California State University-Stanislaus Top Questions

In high school, its important to figure out who you actually care about and who means the most to you. When everything is said and done chances are you are not going to the same school as every one of your friends. You'll branch out wherever you go so don't waste your time worrying about how college is going to go. You're going to thrive whereever you are and your personality and traits are the most important key to your future success. Quit living your senior year scared, and be excited for the journey to come.

As a high school senior, I used to be so stressed over getting good grades in college and not making a fool of myself as an incoming freshman. What I found was that, people don't necessarily care what you do or what you look like. They're all there to focus on their studies. I was terrified that my grades would be horrible since I had placed myself on a pedestal for having a 4.04 GPA and ranking number 11 in my class. Once I discovered CSUS had placed me in the honors program, I felt this for sure would be means for my grades to falter. How could I possibly be a full time student at a state college in the honors program while working a part-time job and still manage to attain acceptable grades? If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would tell myself to calm down and relax because everything always works out in the end with the drive and motivation I place in everything I do. I would tell myself that I pulled through and acheived a 4.00 my first semester in college despite the obstacles.

I would tell myself to stay focused and remember its okay to have fun, but at the right times. I would also tell myself to work hard and in order to do what I want to do, I have to do what I need to do first - School.

I would have taken college classes as a high school student so i could get ahead and graduate sooner and also i would tell myself to take as many classes for my major that can transfer to the csus at the community college because it's a lot cheaper. I also would have taken AP courses in high school to better prepare myself for college but i played 3 sports year round so i had no time to dedicate to my education and now knowing that i wouldn't continue my career in sports i would've focused more on my future education. I was never told to apply to any colleges so that's why i went to a community college first so i would also tell my self to take the SAT's and apply to as many colleges that interested me. I would have loved to move away for college and experience life on my own and show my parents that i'm independent. The main thing i would tell myself it\s to decide what i want to do as soon as possible so i can start taking classes towards my major.

Have fun while in high school. The summer before going into college, take a roadtrip or spend a lot of time with friends. Make sure to cement those relationships so that you will have a support system while in college. That is really important. While you are in college, utilize your professors. They have office hours for a reason. Use them. If you get to know your professors, they will acknowledge that you are trying and it will reflect in your grade. Go in and ask them all of your questions. Often, you will do better on your exams because of it. While in college, it is really important to study effectively. Use high school to sharpen your study techniques. If you do not have them while in high school, you will have a really hard time studying efficiently while in college. Make sure to set time aside everyday to study. That way, you will not be cramming at the last minute before the exam. Above all, be yourself. If you are yourself, you will find our way. Take time while in college for yourself. Don't be afraid to take some personal health days. You are important.

I would tell myself many things. As a high school student I didn't have anyone I can talk to. I wasted a lot of time in high school and grew up with a mother and father to give me any advice. The first thing I would have told myself is to try harder. I barely applied myself and let a lot of oppurtunities slip. Secondly I would tell myself, "believe in yourself". I didn't have the confidence that I could be successful, go to a nice school, and do something meaningful in my life. I let the negativity in my life get to me. I chose to rise above all of the negativity of my incarserated father, former incarserated mother, and the gangs and violence that surrounded my high school. Finally I would tell myself ,"keep your head up and don't be discouraged you can do it!"

I have learned to be much more responsible and hard working. I did not really study for my classes when I was in high school but now that I am in college I have to study or I wont pass my classes. This has also helped me to work harder because I have to study enough to remember everything that is important. I feel very lucky to be attending a university because I am the first in my family to go to college. This is just another encouragement to work even harder to make my family proud of all the hard work I am putting into doing a good job in my courses.

My college experience is alot different than the average student going off to college right out of high school. I actually returned to school later in life while working fulltime. I felt my college experience reflected perserverance and commitment not only from myself but also from my professors and peers that I worked with. My college experience taught me valuable skills to use in todays job market and allowed me to practice those skills needed to be successful. The professors far surpassed the traditional textbook concept of learning and left me with a clear understanding of what I will need to do to reach out to those I will be working with in my field. I am priviledged to be an alumni of CSU Stanislaus.

Well I've become more independent since i live at school. The dorms are like a little community so it's like a family away from home. Getting involved on campus has been the best thing for me. Being in University Student Union Program Board has opened so many doors and its great for social networking. Attending college is the best thing anyone can do. Learn so many ew things not just in the class but things in the local area. For example I've been a city girl forever and moving to a farmlike town was a big difference for me and I've learned a lot in these few months. College is just a great change and experience.

As a chemistry major, the most valuable experience I received is the experience in the chemistry labs, as well as the enriching knowledge I gained while attending both Modesto Junior College and CSU Stanislaus. Both of these aspects have and still are preparing me for the outside world, and have expanded my ability to think critically.

By attending college, I have learned that I can do so much more than I ever thought I could. I have gained not only academic knowledge, but also knowledge about myself, which I believe is just as valuable, if not more. Before attending, I always went through life playing it safe, but now I am a completely different person. My eyes have been opened up to so many different subjects, viewpoints, cultures, and places. Now my dreams are much bigger. I am making plans of transferring to a school on the other side of the country, which is an exciting challenge that I never would have considered before going to college. Without the college experience that I have gained, I would still be limiting myself and my outlook on life. But now that I have gone to college, I am no longer too timid to have big dreams and go after them.

Having the opportunity to attend college has been a one of a kind experience. I have learned to appreciate how fortunate I am to have been able to receive higher education. I have learned to appreciate the sacrifices that my mother has overcome, as a single mother, to be able to put her children through college. I have learned that the education that I posses is something that I will always encompass regardless of where I may end up. It has been a valuable experience to attend college because I now realize the door of opportunities that I have opened for my own family. I realized how difficult times may get, I can only imagine how much more difficult it may be for those who do not have an education. I have learned that no matter where you may come from, you have the choices to break cycles and make a better future for yourself and your family. This is why I continue my education today, I would like to be able to share my experiences with other students and hopefully make an impact in their life that will make them want to continue receiving higher education.

I am a working mother of 4 beautiful children. I work full time and go to school at night to try to better my life me my children. I am working to get my Dental Hygiene degree. Going back to school has been hard on my family and myself, but they have been very helpful. Because money is tight, I have been putting off going back to school, but this year i decided to start. I am very greatful for the chance to better my life for myself as well as my family. It has been a wonderful exspirence so far. Even though we are struggling because of the money, i believe it will pay off in the end. thank you, Renee Matonti

One of the most valuable assets I have received from my college experience has been the ability to fully understand and appreciate what will be expected of me after I graduate and enter the work environment. While I would hope every institution affords their students such an asset, CSU, Stanislaus has been the best environment to learn in and to graduate a prepared individual. For this, I will forever owe a debt to my school and to the future attendees. This is what makes for loyal, supportive Alumni.

I am honored to have been given the opportunity to attend college. Receiving a higher education has allowed me to learn and educate my peers, faculty and many others that I come across. My college experience has taught me how to have a voice and to advocate for others who are oppressed. Attending college has not only helped me academically but also on a personal level. I am a single parent and have spina bifida which means a level of physical limitaion for me while needing to care for my son and attending to my academics. Attending college with spina bifida has helped me to grow as a person having overcome many obstacles in order to achieve my goals. I am proud of who I am as a student and parent. College has been an aid to help me grow in the profession of Social Work and as a person. College has instilled a desire for me to learn what is beyond the textbooks. College further encourages my natural drive for life and to continue to be teachable so that I may help others.

I am learning a totally new proffession. I have also learned to have more patience with people. Which I will admit is not my strong suite. I can not wait for the next class everyday because of the valuable information I am learning. My teacher makes the information easy to learn and very interesting. She also shares her experience for her twenty-some years in the operating room, which to me, is priceless. I am currently enrolled for an AAS degree to become a certified surgical technologist. I am also learning to network. Which is valuable as well, since we moved to VA from NY, where I have lived all of my life. I have also learned how to manage school life/work with my husband and three intellegent, very spirited children. It is a very different experience from being the spouse of a college student. What I learn here at college, will be my foundation for a new and very interesting career. My experiences will stay with me for my entire lifetime. I hope to be able to help guide my children through thier college years with my knowledge and experiences of my college years.

I have learned a great deal about what it takes to be a student that is not only successful academically, but also involved in the community. There is a great sense of urgency to use the education that I am receiving to raise further awarness of social issues such as poverty, and disease. I am enrolled in an undergraduate nursing program at this school and have learned plenty in regards to personal and public health. I really feel that the professors in the nursing program strive to bring out the compassionate side of nursing students so that we can act as advocates for patients in need of care. The research based practice that my school focuses on is teaching nurses to evolve and adapt with changes in technology and protocol. California State University, Stanislaus has helped me to realize the need for effective compationate nursing and a vigor for learning knowledge.

Assuming that I have the chance to go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, my advice to myself would be to avoid procrastination at all costs. Be determined and always stay focused. Never give up no matter how hard the class may be or the work. There is help everywhere whether it may be for schoolwork or financial aid. Making the transition is hard at first and it's like a whole new world, that'z why it'z very important to concentrate on what you have in front of you. Always be open to new experiences. College is expense and it can be a handful but in the end it's all worth going through.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to manage my time carefully because when finals come around, I wouldn't want to be procrastinating. I'd tell myself to offer some of my free time towards volunteering or join a school organization instead of being a couch patato. I should take some time to go out with friends, but not all the time, and get to know other students. I would tell myself to spend some time to get to know my college professors, because they will be the one to write my letters of recommendation. Last, but not least, I should enjoy the time that I will spend in college and good luck!

If we could only go back. I sit there and slap my past self in the face. I struggled my first semester with time management and I also went a little money crazy. Oh how much I would love to get the opportunity to go back in time, and warn myself in advance! I think I would sit there lecturing my other self to start practicing the art of time management. Then I would explain how the money I will make from working at Del Taco is going to fly right out of my hands. Too many birthday and christmad presents! Therefore, I say to myself to watch just how much I really spend on such things. Make sure to start saving little by little. As of right now, I have slapped myself in the face quite a couple of times. I am learning to manage school and two jobs. Laptops don't may themselves, you know? I am also learning to manage the little money I do have, while paying off my laptop. I know I can't go back and slap some sense into myself, but I am pushing myself to find a perfect balance. :)

Don't wait till later, go to college now!

I would have made myself better prepared. I would have started looking for scholarships before graduating highschool and entering college.

The place I would first begin would be with starting at a 2 year college. The respect I have for the 2 year college I transferred from is as high as can be with education, although the counselors do not guide students as well as I wouldn think they should. A movement from high school straight to a 4 year may have been a bit easier. Next I would have definitely told myself that although playing soccer for the school was fun, the time required definitely affected my grades and I could have done without it. Overall at the beginning of my college career I didn't see the importance of a degree, but now as I get closer to my bachelors I truly see the hard work and time it takes and I wish I could go back and tell myself to study and give total attention to classes that I may have taken lightly and not received the grades I would have preferred. As I have just pulled straight A's for the first time in college, I would tell myself that I do have the ability when I give my full effort so don't give up!

Dear Monique, I know you must be feeling an amalgam of emotions about going away to a university; stressed over finances, anxiety of leaving, fear of living on your own, and that deep-rooted seed of excitement--don't let it be smothered by the rest of your emotions. Grow around them. Choose the university you felt comfortable in, and fill out your FAFSA as soon as possible (This is extremely important. The deadline will not yield to tumultuous events that may arise). Once there, once everybody leaves, and you are left in your dorm alone, cry. Cry for a while, but then regain some composure by rearranging your room. Do not avoid your roommates. Go out and talk to them; you will find out that they are just as nervous as you are. Do not seclude yourself to cope with homesickness by yourself. Go out, take walks around the campus and get to know the school more. It will make everything less foreign to you. Call Mom everyday or she will worry. Call old friends; make new ones. Always remember that you have people supporting you. Most importantly, believe in yourself. Never doubt what you can do! Sincerely, Monique

Every transition in life will share some similarities; yet have it's key differences. Differences that will set you up to succeed or struggle, but hopefully never fail. In high school, I was a highly dedicated student towards academic efforts and my social achievements. However, I never mentally prepared myself for looking at my first year of college, as my first solo year in the real world. If I could rewind the youthful clock that ticked away like a baby's heartbeat... I would tell myself to be prepared for the unexpected at all times. The chief difference between these two educational experiences is that, high school holds your hand all the way until the moment you earn that special diploma; whereas universities let you explore every journey that comes your way as you earn that scholarly degree. The motto for this transition is to "always complete your personal affairs first, and everything else will fall in place!"

Take a deep breath and wait for it... you are about to begin the rest of your life. Trust yourself; you will choose the right college for you. As you finish your college applications, receive your admissions letters and make that difficult choice of the school for you, relax a little. There will be some surprising challenges and definitely some memorable times ahead of you (grocery shopping on a budget, for one person, while trying to maintain some semblance of a healthy diet can be a real challenge). However, don't worry so much about choosing the right school for you. There isn't one perfect school that will fit you, making your college experience perfect without a single worry. Part of the journey is the challenges. The university you choose will be the right one based on the experiences and involvement you create there. Also this will not be a solo journey, you will meet great people out there who will help you; you just have to find them. Overall this journey is really about you; it is not deciding the perfect school, it is you moving forward, involving yourself in your life and your future, so jump in.

I would tell myself to go to every class if possible and to go with my gut instinct about my major. I let people talk me into business then switch to english like I wanted. After that I again let myself be talked into going back to accounting and now have finally settled on english. If I had listened to myself I would have been graduated by now but still have another year to go.

I believe that if I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would encourage myself to not limit myself to only one possible career option. In my experience, I started off pressuring myself into believing I had to become only one specific thing, but once I got to college I began to have other interests; instead of pursuing those interests I limited myself to only the classes that would fit the specific goals I had set for myself before I began college. I would tell myself to take a variety of classes and follow the major that best suits my interests and would make me happy in the future. I would also encourage myself to take part in on campus activities and not be afraid to get involved, the friends you find here with common interests are often the friends you keep for life. I would also encourage myself to develop relationships with faculty and staff, these people are experts in their field and can offer guidance and wisdom that can be helfpul in the future. Even though sometimes talking to professors can seem daunting, they truly want to help their students.

College could be the best thing that could ever happen to you ,here are three reasons why : First, you can farther your career beyond high shool, you can study to become a medical assistent, dental assistant, or even a physical therapy technician. You just have to remember to put your mind into it and you can accomplish anything. Second, you could have a better future, you can have a stable job and you to have don't have to be working in a fast food place because you will have a college degree and be able to do anything you want. You will also have a way to help support your family and give them a better future as well. Third, you can set a GRATE example for your (future) childern. You can show then that they can be whatever they want just as long as they set their mind to it. Show them that you did the best that you could to be in college, so that when they become older they want to follow your footsteps and go to college!!! Those are the following reasons why you should go to college and farther your career beyond high school...

I had a hard fall out with some close friends my senior year, so I would tell myself to relax, and not worry about finding friends. I tend to be on the quiet side and it gets worse when I am trying to get new friends to like me. There is not the pressure at college to be cool, like there is in high school. I would reassure myself that as long as I stayed true to who I was and opened up, I would have no problem finding quaility friends. Everyone really accepts you for who you are. It does not matter if your an athlete, bookworm, partier, or anything in between; there are people who will relate. At college most people grow up and mature past the superficial phase of their lives that hold people to certain standards. Would you really want to be friends with someone who did not know the real you anyways? I know I do not. To be comfortable and secure with who you are as a person is a great accomplishment. To have friends you love you for who you are inside and out, that is a true friendship. Nothing is better.

Calm down; you're going to love college. If you could get through high school, you can definitely survive this. People are here to learn, not goof around, so you can be as nerdy as you want with no fear of judgement. Professors are not scary. They actually like to answer questions and get really excited about their field, so get to know them. Feel free to be yourself. An advantage of no one knowing you is that they have no preconceived notions about you (like in high school). You can start fresh and be who you want to be. Don't be intimidated by other students. You worked just as hard as they did to get here, so you're on the same level as them. People are nice here so it's ok to smile at random people while walking to class. Heads up: you're responsible for everything you need. No one makes your schedule for you, no one reminds you to buy a parking permit, school is not magically paid for, there are no bells to tell you when to go to class. Just stay on top of it; you know you can.

I would tell my self that school is nothing to take for granted. A good education will help you go farther in life. Don?t let adversity take you down and follow my dream of becoming the first college graduate of my family. I would tell myself that there will be many challenges but by following my heart I will overcome. It will take hard work and that I can?t give up no matter what. I would tell myself that life is going to be very challenging and I need to overcome by working hard and keeping my focus on the goal. I would say never take anything for granted.

Enjoy your time with your friends now because it might be the last time you will ever see them. Chereish every moment you have with them and never let them forget you. Once you feel like you are ready for college, you will be. Don't doubt yourself in your abilities to learn and become a better student. You will acheive many greats things in life. Don't give up yet on your goals, you will acheive them if you keep on pushing through and don't give up like I did. You can do it. Once you get in college, don't be scared to get yourself out there. It's a whole new enviroment , so try to make some new friends and hang on to them. You might miss your old friends at first but your new ones will be there for you now and eventually in the long run as well. Enjoy college and remember everything you can from high school and don't lose contact with your old friends.

I am now halfway through my sophomore year of college and am extremely glad to have the opportunity to share my acquired knowledge about the transition from high school to college. Two aspects in particular I would like to cover: academics and the new housing situation. First, professors in a college setting are not as forgiving as a high school teacher may be. Although a college professor does wish you to succeed, they acknowledge that you are an adult and must make your own decisions and are responsible for your own education and actions. If you miss a class session it is solely your responsibility to communicate with the professor to learn what you have missed and to schedule any needed make-ups. Additionally, there are no longer progress reports and if you are concerned about your grade need to meet with the professor to inquire about such. Lastly, if you are to live on campus this can be a drastic change for many reasons. The most predominant being the freedom from supervision you have now acquired. However, be careful not to rejoice in this so much as to forget the reason why you are there: to receive an education.

I would tell myself to apply miself more and to actually study for the tests because they are important and to pick the school that best accomidates youre major

I would tell myself to prepare a little harder, save as much money as I could, and dont take some things for granted because things change and I think I could have been even more prepared and ready for the college transition if I used certain oppurtunities that I didnt when I was a senior in high school.

It is so much easier to make the transition when you alow yourself to BE YOURSELF. Do not hold back on who you are, what you think, and how you feel.

Figure out what your academic goal is while you are still in highschool, you could finish your ultimate goal sooner by entering the pre-pharmacy program at UOP and possibly have your Doctorate of Pharmacy within 5 years of graduating highschool. Take the time in highschool to explore your interests. Volunteer at those places of interest to see if it is something you are truly interested in doing. In the meantime, be sure to do plenty of the meaningful things such as volunteering and giving back to the community. Participate in more extracurricular activities within school and even outside of school. Not only will these things be meaningful to you, but they will also improve your chances of getting in to the more competitive universities. DO NOT take time off while attending school, most students never make it back to college after a break. Do not stress so much about the amount of your school loans to the point where it interferes with your education because when you complete your degree, that is something no one can take away from you. Look into scholarships for help. Most importantly enjoy yourself throughout the process, college is a fun and enjoyable experience.

I would give myself the advice to just relax, take each day as they come and focus on school work above all else.

Don't let money be the only requirement for the school you pick. Even if you go into debt, if it's debt for a decent education, it's good debt. Never, ever, ever go to CSU Stanislaus. You will not be challenged and the school will eventually drain out any sort of passion or free thinking you had. Go somewhere else, anywhere else.

The best advice I offer to parents and prospective students to any college, would be to visit the campus. Make sure that the school you chose to attend best suites you and your lifestyly. If are looking for a school that is small, friendly, and has more opportunities with the professors themselves, look in smaller cities. If you are looking for a crowded party school that is most likely to be more diverse, you might like it better in a place such as San Francisco; but still, you can never tell from pictures or letters. It is a huge investment. An investment that can determine your future and later success in life. It can make a huge difference! So research away, tour, have fun, and good luck!

As hard as it may be, encourage them to go away to school. Having them choose the college is important because they will know best if they fit into a large school, medium school, etc. As hard as it is living on campus your first year is very important. You usually can walk anywhere you need to and you get to know the school very well. Encourage your children to attend sporting events and take advantage of community events as well. As moving away from home was hard for me, I can tell you now 4 years later even in my two years it was an adjustment, however, now it is the best thing I could have done! I am independent, confident and am able to tackle tough situations on my own. Make sure they have a good selection of schools to choose from from different sizes, etc.

Find a school where a student can stay focused, and not waste a lot of money on an education they are going to waste.

The only advise that I would give parents and students about picking the right college is start looking early. The earlier you start the more options you have. This gives you an opportunity to make a well-informed decision and rule out the colleges that are not suitable.

Find the right college for the student. Even if the price is too much, if they will be happier and get a better quality education to their specific needs, then it will be worth it.

I highly suggest that both parents AND students do the research on colleges/universities together. Take the time to talk over with your parents, not just your high school college advisor, what you want out of a college. I have learned that picking a college is not just picking the one that offers you the career you are looking for. In order to be truly comfortable, happy and receive the level of education you are seeking, your college/university choice MUST include extra curriculum activities, sports and/or sporting events that interest you. Check out the campus before applying, don't just assume that what you see on their website is what the campus is ACTUALLY like. I like my school and am trying to get a good, satisfying education, but I wish we had a few more "distractions" to help maintain my sanity, all studying and no relaxing makes your college experience a really tough one to handle. I also highly recommend an indepth research practice into who you will be living with, best friends are not always the best roommates, they can be a VERY big drag on your study time!!

Make sure you want to graduate from the school you start at.

My advice would be to make sure that you visit the schools you are considering while school is in session. Sit in on a couple classes, big and small, so that you get a true feel for what you like and/or feel comfortable class size wise. Also, make sure you do a lot of research about the prospective schools, learn as much as you can about them. Join extra curricular groups and participate as much as you can in the campus life, you meet a lot of great people that way. If you want to be successful you need to attend your classes regularly; you really do get so much more from the course. Overall, embrace the college experience to its fullest.

The best piece of advice I could give to parents and students who are looking for a college that best fits them, is to visit the college at different times of the school year. I would not recommend visiting a college during summer term, because it really does not give a student the true feel for the school. The other advice I would is to ask a lot of questions of the university staff. No question is too stupid so make sure you get answers to any questions you might have. Sometimes the answers may surprise you, and could be influential in helping make the decision of where to attend college.

The best thing to do is to go visit as many campuses as you can before you pick a school. Try to go while there are classes in session; Most professors are flexible in allowing prospective students attend classes in session as long as there is room. Do not procrastinate. Do everything in a timely manner so that you avoid late fees. The sooner you get done with registration, the more class options you have; And the sooner you get done with all your financial aid paperwork, the faster it will get disbursed.