City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College Top Questions

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

Hussein

I would advise myself to always strive for excelence academically and socially. Always check your student email for opprotunities and follow them. Never be discouraged by a grade on a test on paper, the main goal is to recieve a distinguishing grade at the end. Maintain relationships, set goals, and complete them.

Leslie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell my self to take more honors classes because it pays off in college. In addition to that, I would of taken college classes earlier so I would get my degree faster.

Brieanna

Oh how wonderful it would be to go back in time. If given the opportunity to go back in time and speak to my high school senior self, there are many things I would warm myself of. The first and foremost I would warn myself of is taking a "day off". I learned the hard way that a simple day off here and there can add up quickly. As the year progresses it becomes increasingly difficult to find the energy and motivation to go to school. Secondly, I would advise myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible. I wish I knew at the time that sometimes excess scholarship money can be given back to the student. Words can't describe how important extra money is when it comes to paying fees that aren’t included in tuition such as gas and toiletries. I never realized how fast money can disappear until I moved out and had to buy my own paper towels and trash bags. And lastly I would warn myself to cherish the time spent with friends because time in fact does fly and before you notice everyone has gone their separate ways.

Renata

If I had the chance to go back in time and opportunity to talk to me in school, I would not give myself any advice about college. I believe that I am doing everything correctly and thoughtfully at my college. I would thank myself for the great job I will do in the future. I probably would be more happy to go in the future instead of in the past, and I would like to talk with myself in the future. The one thing I would probably give myself in the past is going to be a personal advice. I would wish myself to behave more feminine and wisely in relationships with other people and be careful in choises of my friends. But all together, at this stage of my life I am very pleased with my achievements in my career and personal life.

Mahtiea

The first advice I would have given myself is to start saving money. The cost of going to college is not easy at all. I would have tried to let myself know that what ever I decided to major in that I should began to look for the best school who excels in that major. I also would have told myself more about scholarships. I never had a goood understanding about scholarships and how to apply for them. They are pretty easy and is mostly for every one.

Arvette

I would tell myself to never be afraid to shine. I passed up so many opportunities because i was afraid to view the world away from my family. My fears lead me to make some choices in life that were not in my best interest. Through my mistakes I've learned perserverance. Through stregnth I've learned to adapt and overcome. Never again will i make my light dim in fear of the unknown.

Richard

Don't wait to apply for scholorships and colleges, that is something that needs to be done right away, especially before you graduate. I know you've been thinking of joining that Marines however, you may want to either re-think your options or make sure you disclose everything to your recruiter and MEPS. If you don't disclose everything you'll get kicked out of the Marine Corp and there's a chance you'll get kicked out anyway because of how sick you'll get in the first few weeks. I would highly recommend that you decide to go to college and pursue a career in criminal justice/ law enforcement. It might be a struggle to begin with but in the end everthing will be worth it. Just keep a focused mind on whatever it is you decide to do and don't give up, you're a very smart person and you can do whatever you put your mind to.

Brittany

I will most definately tell myself that im worthy of achieving my goals. There was a point in mylife where i thought i would never attend college. My mom neglected me when i was 3 yrs old. So i had no great female role model to help me in life. So if i could go back to high school i would tell myself put the past behind me and focus on a bright future. I would tell myself that im smart and id ask myself where do you see yourself in 5 years. Id answer graduating from college with my head held high a radiology and real estate degree in my hand and a big hospital to help paitents in. College is a big step but a step that i was willing to take, its not hard you just have to take the time to pay attention , study hard, and past your test. Also going back to high school years id tell myself no matter what your mom did you , that i did not have to end up like her. I could go further in life and accomplish so much more. Those would be my words to myself.

NaKia

The advice I would give myself is to work hard and stay focus. Hard work pays off and so does 4.0 GPA's. I would tell myself that studying comes first and partying comes last. Its important to work hard while in high school. I would also tell myself that universities went the best stud

Ngai

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about college life and making a transition, I would tell myself to don't be afraid to go out and try. Its okay to want to go away to college. Its easier to adjust to new living situations when you are younger. It seems as if they are more patient, willing to learn, and want to experience everything for yourself.

James

Study, study, study. There are too many distractions that will lead to you not wanting to get your work done. Make sure that you pick a profession that will keep you employed. There will be a huge recession later in life. I would say try to go to school for something in the medical field. Something like Respiratory Therapy. It will be a job that will be demand later on in life. You won't want to get stuck going to school for something that you really did not want to do in the first place. Then get stuck in the same boring place for years. Believe me, you don't want to do that.

Maria

The advise i would give myself is to take all the opportunity that are open and walk right through it. Also to not be afraid to get help from any body, because they are also struggling just like you, just not on the same topic you on but with other thing that you now and they don't. And to not be afraid to move on with something just dont stay stuck on something, just ask for help. Also dont think colleges is just like high school because it's not it's a whole new ball game and you cant be messing around to much because you will lose all those opportunity out there.

Jasmine

I owuld tell myself not to make such a big thing about college, do not stress yourself out to much to please other people and to do the best that you can. When you get to college focus on one thing and that is getting through all the classes successfully. It's not that easy being on your own at first, but do not let the little taste of parent-free freedom cloud your judgements and your main focus. Do not try to quickly fit in because people should accept you for who you are and not are you portray yourself to be.