Declacred V.S Undeclared!?

I’m unsure about my major, but for now I’m intrested/looking into being a lab scientist, however I was wondering if it would be better to apply to a college as undeclared or if I should state science  field. I was told that once you’ve chosen a field to study it is difficult to switch fields to any other field. On the other hand,  I was also told that colleges preffer not to see “undeclared” on an application and it may lower my chance of acceptance.

-Narmeen Ayoubi

expectations vs debt

I've been planning to go to a UC and I meet the requirements, but I can't afford it. I want to attend a community college first but I feel like all my effort up until this point would be a waste if I don't at least apply to a UC but I don't want to feel obligated to attend if I get accepted or to waste money on the application fee if I don't. Only  top of this, my dad has been pressuring me to attend a university. What should I do?

-Alyssa Maneja

What kind of job?

As of right now, I have no job.  Obviously that'll have to change in college what with debts and the like.  Any job we are able to get right now is great just because it gives us money that we made and can spend on whatever we choose.  That being said, once college comes around, while any job is still nice to have, are there some that are way better than others?  Take me for instance, I plan to become a veterinarian, should I just get the highest paying job I can find or should I try getting any job I can find that would help me out with learning more about the field I am trying to advance in?  I would think that the obvious choice would be the latter but when I think about the costs of living, especially if I moved out of my home, the first one sounds like a viable option as well.  I just can't seem to decide which would be the best choice.

-Brendan Stilwell

Choosing a career?

Through out high school I was never really sure what I wanted to major because I was so focused in school and just though that I shouldn't worry cause I still have time but the fact that I am a senior I still don't know  what to major to pick ? Also through out the years I had always said that I wanted to major in science that will take me to a career in nursing but also would like the interest in  becoming  a vet. Since I am going to a community college I decided that I also want to enter the work force fast that is related to the medical field but don't know what to really choose on my major in becoming a a nurse or a vet or a dentist . Now days I am really  confused to choose the right career for me but don'  t  in what to choose . So I guess my question is how does one really decide to choose as career ? Like how do feel what you want to become ? \

- Vanessa A.

College Credit Benefits

Often times throughout high school, we were advised to take more rigorous courses to prepare ourselves for college and earn college credit. For this reason, many students including myself decided to take Advanced Placement courses and the exams. Being able to prepare myself for college was my main priority;however, the opportunity to earn college credit was another benefit that I was looking forward to. Now that the time has come to apply to colleges we would like to attend, something that has crossed my mind is how much college credit we will actually receive for the college level courses and exams we took. Does the credit vary from CSU's, UC's, and private universities? If so how? Another thought in my mind is, how does earning credits really affect the financial and learning aspect of college?

-Samantha Covarrubias

Living on Your Own?

My two top universities at the moment are Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and UC Berkeley.  Each school is far enough away for me to warrant living either on campus or in an apartment.  The question that's really tickling my mind is whether I should live in the dorms or in an apartment?  Living in the dorms allows me to experience living with new types of people, however there many stories about terrible roommates.  I worry that if I live in the dorms, I'll be living with a roommate that's either a slob or disrespectful in some way.  Meanwhile, living in an apartment allows for much more freedom, but I'm almost certain that the cost of living in an apartment is much higher than living in the dorms.  As of right now, I can't decide between living in the dorms or in an apartment.  Also, another related topic I was pondering about is what would be useful to learn when living on your own?

-Jaime Izabal

What would you do ?

Freshman year I had the grades to get accepted into a college club that helped students stay on track so they would be anole to go straight to a UC after high school. I had the perfect grades to get accepted into my dream school. I worked hard my freshman and sophomore year, and made sure I stayed on track. Junior I moved here to Mayfair and the whole process was too much, last year was the worst academic year I've ever had, but I plan on making up for it this year. My question is should I spend all this money trying to go to a state college and just stay there? Or should I start at a community college, get all my credits up and take the classes that I'm need to transfer to a UC ? Mind you, my application prices came out to $300. What would you do?

Community college or technical?

Although I would prefer to go to a career or technical school for computer science I am aware that it will be more costly and more expensive going toward that option. I would also like to study psychology If computer science doesn't work out. So with that said I'm left with two options expand my knowledge on computer science at a career and technical school hoping that everything works out. Or I could go to a community college and hope to get transferred so that I can study psychology.

Early Childhood Development

I want to major in early child development, basically become an elementary teacher, yet there is still a part of me that wants to run away from that and take a dive into a completely different field. There are so many things I want to do with my life and I don’t know sticking with this major will keep me happy. It’s confusing. I have stuck with this major for a long time, when people ask me what I want to major in I immediately say early child development, but is it really what I want now? If I keep going down this path I know I’ll be alright, but should I risk it all and choose a different major?  I know someone might say just pick a major and if you don’t like it then switch, but I don’t have the kind of money that would allow me to do that, even with help from the government. It’s a really all or nothing type vibe.
Oh well.

Natalia Vega

What are your top choices after high school and why?

In my freshman year of high school, I always envisioned myself going to a "big-name" school like UCLA. However as the years have gone by, I've started to realize at what level I am as a student and have given it more thought in a realistic sense. Currently, I plan on attending either CSULB or community college because I want to save money and stay close to home. I also believe that it doesn't matter too much where you go to school (to some extent), but what you do with your education and experience. That's why I am not applying to any UCs because I feel like I can accomplish just as much at CSULB without the extra financial burden and stress that comes with the bigger-name schools. What schools/paths have you considered, and what have you narrowed your choices down to?
- Peter Nguyen

is it worth going to a top college when college are expensive overall ???

I want to go to a 4 year and its a historically black college but I don't know which one I should go to .....because I got accepted to 2 colleges but there 3 others school I'm applying too and I don't know if I should keep applying or  should I not?, because their one school called Grambling university and if I get accepted should I go to that school or a school That  one of the top colleges if I get accepted ?. go to a college that provides free tutoring , they tution is not expensive , teach better and the top 3 colleges I would like to go are very expensive and I will have to budget and with the finacial aid. I think I should apply for more scholarship so I can somehow go to the three top colleges and I could afford or stick to the college that is affordable me and where I can go back home to my family on holidays and also keep food in my dorm till I get a job or should I just honestly also get a part-time job for my freshman year so I can somewhat have a little more money in my pocket?? should i also do loans too just to be on the save side ?? I know, later on, I'm going to have to pay the loan back but should I  so I can be somewhat okay in college and not stress that much and also my family should have to stress about really sending me money for college because of its a lot it's so hard its stressful? should I honestly just join a sorority live in with the sorority it in instead of a dorm because dorms are expensive just even having a dorm by your self or should not even join a sorority and just live in a dorm my freshman year ???

Nothing Is Fine I'm Torn..between UC's and Cal States'

All four years of high school, I have been taking AP and Honors classes that require vast amounts of dedication and effort. I initially hope to be admitted to California State University of Long Beach and major in Nursing.  Although I plan on going to a Cal State, many of my peers, including teachers, have commented that it would not be worth all my years in high school taking AP and Honors classes if I end up going to a Cal State. At that point, the comments made about where I want to go have affected my decisions on whether to choose to go to a Cal State or a UC.  I want to attend a Cal State because I believe that I will only be getting the same education as I would at a UC. But also at the same time, I want to be able to know that my hard work from high school was worth a lot considering that I am working hard to get into a great college/university.  Should I consider what other people have told me and attend a UC, or follow my intuition and attend a Cal State?

-Margareth Simbillo

Caught in a Pickle

I have found myself caught in a pickle. Lately I have been attacked by the same constant question that will be determining my future. What are you majoring in? Time and time again I answer the same troublesome question with, "I want to be a Physical Therapist." However, that's what I just say to avoid the long conversations if I were to reply with "I don't know" but now that I have answered this repetitive question, I am starting to believe in what I tell everyone. Though I am unsure that I actually want to be a Physical Therapist, should I enter college to be one or take the safer route and enter as undeclared just in case I don't actually want to be a Physical Therapist?
-Sean Pacheco

Are fraternities worth it?

For some time now, I've been thinking about college and what extracurricular activities I should involve myself in.  In doing this, I came upon some particular interest groups, in which everyone knows as a fraternity.  Now from what I hear, being in a fraternity is fun and all but I also heard that it helps in the future, because the members of the fraternity, will help you find a job.  However, I'm not completely sure if I should make the effort to join a fraternity, because fraternities also have a history of hazing potential newcomers.  I even remember one of my teachers telling me not to join a fraternity, because they are stupid and silly.  So in that case, is joining a fraternity really worth the time and effort?  -LaVanton Gilmore

Teacher Recommendations

For a few months, I've been overhearing conversations about teacher recommendations. I know they are needed for some scholarships; however, people have been saying that they are needed to apply for colleges/universities. As it is, I'm already stressed out due to the deadline of college applications, so the news that I need teacher recommendations terrifies me. I noticed that the people that inquire about teacher recommendations are often applying to private universities. If I'm applying to UC's and Cal State's, do I need teacher recommendations in order to apply and meet the December 1st deadline? Also, does it depend on your major?

-Javen Pacion

As application season has started, I've started to wonder about housing. The decision of whether it is more sound to stay at home and go to college or stay in the dorm will ultimately determine which colleges I'll apply for. For example if I went to San Diego State I'd obviously be living in the dorms on campus; on the contrary, if I end up going to  Long Beach State, I'd be staying at home. I've already heard the basic talk about how staying at home is the most inexpensive way to go and how living at the dorms will give me a fuller and more independent college experience, but what are the other pros and cons to living at home or staying in the dorm?

-Maya Washington

Alternative Major

When applying to some universities, I was encountered with several schools that were highly impacted. The most impacted schools are those with good nursing and stem programs. The major I wanted for these schools was highly impacted and I had to choose and alternative major. The alternative major options didn't catch my attention and weren't anything I was interested in. Should I pick one that closer relates to the major I want? Should I try to choose one that stands out the most to me? Should I select"undecided" for my alternative major?

-Astrid Tadeo

Would it be a good idea to go to community college and then Cal State if the college is impacted?

Would it be a good idea to go to community college and then Cal State if the college is impacted?

I´m having the dilemma of wanting to go to Cal State Long Beach, this upcoming fall for their nursing program, with the fact that they are impacted and that specific major is the toughest to get into. I know that we, as Mayfair students, get priority into getting accepted since we live in the area but I'm worried that my grades are not up to par with their standards and that other applicants with higher GPA's will topple over me. If that option does not work I would want to take on community college. I know it is not a bad route to take but I was wondering if it would be a good idea to apply there to get my prerequisites and then transfer? Would I be wasting time? Would it cost more to go to community for a year or two and then transfer? All these questions have been bothering me while trying to apply to college.

The biggest concern I have mostly is that if they take lesser value in students who are transferring from a community college. If that is the case I was thinking if I should just take a shot at applying at CSLUB, see if I get in, or just apply to a different school all together such as Fullerton, Dominguez, etc. 

- Jainah Fajardo

I want to major in Nursing but the college I want to go to is still up for debate.  It kind of all depends on what school accepts me into the nursing program, so if a community college program accepts me I will go to that community college to get my associates.  But I honestly dont know what to do, should I apply to both a university and community and see which one accepts me? If I go straight to a university I'm thinking it would be better because I could just get my bachelors right away instead of transferring and having to work super hard at a CC to be eligible to transfer. But theres also this thought in the back of my mind that if I go to a community and get my associates I could start working and then go back to school to get my bachelors with knowledge and experience.  Does anyone have any tips on what I should do?

Desiree Reyes 

Major?

This time next year I hope to be at a Cal State University and studying as a business major.  I’m not sure what kind of career I want to pursue with it though.  I’ve always been into art and would like to pursue it but, realistically, it would be a lot harder to support myself with a degree in art.  I’ve decided to go in as a business major so I can have something to fall back on.  I’ve thought about double majoring or minoring in art but I’m not sure if I would be taking on too much pressure doing that.
-Halla Bachle

community college or 4 year college right off the start? for me i don't know, want to go to a community college first to save money but i also want to go to a 4 year college because i think the class might be better.

-jarrod nunez

Drowning in a cup of water.

I have no plans going to any college right at this moment. The idea frightens me and I do not know why. well, I do know, its just the fear of going to college and then later on for some reason (either its to weighty, or i have economic problems) to drop out. losing so much time and having a great debt on my hands. In a since, the only goal at the moment is to go to community college. i have later hopes in   transferring to a college and later getting my Bachelor degree in business. Its not like I cant go straight to college or anything, its just the fear of going and drooping out. losing the most important thing, my self esteem, so i rather not take that risk.  But that's not good enough for me. what's really bothering me is if I go to community, later transferring to another college, will be better than just going to a regular college and getting over with it. Will my high school grade, gpas, and SAT scores be important once i finish community and transfer? Or whatever I did in high school disappear when i finally go to college? these question are those that creep on me and much more. In retrospect, this is my only concern at the moment. I would like to know so I can at least feel like I´m not drowning in a cup of water. Thank you!

                       -Griselda Navarro M.

I was thinking about joining the military.And haven't can't decide which branch the Army or the Marines they or both good branches but they both have different benefit.The army has more benefit and jobs but less pay while the marines their or a few of them and less jobs but bigger pay. So my problem is i was in ROTC and it was the navy rotc so i like the navy but will never join and i my plan is to be in the reserve so i can go to school while serving my country. But i don't know what to do i was thinking a few will know what options i should consider. Regardless I'm joining the military when i get out of high school it always been my dream to go in it. What job should i go for cause I'm qualified to be a pilot or a mechanic but don't know which to chose they both pay extremely well.

       from,
             Roman Barraza

As of right now, I plan to be attending a California University this time next year. I have began the application process for both Cal State and UC schools, yet keep getting stuck whenever it comes down to deciding on a major. Over the summer, I worked as a lifeguard and many of my coworkers were college students studying all sorts of different things. Whenever I talked to them about my struggle to find a major that interested me, they would advise me not to worry because you can always switch majors later on in most cases. This may be true but the question that I struggle with now is whether it’s better to pick a major (even if you’re unsure about it) or apply undeclared?
-Brooke Sasse

🔥Sports and Where they can take me or Where Should i go ❓❔❓🔥

Growing up I loved to play basketball. I remember my first ever points in a game to my first dunk in a game, but over the past years my love for the game has been dwindling little by little. I'm at the point now where i don't care about even going to practice. My question for you guys is that should i just stick it out for the rest of the season hoping for a scholarship to college or should i just leave basketball to focus more on my education? 

OR

Should i go to a Community College, trade school,  military, or a 4 years college




(I decided to change my Question but i notice that other people had already answer my first question so i left it in there) 😀

"What do you want to major in?", is a never-ending question hanging above my head, and to be quite frank, I have no clue. I've always been an indecisive person, so applying for colleges now, is making me realize how much of a struggle it really is for me to make up my mind. The "Majors" section of the applications is forcing me to rediscover my passions and interests in order to find a suitable major for myself, and let me tell you, I've never been so overwhelmed in my entire life. I never realized there were so many things I've wanted to do in the future. I can't seem to decide between a veterinarian or a teacher, a business woman or an FBI Agent, a medical examiner or a forensic scientist. So my question is, would colleges consider me to be an unappealing candidate if I were to apply undeclared?
- Jasmine Kim

Blog Assignment #1 -- The FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions are those questions that are asked frequently!  DUH.

But what questions do you have about where you will be next year?  Ask a question about the college you are going to, the major you want to pursue, the branch of the military you plan to join -- a REAL question that you have.

The assignment requires ONE post and TWO comments to your peers by 6:00 pm

 on Friday, November 17.

The LINK to the blog rubric is right HERE.