The University of Texas at Austin Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would voice the importance of applying for as many scholarships as possible and to study hard for the SAT. College life has been quite the transition for me, and I would tell myself to mentally prepare for the challenges ahead. I would also encourage myself to keep to a schedule when it comes to studying and get in the habit of going to sleep at a decent hour and waking up early.

Rosendo, Transitioning to college, believe it or not, is not something you're emotionally or academically prepared for. Once in college, you cannot afford not to plan ahead. Be organized and build a flexible but uncompromising schedule: Record deadlines for tests, projects, scholarships, volunteering, meetings, etc. Most importantly, hit the books and be proactive in asking questions about anything you are unsure about. Your biggest challenge, however, will be keeping yourself disciplined and motivated. Do not give in to anxiety and remember who you owe your successes to: everyone and yourself. It's ok to get stressed and feel lonely and think you're a failure. Let those sentiments flow through you but don't let them engulf you. Remember who you are and what you can be. Remember that college is but one step on the road towards personal fulfillment and that by assaulting through its many challenges, you and others will be better off in the future. Last but not least: Smile and laugh. Go out and have fun. Learn from people. Enjoy the moment and don't take life too seriously. Every now and then, take a moment to pause and reflect. Celebrate yourself. Breath.

Why, hello there past Daniel Pak. This is you, from the future. Well you must be freaking out right now, correct? Well stop acting like a fool and listen to what I'm saying. This is your senior year, and even though this is your last year of high school, do not make a habit of procrastinating and being lazy! I'm warning you, this is serious business; we're talking about college here! College work will be substantially more time consuming and sometimes difficult, so you need to make a good habit of paying attention to your teachers currently so you can understand what's going on! Second, study, study, and study. You might think you're a hot shot right now, but trust me, once you step foot on to UT, you'll feel like an idiot compared to the others. Studying is key in both high school and college, so make another habit of studying your notes extensively when preparing for quizzes or test, no matter how "easy" it may seem; you'll never know when an easy question will trip you up and cause you to fail because of one simple mistake.

If I were to travel back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would first reassure her that she is making the right decision in choosing to attend the University of Texas over the other schools that offered her admission. I would tell her to get ready because college is not high school and the classes will be difficult, but definitely worth it because they would teach her not only about the subject matter, but a lot about herself as a person. The most important advice I would offer is to not be too hard on herself. To enjoy being a college student and not worry about having a job, a car, or any other self imposed goal she sets out so that in her mind she continues to be a high achiever. I would suggest that she stays in the dorms and that she meets and networks with different groups and people. That she is open to all experiences and that she accepts all the help that is offered because she doesn't have to tackle this on her own. More than anything, to relax and enjoy that part of her life.

I would tell myself to make sure that I establish effecrive study habits. Every grade you make in high school can effect your admissions into college and being in the top of your class may be the only chance of getting into the university of your dreams.

I would absolutely emphasize the fact that you can't just slide on by in life. Hard work, dedication and sacrifice are all absolutely necessary in order to obtain real, sustainable success. You cannot simply rely on luck or the kindness of others and hope for the best.

Take a look at all the things you have rushed. Slow down for awhile. There is no need to skip all the information or skim lightly. You need to always take advantage of the all the help people are willing to give to you. You may see it all as a wasted effort and time, but try to read between the lines and do everything twice. Give everything opprotunity a chance. The things you are learning and experiencing now will come in handy at a later date. Things may seem like a joke, but really focus on becoming successful. The career and lifestyle you want for yourself won't just magically appear, you have to work hard. A life full of quick glances and minimal effort won't get you far. You need to dream big and go forward knowing that you will become all that you want to be. All that you need is to push yourself, because things don't get easier, but they do get more interesting.

Dear Caroline, As you embark on this new journey, here are a few things to remember. First, cherish the times you get with your friends always, but always make sure you are balancing your social life with your academic life. Social opportunities are everywhere at UT and it is easy for your social life to take over. On the topic of social activites, make sure you join social groups your Freshman year. Don't wait, this is a key place to make friends and memories! In addition, remember to always put your health above all else. It's inevitably difficult to balance a hectic schedule with maintaining a nutritious diet and exercise regime, but you have to do your best to do such things. Sleep enough, eat right, and work out! You and your grades will benefit from a healthy body and mind! Finally, never lose yourself. It's easy in college to be persuaded by the values and ideas of those around you. But always stay true to you and to your own values and ideals that you have cultivated. Never compromise who you are for anything! Good luck Caroline! Sincerely, You in four years

I would remind my self that life costs money. It's easy to romantisize college as this wonderful place where you can learn and socialize to your heart's content. While this is true, it all comes with a price, and a hefty one at that. Perhaps it is an exaggeration to say that I had forgotten the saying of "nothing is free," but it would be correct for me to say that I never really grasped the true meaning of that statement, though I thought I had by paying for things like gas and food. Ah, sweet high school ignorance. It truly was bliss. Since the first day of the 2014 New Year I've been continuously slapped in the face with unexpected financial obligations to the point where my motivation to continue was serverely damaged. Hospital bills, school bills, and unemployment made for a rude awakening to one of the common sturggles of everyday adulthood that I thought I already knew all about. It's funny. I heared all the time that money runs the world and I thought, "OK, I understand," but I really had no idea. So, high school me, make sure you get a job!

Yes, it is important to socialize with your friends. Yes, it is hard to concentrate while studying. And yes, the AP exam does not take place until the final month of school, but please understand that these classes will help you in the long run. Not only are you building basic study habits for college, but you are also potentially earning college credit! College is expensive and you want to avoid wasting any opportunities for saving money. If you have a chance to get basic, required classes out of the way for college in order to focus more on your major, you would be crazy to not take advantage of this. Basically, what I am trying to tell you is to put effort in your studies!