University of California-Davis Top Questions

Dear Tanya, Before you go off to college, I hope you have an idea of what you would like to study because it will make life so much easier. But if you dont, dont worry, just make sure you take advantage of the courses offered your freshmen year. Take courses in different fields so you can see what interests you best. It doesnt matter just how crazy and random the course may sound, try it. The point of your freshman year is to experience. Take a plants, a chicana/o studies, a political science, and a music course who knows maybe you decide to major in one of those fields. Also, dont forget where you come from, and who you "really" are, be smart and think twice before you act, your going to be over 400 miles away from home - and wont have mom to tell you what you can and can't do, so act like a young responsibe adult, if you party - party safe - if you drink - dont over do it, theres nothing cool about not remebering a thing from last nights party. And lasty, don't forget to write to mom and dad - and grandma too.

Work a lot harder, retake the standarized tests more, and don't set your goal to be Harvard.

First thing i will tell myself is to find a job. Money is a big issue when it comes to college especially if your parents don't earn enough to support your college costs. Getting a job and saving money can help with the transition to college because you are independent. Secondly, if i was giving myself advice as a high school senior, i will tell myself to use available resources that colleges and high schools provide. In another words, know what classes i will have to take and the requirements of those classes. Most college courses require you to take advaced placement tests, knowing this, one might want to study before taking those tests, because failing to pass the tests might hold you back.

The passion and idealism you carry over from high school might not necessarily end up translating into the future. Four years at a university might not seem like a long time, but it is a very important four years in terms of your own growth as a person. You might find out halfway into your college career that you ar eno longer the same person you were in high school, and that you no longer have the same ambitions, and concurrently, that you no longer hold the same ideals. It tends to be a scary time; your future is clouded and you feel as if you lack direction. Relax and see it as an opportunity to do some exploring. You might discover a hidden talent or a new passion to guide the rest of the way. It helps to stop thinking sometimes and just do. Life has a funny way with people; it never leaves us without direction for too long. You'll have plenty of time to stress out in the future.

Undecided on a major? That's OK at UC Davis.

Really be open in exploring possibilities in college, don't be afraid to try new things or being accepting of new ideas, and make sure you are always enjoying your time here.

I will tell myself that all classes are way different from high school classes. AP classes are only the tip of the iceberg. Classes are exponentially harder and getting an A is not impossible, but doable. It takes time and effort to do well on your classes. Don't be lazy and get everything on time. Do your assigned and recommended homework because they help on midterm. Go to office hours and learn from your professor and get to know him/her better. Time management is the key and social life also plays an important role in college life. Meet as many people as you can and don't be shy on exploroing your campus. Getting to know you're adviser and meeting upperclassmen in your intended major is also a good thing. Take advantage of all the available help and resources you school is providing. Lastly, cherish every moment you spend as a college student because you will build life-long friends and knowledge that you will apply in your everyday life.

Knowing what I know now the first thing I would tell myself as a high school senior would be that as scary as it seems at first, it does get easier. College is similar to high school in many ways except for the fact that college allows you to do things on your own terms. For that reason it is good to take a variety of classes in your first year to find out what you really like, though at the same time the earlier you figure out what you want to do, the better your courseload will be as well as your ablitiy to finish on time. Likewise, I would advise myself to apply for scholarships the summer after you graduate seeing as many scholarships are offered for students who have just graduated. I made the mistake of waiting till now to apply for scholarships and now I am struggling to figure out how to pay for college instead of enjoying my college years. Lastly, I would urge myself to get involved with as much as possible because I now realize that college is much more than an academic experience, it is a life experience and a life lesson.

A college is a place where you need to feel like the student belongs. When a person decides on a college they need to go to a school that makes them happy and allows them to feel like they are starting a new chapter in their life. I chose UC Davis because it allowed me to have my independence as well as stay within a reasonable distance to my parents. UC Davis also allows me to pursue my career goal of becoming a doctor, and at the same time meet all sorts of new people. Making friends is essential, because the people you meet are going through the same things as you. In the end my best advice would be to chose the place that you know will make you happy.

let their kids choose