available as I can. I would tell myself to join more clubs, do more community service and take as many advanced courses that are offered or as much as I possibly can handle. Also, I would tell myself to work hard and study a lot. Additionally, in order to graduate on time, that I should take the opportunity to take the advanced placement exams that are offered even if the price may be too expensive, because that will certainly benefit me in the future since that would lessen the burdens; and, if I passed the exams, then I would not have to retake the courses and that will already make me a step ahead of everyone and will be able to achieve my goals and graduate on time or even earlier. Last, but not least, I would tell myself to be strong and broaden my horizon and learn about taking risks, especially when they're going to be beneficial to me in the long run and my future will be brighter.

To not be afraid of making friends because I will have two best friends that will help me out in almost everything. Also not to pick Mr Buckhoff has my english teacher because he is not a good teacher. I would also tell myself to not pick my classes in the afternoon because most of my friends will be free in the afternoon while I would head to class.

Knowing what I know now about college, i would tell my self not to go out so much and hang out in loud areas to study. I would say not to underestimte the transition between high school and college work. The times that the school tell us to set aside for studying are true and to follow them religiously to attain the best grade possible in each and every class. Don't buy any books untill the insttructor says that you will need it. Ask people about instructors you have and which to take in the future and which not to take. Get to know more people and utilize the office hours of each professor. always ask questions in classes and don't be afraid, everyone is thinking the same thing. Finally i would say to study for twice as long for finals and midterms.

The advice I would give myself would to go to a community college first. Get your associates degree and do exceptionally well in your classes. If you are able to achieve the Deans List and membership in an honor society like Phi Theta Kappa, you will have access to scholorships that can be used when transfering to the four year colleges. By attending a community college first, you are able to pay for two years of undergraduate classes almost "out of pocket". This is because the cost is drastically lower than the 4-yr colleges. Also, you are able to participate in a vast amount of extra-curricular activities, which will help you become more focused and certian of the path or major you want to take at the 4-yr college. This will save time & money. It will also give you the confidence that you can trust your decisions, based on your own experiences. Believe me, I wish someone would have told me this. (lol) But, if I had the chance, this is exactly what I would tell myself, if I could go back in time. (smile) Felicia M. Phillips

I wish I could go back in time and shake some sence into my 17 year old self. I didn't even want to go to college, even though my grades were good, I ididn't even bother applying to any school. Luckily I was blessed with talent in the sport o Ski Racing and I was asked at th last minute if I woud be interested in skiing for the Nationaly Rankd ski team at Central Oregon College in Bend, Oregon. I was a lazy senior in high school and once again something was handed to me on a silver platter. I just needed someone to push me, but that didn't happen and luckily a had a school to attend. I left school early, got married, and had a baby. It's too bad I left school, but I finally did something right, I have a wonderful Daughter. In fact, she was the one that got me interested in going back to school, and doing something with my life. So, although I wish I could have shaken some sence into my 17 year old self, I wouldn't trade my life as it is now, for anything.

When anyone talks to me in person, they quickly realize that I am very shy. I have much to say but I am always too nervous to say it. Shyness has always managed to impede my oral communication skills. If I could travel back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would grab my past self by the shoulders and whisper strongly in her ear these exact words: "Improve your oral communication skills NOW. In college they will be most important to you." Oral communication skills are essential for giving good presentations in college classes, but are necessary for networking with peers and college professors who have a lot to offer students who are willing to talk with them. In college, I've started attending events pertaining to my major to communicate and learn from junior and senior students who have a lot of knowledge to offer me. I also visit my professors during their office hours when I need help or when I want to learn stuff from them outside of the classroom. My oral communication skills have improved quickly in college but working on them in high school would've immensely helped me.

The advice that I would give myself would be to take as many math classes as I can. I liked math and I never really pushed myself to get ahead in high school with math. I would also tell myself to actually try and studied becasue Knowing how competitive schools are I could have done much better than what I did than. Instead of joining the auto academy at my school, I would have joinedthe Busincess Academy instead since that is the field I will be in with what I want to do when I graduate. A few more pieces of advice would be to have been more involved in clubs and actually be busy all the time and not wasting it. Last I would tell myself to study really really hard for the SAT's and to have took the ACT. I know I could have done better on it if I would have triedto studied for it.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself lots of advice for attending college. First I would tell myself to do the best that I could in school and not to slack off get at least a 3.9 in all my classes. I would tell myself to take a job on campus and also live on campus or around campus. I would tell myself to not live with my parents. I would give the advice to not buy books from the campus bookstore but to buy books online to save money. Be more independant from my parents and friends. Study Statics more, don't work so much at your retail job at Best Buy. Have fun join study groups, go to social activites, go outside my group of friends and meet as many new people as you could. Live your life to the fullest and don't look for approval from other people besides yourself.

I would tell myself to apply for the university well in advance, so that I would be guarenteed a spot in the school. Also, do the best that I could do in college, because most jobs look for students GPA's as a requirement. Another piece of advice is do all the work, and submit it on time. Don't be scared to ask any questions that you may have. My last piece of advice is to go out and have fun. If you pass a class, go party somewhere, but don't do nothing too crazy.

I would advise myself to go to a community college first, and too apply early so that I could get better classes. I would push applying for financial aid and looking into every scholorship I could find. I would also advise myself to look into volunterring more as well.

I would tell myself that there is no need to be afraid about going to college out of state and that it would be a great experience. I would also tell myself to visit the different colleges I am considering and to truly research them and find out what they have to offer academically and socially. I would tell myself to also apply for many scholarships since they are very helpful and it is free money. I would tell myself to make sure that I get involved in different clubs and other extracurricular activities while in college. I would also tell myself to ask many questions and to not be afraid to go to professors for help or advice. Overall, I would tell myself to make the most of my college experience, stay focused, but also have fun.

I would not stress out about the little details and try to maintain a peaceful attitude. I would focus very hard on my class and not worry or stress what my major is going to be. I would enjoy the time being young and the lastly friendships that I will make. Life is too short.

I would have told myself to choose college carefully and done better in high school. Stay focused and be ready for college and just have fun, because college is about having fun while getting a quality education. It is the best years of your life and you should enjoy it.

I definitely would have told myself to try harder to get into college right away. I waited a long time after graduating to get back to school and I regret it. I would also tell myself to see a counselor often and make lasting relationships with your fellow students for your own, and thier, benefit. I would tell myself not to be scared because college is fun and a life changing experience.

If I were to speak to my Senior self, I would strongly recommend that it is important to focus on school and your long-term goals instead of living in the moment. I would also stress that procrastination is not the answer, and that time management is key in balancing a healthy academic and social lifestyle.

Knowing the difference between high school and college, I would definately make it clear that the study routines are completely different than high school. You learn that A's do not come easy and in order to do well you need to make decisions between what is known as the "college life" and studying. There comes a lot of freedom when it comes to college. Most proffessors do not assign home work so it is your duty to know when to study and how often you need to study in order to know the material for midterms. Some classes may only have two tests per term, if you blow one off, there goes half your grade. This is why studying and being responsible about your study habbits is very important.

I would advise myself of the importance of good grades, community volunteering, and good study habits. Having these three things will make the transition into college must easier. Good grades ensure that your application will be considered over those who do not take school very seriously; it stands out when you clearly show that you have applied yourself academically. Community involvement and volunteering is very important for getting scholarships and could be very important for getting into graduate school later on. Volunteering at a retirement home or a hospital is a great way to boost your academic resume. And finally, good study habits are vital to your success in college. Being able to discipline yourself and take time out to study daily is important to getting good grades and not falling behind in your classes. Having ten weeks to complete a college class can be quite a shock when you are coming from high school, so good study habits will keep you performing at your best.

Save as much you can, spend little as possile. Learn Korean

Pay more attention to math, study skills, and time management.

That's easy, I would tell myself to just chill! In high school, everyone always said that college was the ultimate goal and that, if nothing else in my life went right, having a college education would always pull me through. Today, I still believe that is true, but hearing that as a Senior in high school terrified me. I was fearful that I would never make it to college or that I would flunk out after my first math class, and that was even after I had been accepted. Now that I'm in college, however, I realize that I'm not alone. That no matter how hard the lectures get, there are always other students and teachers there that care enough to help pull me through. I know it's not smart to tell you that I think college is easy, but it's the one of the easiest things I've ever done because now I'm sure I chose the right major and that even the science and math classes that seemed so difficult before can actually make sense! I only wish someone would have told me that in high school, and to save more money!

I would inform myself more about the importance of college life and how it may entail its challenges. I would also better prepare myself financially and I would have applied for financial aid earlier to better my chances of financing my college education. The pivotal importance of college life is essentail to adapting to the new curriculum since it significanly varies from high school life. I would tell myself to value college more and therefore, inform myself more about what I wish to major in and where I would like to transfer, rather than leave it for last minute. I would also prepare myself more to be strong and a determining individual since college has its challenges. Challenges that encounter money, planning, and time.

I would go back and tell myself not too stress out too much because I can only do the best I can. I shouldn't put too much pressure on myself. College is great. I like it so much better than high school so I should not be nervous about it. In college, you need to be responsible and go to class everyday and do all the homework. Get involved in school and make new friends, your only young once and have fun during the college experience even though you are not going to be living in the dorms. Try to enjoy it as much as possible before you have to go in the real world.

You used to be scared of what people thought of you, and would back down from what people said just to avoid a fight. You would try to be friends with everyone and woul wind up getting hurt because someone didnt keep their word. The advice i have for you is this, the only person you have to impress is you. Don't go off worrying about what people think of you, it will only effect your progress in the classroom as well as in your social life, for as Baz Luhrmann said, "worrying is about as effective as trying to solve an algebra problem by chewing bubblegum." if people dont come around, let them go, and stick with the lifetime friends that will stay by your side, you'll be a lot happier in the end. And remember, you're about to enter college, these are the best years of your life, where you'll meet more short term and lifetime friends, and more influences to keep you going, so keep your chin up and always look forward, never backward.

I would recommend going to visit the colleges one is interested in, meeting some students, sitting in on and class, and talking to the faculty because after all this is where you will spend four years of your life. Talk to the adminstration and to financial aide as much as you wish and ask all the questions you can think of, they are there to help you whether they like it or not. You need to visit the campus and soend the day there just to see if it fits you. I know it seems corny but you can tell if the atmosphere of a place is you or not.

The only edvice that I would give parents and future students is, that to choose the school that will provided them the security and the knowledge to help them they are struggeling in life and in school. To a school that will help them make the right chose in their life and career. Therefore, parents should be involved with their children so they wont make any mistake and to courage them to any desicions and to make the right one.

LOCATION COST ACADEMICS EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES SAFETY

The most important thing to do when considering colleges is to make a comprehensive list of all possible schools. In the list remember to write down the majors/minors offered by the school, the school's location, urban/rural, and the types of organizations and extra curricular activities the school has to offer. As time goes on, narrow down this list of schools until you have only three to four options to choose from. Remember that college applications are very expensive so it is a good idea to know which schools you?re really interested in. As for the college experience aspect, try to find a school with great school spirit, a well achieved sports team, and frequent activities on, as well as off campus. I find that it is important to join clubs your freshman year because it allows you to meet more people, and become more outgoing as well which is a large part of the college experience. Many teen-agers think that college is all about parties but in actuality it is all about time management and self awareness.

The advice I would give is make sure that you are researching your options for college in your junior year of High School. This will allow you to get all the information that may be necessary in making a choice. Also, it is good to tour the campus that you are planning on attending. Nothing is worse than getting to a school and being miserable because you hate the campus.

Visit the campus while school is still in session. This way you can get a feel of the way the students, teachers, and campus fit into your comfort level. It is most important for the student to be comfortable in their surroundings. There is already many ways that a student is stressed out while attending college, feeling as though they fit in to their University adds a sense of ease and lets the student's personality shine.

Succeed in the highest degree. College is so beneficial to people who plan on entering the workforce. The more education one has, the more fulfilling their future will be. I recommend an education for every single individual who has a goal or a dream. It took me longer than average to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I experimented with many avenues, all of which led me back to facing what I had ignored for so long: an education. In what seemed like forever, I finally had the opportunity to transfer to a California State University. In my first quarter at CSUSB, I was amazed at how much different it was than a community college setting. I immediately fell in love; the opportunities were endless! I quickly decided to change my major to a dual major, and have decided to attain a doctorates degree. Without college, I would be going no where, fast. I truly believe college saved my life, and has made me a better person. Embrace all that college has to offer! Ask, learn, and explore in every way possible. Education is my life; I plan on learning until the day I die.

They type of school it is. If its tough academically then you have to be willing to spare your social life. Just learn to balance it all. It will benefit you to start having organizational skills. Go with your gut and try to get involved. It will lead to greater memories of your college years!

My advice is to find a college that has the best program for whatever subject the student is interested in majoring in. It is worth it to get the most out of what you are most interested in. If you go to a college with a well respected program for your major you will not only have the advantage of having the best professers on the subject, the overall learning experience will be phenomenal. You will also have the benefit of excellent job placement and great alumni support. I chose my college based on these things and am currently majoring in Art History. My overall experience has been so rewarding and I have professors who are experts in their field. I am looking forward to getting the most out of my education and eventually find a career with all of the resources I have acquired.

make sure that you love where your'e going and what field you go into

If you want to be successful in your life, pick a college that has an emphasize on a drug and alcohol-free life and an emphasize on keeping the environment safe. A college that offers affordable pricing and a good location is a good choice too. Pick a college that specializes in some of the popular majors out there in the world and, at the same time, offers a variety of majors and minors to study. If you are unsure of what to major in, take General Education classes in your first to second year and prerequisite classes that most majors require. Take between 5-8 classes each quarter if you want to finish college faster and make sure too take lab classes before anything else. Be sure to mix up the hard classes with easy classes and not to overdo yourself. Get involved with the clubs so that you will have a good social life.

I would advise both students and parents to spend time on campus to observe what is going on around campus. I would tell them to observe if students hang around campus studying with other classmates, do you see teachers interact with students, are there any activities happening around campus that are appropriate for interaction with college students. I would also encourage them to pay attention to how close buildings are to one another, restroom availability as well as food availability. Is the campus well taken care of, do students look stressed out, is campus security within arms reach is case of an emergency? Is the campus on a fault line? These reasons are what reassured me in making my choice in attending the college of my choice, I also walked around campus and talked with some of the students, the best way to get advice about anything is through word of mouth.

Every college student goes into this experience expecting what they see in the movies. That is not true at all. Sure college is about the parties and making new friends, but it is so much more. Learning is the number one reason you are here. Find a school in a location where the student is least likely to get in trouble. Find the school that offers the most classes for your major. It is always best to find smaller classrooms because you get the one on one learning attention that you need. Make the most out of your experience by making new friends. They say you meet the best friends in college and its true. Take advantage of that. These students are here for the same reason that you are. Come out of your shell a little but and have some fun. Not too much though. College only happens once and the more you experience it, the more memories will be made.