University of Arizona Top Questions

If I could go back in time to when I was a senior I would tell myself that I should take my time on picking what school I go to and not to leave the state just because I want to get away from the people in high school. I would also tell myself to be careful who I let in my life again.

As a college student now, I often find myself reflecting on what I would have told myself as a High School senior to better prepare for the transition. In those days, I honestly had no idea what college was all about, and was no-where-near being able to effectively transition to the college life. I was fixated on the idea that college was awesome, and I was going to go out and have fun every night and not have to study for anything. This, however, was a poorly conceived idea that would have had catastrophic effects on my grades. As such, I would go back and inform my former self of how important it is to study and do your homework. Also, I never fully realized how hard it is to take care of yourself when you?re living alone in a dorm. You cannot just eat anything you want, and tell yourself that you will work it off later. I?m not sure about other college students, but I have learned just how lazy I am through this last semester. As such, I would inform my former self of these issues to help smooth out the transition process.

Start saving in as soon as possible, especially when considering an out of state school. It's common to change your major a couple times but realize that if you wait too long, that's more time in school and more out of state tuition from your account. Money shouldn't be the determining factor in anything, but it can be quite the hassel.

If I had the chance to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take college seriously. To go to class, do the homework, and make a concious effort to do well. I would tell myslef to focus on beig mature and taking care of my responsibilitites instead of worrying about my social life and the parties that I need to attend. I would stress to myself that doing well in school right after high school and finishing school before having a family will make life easier in the long run.

With knowing what I know now about college life and the whole experience, I would have changed just a few things through my transition from high school to college. First and foremost, when having made the decision of what to major in, become serious about your interest. Although being serious, make sure to have fun as well. Getting involved in anything that sparks your interest will allow you to learn and enhance your knowledge while having fun. Also, getting to know your classmates and professors will do so much for your major. By allowing your professor to know your name and how interested you are in the subject allows for future job opportunities and references. Your classmates are also there to help make your experience a good one. Each student is there for the same reason and once you realize that, it opens up so many doors for you later. Getting involved also gives you a chance to have new relationships with people of the same interest which can lead to a great and successful college experience.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to establish better study habits. I would also tell myself to do my homework on time and stop slacking. I would say that I needed to go home every so often, ok maybe every weekend, just to say hi to my family and let them know that I love them. I would say to be more outgoing and try to make more than a few friends, and try to forge some lasting friendships and maybe go out with a guy or two. I would say that the restaurants on campus are awesome and not to be scared of trying new things. But above all else I would say to stay in touch with those you love the most because friends are fleeting but family is forever.

Take advantage of college services and inventories that identify academic and career paths. Get experience in the field you think you want to study. Take as many different classes as you can, be fair to yourself and the opportunities before you. Never underestimate yourself, keep reminding yourself that more education awaits you (as I've learned in the present pursuit of my Master's degree). Take advantage of any opportunity that interests you, this is the way to explore what you really want to do with your life.

If I was allowed to give adivce to my high school self I would warn her about the difficulty of the transition. I would tell her that the classes are way harder in college and although you have done well in high school doesn't mean you'll get straight A's right out of the gate. I would also suggest jumping into the University first instead of community college because the transition is even harder after two years at community college. I would let her know that the studying techniques would have to be greatly improved in order to survive. College life in general is amazing and she should be prepared to face many challenges and great times with people from across the country. I would sum it up by telling her to be prepared for the time of her young adult life.

I would tell myself to get involved in activities and not to be afraid to make friends. I also would tell myself to listen to me because I know what I want to do and not let anyone tell me something different. I would tell myself that college is the best time of your life and to make the most of it and not waste time. I also would tell myself to go into college without a boyfriend this way there is nothing standing in the way of making friends and expierencing the full college experience. The last thing I would tell myself is to not be afraid to make friends and become involved. Enjoy life this time in life only comes around once.

To say the least, i was not very motivated as a high school senior. College did not seem like a first priority because i figured i would just get in no matter what. I noticed a lot of people my age realizing things i didn't (i.e. scholarship applications and SAT practice was important). This was not engrained in me as it was with my fellow classmates. I also didn't know what i wanted to do and that wasn't stressed by career councilors either. I guess i wish i could let myself know about the assuredness i have now in my career path since i didn't have a clue as a senior.