University of Alabama at Birmingham Top Questions

The advice that I would give myself if I was a high school senior is not to procrastinate. I would not wait until the last minute to do certain assignments try to start on them once the teacher assigns them. Just always study and do my work.

I would tell myself to take less than 17 hours my first semester. And don't take any classes before 10 AM. That was my downfall my freshman year. And that is the reason I have had to work extra hard to get my GPA back up over the past couple of years. I would tell myself to be sweeter to my family, so maybe I wouldn't have to apply for every scholarship I could find. I am very blessed to have a family who have supported me throughout my life.

Fill out scholarships! Money does not grow on trees and getting an eduaction cost a lot of money. Take your ACT again for a higher score because one point higher can be worth thousands. Get a job whenever you can because books alone can make you spend your whole graduation money and birthday money. Have fun in highschool but also think about whatever you want to do later in life. It is ok if you do not know what you want to major in. Spend as much time as you can with your friends and family your senior year because soon everyone will be moving. College classes are like taking all AP classes and your teachers in college will not babysit you and they do not care if you skip class that just hurts you. Stop worring about relationships in high school and sex because really it is over rated and you spent way too long worring about boys then working on class work. Retake any AP tests if you can because it can be worth money the $100 or college credit. Just take a breathe and stop trying to rush into college and growing up. Take it slow.

Organization is the key to sucess. Start getting organized now because in college you will need to be very oragnize. College is totally different from highschool. You cannot be as laid back, you will have to be on top of everything you do. Get organized.

If I could go back in time and meet my high school self I would tell myself to make sure I look for more scholarships before goin to college to make the financial burden a little bit less

To only take classes that the courses will transfer. Also, get the most out of the experience.

Dear Autumn, College is not as scary as you think it is. The people don’t bite and the professors aren’t out to get you. I know you want to be around your friends from high school but you need to think about yourself and choose the college that is right for you. Once you have made up your mind as to what college you want to go to make sure to enjoy your first year. Immerse yourself into the college life meet new people and experience new things. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, people will love you because of it. Also, don’t forget to keep your grades up in the process this will save you trouble later in your college career, trust me. It is also important to have your future career in mind to avoid taking pointless classes that don’t count toward your degree. The most important advice that I can give is to embrace college it is a completely different place from high school. I believe in you and make the most of it.

I would first tell myself to enjoy the time I have with family. It is so important to continue to make those relationships flourish, even with distance during college. I would also tell myself to enjoy each moment in high school and not to override it with the impulse to experience the adventures of college life. I would also stress to myself to stay motivated and don’t get too much senioritis because many people and organizations are willing to award me for my hard work and diligence in high school. Most importantly, I would tell myself to stay true to who I am and try my best to make a positive, lasting impression on those around me.

Hey! Calm down. The life ahead of you is so much brighter than you can imagine. Continue to devote more time on your school work instead of the social life you will barely care about in a few months. Apply for scholarships every single day! Make it a second part-time job. It is so hard to balance school work and a job! Listen to mommy. Stay home and go to UAB! This school fits you perfectly and it saves a ton of time and money. There are so many opportunities there for you. Don't worry, you will know exactly what you want to do with the rest of your life by your second year there. College is not scary. It is one of the best experiences you will ever have and you are going to make the best friends you will ever have. Above all, you are smarter than you think. Love yourself and remain confident. That is the key to success in school.

The advice I would give myself to help with the transition from highschool to college would be to stay on task and stay involved in campus activities. Staying active in college helps a student enjoy his or her time and meet new friends.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I'd lock myself in a room and give me a stern talking to. “Ronnie,” I'd say, yelling over Coheed and Cambria playing in the background, “You're going nowhere fast and you'll soon regret it. Sure, a year after graduation you'll see the error of your ways and turn your life around...but by then you will have already wasted a good head start on your career. No, you can't go into the military, but that doesn't mean life is over; the CIA and FBI are viable choices that are looking for Human Resources managers. Maybe you could start a business!” I'd shake my head as I would try to talk myself out of it. “Think of the options you're not looking into. Research. You're smarter than they say you are. Buck up soldier, 'cause time waits for no one.” Then, after sharing the greasiest In-N-Out Animal burger of all time, I would compliment my mohawk and then poof back to the future. After all, Glee starts in five minutes and I don't want to miss it.

College is not high school. Apply every ounce of energy to your education as it will pay off. Set small goals that transpire into larger goals. Do not ever become satisfied or complacent.

When I was in high school no one even talked to me about my options for college and I really had no idea about colleges outside of my state of Florida. Looking back now, I would have explored my options more because I never should have settled for one college. High school seniors should apply everywhere they possibly can! In retrospect, I would have spent more time asking my guidance counselor questions about colleges and methods of paying for college. I also came from a very low-income family and I never thought I could go to the school of my choice. I had no idea about the resources that could help me pay for school. There are so many scholarships available, one just has to take the time to complete the application or essays. Also I would also tell myself that it doesn't matter if you are not completely sure what your career choice is when you first enter college. Do not let that be the reason you do not start college after high school. I changed my major twice when I first started. Finally, don't be afraid of failure or success!

If I could go back with the knowledge I have gained now, I would keep myself open to colleges like UAB and not aim for colleges so far away from home. A great education was at my finger tips and I tried my hardest to not attend. When I finally started classes at UAB, I found out that this was what I was looking for all along and that being closer to home would help me transition to college easier. One thing I would remind myself is to be open to new choices and remember that now everything is up to you. Whether you succeed or fail is in your hands and yours alone. You have to make the choice.

Assuming I went back in time, I would tell my high school senior self to keep going the path that

Understand that the time that you have now, you must cherish it. The followng three years will be the hardest that you will encounter that far, but you can and will persevere. Although I cannot say to "Try harder, or to avoid this and that." I can say that you won't regret much. You will do what you can and you will try to enjoy every part of life even after the troubled times. You will make plenty of friends and, although it will take some time, you will find your way. Not a day goes by that I do not miss the time thatyou are in now, things will change so much, but you'll bcome a far better person. If one thing can take ahold of you at this time then it should be the notion that you should take full advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Whether its talking to someone who is going to the same school as you, or joining any academic club and remaining active. Just remember what dad says, "I don't worry, that's why my hair isnt gray."

Dear FHS self,You are going to make it! No matter what people will say to you, and how much people to try to drag you down, you will survive. God will give you the strength to get through these situations. He will bring redemption to your family and restore your faith in men. All of the people from high school who harrassed you and tried to blackmail you and your family will reap what they have sown. The people at the church will stand up during Dad’s sermon and act like animals, but remember God loves you. Keep your focus on school and softball, the girls need the leadership that you will provide.Regardless of the insanity that will come your way, persevere and keep your head up. Romans 8:28 and Galatians 6:9 will be your mantra during college, and you will make the best friends you have ever made. Don’t be discouraged when things don’t turn out like expected, you will love UAB.Remember to tell your parents and Geoff that you love them, especially while Geoff is in Afghanistan. God will protect him, and he will come home unscathed.Sincerely,Me

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Talk to someone. Someone knows how you're feeling about what you are about to face. Study as hard as you work . The rest will fall into play. Weigh your options. Save every penny and apply it wisely. It will pay off. Don't be afraid to seek financial assistance. And network as much as possible. Staff will be there to guide you. Take the time to plan ahead. Don't rush but don't lag. Find out where you want to go and start making plans. Seek all the help possible for you to succeed. And most importantly don't lose yourself in stress and bills. Someone is out there who can help.

Amber, Life isn't a gamble so think about what you really want to do in life. Take your general eds first because psychology isn't your dream major. Think about what truly interest you and don't be so eager to jump at opportunities that won't leave you satisfied. College is way more difficult than highschool, you can't just procrastinate your way through as usual. Make connections with your teachers because they wil help when you need recommendations. Strive for excellence and live like EVERYONE is looking at you so that you may not stumble. Reach for as many A's as possible and try not to repeat any courses because time is of the essence. You have to transfer by the end of Spring 2013 due to not being dilligent in two semesters, so if this conversation can prevent that from happening then follow my advice.

I would teel myself to make the most of my high school career. Lean everything there is to learn. Take advantage of all of the scholastic opportunities and give it my all. This would help me to excel in my college career.