Chapman University Top Questions

Be patient and open minded. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there in the world because nobody else will do it for you. Stay focused and be on top of things. You will be more independent than you think, it is difficult to have no one to depend on. But that is life. Don't depend on anyone, you need to go out there yourself and make it happen. Also, don't rush into certain deicisons because the most important thing is for you to be happy. If you are not happy with what you are doing, it is not worth it. Therefore, you need to make a change and don't let anyone influence your thoughts. Be strong minded and don't let anyone put you down.

Everybody tells you that you're going to change, that you'll act stupid and that you might not recognize yourself over the next few years. Embrace that and welcome the change. It can be a scary thing, change, but if it's executed correctly can open up all the doors that your teachers, parents and elders have been telling you about all these years. Make sure you are a little reckless, that you do skip a few classes here and there, but also make sure you know when to stop. There is a time to have fun, a time to buckle down and a time to blur those lines and live life on the edge. Make sure, though, that you know exactly when those times are and when you need to come back to reality. The next four years will be crazy and fun and crazy fun, but remember that after the four years is up, there's a realm of "adulthood" waiting for you. It's a realm that only your self change and the crazy antics during that self change can prepare you for. Biggest words of advice from me to you... just live.

Say yes Kayla. Say yes to meeting new people. Say yes to going to class. Say yes to asking questions. Say yes to homework but also do not be afraid of pulling all nighters. Say yes to going to parties, but also say yes to an early night in bed with a movie and a good friend. Say yes to calling your parents at least once a week. Say yes to work. Say yes for early starts to your day and late nights with the people that have joined you for these four years. Say yes to travel. Explore the depths of what this world has to offer, you will recieve so much back in return. Give back to your community and explore your passions while doing so. Let others inspire you, and in return inspire the ones around you. Make relationships with your professors and tell them thank you every chance you get. Take risks that challenge or frighten you, this is the time when you have the least to lose. It are those risks that you will remember and define you from the inside out. Finally, let the knowledge you learn trickle from your head to your heart.

I would advise myself to take the time to relax. I would tell myself to prioritize my life with faith, family and health at the forefront. I would say not to worry about the petty obstacles in life but to set my eyes on the future knowing that all adversities will pass. I would tell myself not to be afraid of being different--to be open to being myself and accepting the person that I was instead of trying to fit in with others. I would advise myself to stray from a negative self-image and instead to stay true to my values. I would tell myself that God has a plan for me and that I don't need to worry about the future. I would tell myself to let loose sometimes, to act spontaneously and to be a kid while I had the chance. I would tell myself to not be afraid of making mistakes.

Make sure you have good study habits and continue to use a study planner. Things move faster in college and you need to keep up. make usre you know hot o plan your time carefully. That is helpful in college. Learn how to aks questions so that you don't miss out on good opportunities. Be prepared with a good resume at all times so you can easily apply for jobs and internships. Learn how to play and enjoy down time. you can only study so much. Be a good friend and others will be a good friend to you. Learn how to do laundry. Learn how to check prices so that you don't spend all your salary on unnecessary things. College is an important time of your life and so you need to make sure you pick the right college. I am glad that I did that.

In the first year of college, I can almost guarantee that you will make more mistakes and learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible. You WILL get homesick but it WILL NOT last forever. You WILL make friends no matter how lonely you feel on the first day. And I promise that you WILL survive regardless of the repetative meals in the cafeteria. But the biggest piece of advice I want to give to you, aside from encouraging you to learn from every mistake, is to seize every opportunity and try anything and everything that interests you even if it's something completely new. You could fall in love with something you never expected or you could fall out of love with something that has been a part of your life for as long as you can remember. And both are okay. College is a time for you to experiement and find just what you want to do with the rest of your life. I've heard it's unlike any other time in your life, and I definitely believe it. College is incredible. Don't let that just pass you by.

There is nothing wrong with walking in clueless about where you want to end up. Don’t be afraid to switch majors and don’t be afraid to switch back. High school lets you try on the clothes; college lets you do that too, but it also lets you buy them and wear them out of the store. Ultimately, the major you choose won’t affect the person you become. But avoid choosing a major just because it sounds like a TV show you’re currently into. Political science really isn’t anything like The West Wing. Trust me—don’t learn that one that hard way. You will get out of college what you put into it. Most every school offers internships, company tours, presentations and conventions if you take the time to look. It’s easy to walk out of a college with a piece of paper that says you were there. Be one of those that get something worthwhile out of it. Lastly, the transition between high school and college will happen while you’re busy doing other things. You’re going to have a great time. So get to it.

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I have always been resistant against change and college was no different. I was hesitant about becoming engaged and meeting new people and as a result I was timid and shy. I was distraught being away from my friends whom were changing and I constantly talked to my parents instead of meeting new people, as they were the one thing that had not changed in my life. It took me an entire semester to open up and meet new people because I finally grew sick of feeling alone and staying in my dorm all day. Now that I have opened up I have been able to regain my confidence and become an active member within Chapman. Looking back I wish I had told myself to be more open and excited for the transition to college. I feel as if I essentially wasted my first semester of college due to my hesitance. There is nothing to fear when going to college. Your experience depends on what you make of your time and I have discovered that in order to be happy you have to explore whatever lies in front of you.

College life and the transition will be harder than you think. A lot harder. Coming from Hawaii, there will be culture difference. It's hard to explain, but it's going to be very different. I'm still trying to figure out how to explain it to others. One of the biggest differences is that people aren't as accepting of you here. Yes, even in California. It's not as laid-back here and people are more harsh with the way they act and talk. You are a multi-ethnic woman coming from Hawaii. You will find that at times bringing such diversity will be one of your strengths and at other times it will be where you will meet many difficulties. You will be discriminated against and it will not feel good. You will feel defeated. Get involved with diversity initiatives on campus and I promise you will find that the world isn't such a bad place after all. Also, be vulnerable. You grew up thinking that vulnerability is a weakness. But it's not, it makes you strong, brave, and POWERFUL. It will free you. Be free and live with your heart open. Love you.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would make sure to tell myself that uncertainty is a part of life and it is competely okay to not know what you want to do. I would also tell myself that everyone has a different college experience and it will only be a positive one if you actively choose to make it that way. I always had a specific vision of what college was supposed to look like, and when that vision did not come to life for me in my situation, I was upset and always down on myself. In the end, choosing the community college route ended up leading me to a wonderful job opportunity of working with children with special needs and it allowed me to take the time to decide what path is really right for me. So I would tell my high school self to be patient and open to new experiences. Not only will you run into exciting opportunities, but you will also meet people who share the same passions, and that is one of the most important things you can get from the college experience.

If I could talk to my highschool self about transitioning into college, I would say to have more confidence. It was not until recently that I decided, yes, I can persue both Graphic Design and Game Programing minor along with my Digital Arts major, and I can have time to study abroad. I may have to take an extra year, but that's okay. Taking an extra year in college isn't something to be ashamed of. It means I am doing everything I can to make the most of my college experience and education.

Dear Cailyn, College is coming soon and senior year is coming to a close. Don't be afraid, I promise that you will be okay. College is great and exciting; you will learn more in one semester than you have in all four years of your high school career. Join clubs and get involved because these will be some of the most important ways to meet people. Don't be afraid to branch out and try new things. Live on campus, join a committee, join a sorority even though you've told yourself you would never do it... I promise that joining something and leaving your safe-space will be rewarding. Although you may want to sit in your dorm with friends all day or go out and stay up until three in the morning, which can be fun and adds to the learning experience, make sure you don't miss class. Class is important and it is so much more interesting than high school classes. Professors will inspire you and you won't want to miss it. Good luck, I know you can do great things. Smile and hold your head high; you can do it.

Really take time to research colleges and go on campus tours. As a junior and senior, I took advantage of the college websites and based the colleges that I applied to purely off of numbers. I was a big "label" school. I wish I really looked at my capabilities and assessed better schools to apply to based off of my standards, not just whether or not my friends applied to that school. Also, you don't really prepare yourself for college. I was the kind of person that always needed to know things. Needed to plan my future every step of the way. College is meant to enjoy the now and appreciate the "now". My advice to my old self is that I wish I would have allowed myself more time for the college process, because it is really something that should have a lot of thought put into. The college process should not be rushed. Prepare now so you can enjoy later.

I would first tell myself not to be scared to beat to my own drum. In college, everyone is on their own path to happiness, and what makes me happy is not going to be determined by what society thinks.

First, make sure that you talk to a college advisor about your career goals and degree plans. The advisor will be able to help you decide how to proceed toward your goals. Another important step will be to fill out your fafsa and talk to someone in financial aid. This step is really important. Financil aid will help you can understand and plan how you will finance your education. If the college offers an orientation, go. The orientation will explain the college process and answer most of your questions. Finally, before classes start be organized. This last step will make learning easier because you won't be crazy trying to figure out what, where, and who.

I would say to myself "Julieta it is not as hard as people make it sound. You will be fine. Yor first semester of college will be easier than your senior year in high school. You are going through hell right now because of all the college applications you are working on, but hard work always pays off. Allthe AP courses are preparing you for college, so the transition will not be as hard. There are students from all over the world and it is interesting to be in small classrooms and learn about their cultures. It is easy to make friends because people do not judge you. You can be yourself. And the best part is that college is a process that is preparing you for the future and be the successful woman you have always wanted to be and break a chain in the family."

As a high school senior, I had different views and ideas of what the college experience should be. At first, I thought the best college experience would be to attend a huge state school with over 30,000 students. I wanted to attend a bigger school to meet more people and focus on having a social life. After 2 years of attending this school, I realized that I was wrong in what I needed from my college experience. I did not actually want to learn in a auditorium with 500 other students, instead I needed a more focused environment where my professor actually knew my name. I did not need the crazy party scene filled with strangers, but instead a local hang out spot with all my friends from class, who shared the same interests. After transferring to Chapman University, a much smaller private institution, I received the best business education which led me to start my new career. My best friends today, all Chapman Alumni, share cherished memeories from our time at this school. If I could change one decision in my life, it would be to have attended Chapman University for all four years of my undergraduate career.

Dear High School Self, I know you are excited, but also scared of enrolling as a freshmen at university soon. Do not waste your time looking upon transisting to a four- year university s a stressful and nerve-wracking time. Savor the time to think about what you really love doing and what you can see yourself enjoying to do your whole life. Starting university opens a lot of doors. To new friends, new places, new classes, new worries, new experiences, new exciting aspects of yourself you did not realize you had before. Do not be afraid of putting yourself out, asking questions, meeting interesting, and having fun! College is an unique and life-changing experience where you are around peers from all walks of life, interests, and personalities. Jump on this chance to learn about others and gain life-long friendships. This is the time to learn from your professors, stimulate your brain with interesting information, and achieve various skills needed to succeed for years to come. As cliche as it may sound, your time at university really will fly by before you know it, so experience each and every moment, find enjoyment in little things, and take chances.

Do not have things from high school holding you back from what you want to do in college. For example, having a boyfriend is very difficult especially your freshman year, and if you notice they are hindering you from having fun or joining things on campus, it may be smart to reconsider the relationship. And also get involved in extracurricular activities.

Congratulations on graduating and being a first generation to go to college. Embrace yourself for your new adventure, as it will require a lot from you, both good and bad. The naïve little boy is no more; you will have to learn and find out who you are and who you want to be. The best advice I could give you is to do what makes you happy no matter what people might tell you. However, always know your limitations. I know you want to succeed and prove everyone wrong, but what you are about to experience is going to be extremely more difficult than you have expected. Being completely financially independent is no walk in the park. It by far the most difficult thing you will face thus far. I believe in you, just breath and have faith. Make sure you map out your daily, weekly, monthly and yearly schedule because you may think you can afford something this week but then realize in a few months or a year that you actually couldn’t and by then it is too late. Research more scholarships and fill out even more applications than you think, the more the better.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would definitely tell myself not to stress too much about college life. It's okay to be nervous and scared but don't let it get in the way of getting involved. College is much more fun when you feel a sense of belonging; so make friends, join clubs, and attend events on campus. During my college visits, my thoughts sided with small school because I really felt it was the best fit for me. I liked the idea of small class sizes and being able to actually know my professors in and out of class. With this in mind, I would tell myself to go with my gut. I knew this is what I wanted and needed but because of being insecure, I accepted at an enormous public college. What a mistake! Don't second guess your instincts to pick the right college for you. It's okay to listen to advice from others but in the end, it's your college experience to live. By the way, the classes and homework (so far) has been easier than high school.

I would like to tell myself as a high school senior, "Please do more research on the college you would like to attend after high school." I attended a for-profit, non-regionally accredited institution after high school and it left me feeling jaded and depressed. The quality of instruction was dissapointing, and the morale among students was low. I withdrew from the school after 2 semesters and spent a year working in a warehouse and re-evaluating my position and my future. Afterwards, I enrolled at a community college to finish up my general education requirements. I worked hard to maintain a 4.0 GPA over two years, and I got accepted to Chapman University's film school. There is a large gap in my tuition bill I am currently attempting to cover with outside scholarships. I urge all high school seniors to look critically at the schools they would like to attend, and to not get sucked into the marketing strategy of these for-profit schools that run like a business. Look into legitimate, regionally accredited and respected institutions instead of schools that advertise on late night television. Thank you.

Don't get too stressed! You will end up where you need to be, so there is no need to worry. You want to do your best but don't be so hard on yourself. Take advantage of the time you have at home with friends and family, once you leave things won't ever be the same. College is great but don't waste time wishing you were there already. Enjoy where you are in life, or you will always be unhappy waiting for the next stage.

I remember as I began to reach the end of high school years, and as college was quickly approaching, so many of my elders told me to embrace the next four years. "For these will be the best years of your life, and that they will fly by." While I will not deny that that advice is not incredible, I would alter it slightly. If I could go back to 18 year old Sami, a senior in college, I would simply say to trust your insticts and do not fear your choices, because you will learn from every experience you have. I personally think this would have lead to me embracing the experience even more. If you think something is wrong, challenge it, and learn something new. The social atmosphere and freedom you have is what everyone has been training you for your whole life. I came into college with too much worry, and is about making those mistakes both in the classroom and out of it as well. From those mistake you learn and grow. So I would tell myself to have faith, because inside of you, you already have what it takes to tackle the next four years.

Looking back on the years that I had spent in college, there are things that I wish I could have known before entering. Being a college student when I deiced to attend Cheyney University in Pennsylvania, and I was truly in for a rocky ride. Being so set on leaving New Jersey to continue my education, I never thought about the challenges that would be ahead of me. Before leaving to attend my fall semester I had lived in a group home in New Jersey, and was ready to be on my own. But instead of thinking sensible, I jumped into something without even thinking. I would have told me self to first go to community college, and get a study habit and work ethic down. In knowing what I know now I wish I could go back in time, so I wouldn’t be taken five steps back instead of taking five steps forward. Now back in NJ planning on going to a community college and transferring to a four year college. But nothing will stop me from completing my dream.

The best advice I can think of giving myself as a senior in high school is to be as sociable as possible. Of course academics come first, but everybody studies differently, so the best tip I would give is to be outgoing and meet as many people as possible. College is all about making connections so that you have friendships and opportunities for life. Rigorous classes and studying will get you the grades and knowledge you need to do a job, but it likely that the connections you make with professors and fellow students will lead to various job opportunities. You are doing yourself a disservice if you sit alone in your room the majority of the day. My view of people and of what I can achieve in life has broadened greatly in my first year of college. This was made possible because I was eager to make friends that could show me more about life than a textbook or some overly challenging final exam.

Hello Ahmed. Don't be alarmed! I am the future you coming back in time in order to talk to you about your transition from high school to college. The first thing I would like to say about the transition is don't be nervous. On your orientation day, you shake so much to the extent that you spill fruit punch on your white shirt! Lets just say from that point on you had a reputation among the freshman as being that "nervous guy with the weird blood stain". On a more serious note, I would also advise you to be confident. Your lack of confidence results in you taking fewer classes due to the fact that you shall think you would not be able to handle a larger load. I am here to assure you that that is not the case, and that you are capable of doing it. Lastly, don't be afraid of the future because apparently time travel is invented, and we both know how much you've always wanted to time travel. I wish you the best of luck! Please don't screw up our future! Goodbye.

When I was a senior in high school I didn't think about college much. All I could think about was having the best possible senior year. In the process I missed the ACT and SAT tests, I decided to take a kick back class instead of a class I would actually need and I wouldn't do much work. Now that I am in college I'm not used to the work load and I'm not organized. Half way through my first semester I was ready to give up on college because I didnt think it was for me. Then I remembered how determined to become a councelor, to help people who have no sense in their own direction in life. My negative attitude and poor habits were holding me back from my dreams. I want to help others so I have to help myself. In order to suceed in college you have to stop thinking you can't do it and start thinking you can!

After attending college for just over two years there are many tidbits of advice I would give myself as a high school senior. First off, don't be affraid to try new things and actually, push yourself to do so. It is a new experience and very exciting time in your life, embrace it! Another piece od advice, which may be even more important, college is nothing like high school; you have to study! Apply yourself in classes and connect with your professors. They are willing to help you if they see you are actively trying, but you have to ask for the help, they are not your parents, they are not going to make you come in for help on classwork. Lastly I would tell myself, do not give up. You will still be thrown curve balls in life, just because you are in school does not mean they dont happen. Take the curve balls and hit them out of the park. Stay focused on school and remember it is only a short part of life you have to go to school; enjoy and work at it while you are given the chance; they will be your favorite memories!

Save alot of money and find a job soon

Pick a place where you can start a new chapter in your life, free from the restrictions of your past. Learn to make adult decisions, and be ready to face the consequences, whether they're good or bad. Do not be afraid to try new things and meet new people, for they are what shape the rest of your life. Money is a big deal, so don't slack off when you're applying for scholarships and remember to keep your grades up!

The best advice to transitioning from high school to the university is having an open mind with the variety of majors. My heart has always been set on English because I am passionate about it and the places it can take me. Since the elementary level I have excelled in that subject. Entering Chapman I was in a way close minded. I knew I was going to be an English major but my high school self should have been more prepared to consider other fields and careers. I have a variety of passions and I am realizing that a leadership studies minor will fulfill them. It would have been more convenient if I laid everything out from the start. Also being a first generation college student it would have been helpful if I researched everything about financial aid and scholarships. I did not have a guiding hand to help me through this so that resulted in a few set backs. Chapman is very helpful to students seeking information regarding things like financial aid and I would tell myself not to be fearful of taking advantage of that and asking questions.

Knowing what I know about college today, I think I would have better prepared myself by learning how to write more eloquently so that essays and research papers wouldn't be as much of a hassle as they are today. Being that I was also in a boardhing school, I feel that experience helped me to prepare me for what I am experiencing today. I feel well prepared.

Enjoy it. Don't take everything so seriously. Make sure you do things that you want to benefit your future, but live life.

First and foremost I would advice my high school slef to apply my self a lot more when it came to applying for scholarships. College would have been a much better expierence if you live on campus at least one year. Second I would advice myself to start being a little bit more organized. There is a lot going on in college and being well organized would definitely help out with that. Lastly I would advice my highschool self to learn how to step out of his comfort zone. College is all about discovering you who really are and your strengths and weakness in regards to what you want to do with your life so by stepping out of the comfrot zone one can easily discover that.

Jimena, You have been accepted to a private university, the university of your dreams! While you know you will do excellent there, remember how expensive school is. You live in a poor community and have parents working low wage, back breaking, blue collar jobs-make it easy for them. Take your ACT's and SAT's as many times as possible. If you get a high enough score, you will get more financial aid. Take that pressure off from them. They have given you more than enough support, now it is time for you to become independent and make them proud. The next thing you should know is to go out and experience as much as you can. You are going to a school where the students are privileged. While you look forward to a two week family vacation to Mexico, they take trips to Europe on a regular basis. Don't fall behind, do what YOU want to do. And always remember where you come from. Don't start wishing you were as rich as the students here. Your background has made you the person you are today. Appreciate the little things and don't forget to have fun.

If I were to give myself advice about transitioning to college, I would stress these essentials: college is within your control and aim to strike a balance. First of all, it is so important to remember that you have control over your college experience. I witnessed some of my classmates allow college to happen to them, and they felt overwhelmed or dissatisfied because of it. Maybe you feel out of place in your group of friends. You can fix this! Join a new club, introduce yourself to that girl in your math class, or sit with someone new in the dining hall. If your classes are uninspiring, try a new subject or even change your major. It’s all within your realm of control! It is also essential to strike a balance between social life and academics. I owe the success of my first semester to having a healthy, supportive group of friends who allow me to achieve at my highest academic potential and remind me that my life doesn’t revolve around the library. The best students know how to step back from the text books and have a little fun, and my friends help me to do this.

As a high school senior, I felt that it was the perfect year to relax and enjoy the remainder of my tenure at high school. With that mindset, I had decided to slack off and not really do much work that had been assigned to me. I didn't pay attention during any of the class lectures, nor was I awake most of the time. I always depended on the teacher to make sure that I was up to pace in class. I never relyed on myself to complete any tasks or assignments. When test days came, I would occasionally sneak glances at my neighbor's paper, even though I knew it was frowned upon. Now that I am out of high school and in college, I realize that all that vegetation, procrastination, and cheating didn't educate me in any way. However, I did learn what not to do in college. In college, the professors could care less if you don't do anything, just as long as they are being paid. So in short, my advice to myself would be to become proactive. A good future is only given to the person that tries harder than anyone else.

First things first, take a deep breath. Hindsight is 20/20 and as cheesy as it sounds, if you follow your heart, everything will turn out okay.Second, enjoy today and live in the present. You will never get another senior year, so go to every dance, rally, fundraiser, and football game. Treasure the time with your friends and teammates. Take lots of pictures, have lots of sleepovers, go to the movies on Fridays – relish your childhood.Third, don’t be afraid of change. College seems daunting but it’s a chance to become a better version of yourself. It'll be hard, you may get homesick, and it will be uncomfortable at times, but it’s the things that scare us that make for some of the best experiences and greatest lessons learned. You will change your major, your mind, your life’s goals, but never change who you are for someone else.Finally, open your mind. Say hello to, and meet as many people as you can. Get a job in another campus department. Try for that internship and just fake it ‘till you make it! Listen to another perspective. Question convention. Think critically. And never stop learning.

The success of each college student's expirence greatly depends on one's time management. Our undergraduate years are the only time in our lives when academics, social life, and maybe work are all connected. Especially for the students living in campus dorms or apartments, thier life is always at school. It is essential to prioritize each commitment based on it's level of importance. Also, getting distracted is so easy with all the activities and constant interruptions that comes with being at a university. It is important to have fun and get involved, but the most important advice is to do well in all classes and invest time in learning.

Follow your passion no matter what the cost.

Don't assume that what you think you might be best in at that moment is what you will be good at in college. Unless you know in your heart and soul that you have skills to pursue that interest or passion, then by all means, go for it! Give yourself the chance to look in the mirror every now and again to remind yourself who you are and what you really want. Look at your talents, gifts, and true goals and think before you act! Make sure you look into your decisions!

Pursue your dream and let nothing stop you, not even yourself

The advice I would give myself is to make my mind up right out of high school. Meaning not waiting until I am 31 or 32 years to go to college for my chosen major. Because doing it when you are older is so much harder and your mind isn't as prepared as it was when you are just graduating from high school. Because at least then you are prepared to go to college and you aren't really nervous either. Since it is a given then you can go to college. I would also tell myself that no matter I know you can do this. If you love psychology then go for it and you will make a difference in people's lives through it.

If only I could go back in time and give my senior self a wake-up call. Amongst a scroll of other issues I would address to myself, I would give myself a scholastic slap in the face. I would yell at myself for being preoccupied on the ever fluctuating emotions of my boyfriend and focus on my ever failing grades I was receiving for the first time in my life. I wish I could go back and remind myself the importance of education in line with a successful future. I would go back to the bathroom stalls I sat in at school when I was sick from drugs and tell myself that those decisions would make the difference of university or community college, living on my own or with Mom and Dad, and in the long run having a string of rinky dink jobs or starting a career. Ultimately I would tell myself to get my head out of the sand and get back to being a good student, because in college now, I certainly feel rusty on my academic skills. However I am overwhelmingly exuberant to have the tool of education back in my hands.

As a high school senior I wasted a lot of time worrying about whether I made the right decision as to which college I would be attending in the upcoming fall. All of my closest friends were attending University of Arizona and I had chosen to take the road less traveled and move to California to attend Chapman University. While I looked forward to living in Orange County and enjoying the perks that Chapman had to offer, I wondered if I was making a mistake by leaving everything I cared most about, including my friends, my boyfriend and most importantly my family. Despite all of my fears, I stuck with my decision to attend Chapman. Upon arriving, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to make new friends and how perfectly I adapted to this new environment. Although it was hard to let go from what I knew best, those who chose to stay at home for fear of change, have not experienced the type of growth, maturity and opportunities that I have. Looking back, I would tell myself to replace all that worry with excited anticipation, because this decision would lead to a more satisfying college experience.

I would look more into what I am best as and find the right major based on my strengths rather than make assumptions on what I think I might be good at. Plus I would look into courses that are different from my major that would allow me to meet more people and explore things that I have never tried, because College is about learning new things that High school just can't provide for you. College is where the sky begins and the limit is the stars.

Please go to orientation. You might think it is a waste of time but it was one of the best experiences of my freshman year. I made a lot of great friends and learned a lot about the campus. Also remember that Chapman is not as big as you think it is. First, you WILL find all of your classes. There are not that many buildings and you will be able to find it, it is easier than it looks. Second, 5000 people is not a lot. Whatever you say or do will come back around. Do something shady, tell a secret, or make a bad name for yourself, and people will find out about it. It is amazing that we are not a big school and are a very close-knit community, but remember this when making decisions. Remember to be outgoing! There are SO many people at Chapman who are just looking for a friend, whether it be in the cafeteria, in classes, or at a party. Be friendly and you will not be turned down.

Get your GE courses done within your first 2 years. Bring a car, make sure you can afford housing in the area. Get involved in Greek Life!