The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Top Questions

My advice would be to: 1. Go to the college as early as possile to gather as much information as possible about the process. 2. Gain as much information on the subjects for the major that the person is interested in obtaining a degree. 3. Talk to the professors and see if you obtain a syllabus to gage the level of work that is required for the different classes. 4. Talk to the financial & registration officers to understand what documents are required for a smooth experience. 5. Speak to an adviser to undertand what is required by the student to graduate with a good GPA and as quickly as possible. 6. Having the student to sit and speak with other students that are in the field that they are going to obtain their degree. 7. If the student is young having the parents assist in the process to guide their education in the best interest of their child. 8. They have to be serious about obtain a degree and wanting to be in college. People like the idea of going to college but when they see the work load they become a little weary, so this should be addressed early .

I would advise myself to take all the academic opportunities given to me in high school that would better prepare me for life in college. I haven't had a hard transition into college academics, but I definitely underestimated the importance of studying in high school and how that would affect my grades and studying in college. I would also advise myself to get more involved with school organizations and the community. I am getting very involved at my school with organizations that benefit not only students on campus, but also those individuals in the community. I would stress getting involved in more organizations like this in high school so that it's not a complete culture shock once students enter college. Lastly, I would advise myself to get to know people in different social groups than my own comfort zone. There are so many interesting people out there in college, and people are going to be thrown into contact with them whether they like it or not. Start early in high school, and extend the social group from those that are exactly like you to include those that are different.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would firstly tell myself to fill out as many scholarships as possible and enter as many essay contests as well. One thing I have learned is that college is expensive, in fact I had to leave The Ohio State University because I couldn't afford it, even with loans. When you have parents with bad credit like me, you can't really get all the loans you need. I would also tell myself to join more extracurricular activities because once you're in college it's good to join them and if you are familiar with them from high school it could be easier to let yourself join more as a college student. An individual will have more fun and meet more friends if they join the extracurricular activities available for them in their college or university.

Apply early and give yourself enough time to find funding for the college you want to go to. By giving yourself enough time to clearly think and do your best on essays and answering questions on applications you represent yourself better as an individual than if you rush through it the night before. Colleges like to see your personality! They don't want a cookie cutter application.

Change is good, embrace it, go with it- everything that you need to know about college you probably already know. Work hard, keep your head up when things go wrong, because things WILL go wrong. Be friendly with everyone you meet, you may never know when that person could need your help or you need theirs in return. Laugh, because sometimes that's all you can do when things are out of your control. If you think you know the answer to a question when the teacher asks, just raise your hand and say it, you may be surprised at how often you could be right. It is also ok to be wrong sometimes, it just means you are human. If you know that you don't know something, don't hesitate to ask a question, because there is a hundred other people that most likely want to ask the same thing. Also, make sure you have a good time, because college may be about learning and bettering yourself for the future, but it can still be an amazing time in your life. Just be sure to take breaks inbetween studying. Don't sweat the small stuff.

Start early deciding what kind of college experience you want. Take the ACT/SAT early enough to repeat it a couple of times especially if you are an anxious test taker. Visit several types of colleges to get a feel for what appeals to you. READ READ READ everything about the colleges you are most interested in.

I would definitely tell myself to get a flu shot before coming to college. College is an environment that those of people are constantly moving about and interacting with one another; you are bound to get sick. I made the mistake of coming in without a flu shot and being deathly ill. I would tell myself not to feel like I had to join an organization for the friends, college provides so many opportunities to meet people and do things; you shouldn't just bound in there and feel compelled to do something. Take your time, and pick out the activities that you love and want to do- it will help you meet friends that share similar interests and you won't be stuck in something you don't like.

If I could go back to when I was a high school senior I would tell myself this - to stay true to yourself. Make sure that when are making important decisions for youself to not let anyone point you in any direction that you do not wish to go. Also just remember that this is a time when everyone is learning how to start living on your own as an adult. So don't stress over and worry about every little thing, because that won't get you anywhere. Just remember, It will all work out, I promise! Do make sure you stay focused on the main reason that you are in college in the first place, for an education! So therefore it is a good idea to set goals for yourself that you know that will challenge you to become a better version of yourself!

Dear Confused High School Me, I have learned a lot in the last few years and my advice is good. Firstly you have to learn to be flexible. All of the planning and working in the world does not mean that you can control the future. All you can control is your attitude. If you are prepared to meet change with an accepting attitude you won't be constantly struggling against the inevitable. Secondly I have learned that success does not come from one grand and large motion. Success is acheived by small step after small step. Your goal should be to just do your best and to keep chipping away bit by bit. Thirdly is that no thing and no one will ever be able to fill up your inner needs other than you. You cannot look for relationships or grades or jobs to fulfill you. You must do work daily to be fulfilled in yourself. Here are a few more tips. When someone asks you a question take a breath before answering. They will wait. Work on your communication skills because they will be key. Love yourself and the world because this is what we have got.

I would tell myself to be as open as possible to new things. I would also teach myself about how to prioritize.