Saddleback College Top Questions

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

michael

The advice I would give myself is that to make sure to review information that will be on the Matriculation or placement test. Also, to sign up for Disabled Students Programs and Services before the placement test so you could have more time on it. As a result, i didn't have enough time to finish the test, so i had to do lots of prerequisite classes. Therefore, it is taking me one more year to transfer and get my AA degree in Environmental studies. However, i did it I am transfering to Cal State Monterey Bay in the fall of 2015 and I got my AA degree with a 4.0 GPA and summa cum laude. I will also, tell myself that college will be way better then high school and you will not get bullied anymore because of you disabilities. If you go to class everyday and study hard you will be very happy with you results. I will tell myself to stay focus and not get lazy about going to class. If you go to class you will be very successful in college.

Brittanie

If I were to be given the opportunity to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself to enjoy my last few months of high school. This would have been important for me to do because now that I am in college I dont communicate with anyone from high school. This is not because I dont see them, because many of the students from my high school are attending this community college. When you are in high school you think those are the years you will rememeber and those are the people you will know for the rest of your life. I'm learning that this is only partially true. Yes, I will remember my high school experience because it helped me gain the skills necessary to be succesful in college. But the people I went to high school with will not follow. Now that I am in college I have met people that share commen interests with me and I am closer with these people than I was with anyone in high school. Overall, I would have told myself to relax and to know that the future will be fine.

jessica

I would tell myself that it may seem hard now, and as cheesy as it may sound, it does get better. Youre life at college will be great, youll learn many new things, meet many new friends, and most importantly youll grow as a better person. The years of high school are behind you now and while you may see old faces that you thought you once knew, you will learn to keep your head high up while you walk by them. You will learn to forgive youself- slowly but surely. Dont be too hard on yourself because everyone makes mistakes at one point in time in their lives and college is just a place to learn from them. Dont give up just yet and keep that heart full of hope, because youre future will get brighter.

Trent

Knowing what I know about college life and making the transition, the advice I would give to myself is to never start off attending a big university. Unless, I already know what I want to major in because of the fact that there are so many institutions and universities offered but to my perspective thrown at me, I became indecisive. And it's not only with me but I had associates or "peers" who had that experience of undecided majors while attending a 4-year university. Another important advice I would give to myself is to be a little more 'self-reliant' by not relying on my parents all the time when it comes to getting myself set for school with the whole process of talking to my registrar for requesting transcripts and high school diplomas. So to me, it's like another stepping stone from when I first attended school in elementary it was hard for me to say bye to my mom, resulting with me crying to tears and her leaving me for an educational purpose just so I can have a brighter future in life.

cecily

I would tell myself to take high school more seriously. I did not consider the knowdledge available as significant because I was only going to a community college and not a university; however, I wish I had paid more attention. Everything I am learning in my classes now relies on the foundations I was taught in high school. Because I failed to pay attention fully in high school, I have had to re-teach myself the basics of the subjects I'm learning and have had to work harder to understand the subjects.

Amy

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, which wasn't too long ago, I would tell myself that Saddleback will help me figure out where I want to go with my future and not to worry as much.

Sergio

I would tell myself that joining the Army is a great choice to help pay for school however it will not be enough to cover all the costs of school. Have a plan to begin school ASAP after finishing my training and do not waist time lollygagging with friends at parties and BBQ's. I would also tell myself that put school as my number one priority, because as important as helping out the family with the morgage is, I will be able to help much more once I get my nursing degree. Also, never give up, si se puede!

bianca

Don’t stress out so much! College is not life after highschool. Going to community college is the smarter choice; sure you won’t be off to some exotic location in the fall, but you’re going to go far places in life. You’re going to save a lot of money, know you’re major and where you want to go once it’s time to transfer. Not only that, but play it right and you can transfer anywhere you want! Again, don’t let the stress get to you, it’s not worth the break down you will go through next year. I know that “now” seems like it will never change, but it does, and it definitely gets better. Sure you will have to work to put yourself through school, but here’s a secret: it will give you character. Do not be jealous of everyone whose parents pay for it, you will gain something they won’t; a stronger work ethic and this will drive you to succeed. Also it will make the whole experience more enjoyable. So just remember to quit stressing, take it one day at a time, eventually everything will work itself out.

David

If I could go back in time and offer my high school self advice I would tell him to try a little harder academically his senior year. I didn't fail, I just didn't do as well as I could have. This may not be very profound advice but the truth is, I like the person that I have become. It's only though mistakes that a person learns, and who am I to deny my past self all the learning experiences that are in store for him. I can think countless times that I have made poor life choices. While those choices may have had a negative affect at that time, they ultimately formed the person I am today. This is exactly what I would say to him: Hey little David. I'm you from the future. Please put the down rock, I'm not here to hurt you. I need you to do me a favor. I need you to try a little harder this year. Life is full of ups and downs, and investing in a good educational foundation will open many doors for you down the road. So take it seriously. Good Luck.

James

High School was a very difficult time for me personally and just as most students probably say, I would like to travel back in time and tell myself to buckle down and study harder throughout high school. After highschool i took almost 5 years off before deciding to go back to school, and now that i look back on everything i couldnt be happier for taking that break. Coming out of High School I wasnt mature enough to move away and balence freedom and School, therefore I would tell myself to study harder during High school, but make sure i am mentally ready to take on the challenge of College, before making a decision

Bridget

I would remind myself that learning is a life long process that is ongoing. There will be many times when you think you have it all figured out, and you may realize you haven't figured any of it out, but that's okay. As long as you remain dedicated to learning somehing new everyday, remain open-minded to new possibilites, and continue to work toward your goals. It is about the pace, not about the race. With hardwork and determination you accomplish what you set out to achieve. Remember to listen to you gut feelings and follow your heart!

Alis

If I could go back in time and tell myself what I know now about the world and college, I would tell my self that Its not ok to not go to College. I would make myself promise to go to college. I would tell myself that college is a good thing and even if I didn't have a mojor, its ok to just get the basics done first and then find a major afterwards. I would let myself know that college isn't hard and id regret not going later if I didn't start as soon as I got out of highschool. Id tell myself that money shouldn't be the reason to not go to college, as there are a lot of people and groups with scholarships and grants to help. Most of all, as much as I thought I was ok, I'd let my self know that inorder to proceed with life and continue to grow with knowledge, I need to go to college to further my education; otherwise im just going to be going in circles.

Erin

If I could go back and talk to myself in my senior year of high school, I would tell myself to work harder. I knew that I was going to a community college and I knew what I wanted to do, but I was not excited about it. I wish I knew that I made a good choice going to Saddleback College because it led me to where I am today. I am a student who will be attending The Art Institute of California - Orange County, in July 2010. I could not be more thrilled and I know that if I knew back then that I would be going to The Art Institute, I would've been more motivated and excited to graduate high school and start a new adventure.

Brittany

I would tell myself to take a deep breath. Everyone was so hyped, panicked, and full of anxiety senior year because they were afraid of what was to come, and I was no exception to the stress that senior brought. I would tell myself that as long as I continued on the path I was on I would attend a community college and transfer to a four year University. This would allow me to succeed in all of my endeavors and ultimatly make me a great person. I knew that I had an older sister to guide me along the way and I would tell myself to follow her advice because she really did know what she was talking about. Lastly, I would tell myself to have more fun in my classes while taking them seriously got me great grades I could still laugh and learn at the same time.

Natasha

If I could go back to High School and give myself advice! I would tell myself life is nothing like high school so I need to keep myself focused my studies and not worry about what other people tell me to do with my life. When I was in high school my parents wanted me to do go to school to be a registered nurse and I was not completely sure what I wanted to do with my life but I knew it was not to be a nurse. I had a passion for healing people with my hands going to school for Massage Therapy. That was what I wanted to do but my parents said that was not a real job and sent me to college for LPN and a year later I dropped out. I went a certification program for medical assistant and started working. Now I am 25 years old and finally back in school pursing my dream to be a Massage Therapist. Sometimes you have to trust your self and that trust I did not have in high school and if II could that the guideness i would have gave myself.

Gabrielle

"Dreams can become reality." I always used to tell myself this in high school. The sky wasn't the limit, it was just the beginning. But once I got into college, I started to feel like my dreams were unattainable. College life hits you like a brick wall. The reality of it can be so much, that you start to doubt yourself and your abilities. Suddenly, my dream of becoming a magazine writer seemed so far away. I was ready to give up and go into business, a career I knew I'd hate, but would make money doing. But I pushed through my doubt and came to realized that I could do anything, as long as I put my mind to it. The "real world" can seem like a brick wall, but that is only illusion. The "real world" is like an undiscovered jungle and can be traversed and traveled until you form your own path. This pathfinding is the ultimate way of making your dreams come true and that is what I would tell myself if I could go back in time.

Gabrielle

I would tell myself not to stress so much about an undecided future and being left behind as friends go off to universities. At Saddleback College, there are plenty of different classes to learn from, a variety of fields to study from, and many diverse individuals to mentor you and help you decide on a path in life. The close friends that left for schools stretching miles will always be just a phone call away, and with the vast student body at Saddleback, you will quickly make new, irreplaceable friends. Deciding to go to a junior college is a much wiser decision than hastily deciding on a four-year university. It'll give you time to develop at your own pace and naturally come to a decided educational goal. Do what you feel is right and don't dwell on the expectations of others!

Kacey

If I could go back to the days before I started college and tell myself a few things, I would start by giving myself a movtivational speech. College is so much more difficult than high school and I definately did not expect the level of difficulty to be as great as it turned out to be. The amount of study hours, work effort and quailty are so much greater than what I did in high school and I was not prepared for that. I would also help myself try and figure out what career path I would like to take. If I would have decided what I wanted to do with my life and picked a major, then I would have been able to attend a 4-year school right after graduation.

Oliver

In high school I always slacked off, never did my work and just pretended like it didn't really matter. If I could go back I would tell myelf to apply my all. I would tell myself to forget about looking like a nerd and staying home on the weekends and just stay home and do my work. Another thing I would tell myself is to get involved in school more, and actually have some school spirt. The biggest thing I would tell myself is to always look into the future, but don't ever forget the past or present.

Kimberly

Stay focused on taking the next step no matter how hard, boring, expected or far away it may seem. If you have any negative influences in your life whether it is people, money or situation, don't dwell on it - turn a deaf ear upon it and don?t give up. This is possible by taking a stand and believe in yourself by saying "I CAN do this." Looking back when you?re done there is a picture that is bright and full of experience that will carry you a longer distance down the road. What you ultimately learn in school will open your eyes and make you stronger and more capable of a person and the earlier you can obtain it the better off you are. Most important if you have fun document it that tells a story to generations to come.

Dana

Take your time and really look into what you really want. Don't rush. What others want, i.e. your parents, or friends, their choices don't matter. It's you, it's your future, and your life. You have to take care of yourself, because no one else will do it for you, no one else will do a better job.

Lars

Start preparing yourself for life on your own before you get to college. I felt that adjusting to living on my own was the hardest part about college. But now that i have experienced it for over a year, i love living on my own and handling my own responsibilities.

Bobbie

Well considering I was a high school senior almost 20 years ago, I have a ton of advise for me. Life so far has been exciting, trying, difficult and educating. Along this path called life, my advise is that you need to go to coleege and get a degree in something that makes you happy and fulfilled. Aquiring a degree will better you chances for success in the future. You will learn to be self sufficient and not depend on anyone. Knowledge is your best tool for success and no one can take that away from you.

Amber

I would definetly take out loans and attend a four year college because its worth it in the the long run since you fully expierence the college life and the transition into real life and living on your own would be easier down the road. Community College does save alot of money but at the same time its difficult to make new friends since students are just attending class and going home.

Kim

At age 17, I didn't give much thought to the idea of pursuing a college education. Living in New Zealand, employment was accessible; college was not the norm . I gained years of work experience, 17 turned to 42, and I immigrated to the United States, later becoming a US citizen, all the while working full-time and pursuing a career without a degree. At age 48, talking to my 17 year-old self, I would describe the challenges of working full-time and attending night classes , balancing work, family and free time. It would be easy to enjoy college at age 17 with all that energy! However, when I eventually earn my Degree at 50+, I'll be proud that I've reached a milestone goal, improving the present me. I could say, "Go to college now! You have all of your life to work." But, in retrospect, if I attended college after high school, I would have missed all of life's journeys and challenges that lied ahead; I wouldn't have had my current work experience. I do not take my future accomplishment of earning a degree for granted. Life has turned out as it should.

Gina

Complete the general education requirements first to help guide you through choosing your academic major. Work towards obtaining that college degree and don't put your education on hold - you may regret it later when you cannot retain information as you did in your younger years. A college education will help your to expand your knowledge, grasp abstract concepts and theories, and give you a better understanding of the world and your community. College graduates have more opportunities to choose from and are usually paid at higher salaries than those that do not pursue a higher education beyond high school. If you need financial aid, there are several sources you can research to obtain scholarships, grants, and student loans. Don't be discouraged by scholarship or loan rejections, just keep applying!

sequoyha

If I were able to go back in time, I would tell myself that this is all easier and goes by much quicker than you could imagine. Focus on your classes first and foremost. You may lose out a bit on your social life, but only to a minimal degree. Learn the best way to study, outliune your texts, take dilligent notes, and you will easily get over a 3.5 GPA. Take pride in what you can accomplish, make the most of it, and you will gain skills and knowledge that will benefit you in more ways than you could possibly ever imagine. I have made the transition to college twice, I know what works, and what doesn't. Don't go to class for the social interaction, go to class to learn that subject to the absolute best of your ability. Your social life will still be there, only you will be much better equipped for all of the things that will occur outside of your usual social circle.

Ulysses

If I could somehow go back in time to be able to give myself advice I would tell him do not procrastinate in getting your driver's license because sometimes you cannot count on people to take you to places where you need to go and you need to become more independent, get a job to make the load lighter for your parents and take responsibility for yourself, study for the AP classes you took so you can get a score of 5 every one to make the transferring process from college to a university quicker, do not drop AP American Government and AP Literature because they will help you in the future to get general education out of the way and focus what you want to do for a career, apply for more scholarships to help your parents economically, prioritize school a lot more.

Kenneth

For twenty long years I feared going to college because of the difficulty of some classes. Four more years of school was so intimidating. If I could go back in time I would sit myself down in front of me, stare into my own eyes, and slap myself on the side of the head saying, "what are you thinking about not wanting to go to college?" Knowing that high school was difficult for me, I would explain how college life is so much more relaxed and on my own time. The professors are great and the class times are chosen by me. I can study at home or on campus. I get to socialize with a more mature group of peers and don't have to take a class every day. Classroom setting are usually more relaxed. I would mainly just let myself know that college life is much simpler than high school and definitely more rewarding. Sure I would graduate high school with a diploma. Yes that is important and good. However, graduating college will guarantee me a degree and an influx of great knowledge. As the great Nike quote goes, "Just Do It!".

Jennifer

If I was able to go back in time to be a high school senior again I would direct myself a little better. I would have known how important it is to have an education before starting a family. It would be hard for me to change my path simply because, I love my life and my family. I know now that I am being a role model for my three children and setting an example to them to never give up on a dream. I have drempt about becoming a Nurse all my life and nothing with stop me from acheiving my goals. As a senior in high school I wanted to graduate from a four year college with a BSN and enlist in the Navy as an officer. I have been blessed with all the men in my family being freedom fighters and to know that I would have been there to mend their wounds or help them through anything medically they were facing filled my heart with warmth and pride. It truely is an honor to be a student, a mother and hope to others that they too can accomplish anything they set their mind to.

Brianna

The advice I would give myself and others is to be happy with the decision to go to community college. It opens up more doors and allows you to receive some better hands on experience. Plus, it really helps you figure out what you want to do with your life and what major is the right choice for you.The most important thing is to get involved with the community and the school. It helps keep you on track and helps you meet some great friends. Definitely go to more office hours that the teachers offer if you are struggling. This way the teachers get to know you and you get the most out of every class. Overall, the best advice I could have given myself is to not be disappointed about going to a community college instead of a 4 year university right away. It works out best in the long run and it truly the best choice for your future.

Lindsay

My transition was a little different than most because I was very focused that once I got out of high school, I would finish junior college in two years. Therefore I started taking classes the summer before my senior year in high school and I have been at Saddleback College ever since. As I am about to graduate with my AA spring 2010, I look back wishing I told myself to take more challenging classes in high school to really prepare my self for the amount of time it takes to study and do homework in order to pass college courses. For past advice I would give myself is to always be myself and I will go far with determination and motivation. I have been working full time to pay for school the month I turned 16 and unfortunantly I have not been able to take a break because I have been paying my way through school. The only thing that would make transitioning to 4 year school would be to have a little help and take some of the stress off to focus on doing what I want in my life and that is to help people.