University of Arizona Top Questions

Knowing what I know now, looking back on high school, I would have done a lot differently. I took a lot of AP classes in high school that I do not feel helped me in my transition to college. These AP classes were detrimental to my high school GPA and had I not taken these classes, I believe I would have been accepted to more schools, and would have been able to participate in things on the University of Arizona campus that I was not able to do, because of my high school grades. But as far as making the transition into a college student, I would tell myself to be extremely open to people, to make as many new friends as possible, to get involved with something on campus so that the student population would feel a little bit smaller, and to enjoy the four years that I have at the most beautiful university on the west coast of the United States. I believe that I have taken the advice I would have given myself already, because I am involved, I love my school, and I would not change my experience for the world.

I grew up in an excellent environment. Unlike some students, I did not struggle financially. In addition to this, I had friends and family I could talk to about my problems. If I could give my senior self a piece of advice, it would be to respect and to understand other's situations. Early in my high school career, I developed a bad habit of judging other students. Instead of talking to them and trying to understand what they were going through, I would avoid them because of their problems. Instead of being part of the solution for these individuals, I avoided the situation. Looking back, I had an opportunity to help solve problems, but I didn't. So much of high school is based off of cliques and stereotypes. Now that I'm in college, I've realized that cliques and stereotypes don't matter and never did. Instead of judging a student for smoking weed, I could've helped him/her by listening and trying to understand their situation. Instead of not intervening when a bully attacked, I could've helped pick the victim up. Understanding is something all students should strive for.

The advice I would give my high school senior self is simple. Do not be afraid of what is to come from leaving home. Meeting new people is easier than it may seem. College is nothing to fear, in fact it is the opposite. I should not be afraid to go on adventures, talk to new people, and explore new things. All of these will make me a stronger person. Though I was not accepted to any of the schools I wanted to go to, the University of Arizona will be better than I expect. So senior self, hold your head up high and study long and hard. Great things are to come and you should embrace your path.

Dear past self, I know you want to go into Architecture because it seems more practical than Scenic Design but it is not. Also the program will nearly kill you. You sleep 2-4 hours a night usually, hell weeks, more like 15 minutes. You will also not eat because you are so busy. You can stick it out but you realize there is no reason to torture yourself for an unsure future. Also, the students who get As are the ones who’s designs would never stand, while your practical designs get Cs. However, you should take architecture for the first year as you learn far more about hand drafting and model making craft then you do in theater. Instead of continuing the professional phase, take an AutoCAD class. Those skills help you in the theater world. The important thing is to sleep. Your motor skills go out the window if you don’t. Sleep makes you efficient. I know you would rather just get it done then sleep but it is much less stressful and you do much better work when you give yourself a break. Sincerely,Current Self P.S. Start looking for internships the first summer

Complete college right out of high school. I did not and have really had a hard time with keeping up with the ever changing requirements. I know I would have done a lot better in my courses had I completed them while the information was still fresh.

There are a few pieces of important advice I would give myself as a high school senior if I could go back in time. I would start by acknowledging the fact that attending college is by far the best decision I have ever made. I became very unmotivated my senior year and I was getting very bored with school. I wanted to take the easy way out by going to beauty school instead of college. At the very last minute, I changed my mind and decided to continue my education and start college. I say that in today's society, education is everything. Being an educated individual is truly a rewarding experience, not only to myself, but to the world and society around me. I was smart and received outstanding grades in high school. Therefore, to waste such a great gift and discontinue my education would be foolish. I would continuously reiterate this to myself during my entire senior year, in hopes to not lose focus or sight of what was important. It is a privilege to learn, as well as an opportunity. It is not an obligation and it will be the most beneficial decision for a successful future.

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself about the importance of time management. I would remind myself that I have eight semesters to do everything I aspire to do and that I don’t need to take on everything at once. I would leave more time open for hanging out with friends and just enjoying the new experience before submerging myself into a million activities like I have always done. I would tell myself to” work” before I “play” because the “play” is so much better when I am not worrying about the work I have yet to finish. I would tell myself to begin taking full advantage of the resources available to me on campus, including recreational centers and tutoring centers. I would begin setting myself up for a successful remainder of my time here and begin to form relationships with the adults I come in contact with, such as my advisors and professors. Some day I might need a letter of recommendation from them and a strong relationship will be essential. I would tell myself to enjoy every second and savor the new experience. College is an amazing place and it should be enjoyable.

I would tell myself to practice time management skills more efficiently. i would tell myself to dedicate more time and energy to my studies because of what the outcome in the end will be. i would tell myself to be more greatful and appreciative to the support system/resources you have in college and to tap into them when you need them. i would tell myself to think positive and remind myself of my goals and what im working for. i would remind myself that i am my strongest support system but the biggest weapon against it as well, i have to truly want to succeed to be able to succeed.

Now that you are in high school it is time to focus and do your best. Make sure you talk to your advisor and let her know what you want to study when you go to college and what college you want to go to so she can enroll you in the adequate classes. Get yourself involve in clubs and do community service because it will help you be more social and involved in college activities. Start learning good study skills and make sure if there is something you do not understand to ask for help; do not be embarassed to ask for help. Become responsible and make your own decisons because once you are in college your parents might not be next to you telling you what to do. Most importantly make sure you learn how to manage your school time and social time because being in college you have to study and work hard but you need some you time and friends time to not stress and be able to have a healthy and successfull experience in college and accomplish your educational goals. If you do these things you will transition to college without a problem.

Hey Kate! This is your college self coming back to you to give you a little advice on college and all that it has to offer. First thing is first, keep active! College is super stressful, and exercising is a great way to relieve some of that stress. Plus, you'll look great too! Second, make as many new friends as possible. Put yourself out there, and show others all that you have to offer. You have a wonderful personality, and it will be greatly used if you show it off to your other classmates. Also, don't sweat the small stuff. Work hard and study, but do not only allow yourself to study. You need to make connections and join clubs. Enjoy your college experience. It is something that goes by so quickly, and it cannot ever be done again. Live your life to the fullest, and affect as many lives as you possibly can. Push yourself, and always know that you have a purpose in this world, and college will help you to get there! Good luck!