Palomar College Top Questions

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

Amayrani

If I were to go back in time and chat with my younger self I would encourage myself to not take like for granted. I was diagnosed with Major Depression my senior year in high school; therefore, I would tell myself to keep striving for a better furture and not take time off from school. I would hold myself and encourage myelf to give not only school but life my all and to never give up even when I think I might not finish studying for exams or feel like I don't deserve an education. While being enrolled in college this past year I've learned how to be more independent and how to focus on what is truly important in life. I learned how to use my energy and emotions in a postive way to keep myself motivated on the future. I would look into my seventeen year old eyes and assure myself I will be fine and no matter what happens I can succeede as long as I believe I can.

Queen

"Queen, ccommunity ollege is different from high school, and the way you might have originally thought it would be. Your schedule isn't planned out for you 6 hours a day, and so it's up to you to select your classes. This can be difficult, because many classes may be full due to the surplus of people attending, so make sure you apply as early as possible. Also, you have to pay for your classes, as well as your textbooks, and they are very expensive. I know Mom told you not to work because you would never have to worry about money, but I'd advise you to get one anyway and start saving every penny you can in order to help cover the expenses. While you're going to school here, you may find yourself becoming discouraged, because on average, it takes three years to transfer instead of two due to class unavailability. But don't lose faith. If you keep working hard, and stay focused on your goal, I know it'll all pay off. Also, make sure to meet with guidance couselors regularly. Their job is to help you, so don't be afraid to ask.

Sergio

If I went back in time, I would tell myself that I need to start saving money for college and apply to as many scholarships as I can. I would tell myself that even though I may recieve financial aid when I enter college, I will only be spending my own money to pay for school supplies, transportation and food to eat during the week. I'd say that I need to save so I can be able to enjoy my free time in college rather than worrying about how everything will be paid each semester. I would also tell myself that my parents will be working less so they will need help paying for bills and if I had money then our financial situation in the future would be better.

Paula

It's funny how often a person will look at the past and say they wish they could do it over; if only they knew then what they know now everything would be different. Given the opportunity to go back and advise myself I wouldn't want to change anything, I would simply remind myself to stay positive. Since I have graduated high school I have seen myself grow and mature in many different aspects of my life. I have had my ups and downs, but I wouldn't want to change any of that as it has led me to the path I am on today. Going to college is a stepping stone in life, and like in all other aspects of life staying positive is what will guide you. After starting college, among other things, I failed my first class, I made Dean's List, I broke up with my first serious boyfriend, and just recently I committed to a four-year university. Staying positive through each of these endeavors is what allowed me to take each moment as a lesson and to learn about myself and grow in academics, and as a person. Just remember, stay positive!

Brandon

The main thing I would tell my high school self is to get out and do stuff. I have been really focused on school and work so I haven't got involved at my school. Next year when I transfer to a four year I plan on fixing that mistake. As a college student it is important to not just learn how to be a good student but rather to become a complete individual. There are so many oppertunities to help others and help yourself that colleges offer and it is crutial to your individual success that you take advantage of them. The other advice I would give is if you don't get something go to office hours. The professors are there to help and they are an incredible resource that can boost your acedemic experience.

Juan

The advice I would give myself would be to be persistent. I am straightforward, and I would tell myself right away about the situations I would get into. First I would tell myself to apply early for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Next I would mention to take the placement test before the summer and to take my time so I don't take remedial classes. Professors, choose the professors wisely and never choose without having previous information on a specific professor like teaching style, testing, study guides, and homework. Another important thing would be to tell myself to apply in the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOP&S), which is the program that has helped to learn more about transferring, scholarships, and universities. EOP&S also gives priority registration to classes, which is how I got great professors for the remainder of my community college experience. And lastly to be determined and persistent. For college you do not need to be the smartest student to succeed, the key to succeeding is to be determined and persistent in your goals. Things will seem terrible at times, but it's all a learning experience.

Brianna

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self during my senior year I would tell myself to go talk to a counselor and get all the information about transferring, exspenses and how long it would realistically take to transfer, becuase I was a fist generation college student and had no help with how to get my classes or paying for college. I would also tell myself to get a job and start saving money now, because any amount of money will help in the future. Lastly I would tell my self to start applying for scholoarships now, because it took me a while to realize that there was money waiting out there for me to use towards my education.

Robert

I would tell myself to pay attention, and not slack off. Out of high school I decided to make a lack luster effort at college (I ended up not going to my classes). If I could change anything it would be to go and get my degree when it was easyer, not now, while I'm married and trying to support myself in addition to doing school.

michael

before you do anything think hard about what you want to do and all the possibilities that you have. dont just jump in and start doing something only to find out its not what you want to do becuase then you just wasted money on something that doesnt matter. go for what you love to do not what everyone is pressuring you to do. if you want to do something that your parents may not like or think they dont approve of but its what you want to do then dont let them discourage you. but be prepared to work hard and make alot of sacrifices because its not all fun and games but in the end its all gonna be well worth it.

James

The most important thing I could tell myself is this: "Develop good study habits, and be focused on what you intend to accomplish. You are responsible for your education, not the school or its faculty. Maintain that hunger for learning and success. Regardless of the school or how you were raised, you are the deciding factor in how your life turns out. With all this being said, you must develop good study habits, which are crucial to your success in college. In addition, your desire to pursue a degree is your choice, making it your responsibility to stay focused and committed to learning. It doesn't matter what school you go to, if you have the study habits and the drive to succeed, the school is just a tool that will help you accomplish your goal. Going to an Ivy League school or a Community College is irrelevant if you know what you want to do, and are willing to dedicate the necessary time to study and learn what it takes to get yourself a degree in a certain area. Finally, the goal of pursuing an education is to learn something that you didn't already know."

Joseph

Dear Joe, remember that huge coffee cup Dad has that says, ?Strive for excellence, not perfection?? Besides it being a little trite, it?s a sound piece of advice. To perfect is to complete; to exceed is to surpass. In the ongoing process of leading a successful life, it is your responsibility to exceed previous achievement, to apply tools and experience. Here?s a really powerful way to do so in college. Treat a syllabus as the crucial tool for your success in a class. The most important thing about a syllabus is that it?s a roadmap to a goal: an ?A.? It is your responsibility to stay up to date on what the instructor expects of you in the class. And the syllabus is the perfect tool to do so. Your instructor has spent countless hours in preparation for this course. Thus, it is only fitting that you, as a beneficiary of their hard work, show them the respect they deserve. The over-arching idea here is personal responsibility; use what tools are given to you and make the best use of them. Be a student worthy of their instruction. Follow the syllabus and good luck.

Alexis

I would tell myself to start researching scholarships and grants to help myself and my parents pay for all of the expenses that college entails. I would also inform myself that it is smart to choose a major early on so that I have time to change my mind.

Lana

If I were to go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would tell myself: "Study harder, it's not that hard to attend classes and get A's. Even though life seems hard and tough, it's not as hard or tough as college. And in college, most professors don't care. "

Sarah

I would tell myself to take high school more seriously, because it is much easier to go on to a University right off the bat rather than a Junior College. I would also make it a huge point to tell myself to work more in order to save more. Being told what every American child is told when they're growing up, "money doesn't grow on tree's," suddenly becomes strikingly apparent when one steps out into the "real world" of college. Books, parking permits, rent, groceries, gas money, that stuff doesn't grow on tree's either. Most importantly, in my opinion, is to let it be known that making mistakes is inevitable and during your college years is probably where they will happen a lot. How one deals with them is what matters most. Take responsibility for the mistake - that is how one becomes an adult. Learn from that mistake and apply it to future situations - that is how one gains wisdom. And move on. Life happens, and the way one takes advantage of it builds character.

David

I think advice that I would give to my high school self would be to not get over anxious about stuff and about having to make decisions on what my major should be. That there is time to explore that as I take the general education that is required in just about any direction that I could possibly want to go. Through taking general education, a silver linning of interest would appear and then I could go in the direction of required classes for that specific area of interest without really wasting any time and not dealing wth a lot of undue stress that is very prevalent over trying to decide a major. Another piece of advice that I think that I would give would be to not get discouraged no matter what the obstacle. That everyone who is successful goes through obstacles and face discouragement. That overcoming discouragement and obstacles is everyones obstacle who becomes successful even though your not able to neccessarily see that successful people have gone through obastacles you just see the success that they have acheived. The most important thing is to keep moving forward and unexpected grace comes your way.

janet

The advice I would of give myself if i could go back in time would be to try harder, take your time ,and dont rush. Since that year, we us senior had to take a test called EAP(early acceptance program) so we could have an early entrance to Palomar College, i was rushing through it, not knowing that the grades i woukd be getting would put me in a lower level in college. Since i had to much going in my mind i really didnt care in how I did, I just wanted to get it over with. But now that i see the true meaning of the test I know and I should of tried harder and I regret not doing that. So that would be the advice i would give myself, and to never give up on your goals. Pursue them do all the best you can and the recommpence will come through time.

Kelsey

This is not going to be easy, nor is it going to be impossible. Stop worrying about the little things, like making the drive or finding the classrooms, and focus on the important things, like the necessity of an IGETC for transfer. BE PUSHY!! Don't let the counselors decide your schedule for you! Research your professors and classes before taking them, and choose those who will help you to meet your goals. Plan out your entire two years before beginning, and take the classes that your future college recommends before those that the community college recommends. Community college is not like high school. You miss a test and it will hurt your grade. Cutting classes is not allowed, no matter how tired you are, or how many other students are ditching. Don't be shy-talk to other students, even if they are older or more educated than you are-they may appreciate making a new friend or study partner. Join more clubs and forget about free time. There is free time aplenty over vacations. If you see a beaten up black truck, don't park next to it. It will hit your car and dent it. Badly.

Justin

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to be more focused and determined to succeed. When I was a high school senior, I had no idea what I was going to do after school. I could not afford college and decided to attend community college wth no goal in mind. I would make so many changes if I could go back. I would take the SAT exam and apply to universities. I would tell myself to go after scholarships and financial aid. A 4-year degree is an invaluable tool to have in life, I wish I would have know that when I was 17 years old. It took me 6 years to learn how important an education really is. Even though it took me this long to realize, I still have no regrets in my life. I take nothing for granted and I am determined to succeed. Since returning to school, I have carried a 4.0 GPA for all semesters. I need help in taking my education from the 2-year college level to the university level.

marissa

Dear marissa, It is senior year and though you have a 3.0 grade point average being the first to even think about going to college in our family, you have already decided not to apply to any colleges. But now i am telling you that with your grades you have potential to go straight in to CSUSM and the same university that you have wanted to go to since you moved to san marcos. You have the intellegence to make it and the dedication to never quit, trust me when i say apply. And never look at scholarship aplications and think you wont win, never admit defeat. Know that no small effort goes unnoticed. Apply for everything, universities and scholarships, the worst they can say is no. The sky is meant for the stars, and you will be up there. I guarantee it. Apperciate all that is given to you, and never say you give up when you still have so much to loose. With love and admiration from the future, Marissa Gonzalez

Edith

There were times when in my last year of high school I struggled to get my work done, but now I realize it was a challenge I overcame. If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say there is nothing you cannot accomplish if you always try your best. Whenever I sat at home on my desk, and came upon a difficult homework assignment, I would sit there and stare at the paper and eventually ignore it. I would go back to it at the last minute and fill in useless information. Now that I am in college I have learned that one should never procrastinate. I would also tell myself that if I need help, if I look for it I will get it. The most important advice I would tell myself is that in everything I do, give it my all, beyond my effort.

Crystal

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would tell myself that there will be many sacrafices to be made in order to succeed, but it will be worth it. I would also tell myself that no matter how difficult life may become, there will be light at the end of the tunnel. To be kind, patient, and give a full effort in everything that you do. I would remind my younger self that I'm doing this so that I can become successful at something that I love to do, so that I won't be in the same position as so many family members before me, and that I can do it no matter how much negative influence is around me.

Andrea

If I were to go back in time and have the chance to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself there are three things I will need to do to succeed in school and life. Focus, Determination and Persistence. Focus on school, it is my number one priority. My studies in school will set up my future in so many ways that, at the moment, I could not foresee. Focus on my academic and career goals, it is truly easier to accomplish my goals if I know them. Determination for completing my goals, both short and long-term goals, no matter what situations may arise throughout life. Be determined to stay focused on my studies, and knowing that there truly is time for ?partying? and ?enjoying? life as well as making money. Having an education only makes it better. Persistence is vital. Do not give up because of one bad test, or ?not being able to understand? the concepts given by instructors. Instead, be persistent and ask questions of your instructors, look for the answers that you don?t know or understand. Through your hard work and dedication, you will succeed and flourish in life.

Kristina

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself not to be scared about starting new. I would tell myself that college life is easy as long as I put effort and focus on priorities. I would tell myself that it's going to seem tough and impossible at first but after dedication college will become a way of life instead of a forced priority. I would make sure to tell myself that through the ups and downs of college I must stay strong and remember college is a learning journey, I can only learn from my mistakes and improve my education by continuing forward. I would go back and reasure myself that every step I take is going to work out for the best and although I'm starting at a community college it is in the best interest for my financial situation, I will make sure I know that I never gave up. I stated at community college but will gradually progress to university level and continue to succeed with my education. Before I leave myself as a high school senior I wil guarantee myself happiness.

Kirby

If I could go back in time and talk to myself during my senior year, I would first tell myself to research majors and look for a concentration of study that required courses that I know would appeal to me. I believe that finding an academic direction is extremely important in the college process, and if I would have done my research early I probably could have saved myself some time and money. Next, I would warn myself to become aware of the different technologies that are commonly used by professors. For example, many Palomar College professors use BlackBoard which I was not even remotely familiar with upon beginning my college career. The last tip that I would give to my high school senior self would be to make acquaintances with fellow students. Often time other students can provide helpful advice on courses or professors, and it always helps to have study partners.

Caleb

I would tell myself to prepare for a lot of work, especially with having a job and a full load of college classes. I would also tell myself to do some research on the professors of certain classes to make sure they were not unreliable, or extremely hard. A big problem of mine in the college environment was being worried about whether or not I would get assignments done on time, or if I would be getting good grades on assignments. From this experience I would tell myself to have everything under control, to be assured that everything will work out the way I want it to, and to not stress out as much as I did. I would tell myself to not go into the college environment thinking that I could tackle it without a problem. I would make sure that I know how to manage my time wisely so that I do not go into my first semester of college feeling tremendously overwhelmed. If I had the knowledge and the abilities I have now, then it would have made the first stages of my college experience less stressful and overwhelming.

Teresa

Dear myself, This is me in the future. Here is some advice that I need to tell you when you go to college. I know it is hard making the transition from high school student to college student. The professors expect a lot from you. My advice is to get started on those ten page essays earlier, like a month early. Also don't be afraid to participate in activities in class. Professors are there to teach you concepts that you have not learned in high school. These concepts will open you up to many different subjects that you may want to study and don't be afraid to grasp this yearning for knowledge before you graduate from college. I also should advise you to try to participate in some clubs. I really wished I had the chance to do that before graduating. Have fun with college. It is an experience that you will never forget! Sincerely, Teresa Salazar

Daneesha

If I could give one piece of advice to my pre-college self, it would be to take myself less seriously. School is extremely important, and community college may only be a short stop on the way to an ever-higher education, but there are so many opportunities for new experiences that you need to remember to lift your head up from the books every once in a while. There are so many different kinds of people, with different interests, experiences, and points of view that just taking a chance and striking up a conversation with a classmate could be unimaginably rewarding. The opportunities only expand from there once you consider getting involved on campus, and join clubs with people who share your interests, people who are all full of information, advice, and stories to share. One starts to wonder why it is considered ?just? community college, when really it's a unique experience in its own right, vastly different from both high school and university. My advice, therefore, is to take advantage of this, and enjoy this life stage, because it is short and sweet, and you will certainly regret keeping your nose down in the books throughout it.

Victoria

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would first explain how difficultly it is to go to college and not be ready. I believe that college student has to choose to be in school, and if you?re not ready, motivation will not be there to reach any goal. I would also explain the importance of actually caring where I go to school, and not pick colleges or universities aimlessly. There has to be an effort to apply to colleges, and also an effort to do well in high school. I would explain to myself that if transferring to a university from a community college is difficult, but not impossible to do. The motivation to be in school comes into play here as you finish the required courses in order to transfer. The main thing I believe I have gained out of my college experience is that I need to find what I love and go with that; if you find what you love to do the motivation will be there, and it will not be burden to study what you love or what you would love to study.

John

I would tell myself to not worry as much as trying to attend a four-year university/college. I would tell myself that I was going to attend Palomar and to start saving my money for the semesters to come. I would tell myself that much good would come out of staying at home, than rather going away to another school. And as a side-note I would tell myself that to follow my gut in what courses to take.

Andre

To try harder to maintian a better grade point average. To fully engulf myself in school and the extensive learning processes.

Natalie

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I'd read Jeremiah 29:11 from the Holy Bible (New International Version), which says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Anthony

First, I would convince myself to drop my aspirations of biotechnology and to stick with, my then intended minor, Psychology as a career and major. Secondly I would tell myself to start looking for work as early as possible and to pry myself from my computer. Probably the most important, I would talk to myself about my newest philosophies on life, in order to get ahead start on the book that my present self will begin to write. In all honesty I do not regret how my high school experience turned out, and I am content with life, for the most part, as it is now; therefore, me changing certain aspects may possibly only negatively influence how I am today, though the job issue would have been something I wish I had been more devoted to. In terms of academics I would brusquely warn myself about studying, and try my absolute hardest to convince my then pompous self that I really do not know how hard a class can be, and how easily you can spiral downwards and lose hope in a class.