Del Mar College Top Questions

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

James

Do not drop out of school ( 9th Grade).

Cierra

I would probably tell myself not to stress as much. I am a HUGE stresser, and it seems to kill me whenever a lot of assignments are due at once, or finals are approaching. I would also tell myself not to quit my job (which I just quit). It was a good source of income for me, and since the computer I was using just broke, I am forced to come to the school library to do my work, which takes an hour to get here. This week and next week, I had and have so many assignments due, I literally came to the school every day this week, from the time I get out of class (11) until 5 p.m., just so I could get all this work done. College work is literally a wave: You see it, but you don't expect much to happen. Then when you are least expecting it, it knocks you back, and you either have to learn how to swim, or drown. I hate to say it that way, but that is how I literally feel.

Blaze

Knowing what I do know about college now, if I had the chance to go back in time, I would tell my high school senior self to slow down and enjoy every moment. Unlike many of my friends, I stayed in my city due to funds and my inability to decide. I would tell myself that, though it seems like it now, many of those friends are going to leave and may not come back, so cherish the moments. I would also tell myself to always stay organized and prepared. College is nothing like high school. It is a whole different world, but having a messy desk and not having planner is not going to make it any easier. I would tell myself that even though it may seem difficult and sometimes impossible, it gets easier. The classes may not get easier, the professors may not get easier, but after some time, you get used to college life and you start to enjoy it more at that point.

yadira

Dear 17 year old me, you are now a high school senior and I know right now life is miserable. But do not worry you will succeed, you will over come this darkness, and you will go to college to become a doctor to help others like you. I know that at this moment being bullyed, having eating disorders, family falling apart, and hurting yourself, it seems there is not light at the end of the tunnel. All you need to do is stay strong and keep fighting. School is the most important thing it will save you, it will help you more than you think. Work hard in all your classes so you can gradute, get into college, and become a successful doctor. You are beautiful no matter what anybody says, you are smart despite what you may say. Please do not ever ever give up because you can move mountains with all your dreams. Trust me, you will get through this mess. Trust me and nobody else.

Andrew

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that I should start applying for scholarship while I am still in high school because I missed my chance at a plethora of cash to help keep myself in school and out of financial trouble because I wanted till graduation before I started to apply. Also I would tell myself not to sit in the front row for my first chemistry lab but to sit in between the straight A student in the back row and the walkway; As a result of that mistake two twins ambushed me by sitting on either side of me. That may not seem bad at first (mostly because they were hot), but it was a nightmare because I ended up being stuck between them for every lab for two months. They were crushing on me and flirting with me but also reeked of cigarette smoke, had no clue what was going in lab and never did any work on the group projects. Those two made it imposable to focus and I barley passed that class. I wish I sat next to the genius and had him as a lab partner.

Cassandra

I would tell myself not to be afraid to talk to people, or to ask for help. I had a hard time allowing others to help me, even though I was perfectly happy to help them. School is a big deal, and if i had known that lightening my load (I took at least 15 hours, in a regular semester) would help my grades, then I would have been a little more wary of taking Biology, Chemistry, and Calculus at the same time, and taking other courses as well. Don't overburden yourself, leave enough time to relax and stay in shape, I'm paying for it now. I think I've done ok, but I missed a lot of chances to make friends and improve my grades. A little leeway never hurt.

Jennifer

If I could back to my senior year I would tell myself to sweat it out and don't quit. I returned to school at 30 years of age as a single mom and it is very difficult, physically, emotionally, and financially. I would say that I have the opportunity to finish school right away and I should do so.

Mariana

First, I would tell myself that school should not be taken for granted. There are many resources available in helping me achieve my goals, thus I should take advantage of public education and continue pursuing my dream of becoming an Engineer. In addition, to extend my knowledge and broaden my scope, which is very important because nothing comes easy in life, but one thing is true, "Knowledge is Power". Therefore, prepare myself for the fluctuating economic times that are unpredictable, which can be avioded with the knowlege and education that come alongside a degree. This gives me a peace of mind and the opportunity to become financially secure and ready to tackle any task in the real world.

Jennifer

Look, Jennifer, no good can come from getting married this young. Start out slow and take a couple of classes. Then you will have an idea of a what a little effort and application can get you. Get involed with community service and see the good you can do. Believe that the classes you are taking can propel you into a world of great knowledge and achievement. A higher education will give you the opportunty to do great work with and for others. You will be an educated woman and there for have more to offer a husband and children. Stay organized and focused on your goal to earn a degree. Put your education as a top priority. Be assertive to overcome obstales. People will tell you its n ot worth it, but it is. Ask for help and support and give help and support, you will achieve what you set your mind to.

Mercedes

If I could go back in time and give my high school senior self any advice about school it would be this; I would tell myself to never give up on school, continue going to school even if it means tranfering to an other institution. I would tell my self that if a problem comes up to where there is a need to move to an other city or state, to look into surrounding colleges to make the transfer as easy and as fast as possible. My adivice to myself as a high school senior and to any high school student is to be ready for the 'real world' to kick in after high school is over. College isn't easy, but it isn't as hard as most people make it seem. As long as you continue your education after high school and continue college with out taking more than a year off, the transition to the 'real world' is a little less scary and you will be prepared to take on any challenges given to you by anyone or anything.

Kimberly

As a high school student, I felt life didn't truly begin until you were living the college life. I believed high school was too easy to count as anything towards what you were to become, but I should've taken advantage of how easy it was instead of simply waiting for what I thought I knew was coming. If I were able to go back in time and give myself advice, it would be to apply for scholarships with all the free time I had back then, which was really all the time in the world now that I think about it. If I had done that I wouldn't have to worry about how I'm going to pay for school next semester or the semester after that. I wouldn't have to work or stay up late to do my school work. Plus, I'd have more time to enjoy myself, I'd tell myself.

Andrea

If I was a senior in high school and I had to give myself advice, I would tell myself that even through the tough times, anything is possible when you believe in yourself enough to go for what you really want in life. Starting college may seem like a hard task but once you get everything together then all the other steps are a piece of cake. College life can be a boringexperience or a fun experience! It is up to you what kind of experience you plan on having during your college life. Studying should also be part of your college life if you are wanting to become somebody when you finish college. Education is a key to a good success!

Kallie

I would tell myself that even though you believe you won't change your major, you will. If you think you won't meet the best friends of your life, you will. Things are going to change so much with the transition to college, but if you embrace it with open arms, you will have the best time ever! I have changed and grown into a different, better person. I can appreciate other people's views and opinions, and I have had so many experiences that I will never forget. Although at times, things might not be the easiest, if you persevere, you will come out stronger than you could ever imagine! I would tell the high school senior version of myself not to fear the future and change, but prepare for hard work and the time of your life!

Veronica

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to start getting used to college life by taking a class in the summer before taking a full course load in the Fall. I would also tell myself to take as many basic courses that I can that apply to my major. I would also tell myself to read and study the coursework daily, and not wait until the day before the test or an assignment is due. I would tell myself to go back and study the tests after i get them back, so that I can be more prepared for the final exam. If I had any problems with the class, I would suggest to myself to get help from other students in the class or from the instructor. I would also tell myself to find out any kind of tutoring available. I would also tell myself to always go to class because missing a class day could be missing something important that I need to know to pass with a good grade.

Anne

I would tell myself that college is nothing like high school. Find what works for you as soon as you get to college. It only get harder. Also, have a backup plan because nursing may not be right for you. Make some friends soon after getting to college they will be your biggest support group other than your family. Asking for help is not a bad thing if anything it is the best thing that you will do for yourself. You can't do everything on your own. The only problem is that it will be to late when you realize that you need help so don't be afraid. Never regret one moment because it has only made you a person.

Felipe

Through out our whole lives we are set to go to school, we start by going to kindergarden and end off at high school. Going to high school is the final preparation to going to college and finally working on getting a career. It is a big transition going to college after high school because, in high school we get told what to do and when to do it, when in college no one will be telling you to turn work in or to even go to class. If I was given the option to go back in time and speak to myself my senior year in high school I would tell myself to pay attention and try to learn all I could in my classes, especially in math. Because it's harder to learn and take college courses if you don't know how to do the basics of the work. So I would just make myself understand the essence of learning because without learning everything would be a huge struggle.

Michael

Back in high school everyone made college sound frightning, with professors that could care less about you. The first day of college I was nervous and at the end of the day I realized it wasn't as bad as everyone had previously said. If i could go back and talk to my senior self, I would try and reassure my self that I would make the payments and that its nothing like I was thinking college would be at the time. I would also tell myself to just relax and do the work because at the end of the semester it would all be worth it.

Anna

My advice to my highschool self would be to start appyling for scholarships a lot sooner. The quantity helps and any money is helpful for school. As far as anything else as far as grades, i wouldn't change a thing.

Leslie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that no matter what never give up on anything I believe in. I would tell myself that if I work hard and concentrate on school work I can pass every class. Those extra hours of staying up late are going to be worth it in the long run. Never give up on school or anything else just because you think you can achieve it. You can achieve and be anything you want to be!

Leslie

I would tell myself that no matter what never give up! You are a strong person and you can do anything you want. Don't let a bad grade bring you down, no one is perfect. Don't stress over the little things. Those extra hours of studying really do pay off! Don't slack! Focus! Focus! Focus! You need to be prepared to be an independent person. Teachers are not going to remind about a paper due next week. You have a lot on your shoulders but you can take on more! Most imporantly have trust and faith in yourself.

Lia

I would apply for more scholarships and grants. I wasn't very proactive as a highschool student because the material wasn't hard so there was no motivation. Because of that I was too lazy to apply for the scholarships offered. Now that I had to come back home after a year of being away for college because of financial reasons I realize that I should have made use of those opportunities. If I had, then I would still be at my first choice college instead of the community college at home.

Lisa

Entering college in Fall 2008 I honestly felt stupid. I felt that so many more people were ahead of me. I would have told myself to actually pay attention more in high school instead of skimming though. High school doesnt seem important until you get the chance to attend to college. Then you realize that it's 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} different and it makes you wish alot of things were different for you in high school. I've noticed that my school wasnt' the best at teaching us. My english class everyone on the first day talked about the books they read in their high school classes, and I honestly could remember just one. I always have my professors ask me, didn't you learn this in high school? My relpy is honestly no. I feel bad I didnt learn much and I feel like it's my fault that I didnt learn it. I wish I could go back in time to try and focus more in high school. Also I wish I could give advice to future college students saying to pay attention in school cause it will pay off.