Portland State University Top Questions

Go to a school with dorms and quads. You can do alot with a laundry basket. A bottle of hot sauce makes everything taste better. Beware of the thirty-something who lives off campus and never graduated. It's better not to drink beverages named after sex acts. Take out a bigger loan and follow everyone else to spring break. Go sit in all your classes - it makes everything so much easier. Wear your pajamas every chance you get. It's o.k. to miss your siblings-they'll be surprised, too. You don't need bells and whistles, you really do have everything. You can sacrifice one weekend to keep track of your sister when she visits. Boyfriends are not usually for marrying. Going to church helps and it's more fun when you don't have to. Nobody else knows what they're doing either. Your self-respect really is ALL that you have. Trek across Europe as soon as you possibly can. You can always change your major. It's better not to tell your parents too much. Do something you're terrible at. Say 'thank you' alot. I have faith in you.

Life isn't a laughing matter. Take life seriously for it is too short. Your father will be diagnosed with the most difficult cancer to overcome, Pancreatic cancer. Take your final months here in Redding to show him how much you appreciate him and spend more time with him. There's no telling how much more time you will be able to have. Also, spend more time in the GYM! You are too scrawny right now for anyone to take you seriously at what you do best, football. Get focused and show your dedication to the sport and to your team by being the leader that you are. Take your leadership to Division 1 football and show them that a small town boy like yourself can bring your heart and passion to the program. Never give up, never back down and work hard till you pass out. Love ya young me...get it done son.

I would tell myself that it doesn't matter what you want to do in life. College, fresh from high school, is truly your one real chance to learn as much about yourself , your likes, or your dislikes, without the stress of a family, full time job, and other responsibilities that come with age. As hard as the transition is, and as positive as you are of the path you are on, listen to your parents and allow them guide you as they do know how scary it can be to head out into the world on their own. They can be a true source of support both emotionally and financially that you may not have the opportunity to use later in life. Remember to thank them and not take them for granted as well. They help you get to the point of launching out into the world and do want to see you succeed. Your choices are your own, but they still want to know where your life is taking you and feel they have some influence in your choices. Also, don't forget that a relationship with God will always be important.

Oh my! I wish I could! I would assure myself that hard work DOES pay off, but never be afraid to ask for help. Learn to stop procrastinating and always put your school work at the forefront. I would tell myself that just because no one else in your family went to school, does NOT mean you cannot be successful and DON'T beat yourself up because you are the first and they may have harsh words regarding your endeavours. Since you are the first to go to college, be sure you seek advice--visit an advisor to get a plan, do NOT let them belittle you, and take advantage of professors' office hours. Seek advice from your professors and show them that you're trying hard because it makes a difference not only when they decide your grade, but they could also be a huge help in getting to your next step after college. Remember that they are people, too, and they enjoy watching students succeed. Most of all, again and again, I cannot stress enough--ASK for help when you need it and never feel bad about it.

If I were to go back in time to give myself advice about going to college, I know that there is one big thing that I would definately address. I remember never worrying about money because I was planning on going to an in-state school at first, but by the time I knew I was going to go to Portland State, I still had no excuse. After struggling to pay for my first quarter at school, I would tell my high school self to seek more financial aid. I would warn myself that I would be living on a very strict budget otherwise, since I didn't have much savings. Besides that, I would tell myself to pace myself for the commute, and to enjoy being in the city.

Do not be afraid to take every opportunity that presents itself to you in the future. Where you are from, what you have heard, and who you are now are small factors compared to where you will be in four years, what you will learn, and who you will grow to be. College life is a new milestone that you are just about to step on, far different than anything you have ever experienced. You will face course registration frustrations, sleep deprivation, and several group projects. But you will also attend classes and meet people who will push your intellectual boundaries and who will open your eyes to other lifestyles and beliefs. You will also meet new best friends, find mentors, and look learning opportunities. Every choice you have made in the past and every decision you make in the future will help mold you further into the individual you are meant to become. College is merely one of the few, but great molding stations of life, take it seriously, but do not forget to have fun while you are there.

Forget about any regrets/hesitations you may have; the important thing is that you find those small groups in which you feel like you really belong. Try out different organizations and clubs, and stick with them. School isn't all about classes, homework, and your GPA. School is like another hub where you can find people who are interested in the same things you are. You have to forge those bonds and build those bridges, and you never know who you'll meet down the road who ends up walking with you. It's not a bad thing if you don't finish your degree requirements within 4 years. So long as you remain interested in what you're studying, and find yourself excited about what you're learning, then you'll know that you made the right choice. Don't forget about your high school friends either: you'll find that seeing them is one of the things you'll look forward to the most during your time in college. Keep busy. Stress yourself out (though not too much!). You'll feel better, more accomplished and better prepared once you come out of it.

If I went back in time and talked to myself as a high school senior about college life, I would tell myself to keep an open mind, keep good study habits, make many friends but choose them wisely, and have responsible fun so that I do not get stressed out and live college life to the fullest.

Thiking back to my Senior year in high school, it's not a time I'm particularly proud of. If I could go back in time and share a few words with myself I would emphasize the point that it's not absolutely necessary to go to a University right away if it's not something you're ready for. I would also make a point that partying with friends at other universities shouldn't be a higher priority than getting good or decent grades. After my first term of school , and receiving a 4 point GPA, I realized that there are more important things than a social life. Grades are one of the most important parts of school, especially college and without good grades, the future of one's educational career doesn't often turn out well. I would also reccommend getting involved in campus life. Whether that's joining a club or taking part in an intramural sport, anything to get involved in one's school makes a stronger connection to that atmosphere and leads to a better overall experience.

If I had the chance to go back in time to talk to myself, I would definitely give myself advice I wished I would have taken advantage of as a high school senior. One major advice I would have given myself is to volunteer more, become more active. Even if I was not prepared to obtain a paying job yet, gaining experience in working would have definitely boost my resume, as well as gaining the sense that I am a valuable asset to the community. Another point I would make is that scholarships are harder to come by after high school graduation, so make the most of what is available. Currently, I regret not applying to several scholarships, and would love to have extra FREE money I do not need to pay back. More scholarships would have me more focused on studying, rather than focusing on how I am suppose to pay for my tuition. Overall, I would like to tell myself to just be positive, and to not worry about any future mishaps or problems that may occur. By focusing on my education, and making the most of the opportunities provided, there is nothing to worry about.

Growing up in a relatively small town causes an individual to become attached to the people and comforting environment. In my senior year of high school I remember discussing with friends what colleges they were applying to. It seemed that most of them were staying in-state. Most of my friends applied to OSU. Naturally, I did too. I was afraid of branching out and being in a totally new environment. I feared being alone. I would have rather gone to U of O, but all my friends wanted to go to OSU. Consequently, I only applied to OSU. I later regretted this decision. I didn't like OSU at all. The university felt too big, the classes were enormous, the tests didn't adequately assess my knowledge, and I didn't feel like I fit in. After being at PSU for a term I can honestly say that I feel happier and more challenged. None of my high school friends are at PSU. So, if I were to tell my younger self a piece of advice I would tell her to try something new, don't follow your friends because you're afraid of uncharted territory.

advising myself on how to prepare for college now: i would definitely say to expect the unexpected. in high school are courses are chosen for us for the most part and we get to choose a few electives here and there and boom we are done. in college; as we grow learn and develop, not only do we start to change but we begin to really learn who we are. i noticed myself not giving myself room to learn grow and change. i thought i had to stay in this box and only do with the room alloted. i know now that i will constantly be changing and to change my mind is okay, and to want to step outside of the box is okay as well. i would say to myself that education is limitless so aim for the sky, the infinite goal, broaden your horizon and step outside of the box; dont be afraid to challenge yourself or get to know who you really are.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to stay focused. even though I would have heard it a million times by then. Losing focus during my first two terms in school has definitely come back to haunt me, and I would make sure that I didn't make that mistake again. I realize that this is much easier said than done, as peer pressure and poor decision making is a fact of life, but that doesn't mean I'd try my hardest to not repeat the mistakes of my past. Having fun is one thing, and going to school is another - they should stay separated, and should never interfere with one another. When that happens, things become jumbled up - I became too focused on partying and having fun, and lost sight of my goal as an Engineer. That will never happen again, and if I could go back in time, I would show myself what would happen if I became too caught up in the dark things that I once was. The story would be convincing enough for me to want to do well in school.

As teenagers, many of us tend to think we know everything there is to know when we graduate from high school. Many of us tend to go to University, just because our parents did the same thing. However, what we really need to see is why our parents did it. Sometimes it is not necessarily about getting a well-paid job. Of course, college degree opens many doors for us to earn a higher salary. However, it is more than just a higher paycheck. You learn so much knowledge about how you can contribute to the world?s future. It could be business degree, but you learn how to help others (your employees, customers etc.) . It could be a medical degree. It is not just a higher paycheck or saving a life. In addition, how you help the world by saving someone else?s life. Main advice I would like to give is, sometimes we tend to disregards our elder?s advice. Please do not simply disregard the advice nor take advice blindly. Many times, since they have more experience in life, many advice we get from our teachers, parents could very much help us to shape up our future.

Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the responsibility and amount of work which must be done at a university. You are now responsible for everything you do in this new place. Ask upperclassmen and use those resources that teach you good time management and study skills. Higher education is harder, but putting in the effort is rewarding. Also, open up your mind and take advantage of your surroundings. You are in a place filled with incredibly bright people and educational resources and information are almost endless. Don't simply just go to class and memorize mindless facts, but explore your thoughts and ideas. Your professors are here to help and they almost always love engaging students in intellectual conversations or just answering your questions. Don't forget to meet people on campus. Attend club meetings, look into the extracurricular activities offered or just chat with a random student at the coffee shop. Study groups are so helpful but also a great way to network. The first year is about learning, exploration and growth. Take advantage of the oppurtunities that become available once you decide to invest in higher education. Don't be afraid! Make the most of your college years.

The best advice I could give, would be to just do what honestly interests you, and to study what you love. So many students I have met over the years, are forcing themselves through rigorous, challenging majors they have little interest in, all for the sake of the prospect of a future career. Even if they made it, they would then be working for years in a field that never captivated their true interest in the first place, and in that aspect their whole educational experience could be called a failure. Although it is easy to go down this path, and pressures to do so come from all sides, even internally, the only way to get the most out of your education, and to set up for the life you truly with be happy leading, is to simply follow what you really want. Doing so takes courage , as well as standing up to possible opposition, but it is only your choice that should dictate your education and the way you want it to help build your life. If you can start out with this mindset, going to college will truly open up your mind and your world.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior I would tell myself to save all my graduation money because being in college and on your own makes it hard to keep money in your pocket. Getting a job the first year of college is hard because you are figuring out how much homework there really is in college. Living on your own, you need to buy the necesseties like a percription or toothpaste, not having the money and always having to ask your parents makes it seem like you can't make it on your own. Having that back up money to go to would be really nice to have in times of need.

Genesee! I need you to listen to me. I understand that you are going through a lot, and I know that you believe college is not attainable... but it is and you can make it happen! You are so smart and have so much potential. Sure, if you decide to get a job and work, instead of continuing with school, you will do just fine. I know you will because I did and I am you! However, I can assure you that you will hit a wall and all the while you will wish that you had gone straight to college from high school. Returning to school after a long gap is extremely difficult not only emotionally and mentally, but financially as well. GO NOW. Period. If you are scared, find someone to help you. I'm sure Mrs. Wallace would love to help you. She knows how colleges operate and she can lead you to where you need to go. As for paying for college? Get enrolled, apply for financial aid and scholarships, and tuition will be covered. You can do it!! And my final advice: ask questions, communicate your needs, set goals, and meet with an advisor regularly.

As a college senior I would remind myself of the importance to spend time(3hrs. per 1 hr. in class) outside of school hours studying and working on assignments. I would tell myself no matter how hard things get, "Do Not Give Up." Use the student support services that are offered and go and see my instructors/professors during their office hours as much as possible for their support, but also to build a more personal relationship. I would insist on getting more sleep, adopting a healthy diet, get exercise daily, and take some time to relax. I would talk about reasons why I should always give me best in my studies, meet several people and build relationships amongst people on campus, take part in campus groups, and volunteer in the community. I would dedicate time to researching and applying for all scholarships that I qualify for so that I could keep down the amount of student loans needed to get my education. One huge thing I would tell myself though is to not overload my schedule in an attempt to get through my education in lightning speed, but be realistic with what is manageable to do well.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to spend a lot more time on scholarships. I would also recommend applying to schools early and seeing what scholarships the schools offer and what their deadlines are. Besides scholarships, I would also tell myself to spend more time looking for a job, because money is short in college and job experience and money are both important for a college student. And for college itself, I would tell myself to go to all the orientation and welcome activies. I would remend myself to get involved and meet new people and make new friends. Last but not least, I would tell myself to have fun, because college is not only learning in the classroom, but gaining more life experience from the increased freedoms and learning about one's own self.

Overall , the transition between high school and college was fairly smooth. I attended a community college during the final two years of my high school career and doing so definitely helped ease the transition. However, after I completed community college I moved into my own place in the city to attend PSU. This transition hit me hard since I had to leave my family behind for the first time and venture into the world alone. If there was one piece of advice that I could give to myself during my past few years of high school and community college, I would simple say "Breath". Getting through school as swiftly as possible is a great dream but doing it in a way that can overwhelm you is tough and can sometimes become exhausting. Just breath and remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The tunnel may feel excruciatingly long at the present, but you have the support system around you to make it out alive. So don't forget to take a moment for yourself and breath.

When you leave college, you will not be the same person who started. Be open to growth. Be open to new experiences. Stay true to your core, because that won't change, but college is a time to root yourself more fully into that core. Explore who you are by having that conversation you wouldn't have had, or going somewhere new. It's scary, classes can be hard, but you'll get through it. Ask for help from your friends, family, teachers- they are your support network and that is what they are there for. Allow yourself the space for mistakes. Most importantly though: grow in who you are, and who you want to become.

If I could travel backwards in time, there are two pieces of advice regarding the transition to college life that I would bestow upon my 18-year-old self. The first recommendation is to treat your coursework not as an end in itself, but rather as a means to unlocking future opportunities. Education does not end with the conferment of a degree. Approach your curricula with the goal of acquiring tools for lifelong learning, but not just passing exams and assignments. The multitudes of facts and figures are generally forgotten within months of completing any particular course. However, the tools acquired through the proper orientation towards such facts and figures can be preserved for life with practice and continual application. The second recommendation is to get involved in civic-oriented campus groups and clubs. Not only is this an avenue to help ameliorate pressing social problems, but also such circles of friends help to alleviate the stressors that inevitably accompany college life. However, master the balancing act of social and educational early in your academic pursuits!

The number one thing I would tell myself is that you are going to school to learn. Friends are important, but all you are doing is learning and trying to better yourself. I would also tell myself that procrastination is never smart and to stop putting things off when I don't understand them. Their is no shame or embarrassment in asking for help, in fact idiots are the people who don't ask for help, so get your butt up there and ask if you aren't sure about something. Other than that I would say to enjoy your years in school, because soon enough you'll be think about and applying to grad school, and who wants to think about that as a senior in high school?

I would tell myself to always stay true to the person I am. I have every opportunity in the world to create my own success, but the drive to find it comes from within and it must be chased with audacity and ambition. Making the transition to college can be difficult and sometimes there may be the feeling of loneliness, but the fact is no one is ever alone and everyone has been in the same shoes. It works, and the key to making it work is by being outgoing and involved, finding the key to my own success because no one else can do that for me. The only way I can find true happiness in the college life is to find my fit and find what makes me the person I want to be.

It wouldn't be easy for you to go to another country that people speak a complete different language and to study at college. However, you can do it with extraordinary hard work. Pleae be confident with yourself, and do what you really want to do right now. Gain new experiences, and polish your soul and learn about life. American college is a complete different environment from what you used to be. There are a lot of resources that are very helpful and necessary for you to be successful in collge life and career. Take your time and bear the frustration. Please be patient with yourself, and try to have fun with anything you need to do. Don't worry too much about your future, but always know what you are doing, only then you will find your right way. Your health is the most important thing when you are in a foreign country. Eat as well as you can. Exercise as much as you can. Believe in yourself, and enjoy your life in college.

I would advise my former self to apply herself better to her education, and to explore more subjects.

don't take a year off, fill out fafsa on time, get scholarships, and go to UC Santa Barbara

The advice I would give myself would be to take the required courses, such as math, science, and foreign languages first, before taking any of the fun classes just so they are done. It's not fun waiting until the very end to take the required classes, especially when you are so close to graduating, or wanting to move in a different direction, in but have to wait due to these required courses that were put off till the end. Also to enjoy school it?s an experience that only comes once in a while and to take advantage of what you can while still can.

Decide which career you want to pursue, research it thoroughly, and do what feels right.

If I were able to address my eighteen year old self, I would undoubtedly tell her to focus more on her education and take advantage of her counselors and scholarship facilities. I often regret that I spent too many hours working while I was in highschool and, as a result, let my education take a backseat. Now that I have returned to college and am thriving (4.0 GPA as compared to the 2.8 that I graduated high school with), I realize how easily I could have succeeded in school earlier in my life. I certainly would have gained more access to scholarships and grants had I known then what I know now.

If I had a chance to go back in time to visit myself as a high school senior, I would encourage my high school self to plan what I wanted to do more clearly then write about where I would want to be in five years (as an occupation and lifestyle), and to start taking classes that related to the degree that would allow me to work where I wanted to be in five years. I'd also encourage my high school self to start taking college classes according to my degree so I could begin my degree earlier while I was in my last year of high school and adjust to the transition of moving to a larger school better. If I could do anything or say anything else to my high school self, it would be to think more out of the box, read more information related to my future job, make more connections and meet people related to my "dream job", visit Portland and enjoy the luxuries of the Portland Art Museum more, and pay more attention to the world around me.

I would definitely have fun, be more relaxed, and finish college before starting a family. I rushed into my first marriage too soon, and it's harder to go to school as a single mom. That being said, it's definitely worth going to college- it's a great experience. I would have definitely worked harder at getting scholarships my junior and senior year of high school and take advantage of the career counselors there.

I would like to travel for historical places because I could not understand foreign places. It is hard to image other places without seen. I wanted to know many other countries life style and their history. Also, I would like to read text books with other source books because other books could help me to understand what text says. Finally, I wanted to do some activities such as hiking, camping, and out door activities.

One of the biggest concerns to me now, and which I did not really consider much as a high schooler, is the issue of money. I have gone through four years of school, even a year abroad, all on large student and parent loans, and I wish I had realized just how much school costs, and the best way to use it to get the most out of your education. As a high schooler, I thought I would recieve many scholarships, and have no problem financially, but it was a lot harder than I thought as most scholarships are for minority groups or disadvantaged students. Furthermore, most schools have a large list of requirements for both majors and graduation, and it would be smart to complete these at a cheaper Community College first, then go to a higher level institution for intense training in your major afterwards to save money for the classes that count. I would stick with my choice of attending college away from home, as it is an essential experience for young people starting their own lives, as well as is studying abroad and learning about the world first hand. I wish I could do it again.

My advice I would give give myself would be go to talk to professors, read the books, do all the homework and even work on the challenging problems. By doing all of these advices then I could be successful and have good grades for academics and for my career that I will pursued in the future. In the future I could have work experiences and find a job easily because of my hard work and good grades on transcipt.

I would tell my self to go workout at a gym to become more discipline. I've been slacking off in my first year of college, because I wasn't discipline. I was not self motivated. The best way to motivate your self is to work your physical body and mind as hard as possible; everyday if possible. Also, learn to cook a variety of food in high school, so I can save money eating at home.

If I were a highschool student once again I would go back and tell myself that the most important aspect of getting into a good college is how involved you are with your community and getting a good SAT score. That once you got into colelge the best way to make the transition easier is to get to know people and to get involved with the school. Nothing is more important to getting comfortable when transitioning than to make new friends and help each other out with the transition, and also to go and get help from the staff when you need it. Don't worry about a job right away unless you have work study, and the most important thing of all when getting used to a new college, get help when you need it. If the school can't help you find people who can. The transition isn't about a new amount of homework or money or stress about your future, but about getting comfortable enough to know how to get help with your major and grades when you need it.

Ashley, Congratulations on surviving highschool. I know that you are excited to finally leave and explore but there is just one thing that I strongly suggest. Please be careful. College is fun, there are plenty of things you can experience, but just because you're out of highschool, out of your parent's protection doesn't mean you should walk around doing whatever you feel like. Think before you act. If it might bother you in the future, or if you even have to pause and think about it, don't do it. Be wary of the people you meet also. Not everyone is nice, honest, or innocent like you often think they are. That's how I made my many mistakes during my freshman year. The outside world is dangerous Ashley and you shouldn't be as naive as I was. Pay attention to this advice and find a nice balance of paranoia but fun also. Trust me, you'll thank me for it. Love you, Ashley

I would urge my high school self to heavily research financial resources for college, and go for my passion degree at my dream college. So much more is possible to make your dreams come true then you could ever imagine. It is up to you to make it possible. Do not assume your life dream or education is unattainable. It has taken me a long time to understand this, but I am now finally going after what I want in life. Through the pursuit of scholarships I plan to have enough money to get a second degree in Nursing. With this degree I will fulfill the need to contribute to my community as well as have enough money and flexibility to pursue my other passion: acting. Had I accepted the responsibility of taking on one?s life?s desire, and what work comes with that, I would not have wasted so much of my life doing things I did not care about. Luckily I still have time, and am taking this responsibility now.