The University of Texas at Austin Top Questions

The most important lesson you'll learn: Don't be afraid of the unknown or changing your mind. College isn't about knowing exactly what you'll do when you graduate, it's about knowing who you are. People in college are the most happy when they make decisions for themselves. Don't worry about what your parents, teachers or even friends expect. Figure out what your passions are and then pursue them! This may mean doing things you never thought you'd do, and that's ok because these 4 years are an adventure. You may have to change programs and majors-- that's ok too. The average grad changes at least 3 times. You may still have no idea what you'll do after its all over, but you will have discovered your strengths and weaknesses. You'll know exactly what makes life satisfying. That's more than most adults can say. If you know you, then you can do anything. That's what you'll learn in college. Then when you get out, it'll be time to show everyone what you're made of.

I would convince myself that no matter how bad high school seems and no matter how much it seems like the thought of any more schooling would be hell, nothing is worse than wasting twenty years of your life only to end up going back to school anyway. You must go to school within 5 years after high school because going 20 years later is a lot harder and there is nothing you gain in those 20 years that you would not already possess if you had just gone to college right out of high school.

my best advice would be to spend as much time as possible with your family and friends, because its only when you've left them and are alone at a university that you really realize how important they truely are to you. i would tell myself to not only spend time with them physically, but emotionally and to really cherish the fleeting amount of time you have left with them. once you've gone off to college, you'll really wish you had, because it isn't only hard for you, its hard for all those who care about you as well. it would hep them so much if you spent more time with them before you left and let them really know how dear they are to you and how much you will miss them.

Concerning the application and selection process, I would first tell myself to calm down. The required essays were not truly so agonizing, and it was actually fun to have the change to visit some of the top universities of the country, even if they didn't accept me. I'd say not to be so distraught about not getting accepted to a certain college--if they don't want me, they don't deserve me. And, maybe I'd convince myself not to apply to so many of those "far reach" schools. Also, I should take joy and pleasure in the fact that I did get into many of the schools to which I applied. For the transition and college life, I'd tell myself to first appreciate everything that resides at home. Be it much relaxation, a free laundry and food service in the form of parents, or just being in a comfort zone, home offers a lot to be desired. Most importantly, appreciate family. Friends go off, change, and sometimes forget about the past. However, family is what remains when other people do not. Take advantage of times to go to the grocery with Mom or Dad.

With the experience that I've gained this semester, I would tell myself to come in with a tremendous ambition of getting things done. Attitude is everything. I would advise myself to go the extra mile in my studying, to go to all my office hours, as well as getting to know my professor more better. The more your teacher knows you, the better off you may be in the end of the semester. Along with that I would advise myself to not slack off at all, keep caught up with my readings and dedicate every free minute that I have to studying. To start doing my homework once it was assigned, so I can go to my teacher's office hours or go to a tutor to get help on any question I may need help on, for it will more than likely come out on the test. Another thing I would advise myself to do is to get to know my teacher better. To never procrastinate, because nine times out of ten it doesn't work. I would also advise myself to take alot of pictures of my family to help aid with homesickness.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to take advantages of all the AP exams I missed when I was in high school. I would also tell myself that even though the transition can be emotional since it will be the first time I'll be away from my parents everything will be okay since I will be able to seem them every other weekend. Some other advice I would give myself is college is a great place to make new friends and there is no high school drama. Another thing I would tell myself is do not forget my toothbrush and toothpaste I would have to start my day off fresh. College is a new start for everyone who goes, and a great way to expand horizons and figure out what to do in the future.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself to study harder and not to be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes it can get a little overwhelming and you may not know what to do, but there are many people here who want to help you succeed. Do not be afraid to talk to your professors if you have any questions. Be sure that you know where to get help and make sure you are aware of all the sorces that are available to you. Never skip class because you will not pass that way. This is what I would tell myself and I hope that I will listen to me.

Sydney, Get ready for a wild ride! It is time for college and you are about to open one of the best chapters in the book that is your life. It is ok to be nervous because this is the biggest change you have had to deal with thus far. No matter how worried you are, know that you are going to be just fine. Always stay grounded and remember who you are. Do not change to what you think society wants you to be. You have the personality to succeed anywhere and you should be excited to be at one of the top schools in the nation that is opening doors daily for you. Go through as many of those doors as you can because the years will fly by. One semester came and went in the blink of an eye. As you make the transition to college, stay close to the friends that changed your life in high school and do not be afraid to make new ones. Keep your mind open, you never know what might be there to discover. Best wishes, Sydney

If I were able to have a conversation with my high school senior self, I would stress the importance of studying and wisely managing my time. College is much more difficult than high school. There is an amazing increase in the amount of required readings, homework, and projects. Knowing what I know, I would have studied harder and practiced time management in high school in order to make the transition into college much easier. I also would have stressed the importance of applying for financial aid. Being a film major is costly. Students are responsible for buying their own film, software, and presentation mediums (portfolio's, DVDs, etc). Students are also responsible for renting out filming locations and paying crew members when necessary. Although FASFA and other initial financial aid may cover the cost of tuition and housing, these supplies may not be covered. Scholarships would have been very helpful in the production courses.

I can honestly say that as a high school senior my head was not on straight. I was occupied into my dancing and my boyfriend at the time and not so much into finding scholarships. To me everything seemed to come so easy and studying was not needed to pass exams. Once I came to college all of these things changed. These are the words I wish someone had told me, ?You think this is tough? Just wait until you walk into your first college class and you are late so your professor makes a comment about being late knowing that it was geared towards you. High school work is nothing compared to the college work. You actually need to study and not just the night before because there are some tests that require two weeks of studying prior to your exam in order to at least get a ?C?. Do not worry about boys because only you can make yourself successful not him. Look for scholarships they are not hard to find. I overlooked so many great opportunities and now I am struggling to find money to even return to college next year. Do not take anything for granted.?