San Joaquin Delta College Top Questions

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

Jessica

If could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I'd tell myself that taking AP tests would help tremendously. I took several AP classes in high school but didn't have the money to pay for the tests. I would definitely tell myself to find a way to take those tests because it does save so much time to already have passed AP tests under your belt. If I would've taken those tests, I could've possibly saved myself an entire semester of classes.

Hannah

I would tell myself that being an anxious mess over going to college is not worth it.

Salma

Apply for scholaships ahead of time, and do your homework. Do what you can to keep your GPA up, as well as remember to not miss ANY deadlines. Deadlines are the most important, because you can never go back. Apply to the colleges and universities you want to attend before that deadline. Prioritize your education, not your friends (of any kind).

William

If I could go back in time to my senior year of high school I would probably tell myself to do a lot more. I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships and to never give up no matter how hard or confusing things get. I would let myself know that things will get tough but it will be worth it in the end. I would also tell myself not to freak out so much because college is not as hard as some people say it is. Just stay up with your work and try not to procrastinate. Procrastinating just causes unneeded stress that you dont need in this part of your life. I would tell myself to do my best and things will fall into place eventually. Just keep going.

Neavane

If I were to go back to my senior self in high school, I would literally do nothing. Because of the choices I made in high school, I am progressing well in college. I think the only thing I would tell myself not to do was have a boyfriend and get those grades up because colleges really do look at grades and gpa. My gpa in high school was average to below average and all the scholarships and things I wanted to apply for before going to college, required good grades and a 3.0 to 3.5 gpa. I wish I had focused more because then I would be stressing as much right now. Another thing I would tell myself is to NOT sign up for the Cal Grant because I learned that the grant is not even worth using at a community college. Not only was I upset hearing about that, but now I will have less of my Cal Grant to use when I transfer to a 4 year.

Tyler

Everyday, I look in the mirror wondering if I could have done something different in my life. Having to leave a university because of money problems was a bad feeling enough. The times that I want to say to my high school senior self would be more motivating than anything that I have ever heard before. The first piece that I would say to my younger self is to not be a fool. It sounds great that you want to go to a university directly out of high school, but if you can see what your life looks like right now, you will see that it is probably the worst decision you have ever made. Because of the money that you lazily neglected to search for, you are now in a community college and are way behind in your work. Everyday you hear your friends talking about how great their universities are and how great college life is. Even though your family says everything will work out, you still beat yourself up everyday because of that one decision. You really should have started at a community college first and finished at least your associate's degree first.

Leah

If I had this opportunity I would give myself quite a bit of advice, but these two would be the most influential. My first advice would be towards applying to colleges. It would be not to hold back and be afraid of the outcome or the future. Also, to think of it as a new adventure. I'd give myself this advice because I held off applying for the main college that I wanted and I didn't get in because I waited too long to submit my application. It is one of my biggest regrets in life, but you can only move forward. My second piece of advice would be, even if you lose one dream, don't stop dreaming! Dreams change, life changes, and a person does change. After everything changes, life goes on. It doesn't stop, no matter how horrible things get. Continue on and see what life has in store, it just might be a surprise. It was for me, I never thought two years ago of even considering be a Baker. Five months from now I will be working towards that and I can't wait.

katie

Well, first off I would have to go back and tell myself as a sophorme in high school to stay in high school. Second, I would tell myself that college is so much easier. All the cliches that were in high school are not there. Being in college is going to help you improve yourself. Furthing your education in college will help you get all those things you want out of life like your nice car, that big nice house you always dreamed about, going on nice vactions, and most of all the knowledge that you need to suceed in the career that you choose. If you have the chance to go to college and you dont that would be the bestest mistake of your life!

Amanda

As a senior in high school, it is vital to keep your head in the game. You are allowed some fun, but absolutely no room to slack off on school. With your extra time, get a job and save up! This will be tremendously helpful when you're in college. You can use the money toward books and college supplies. Also, think about your future and what you might like to pursue as a college major and possible careers. This will help gear you in the right direction when choosing classes and extracuriccular activities. Don't think of your next step to a community college as a step down or a relaxation period. You're grades and dedication is just as important there as it is in high school. Again, maintain a job and keep up your grades upon transfering. Think of your two years at Delta College as a mid-step and it is helping you save money so you can transfer to a university of your choice. Delta College is a strong choice on your part so remain focused and determined. You'll do just fine.

Marisol

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a High School Student I would have told myself many things I did not realize before. I would tell myself that in High School everything is given to us without a problem and without a cost and that I must take advantage of that. I would tell myself the classes, assignments, and teachers are a lot easier to deal with than in college, and for that I must excel in everything. I would also tell myself that the change from being a High School student to becoming a College student is very drastic and I would have to start prepairing myself for the changes that were to come. To start a savings account to help pay for my expenses and possibly begin the search for a job. If i was able to talk to myself knowing the things I know now, my college life would be a lot easier, therefore if I come across the opportunity to talk to a High School student and tell them everything I just mentioned I would do it without a doubt.

derrick

If i knew the things i know now about life and college and what i would have to prepare myself for. I would make sure I get better grades that i had so that i could of attended a 4 year college right after high school. And how to apply for scholarships and why it would be gud for me to do so. Also i would of taken my sat because that would of been another reason for me not attending a 4 year university. Another thing that i would make sure i know is to exceed more in basketball, because to me thats the only reason why im outta of the street and actually trying to do something with my life instead of not going through and getting a better higher education. Also i would try and of done more community service cause not only would it of helped me for colleges but also as a person to helping others in need. And thats what i would make sure i know to try and make my future better.

Courtney

The advice I would give myself would be to join interest organizations and tackle my education opportunity full force. I know now that taking any time off from school just makes the transition that much more difficult, and that communicating is vital to college life. As a senior in high school I knew the importance of pursuing school, but I did not realize that there were billions of people who would die to be in the position I was in. I would tell myself that there was no time to waste, and that the first step was taking a class that looked interesting. I would stress that it is not only an advantage but a privilege to have the opportunities that I have. Lastly I would advise myself to study hard and to have fun.

Robin

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to not be afraid about entering college as the experience is well worth it. I would encourage myself to tackle speech (no matter how much warry I am talking in front of people) as it is an experience that I will learn from and afterwords become a better student and a better public speaker. Another piece of advice I would give myself is that I can make new friends and meet new people in college and have fun doing so. There is no reason to be afraid in talking to others during, before, or after classes or to other students in the loundges. Walk into college with your head held high and tackle whatever comes your way because you can accomplish the goals you set yourself towards.

claudia

Claudia focus forget about social life. Forget about fitting in and hanging out if you could only see out of all those friends who stuck through now you would be so ashamed of yourself. Education is power and all it takes is passion to recieve it. I understand 6 am is not exacly the time you want to get up but if you only knew how much that little differance of getting up everyday will make. I know you are going through very tough times right now getting pregnant at age 15 having a mother who is not so fluent in english. You feel alone you feel like this maybe is not for you, trust me it is you are going to be a strong women out of all this and this will only make you that much stronger dont give up on yourself and dont be scared to take that extra step it will all be worth it someday. It will be you one day sitting in the office of a CEO you will be your own manager you have so many plans for yourself now its just the time to fight for what you want.

Bryan

Do not give in to high school senoritus! No matter how well you have done the first three years, if you slack off, even after getting accepted, they can turn you away. Senior research papers in particular can not be shrugged off. Also; apply apply, apply for scholorships. Even if you decide to go to a community or junior college, a money buffer becomes badley needed with the purchase of books and the looming approach of a four year school. Related to that is the pursuit of community service. Yes it's a pain. It feels nice to help the environment or less fortunate people, but it feels better to watch TV, right? Know that doing a bit of extra service for the community opens up many oppertunities you wouldn't otherwise have for scholorships and internships. So with that in mind, the warm fuzzy feeling from helping the environment feels just a bit better knowing that the time you volenteir out dorrs is infact a potential couple hundred an hour in school money....potential being the key word.

Harry

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself not to lose focus of what my goal is in life. College is the center stage of your academic life and this is where you need to and must shine as bright as you can to be noticed above all others. Yes college will be a tough journey but remember every road worth traveling is a rocky road for a period of time. Understand that sometimes you will fall but do not lose sight of what kind of person you are, you do not quit and you do not come second to none. Get back up on your feet, brush the dust off, and continue your academic journey. Soon enough the ground will level out and you will find your place in this world. In today's reality, dreams are never achieved by standing still. You must run as fast as you can to chase that dream and when you finally do, you can look back at your life and say "I did it."

Tricia

Treat high school much more important. Once you are out of high school, if you choose not to go to college, you may not have another chance. Life gets away from you and before you know it, it has been 15 years and you have four kids and you don't have a degree. Now you want to go back and get your degree while raising a family. Although I am sure you can do it, it makes it so much more stressful and trying. Do what you can while you are young and have so much more energy. Your children will also have someone to look up to. You will expect this (going to college) of your children, so why not do it for yourself while you can!

Dana

Collage is the greatest gift you will ever receive. I know that right now high school feels like a chore and you just can?t wait to get out but collage is different. On the very first day of my first collage class the teacher said the greatest thing I had ever heard. He said ?I?ll be here teaching. Come, don?t come, I don?t care.? That is when it struck me, it is all about me. I am not doing this for my parents or teachers or even for good grades but for me. Since that day every bit of effort I have put into collage has come back to me in self respect and the understanding that I am a better person today than I was yesterday. If you have mediocre (or even lousy) grades please go visit your local junior collage. You will find that for just $26 dollars a unit the teachers and staff are doing everything they can do to give you the greatest gift a person can give, an education and all you have to do is say ok I?ll give it a shot.

Sopheap

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I wouldn't tell myself anything because if I told myself to do something different, then I wouldn't be where I am at today. I wouldn't be the person who I am, and I wouldn't have gone through the obstacles that I had overcame. By going through those tough times, it made me become a stronger person, and learned how to appreciate the things in life and realized how important education is. I've come to accept how things turned out because there are times when things just doesn't go the way you've planned it; but I am now working harder everyday to achieve a goal that I had once set.

Alicia

My sole purpose of attending Junior College was because I wasn't the best "student" in high school. Junior College helped me to learn to balance my social life and academic life. In high school, my social life consumed most of my life and I gave academics no effort. Community College gave me time to change my ways and have academics consume my life. I would also tell myself to look at the college I want to transfer to and to contact that school directly. I took classes that weren't necessary and prolonged my stay at communtiy college.

Kathryn

Having been able to attend college classes while still enrolled in high school, there's one thing I would like to go back and pound into my head: "TAKE THE CLASSES, DUMMY!" I didn't realize how great it would be having priority registration, and my books and units paid for. I could have finished high school with my Associates degree finished, without spending a dime of my own money. I wish I could go back and make myself realize how important this option was.

stephanie

If I had to go back. I would tell myself to sign up for more scholarships, and to get my classes early. I would also try my best to get myself in a four year college with a scholarship, that way I wouldnt be here in the same city. During my senior year i had to do a project, and i wished that i put more hours and more time into my paper. I was happy to pass and recieved an A, but my points good have been better.

Schuyler

I would tell myself to work really hard, and take at least 15 units to start off. I didn't schedule my classes throughout my two years at Delta College as well as I could have. I would tell myself to be sure to see a councellor at Delta before I sign up for my classes. Also I would tell myself to study hard and try for straight A's, it's always good to set high goals. Also, it is important to not overload yourself.

adriana

If even the opputunity to go back in time I would tell myself that college life isnt always what is cracked up to be. You can be living the life, living in your dream city and not take things seriously,but in a blink of an eye that could go away ,your dream can be put aside all because you decided to let distractions run your life. You have to have a strong mind and a strong heart. Don't rely so much on your parents to take of you while in college,strive to be indepedent and have a strong voice in what you want the course of your life to go. Always believe in yourself and also to not be afarid of taking that leap of faith towards the college life because its easy to make up an excuse to not take that chance. Always have guts ! because without any guts you'll remain in the same little bedroom you've been used to you . Follow through with your plans and never lose yourself in the process.

Natalie

I would have told myself to take more time and not rush into things. Weigh out the pros and cons of the schools you're applying to. Decide what would be the best option for you personally, not what you think SHOULD be done. You don't have to immediately decide what you want to be, relax.

monica

If i had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself in high school i would definetly do it. I would tell myself that i need to pass all of my classes and try to take any college courses that are available. This would be the main advice to myself because classes and class materials such as textbooks are very expensive. The opportunity to get college credit is available at most high schools and it should be taken advantage of. At the time i was in high school I did not realize how much even going to a community college would cost. Now that i am attending it is fusrtating that i have to retake classes because i did not pass with an acceptable grade. Spending some extra hours doing work and studying is worth not having to take the entire course over. It would be amazing to have the ability to go back in time and do things right. Unfortunetly, we cannot, which is why i would recommend that high school students do their best and challenge themselves.

Mayra

If I could give myself advice, I would probably tell myself to not be a procrastinator. I would talk to a good counselor and have them set a plan for me so I could graduate school like the people my age are doing. I would always study before tests and make sure that I would do my homework completely. I would not get myself into credit card debt, so I wouldn't have the necessity of working two jobs, therefore not giving me much time or energy to be a good college student.

Erika-Alexandra

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there are a few things I would tell myself. The fist thing I would say is to decide already what career path I would like to take. This way, it is easier to know which classes I need to take once I get to college. Another piece of advice, is to have a general idea of which Universities I would later on like to attend. Many Universities require prerequisites for a specific major, so it is important to take those classes which will also be required. A suggestion that I would give myself is to visit counselors frequently so that an educational plan is made, and everything is being accomplished as it should. The last and most important instruction that I would give myself is to perform exceptional in every class, and to do all schoolwork regardless of its difficulty. This will payoff in the end, and it will make me very successful.

Rashell

Hello Rashell, I want you to know that attending college is possible. There is Financial Aid, and scolarships that you could apply for, and recieve. There is also a work study program that you could earn cash and go to school at the same time. What I suggest you do, is talk to a counselor at your high school, and make an arrangement to talk to a college counselor to discuss your options. You can make your dreams come true. And no, your grades are not too important in determining your enrollment in college. The key thing is to know your options and not assume them. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it, and don't give up.

Qu'el

If I known what I know now I would have got good grades thru high school. My 9th grade yr spellman wanted me to come to their school. I thought this was such a great honor. Some how I lost track of my goals in 10th grade & my gpa dropped to a 1.38. I ultimately had to do good the rest of high school. Had I stayed focus I could have had a 3.0 or 3.5 when I graduated I ended up with a 2.7. If I had to do it all over I would have never let life alter my plans & stayed dedicated. I graduated in 2005 its now 2010 & I am just now going to college. Life goes by fast so I wish I would have listened to my parents because ultimately they are there to guide you & see that you do not have any short comings.

Stephany

Because I attended Middle College High School on the San Joaquin Delta College campus, I already knew what college was like and had no need to make a transition. During my senior year in high school, I focused on veterinary sciences because that was my interest. However, because of the drop in the economy, no veterinary offices are hiring now that I have received my veterinary assistant certificate; nurses and other medical professions seem to be the only available careers. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to hold off on veterinary science for the time being and concentrate on nursing now. Other than that, I really couldn't tell myself much more.

Tavy

I know that college is hard than high school i would tell myself try my best and word hard on it.. its take 4 years to finish college its the same amount of year like im in high school.. so i won't give up and works through thos 4 hard years.

kam

If, I would go back in time and I would tell myself to not worry so much about the majors of choice take the courses that i would enjoy the most and have the most fun at it. I would tell myself to learn every available discipline as possible. Also, recommend take educational programs outside the insitution. I would definaetly explore more books on Business Entrprenuer and Investing side to keep myself inform the world economy. I would be more discipline in my habits in the classroom and never miss a class and be involve in class participation. I would definately ask students to be study partners to learn .

Harkamaljit

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to be ahead of the game all the time because sometimes being ahead causes you to do more work than you need to. I would participate more in extracurricular activities such as sports and academic clubs. I would do more community service and volunteer at hospitals to get more hours on my application. Outside of school, I would do more activites with friends such as going to homecoming games and other school games, participate in functions such as evening rallies, and by dressing up in school colors to show school spirit at any game or rally. Finally, I would tell myself to ease up the load by taking few advanced placement classes and enjoy senior year!

Jill

Listen up, Past Self! I don't know if you can fathom this, but your Delta College GPA is more important than you know. In other words, don't skip out on that Art History paper in Ms. Barrows' class that you were practically born to ace! Also, don't make the fatal mistake of confusing Beethoven with Bach in the presence of Dr. Bowen--he WILL fail you, and it WILL set you back quite a bit. It would be wise if you took more time to work on scholarships, and I'm pretty sure that if you tried hard enough, you could handle a part time job. That money you COULD be currently earning and saving is the only thing holding you back at 20 years old. If you were smart, you would take it upon yourself to begin learning German, because if you got that head start, we would be studying the history of visual culture in Berlin right now. Realize that UCSC is where you belong, and don't waste time with other schools. You have lots to do, so get crackin'! Oh, and one more thing: LOSE THAT BALL AND CHAIN BOYFRIEND OF YOURS!

Steven

I waited until I was 27 to go to College. Admittedly, my reluctance to go to college had a lot to do with the social anxiety that I experienced in high school and my inability to work within a highly structured environment. If I had known how different college life would be, I would have went to college immediately after high school. In college you are actually treated like an adult, you are responsible for showing up and studying. You aren?t being forced to do things and disciplined for not doing other things. This treatment makes you think about your progress in terms of yourself and what tangible effect it has on your future. College campuses embrace every type of life style and culture. There are groups and organizations of like minded people, making it easy to fit in. High school has fewer social outlets and creates stress for those who feel left out. If I knew how different college would be as high school senior, then I would have been a lot less apprehensive about going.

Kristine

Looking back now, I didn't know much back in high school. I worried so much about insignificant things and knew so little of what my future had in store for me. The piled up expenses, the countless study hours, and the worried thoughts of trying to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life. I didn't think it would be so tough, I wasn't prepared at all. Looking back I wish I was more informed, more prepared; that I already knew what I wanted to do in life and how exactly I was going to get there. Though it may look scary now, don't be afraid. While it may seem others are passing you by, don't fret, as long as you perservere you will get there too. Just do your best, make good choices and learn from your mistakes. I know it wont be easy but someday in the future, you will look back and see how far you've come. Years may pass and friends may come and go, but you will never forget all the memories, good and bad. Its your life, be ready, and take the leap.

Carolyn

Keep doing your best. Try out for Basketball. So what if you have a bum ankle? Talk to people who you think are "out of your league." Break up with that loser. Think about what really makes you happy and what you could see yourself doing forever. Please, stop being so hard on yourself, there is life outside of these walls.

jazzmine

Oh my gosh! If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would be doing so much better right now. The first thing I would tell myself is to really sit down and think long and hard about your choice of college. Making too fast decisions can land in an learning enviroment that's not really fit for your lifestyle. Another thing I would advise is to set goals and stick to them step by step. When you have something to look forward to, the time seem's to go by faster. Make sure you have applied for financial aid, scolarships, and other free grants just incase you run into some unexpected college fee's. Try to have atleast a guarenteed part-time job for extra college living needs. Last but not least go into college with your mind not set on having fun but furthering your education and carving your success in life.

James

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to go to school right out of high school. I didn't start college until my 30th birthday and although my life experience has helped me in my schooling, I can not help but think that a good deal of my time was wasted on things less important than my education. I have learned that the key to success is a quality education and I would tell myself that the people who work for the college system will do everything in their power to make sure that I will succeed. I would myself that although college is rather difficult, it is also extremely rewarding.

Julian

I would tell myself not to let anything get in the way of my education. When I first started college it was going smooth until the work started pilling up, and I thought it was too much because I wanted to go out with my friends. Now I know that school should have been my top priority, and the parties go at the end of the list after all my work is complete.

Christopher

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself three things: pay attention, take advanced classes, and socialize. The biggest aspect of my life that I regret is not taking high school seriously. Even though I graduated with decent grades, I did not absorb the amount of information I should have, and that has had a direct impact on my college education. Taking advanced classes would have furthered my knowledge, especially my analytical skills which are very important in college. Finally, I would tell myself to make friends with a diverse group of people instead of that single group of friends you have known your entire life. This would have given me a more in-depth perspective of different educational paths, career paths, and even just "life paths".

Kassandra

I would tell myself "Kassie, STOP WORRYING!" I stressed myself out way too much. Things are going great now. College life is wonderful! I wish I enjoyed life more in high school instead of being scared about the future. I would also say take a deep breath every once in a while. It helps me feel better.