The University of Alabama Top Questions

What should every freshman at The University of Alabama know before they start?

Victor

I given the capability to go back in time and speak to myself almost 5 years ago as a high school student I would tell myself just how vital it is to take advantage of the time I have after graduating for high school and to get as much done as possible. I would tell myself how I let 4 years slip past me. And during those crucial 4 yeas not only should I have completed my General Education at a Jr. College but I should have finished over 2 years at either a Cal State or University. I would have my career started already at the age of 22 and not having to worry so much about my income as I am stressing about every minute of my life now. Along with all that the current process of my mom going through her second divorce and trying to save the house wouldn't be all that hard with my career already underway. Figuring out how to survive and keep the house wouldn't be such a hassle as it is now. The stress and worry all over my mothers face wouldn't sadden me as it currently does today.

Keeyana

If I could go back and talke to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely encourage myself to apply for more scholarships . I was blessed to go the University of Alabama without having to pay anything my first year, but now those scholarships are up . I am stuck with trying to find ways to finance my education. I think that I would tell myself to push harder towards filling out more scholarship applications and doing all that I can to become a clinical psychologist.

Chelsea

You've been told your entire life that college is a big transition, but you still brush it off as just another step in the ladder of education. It won't become real until you step onto the University of Alabama campus and become a student. Only then will it hit you that life will never be the same again. You will make mistakes and regret situations. Be prepared for those, but don't let them get you down. For in the wake of these dark times comes wonderful friends and academic success. Push past drama that will come in the form of your family; I know it's hard and will affect your schoolwork. Reign it in though, and rely on the support system you're going to find here. Last but not least break out of your shell. There are so many amazing opportunities in Tuscaloosa that you will find! Volunteer work, culinary treasures, parties, tutoring the neighorhood kids, and attending the events put on by the school will open doors for you that you didn't know were closed. Study hard and succeed, but remember that school is only part of your life.

Ellison

I would remind this young adult that education is the key to success. If a person reaches high enough, you just might grab a star one day. If you choose not to pursue an education, then enjoy your life now as it is because it will stay this way forever. If you get an education, your dreams will become reality. Only you can make yourself successful. You are in control of your own life.

Rachel

There are many things that I would tell myself as a high school senior. First, I would want myself to know that at the end of highschool my GPA was a 3.7. And to encourage myself that this is a huge accomplishment because I was homeschooled with an extremely hard program. Second, even though I struggled in English all through highschool, I breezed through all four English classes in college. I received A's and B+'s on all my papers and assignments because I had such a high level expectations from my high school graders. Third, not to be so concerned about making friends or being able to maneuver through a college campus. I made so many lasting friendships from the Honors Program, and college became my second home. Fourth, I had so many accomplishments in my three years of college, including becoming vice-president of the theatre club, an award for the improvement of campus life, an award for club participation and becoming one of the top three entrants for the Beacon Conference. With this knowledge, I feel like I would have been more excited about college and the years ahead of me.

Alexandria

There are so many things that I would like to go back and tell myself such as don't expect your roomates to clean up after themselves, and rooming with friends isn't always a good idea. There were also times where I had to take it upon myself to call the school to fix my bill and at first I was too nervous and wanted my mom to call but she told me that, "Mom and Dad aren't going to be there forever and the sooner you learn to do things for yourself, the easier your life will be". If I had learned this sooner my first few months would have been easier knowing that I have the ability to fix any mistake on my own. I would also encourage myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible and not to get discouraged when I don't win anything because at least it means that I am making an effort to get myself through school. Also I would tell myself to get in line for the football games more than an hour early because there are thousands of other kids that want the same seats as you.

Meghan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be more open to college. I would let myself know that going to a college where I didn't know anyone at all was going to be even harder than I realized, but that I would find my place eventually. I would tell myself not to get down on the times where I was homesick and feeling alone, because at some point everyone goes through that. I would also tell myself to get involved, because thats one of the best ways to meet people. Get involved in class, in clubs, in sports, anything. It's all about putting yourself out there and always being yourself.

Preston

Study hard in high school and take the most academically challenging classes so you will be prepared. Save as much money as possible so you can have a little fun while you are there. Be open minded to meet new people.

Jillian

"If I could write a letter to me", are the words that Brad Paisley sang to give advice to highschoolers. I wish I had the power to go back in time to tell myself about all the events that I can make preparations for. First, I would tell myself that the financial aid line was seven hours long and I could have picked an earlier day when the air conditioning worked. Second, I would spend as much time with my older brother as I can before he enlists in the army; that way I would not have to look out the window during class and worry. Third I would hint to brace for a partially disabled life that includes tremors, muscle twitches and weakness. "Do not cry over it when the doctors do not know what is wrong and keep going to school not matter how sick you feel because failing math was not part of the plan", would be my voice of opinion. "One more thing", I would say,"Do not spend your money so much because you will regret it when you see the price of the school books."

Quinton

I would tell myself to take that calculus class and to definetly pay more attention tas to how to increase my ACT score. I would say that college is going to be way different that I originally thought and that I should be readying myself for the course work that and load that will be placed upon me. I would say to keep from procrastinating at any means neccessary because that's how you get behind.