University of Arizona Top Questions

If i were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know about college life, the advice i would give myself is apply early and don't waste time. I would give that advice because it hard trying to apply late because you don't get much of a choice for classes and scholarships.

Being a first generation college student, I did not have anyone to ask for advice about college life. I resorted to depending on what I witnessed in movies and information I got from blogs on the internet and articles. I did not realize the importance of studying as much as possible. In high school, I passed my classes with ease, even if they were honors courses. However, once in college I had to study days prior to an exam and information was gathered from actually attending classes. It is important to pay attend in class and take notes and be organized. As a result, I would advise myself to study every day when possible. It is also imperative to mention that although college life is imtimidating at first, it is necessary to transition from a shy high school student to a confident and extroverted adult college student.

"Alex, here's the thing, you are up for plenty of new experiences in college that you aren't prepared for. As soon as you grasp that diploma, it is time to bid the easy road adieu. Be ready to laugh harder, cry longer, smile wider, and think deeper than the years when prom was king. I know you prefer to here the rough and tough first, because I am you after all, only a tad wiser. You skated through high school like it was kindergarten. There wasn't any essay that could stand in your way and no test you couldn't crack, but it's different on this side of education. No one is here to cut you slack and you have to pull your own weight. You need to gather the iniative and draw the sword of time manage from the rocks if the beast of procrastination is ever to be slayed. Failure to do so will result in sleepless nights and disappointing reviews. But mark my word there is plenty good to come. Be prepared that through scars and tears and sorrow, you Alexander Hanson Bain will finally understand what forgiveness is all about. Now live."

School is designed in order to challenge and help our mind grow. It is rough at times, but it is part of the roller coaster ride called life. Stay in touch with family and friends from home because they will be the people who are there for you when you need them the most, but also do not be afraid to lean on the new people that have come into your life. On the days when you want to give up, remember why you, where you are. You are the one who put yourself up for the obstacle of success, so succeed.

When given the chance to go back in time I would tell myself four things. First, I would say that college is not the same as high school. You are on your own. You have to seek the help. No one will remind you to turn in homework or projects. You are on your own. You have to look for the help. The help will not come to you. Second, do not put off homework. Even if it is due in a week. The faster you get the homework done the more time you have to relax and do other things. Third, take time to study. Do not cram in one night. You might forget all the concepts that you learned. Study a little at a time. It can help in the long run. In other words use time management. The last thing is to always have fun. Give time to yourself. It helps so you will not get burned out.

1. Buy inch high flip flops, the bathrooms are dirty. And a bathrobe, a big one. 2. You-are-going-to-get-home-sick. It will eventually fade away, eventually. 3. Don't kill me. It really is me from the future. No, you are not queen of the world yet. 4. Be brave, everyone is just starting out too. Everyone is reaching out for friends too. Be careful who you make friends with too. That definitely impacts your success in school. 5. Apply for a million scholarships because you will need the money. Living expenses in college are ridiculous. 6. Buy a journal. It will be cool to see how you felt the first day of class and how much things have changed. 7. Use websites to get a heads up on how crazy your professors are or how awesome. 8. Take a money management workshop, while you're swimming in money your friends will burn their textbooks for warmth. 9. You will, at one point have a crisis in college. Do not freak out. You are an adult now, take a breath and fix it. 10. I know it's hard but enjoy your time in college.

Knowing what I know now about college life and makin the transition, the advice I would give myself is pretty simple. I would tell myself to focus on studying and yet still balance a social life with good grades. I would also tell myself to take hold of every and any scholarship opporunity to come my way, since there many unknown fees that universities attach to tuition. I would also tell my high school senior self, that it's all right if you things do not work out perfectly even when they do on paper. Most of all I would tell myself to always do my best, and that sometimes a teacher is very difficult and subjective and I just have to learn to give it my best effort and not stress about getting a grade that I did not want. Just because I could graduate with straight A's in high school, doesn't mean that university will be that easy. So study hard, give your best and don't forget to have fun or else what's the point?

If I had the opportunity to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would begin declaring college as a place of independence. In my first semester, I have learned that students in college have much more responsibility. They are responsible for creating their schedule, buying their books, and attending classes regularly. It is crucial for college students to make clever decisions that will affect their academic career. Therefore, I would advise my senior self to continually practice independence and responsibility in my everyday life. I would also advise myself to practice good communication skills with my peers; and also my teachers. I have learned that it is extremely important to have a good relationship with students and teachers, because those are the most helpful people. In high school, it is customary for a teacher to approach a student if they are performing badly in a class. In college, however, it is up to the student to approach someone if they are struggling. Learning to communicate with peers and professors, without being intimidated, can substantially affect a student's final grade. As a senior in high school, I wish that I had communicated better with the people around me.

During your time transitioning from high school to college, I would say that students should be calm, embrace all opportunities and remember that time is precious.

College, the term nearly inflicts as much panic and stress as the idea of living on your own for the first time. Going from a small school of 79 graduates to a large university of 9,000 in the same class is terrifying. The professors are not teachers, they are professionals. The homework I turn in has to be perfect. I need good grades to keep my pathetic university "scholarship". These were all thoughts that originally crossed my mind in August. I was scared to leave my little sister to face high school alone, scared that I would feel lost and alone without my family and friends. Now, at the end of my first semester I can see that these fears, although true, were nothing to be afraid of. If I could go back, I could tell myself that it's really not scary. Tell myself that like any new subject the professors introduce topics to you. I could emphasize the school's free tutoring. I could tell my former self to be confident, because you finish the semester with a 4.0. However, I would not tell myself any of this information, because these fears drove me to succeed.