The University of the Arts Top Questions

Make sure you know what you want to do with the rest of your life. There is not use in picking your major if you're going to change it or second-guess it later on. Also, make sure you save a lot of money and work a part-time job.

Dear High School Tim, Though you think you may be ready for music college, you have no idea. You won't and probably will ignore what I have to say but here it goes: Music is a vast thing and everything WILL NOT be as "easy" as it is now. Now that you're getting ready to graduate, you should be looking to the horizon to be the best musician and student you can possibly be. That doesn't mean you cannot have fun and enjoy the journey but be aware of your actions that how they can affect you in the future. Lastly, don't take things too seriously and overthink the situation. Even if you're unsure of yourself, think of where you were at the start, then keep on moving forward. Sincerely. Present Tim

I would tell myself.... Do more scholarships and love each moment that you are at school. I'm now looking at school as almost done and I'm going to miss it. So love being at school, take Art history class more seriourly, and get more money for school. Loans are not fun! Lots of love! Put God 1st! and Love being you!

Be prepared to deal with students who take college and your practice less seriously than you do. Also, find a job that is manageable before it is too late, and save as much money as possible, because your major and living expenses will be unbelievable at times. Make sure to take courses outside of your major and liberal arts requirements that are based on physical acivity, or get into the habit of working out routinely - it does a lot more than just keep your body in shape. Do not fall into the trap of thinking that there is a certain way art 'ought' to look or should be about, or that it should provide an answer to a question. Be proud that you don't do drugs - it sets you apart from a majority of students in a positive way. Demand a lot from your teachers, because they are professionals with connections in a field that is hard to penetrate and stay successful. Get started on your education certification minor and graduate degree earlier, it is worth it and will enhance your practice by giving you an understanding of creative psychology.

Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Not everyone can be trusted, and to get things done right you must do them yourself. You are on your own in a big city, there is no campus caccoon to protect you. Working harder and being better each day will only bring you closer to what you want. A social life is something that will fall into place, a career needs to be cultivated.

Don't question your decisions. Don't procrastinate. Know what your long term goals are, but focus on the short term goals.

I, like other high school students, struggled with the structure of public high school, I found it difficult to hold an intrest in the classes I was taking. From an early age I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the arts, it was frustrating that I did not have an option to gear my classes towards my intended major. I often struggled in math and science classes, because I did not feel they would help me in the long run. However now I am in college and pursuing a career in the arts, I am gradeful for my high school education which gave me a strong base. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to not take my high school education for granted because it will give me opportunities and freedom in life to persue my goals.

As a victim of the social class ladder, getting an education has proven to be a huge obstacle for me. I've been attending classes part time since fall of 2007, while working full time. I have had a lot of ups and downs since I began my educational journey. At one point I had to take a semester off due to financial troubles outside of school. After my semester off, I had a whole new outlook on life. Education is the one thing that no one can ever take from me. I'm now going full-time, and thanks to a few very inspirational teachers, I am more motivated than ever. I know that I am going to make a difference in this world. I'm going to help people. After this semester I am transferring to a four year school, which will only mean more financial woes. Attending school means the world to me, and I never want to stop expanding my mind. I am the youngest of four children, and I am further ahead in school than anyone in my family. It may be cliché, but education is power. With my power, I'm changing the world.

My college experience has been a journey during which I have learned a lot about myself and others. I have learned to appreciate diversity while learning to see life through more then one window. While in college I have been placed in the midst of many situations which helped me reaffirm my own goals and aspirations. I am only in my third year of college, but I have been given an opportunity that most of my family members were not given at this age. Therefore I strive to be more then just a college graduate, but someone that goes into the world, knowing who they are and working to open doors and opportunities for those that would otherwise be helpless. It has been very valuable for me to attend college because there are experiences here that are like none other. Here I have learned so much not just only in my own field, but about the connectivity between all of the arts. Even with financial adversity I perservere because I won't let anything or anyone break my focus. I can't take my education for granted because it took a lot for me to make it this far.

It is not so much what I've learned, but what I've discovered I need to work on. On the one hand, self-confidence is very important - no matter what I do, I have to believe in my ability to overcome any obstacles in my path. This is, of course, made much easier now that I have a major to align myself with, that I can call my own, but it could apply to before I did nonetheless. Yet self-confidence should not preclude collaboration - reaching out to and communicating with people is also vital, both in keeping current with homework and retaining a sense of humanity. Which isn't to say I should depend wholly on others, or ask for help the moment something is slightly difficult. But possibly, there is more to gain from sharing than struggling in isolation. As I believe it was once said, "No man is an island." I say, singularity is the antithesis of humanity.