The University of Tennessee-Martin Top Questions

If i could go back to when i was a high school senior i would tell myself to slow down and enjoy the times i was having at the moment. High school is a stressful but easy time, unlike college. In college you have to take on the full responsibility of being an adult and you are in charge of making sure everything that needs to be done is done. When i was a high school senior the tests were not as difficult and the need to study was not prominent. In college those are the main two difficult and important things.

If I could go back and talk to my high school self I would tell me to take my grades and classes more seriously. I would say that college is hard, and to better prepare you need to make good grades and take the college bound courses. Had I done that in high school not only would I have been better prepared, but I would have been awarded money for college depending on my G.P.A. I would also tell myself to go to college right after graduating high school, because it would have made for an easier transition. Had I done that, it wouldn't have been such a shock to go back to school after being out for over six years. Finally, I would tell myelf not to give up even when mistakes are made. I would say learn from those mistakes, make better choices next time, and keep moving forward towards your goals.

If I was able to talk to my high school self, I would say to stay focused, be smarter about student loans, learn to play an instrument, take every chance possible to travel, but above all enjoy life and the appreciate loved ones who surround you.

Look outside of your small rural surroundings and realize that your grades in high school will matter. Your high school grades have the potential to set you up for a prosperous future or send you down a path of mixed priorities and mediocrity. Do not limit yourself and look at where the Unites States will be in 10 years. What value will you be able to add to that economy? Why will people need your skills and want to pay you? Enjoy life but take it seriously.

I would say that I need to prepare more in advance. I came to college with the idea that I would be able to succeed because I was in the top of my class in highschool. I panicked the first day of class and attempted to withdraw from school. I would tell my high school self that I need to learn how to think for myself and not be so dependent on my mother helping me with decisions. If I was more dependent, I don't think applying to grad schools would be as hard as I am finding it to be. Mostly, I would say that the important thing is to get the degree. A lot of times I have felt that what I am doing is pointless. I would say that college is one of the most important decisions, and that I shouldn't be flippant about it. One of the biggest things that happens during college is how much you change. I would say to embrace the changes and don't be upset. Because the main lesson to learn is that change means growth, and that is always a good thing.

Assuming I could go back and give myself advice, I would advise mysef to do two things. The first would be to pick a STEM major and the second would be to get constant guidance from a academic counselor. Upon entering my first year of college I had no one to instruct me on what would be a good major nor did I know the right questions to ask. The reason I would have chosen a Science, Technoloy, Engineering, or Math major is because they lead to high paying jobs. Also they lead to jobs that contribute the most to society. When you look at everything that makes our lives easier or healthier we own that to scientists and engineers. Constant guidance would have kept me on track and I would have finished when I was younger. To put it in a nut shell, I would have picked a major that I would be proud to tell people about and get the guidance I needed to get that degree.

I would tell myself to apply for many more scholarships much sooner. I would also say to prepare yourself for a lot of times where you think you know what you want in life or where you want to be after you graduate but you don't. Also, stick to one major and refrain from changing it, because your scholarahip will run out before you have finished your education. Be prepared for many hard financial struggles and little help from the university's financial aid department. In addition, remember to study more as an underclassman so as to recieve more scholarship opportunities based on merit. This is something to remember because as an upperclassman, there are hardly any opportunities for scholarships based on anything you qualify for. Therefore, you need to save your money much more effectively and get used to the taste of Ramen noodles, Taco Bell, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Most importantly, enjoy your summer breaks because you will be busy in your next few. Life hits you hard and fast, and there is no way to be fully prepared for it, so relax a little.

Take advantage of AP and dual credit courses while you can.

Stay in school do not wait for life to happen. You need to go out and MAKE life happen to you! Get your education now while you can stay at home and save and better afford it.

I would tell my self that you are in for some hard times because you did not prepare your self like you should have. College is very different from high school. You are responsible for making sure you have what you need and if you don't the only person to blame is you. I would tell my self to be aware of my surroundings and always pay attention to what is going on. Applying for as many scholarships and grants as you can its very important because COLLEGE IS NOT CHEAP! It is never too late to get a head start on preparing for the future. While keeping all this in mind I would also tell myself to have fun take advantage of all the opportunities to learn and grow! The transition from high school to college is a little easier if you have a plan. Saving money and spending wisely is the key. You will meet different people who are about different things, keep your goals in mind and choose your friends wisely. Always be on the look out for opportunities to save and receive money to help you with school. Most of all never lose your focus.

I would have worked a little harder in high school to get my GPA up, so I could have got the Tennessee Hope Scholarship. But I was young and didn't know any better at the time. But the main thing would be to tell myself, ":you better work harder and get that GPA up high."

Pick a college that best suits your personality. Make sure that you won't get lost in a big college if you are a person who doesn't like big crowds. Try to go away to college because it makes you grow up and take on responsibilty. It also makes you appreciate everything that your parents have done for you. Give yourself a chance to like your college once you get there. Don't stay for a week and get homesick and give up and go home, stay for the first semester and give yourself time to adjust. Make a wise choice about how much the tuition is going to cost you compared to what you will be making when you get out. Don't pay $40,000 a year for tuition to get a job making $30,000 a year. Don't waist your parents or your money when you get there. Try your best and get the best grades possible. Make sure you do your very best the first semester because you do not want to dig yourself in a hole with your GPA and then try to make it up over the next 3 1/2 years.

Dear Taylor, Only 116 more days, right? Then, you get to go to UT Martin. I just want you to know, that you are not as prepared as you think you are. You are moving four hours away, and you only know one person there. I know you are really ready and invested on this, and I don't want you to lose that, but you really have to realized high school is NOT college. It is rough. You will be confused; you will falter. It does suck, but you know what? It is okay! Seriously, I know you don't believe me, and probably think I am crazy, and you might be right. However, this is just a part of life to get used to. You will get knocked down and blindsighted. It won't be easy. Just think of it this way, everytime you get knocked down instead of thinking you have to dust yourself off, think of it as you are being sugar coated, and each time you can make your life sweeter from the experience. Like I said, trust me on this one. There is so much to learn! Love, Taylor P.S.- Pack lightly, too.

I would tell myself that I should get out more and be more sociable. There are so many things that could help you along the way. I would also advise myself to expect the unexpected and no matter what happens always keep going until you make it through.

I would go back and tell myself to join the clubs I normally am in. I would, also, prepare myself with studying more for my tests. I would tell myself not to let the senioritis kick in and to work hard on all school work until I reach the end of the finish line. Graduating high school is a big step, but mostly I would tell myself to take it all in, because college is definitely nothing like high school. There will be chocies you have to make in college that you do not face in high school. Such as, what courses will benefit you most, what career choice will make you happiest the most, and whether to go to class or skip.

Amanda, you stress a lot - way too much. Yes, it is important to do well, and to succeed academically, but it is even more important to remember that life is a journey - not merely a series of destinations. Continue to push yourself and to strive for excellence; you will go far and achieve everything that you had dreamed, but, at the same time, don't forget what this journey is all about. You will meet some of the most amazing people on the planet during your time at UTM, and you will be blessed with so many incredible opportunities. Cherish them all, because, at the end of the day, it's not the "A" on the Biochemistry test that you will remember with such fondness; it's the moments of laughter or even tears with the people that you care about and those that care about you. Maintain that drive to succeed - you will go far, but as you race down the superspeedway that we call life, don't simply let the miles fly by. Take the time to enjoy the scenery and to appreciate your traveling companions along the way. Life is a journey - enjoy the ride.

I would tell myself to stay focused, calm, and collected, because college isn't something to hassel over.

To high school Karen: Do scholarship research earlier and independently of the guidance counselor. There are not as many out there that you qualify for as you would expect. Apply for state schools. This will be easier on you financially. Stick to the small colleges, as your small high school has unknowingly set your preference to little classes and personal relationships with your teachers. I know you think they are not as good as the large universities, but you are wrong. Do not let yourself get discouraged easily. Join clubs on campus and speak up in class and the friends will come. Be on good terms with whoever your roommates are. You never know when you may need their support. Do not fear the teachers. They are not all that different from the ones you have now, and they are not nearly as petrifying in person as they seem when they are standing at the lecture podium. Choose a practical major. I know that French literature major sounds wonderful now, but trust me, you will regret it when you are a college graduate who works as a barista. Finally: enjoy it. These will be the best years of your life.

I would tell myself to build better study habits. While high school may seem like a breeze academically, college is another ball game. More material is covered in smaller incriments of time and it progresses with each lecture. My advisor said to spend 2 hours studying for each hour in class. While this isn't true for most elective classes, your core classes will require that much attention if not more. Notecards, study groups, and note groups are the best way "your future self" has learned to study. Had I been given this advice prior to school, I more than likely wouldn't have bombed that first Biology 130 test. You're smart but not a know it all so learn to study, even if you think you know the material. Whats wrong with reinforcement anyways?

I would say to myself that I need to become a better studier and test taker, because in college that is what you do the most of and you dont want to be behind in school bceause of that.