The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Top Questions

Dear high school self, Please try not to stress out so much about college. High school prepared you well, so you will do fine. Also, do not forget to stop and make friends. Life is not enjoyable with out others to share it with. You will miss your parents in college, now matter how much you hate living with them now. Make sure to call them every once and awhile to check up on how things are going. Finally, don't forget to live life to the fullest and make every moment count of your college career. Love, your college self.

As a non-traditional student, I would go back and tell myself, to attend college as soon as you finish high school. Do not take any breaks. Finish while you are young and free from bills, etc. Attending in your 30s is very hard. You feel out of place and you don't fit in. Universities are setup for young adults, not a nontraditional, which is why attending college after high school graduation should be a top priority. There is nothing more important. Make good grades because it affects your financial aid, your gpa and it slows down your chances of graduating in time. Your grades depend on your work ethic. Do well. Take any opportunity you can in college because it prepares you for a bright future. Network and get involved in campus activities that interest you. Learn something new. Don't complain, the hassle for the tassle is worth it. Whatever you do, do not give up. You can do it.

The first thing I would tell myself about transiting to college would be, "don't schedule early morning classes because you won't want to go". Which is completely true, I don't like to get up at six o'clock in the morning to go to a seven am or eight am class. Not many people want to, and I wouldn't go to class. The second thng I would tell myself, when you finally get to college. Don't play around, get your work done, make sure your grades are up, and then worry about getting a job. With good grades comes money, but without good grades you won't have any money. So focus on school before anything else.

If I could go back to my high school self, I would notify self that in order to succeed in life, you must be present in the moment. I once read a quote that said, "90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of life is showing up." Metaphoricallym, I would relay this message to my younger self by inofmring him to take more advantages of his opportunities and reach out for scholarships. However, my present-day self is at a better place because I was able to find this scholarship application through Scholly, an app that was successfully pitched and invested for on Shark Tank. Back to my younger self though, I want him to know that it's okay to not worry so much because your future and destiny has a way of working itself out. Having ben heavily involved in the classroom my senior year of high school, I would have loved to have been more involved in organizations and making a difference in at least one persons life. To this day, I think the greatest gift is making a positive impact on someones life and I would have loved to have started that at a younger age.

If I could go back in time and give my highschool senior self any advice about college, it would be only a few things. "First, enroll in smaller classes. The college of business and other math and science classes are huge and I don't want you to become a "face in the crowd." You are an exceptional young woman with a lot to offer this world and attending smaller classes to nurture your intellect is best for you. You will be able to speak with your instructors with no problem and class assignments will not get lost as easily as it would in a big pile. Also, if you are thinking about gettting your MBA, you should start studying for you GMAT or GRE exams around your junior year of college. UTC does not prepare its undergrad students for those exams. The classes offered are expensive and offered by other organizations. Third, continue utilizing those great study habits you have. You are hitting the ground running by leaving your highschool as Valedictorian, do not lose that momentum. Most importantly, stay focused with your studies, never abandon your dreams, and continue to take care of your family."

This is the best that your world has to offer, embrace it. Don't be so afraid of the culture, take the difficult classes and ask more questions. This is your gift to you, education is very important and no one can do it for you. Your mom and dad may not understand but you do. Rmemeber that you are paying for this and like other things you devote your money to, you are allowed to question what you are taught and if you feel it is not what it should be then do your reserach and prove your point. This is what you make of it and not what it makes of you.

Dear High School Self, First and foremost, don’t be afraid. You may not know it yet, but you will enjoy college life way more than your high school years. From the very first day that you step onto that college campus you will see the difference. You will excel since that first day. You will be able to see how much better it is to be treated as a grown-up who is allowed to make decisions. People will not bully you. Instead they will be friendly and understanding. The professors will also be there to help you as well. Along with that, they will be able to open a new world of wisdom and knowledge that no high school teacher ever showed you. So be brave in high school, because after those last few moments and past your graduation, you will see how life can only keep getting better. Sincerely, Your Future Self.

I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible, you're going to need the money. Then I would tell myself to avoid eating out more than once a week and to save as much money as possible. Then I would probably go on a bit of a rant towards my younger self, saying things like, "If you can rent a textbook instead of buying it, do it. Go greek, it's awesome. Don't let yourself procrastinate over school work. Study first, then party if you want to. Don't get those two mixed up. Use the library, it will help you more than you may think. Don't live too far away from campus, you're going to hate that drive everyday and sometimes twice a day. Don't let the gas gauge get anywhere near empty because it's really hard to find someone with a gas can two hours from home. Don't drink and drive, it never has and never will be worth it. Don't get embarrased over anything, just be yourself. And most importantly, have fun with everything you do because you only get to experience college once."

There are two main things I would give myself advise on if I could talk to my highschool self. The first thing would be to take dual enrollment courses before I graduate. I opted out of taking them and didn't realize how beneficial they would have been. If I would have taken them I could have seen what a college course was like and be more prepared. It would have also given me more credit hours. Since the time you get to register for classes depends on your credit hours this would have helped me not to miss out on some of the classes I wanted that were filled before I could sign up. I had to take some classes during a later semester which put me behind on my graduation plan. Another piece of advise I would give myself is to make a study plan and stick to it. I would often push off studying to hang out with friends, and then later I would end up without time to study. My grades could have been much better if I would have stayed focused and committed.

Always read ahead for your classes in order to stay on top of things. Even though college may seem more lax than highschool, especially freshman year, keep in mind that the grades you make in college determine either your graduate school or career. You're building your life with your grades for four years, so make sure to keep them up. Also, get involved in the school and community in order to begin making a name for yourself. That way, when you're out in the "real world," you have plenty of references and experience to make yourself a viable choice for an open job position. Even with all these committments and stressors, still make time for fun and relaxation as well. If one thing is bound to drive you crazy in college, it's over-loading yourself with time committments and not having the time to unwind now and then.

As a senior i was obsorbed in the here and now. I was more concired about my dance team than what school i wanted to go to, or more focused on my chior performances than i was on what major i wanted to go into. Although my grades were always important to me and i always kept a high gpa i never took classes that would push me and perpare me for college. After my first semester without any finacail aid and little perporation, i had a rude awakening to what i know had to do to catch up. If i could go back and give myself advice i would make sure that i realize then the importance of perparing for college finacailly and metally. Another thing i wold want to tell myself is to make sure i make choices that are important to me. If i go to college becuse my parents want me to i am less likely to be successful than if i make the choice myslef. The last thing i would tell myslef is to not be a follower, you are your own person so do something for yourself.

A lot can happen in a year. Now four years removed from high school, I've learned a lot about college life and life itself. If i was telling myself about college life, I'd say not to freak out. College is the same as high school. The workload is a tad more, but the overall experience isn't different. The freedom is a stress relaxor and time is more available. I would tell myself to take more liberal arts classes right off the start. Stick with the one online class I took that I figured was worth dropping. My choice to double major was a late decison and could have helped when I only took three classes for two semesters. The extra four classes could move my graduation date up by a semester or so. Above all I would tell myself to continue on my path. Every question that pops up and forces me to stress or worry is just a stepping stone. Never quit on anything. You're mind and creativity will propell you farther than you thought. Don't overthink things.

I woud tell myself to not be so nervous about college and not to be afraid to apply. I would also tell myself to try not to slack off as much and don't do anything to get into trouble. I also would tell him to try to seriously apply to as many scholarships as you can and get a job to save some money for the future.

Hey Self, I know that everything is scary right now. You are moving away from home, you are starting college, and finally you are becoming an adult! Just calm down. This huge transition is something that you will get used to fast. One thing that you need to do is get out of your dorm room! There is so much that you can go and do. Go to the many different RA activates, they are a lot of fun and you will meet many different people. Take it from me, spending the whole first semester in your dorm room get boring and lonely. A second thing that you need to do is to join in clubs. There are so many different clubs on campus that you can join, as well as joining in the Student Government. Joining in these activities will help immensely with the homesick. Yes, you will miss mom and dad, and even Spike, but being active takes away from that. A final tip I would give you for your transition to college life, is to get to know your professors. They are all very nice and enjoy having you come visit them. So do it! Sincerely, Me

I would say to self, "You do not have it all figured out like you think you do!" I remember back in high school I had this plan. Graduate high school, go to college, graduate college, and start my career. I did not seem to pay too much attention to all those little details inbetween. Details such as changing my major for the fifth time, or working 2 part-time jobs, or having to live off-campus. All these things we not planned, but my end destination still remains the same; to have a career where I make a difference. I never thought I would be where I am now. Life does not seem to get easier as I strive to graduate college and start my career, but then again...I have always liked a challenge.

"Hey, Zach. I'm you from the future. Congratulations on making it to your senior year at Davidson Academy. You've got a bright future ahead of you, but I'm here to help you out and save you a lot of grief. Firstly, stop chasing girls. You are in high school. Enjoy all of your friends right now. When you get to college, there will be plenty of girls that will be drooling over you. Be patient. You should see your girlfriend now!! That brings me to my second point. Spend as much time with your friends as possible. This is the time to mold strong friendships that will benefit you in college and throughout your life. When the stress of three papers and two exams during finals week becomes too much, you will be turning to those friends for comfort. With my final words of advice, I tell you this. Open your mind! You are no longer protected by the bubble that was your private high school. You will encounter people of different races, languages, sexual orientations, etc. When you are closed-minded, you only limit your opportunities for growth. I must go now. Good luck!"

Hey wake up! Go to IB Biology, read that IB History chapter, write that poem for IB English, this is just one year and you will make it through it just fine. It seems hard now? It’s not, these teachers care whether you fail or succeed, next year you can not show up to any class and your professors won’t care. You will be completely on your own, something you aren’t used to, but guess what. You’ll survive that too! Stay focused, buy a couple of Rockstars, and know that you ARE strong enough to make it through. There are going to be lots of times where you just break down and cry, and that’s okay just get back up and continue up. It’s true when they say that the first time is the hardest, first time buying books, first time without parents, first time having to write down notes so fast that you swear your hand is going to fall of (hint: record your lectures.) What do I have to say for that? Oh well. You survived IB in high school and now you will survive this like a pro.

If I could go back in time, to when I was a senior in high school, and give myself advice about college, I would tell myself how to handle the challenges I will be faced with in many different ways than ever before. By this, I am referring to one of life's most important aspects, which is morals and values. I would tell myself that it is reasonable to experience new things, but not to get carried away or forget about the morals by setting boundaries. Another challenge I would warn myself about is the procrastination. This is because in college, my mom and dad aren't around to tell me when to do my homework anymore, when I need to study, or when I can hang out with friends. This is crucial when understanding how to manage my time wisely. Lastly, I would tell myself that I should have a good time while I'm in college, but also stay focused and make my school work come first. I would encourage getting involved with activities on campus where I could meet new people and step out of my comfort zone.

DO NOT become lazy in your high school senior year. You need to get a jump on things ahead of time. You would probably be a lot richer and better off if you do not slack the last year.

It would awesome to have the opportunity to go back in time and give my "high school senior self" some advice about college! I would definitely begin by congratulating myself for all of my hard work and achievements made thus far. However, I would also tell myself that the hard work had to continue and that senior year of high school was not the time to be in "relaxation mode." I would tell myself to be sure to fill out as many scholarship applications as possible, and to retake the ACT because I could be a point away from a scholarship. I would also tell myself to think of types organizations and ways to stay active and involved on campus. Lastly, I would tell myself to continue to have such outstanding self discipline because it most definitely would come in handy in college. I'd tell myself to enjoy high school and not to rush through life. Talking to my self as a high school senior would be nice, but overall I am happy with the way my college life has turned out so far!