University of Arizona Top Questions

This is my first year of attending college. So far, applying for college is the smartest decision I've ever made in my life and I know that because of this decision, I will make better ones in the future. Being a college student requires a lot of work, focus, commitment and also courage to keep going. Most classes are hard, just like what I expected but how else do we expect to gain more knowledge? I am the first in my family to attend college and English is my second language. My parents don't have enough money to put me through college and they dont think I'm smart enough to finish it. These were the reasons why I doubted myself in the beginning but I knew that if I never try, I'll never know. Last quarter I earned a GPA of 3.7. I took 17 credits/ 4 classes. I applied for scholarships and finacial aid which is why I am able to go to school this year. Having someone to tell me that I can't do something put me down but clearly, it shows that the only person who can decide that is myself.

I have gotten many helpful traits out of my college experience. To begin I have learned to live a very independent life style, which has actually turned out to be somewhat simple since my parents were always at work during the day, in high school, so adjusting down here was not as bad as I thought it would be. A second positive thing I have gained from attending a higher education would be time management skills. I have become accustomed to making a schedule for the week and going according to the plan so I do not fall behind on any assignments. I have learned making plans for my social life during the week, if I can schedule any in, usually fits into my evenings, but socializing is not as important so I try to save plans for the weekend. Overall I have learned having my education payed for by my own family members or granted scholarship money makes me appreciate everything much more since it's not for free anymore.

My college experience has given me the opportunity to grow as an individual and realize that my skills are serving others in my community. I have learned through many jobs, such as being a flight attendant, offiice manager and waitress, that I am not happy unless I am working with other people and using my hands. I could be in a work environment doing the dirtiest of jobs and still be more happy than sitting in front of a computer all day in a small confined space. My college experience has also taught me why budgeting my money is important. Through this experience, I have learned that money does not grow on trees and working to pay off my debt is harder than I originally thought. I thought that by just attending college, my dream money making career would fall into my lap. Now, I know that it is very important to pick a career that suits your personality. The most valuable lesson I have learned by attending college is that hard work pays off and having the perserverance to reach the end makes one feel the most accomplished.

I have developed into more outgoing, dependable and involved iin the world person. I have 'found myself' as what people would say. I have learned how to be comfortable in my skin and make decisions based on facts and the factors of the future, instead of my heart.

College is not easy. If they say they prepared you, if they told you that you that it's just like high school, they lied. Prepare to actually read the books, take notes, study your notes, and rewrite your notes so that you know the material so well you can take the tests with your eyes closed. Because college takes that kind of willngness and determination to succeed. Whatever you do, don't overload yourself with classes, and if you can, avoid working at a job or spending too much time with friends. You're going to need to prepare for tests more than a week in advance and you will definitely need to start working on essays close to the day they were assigned and not procrastinate. If you can avoid taking out student loans, wait to do so. If you can apply for scholarships, apply for as many as you can. Most of all, when you feel like giving up, keep on going. Its a long road--a hard road. But one that is so worth taking you won't regret it. You can do it. You can make it. Just keep going.

Since I was in elementary school, procrastination has been one of my biggest flaws. The first time I put off an assignment was at the tender age of seven. Among friends and family, my ability to procrastinate is notorious. However, this is not to say that I did badly in school! I have always had good grades and have made the honor roll at my schools many times. It seemed like putting things off was just the way I operated, and as long as I still did well in school what did it matter? Senior year was no exception. This time I procrastinated in another important area: filling out scholarships. The fall of my first year of college came and I found myself with only one scholarship. Applying for scholarships is an important part of making the transition from high school to the expensive world of college, and I had not made a good start. Now I can easily say that if I were given a chance to adivise the Hilary of last year, I would drill the importance of actually getting those applications done into my head until even a master of procrastination such as myself could never forget!

?Take a risk, don?t waste your chance to start over and travel whenever you can? are the words I would say to my high school self. I never regret my decision to attend the University of Arizona, because it has given me many advantages. But having grown up in Tucson Arizona, I continually imagine what it would have been like to hand caution to the wind, and moved somewhere far away. College is not just about the degree; it is also about personal growth and I believe you learn the most about yourself when put in an unfamiliar place. However, it?s never too late, just because I chose my home University doesn?t mean I lose my opportunity. I will be studying abroad and from what I?ve heard, it is life altering. This is something all high school seniors should be looking for as they decide their futures. Had someone told me before, I might be somewhere else, satiated with newness and a clearer sense of self but here I am, clawing at my opportunity to see the rest of the world. So ?don?t waste your chance to start over and travel whenever you can.?

If I would have that chance I would probably tell myself to study hard and pay more attention to class lectures.. The other important thing would be self-motivation and managing time right. It is extremly important to use every minute usefully. I would also advise myself to start a desk planner with important deadlines and homework assignments marked in, so I would never forget anything. And last, but not least would be to advise review notes after class and before coming to class. It would help remember material better and make studying for tests and exams so much easier.

To make classes easier, take as many AP classes as your high school offers. This makes the transition into class much easier and allows you to focus on adapting to university life, and life on your own, without stressing out about accademiccs as much as others might. It is important to stay balanced and know what you want. If you do this you will be successful in the transition.

The number one piece of advice that I would give myself would be composed of two words; dedication and preparation. It is important that students begin to really take their courses serious from early years and that they dedicate a meaningful amount of time in their studies so that they can prepare for what they are to face when they step into college. The hardest part of my college transition was learning to deal with stress my freshman year. Being away from home is hard and when midterms and finals come around the corner it is important that one is well prepared to tackle the situation with organization and patience. Time management is crucial and if I had prepared myself since high school to better manage my time, I would have avoided a lot of stress during my freshman year. I would tell myself that prioritizing is a skill that one must master before going to college because I have seen many fall behind and struggle with coursework because they do not give their education priority. If one is dedicated in their studies and persistent in their work, they will be able to achieve academic success and wonders in life.