University of California-Irvine Top Questions

There are so many opportunities and chances for you out there, don't ever think that life is ever at a dead end. When life nearly reaches rock bottom at times, you will find a way out. You can't lose unless you give up. Tomorrow always come, so remember you past, live in the present and strive for the future.

One important lesson I would like to tell myself is to keep an open-mind and not plan every little thing in life because not everything will go according to plan. I've learned that lesson multiple times in and out of my first and second year, which is why I'm not becoming an Environmental Engineer and rather, doubling with Social Science specializing in Public and Community Service, Urban Studies, minoring in Educational Studies and working two jobs. Also in making the transition, I would tell myself to join every club I found interesting regardless of membership because it's seizing your interests and doing something about it. Carpe Diem! I thought I was limited as an engineer in terms of organizations and scholarships, but in the end, it's about will, whether you want to do something about it or wait for something to happen.

Assuming I could go back, I think I would tell myself to do a better job researching potential colleges and finding one that I am really passionate about going to. When I applied, I just applied to schools that sounded good from websites and popular opinion. If I had the chance to redo the admission process, I definitely would have applied to more (and probably different) schools. I would tell myself to not only think of the classes, but also the social life of the surrounding area, since I'll be living there too when I'm not at class, something I didn't do a good job of taking into consideration. As far as making the transition to college, I would have told myself to get involved right away! I spent the first quarter of school with a very limited group of people, and I am still paying for it, although I am starting to broaden my horizons and make more connections. I didn't realize how much your success in college depends on involvement outside of class, and I would have made sure to tell myself to start doing this as soon as possible.

To be honest, I would not change anything. I do not believe there would be any advice I could give myself, except confidence, but even then that is not something you can easily pass for advice. Before college, I remember the last year of high school was quite nerve-racking. I wondered who my roommate was going to be, would we get along, would I make more friends, would I succeed in my major. These were questions of insecurity. Little did I know, college life would be better than I imaged. UCI had all the necessities and opportunites readily available. The career center, the student center, the libraries, my academic advising office, and all the restaurants at the tip of my fingers. Adjusting to the quarter system and their academic standards was not something to worry. UCI made sure the transition as a freshman would be easy and stress-free. My main fear as a high school senior back then was not to get lost and fall behind in such a large institution. If I truely could see myself as senior again, I woud say "fear not little one, through persistance and hard work, college will be your best friend."

Take advantage of the amazing friends you have, you will never find as good of people as you have at home, spend so much time with you family because you will miss them and remember there will be a party next Friday, the Friday after that and the Friday after that so you really aren't missing out if you decide to stay in for the night. Most of all take everything, you never know what you may need.

You are about to live the life of a college student! There really is a lot of freedom once you're in college. There's rarely ever homework that needs to be turned in. Everything is mainly independent studying through reading the course books. It's important to read the books and attend lectures and discussions. I'd say lectures and discussions are more important than reading the books, though. As long as you take fast, good notes and pay attention, the exams aren't too bad. The book usually just has more in depth information about the subject. You should definitely start taking notes with abbreviations and quick symbols. Sometimes the professors go over one topic and jump to the next so fast that there won't be time to copy everything down. Oh! Also, start following a schedule, too, for study, homework, and free time. Since there is so much freedom in college, it is easy to spend all that extra time for fun instead of studying. If you manage your time well, you'll be able to get good grades AND hang out with dormmates in the common room or accept the invitation to that party ;). Bye!

I just want to let you know to try your hardest at the beginning of your college career even if you feel like you don't need too. It will allow you to start your college career right and will boost your confidence. A balance of grades and extra curricular activities will equal academic success. Don't be afraid to join different groups and try different things that you would normal not do. This proccess allows you to find your real self and will work to prepare you for your future graduate education in the process.

If I were a high school senior I would tell myself to explore possible careers via high school or community college classes and internships. I think the mistake that so many high school students make is thinking that they are too young to start thinking about possible careers. As it is, high school students are already faced with picking a major to apply to college with, which can be extremely difficult to do when you have no experience in any of the fields that even remotely interest you. Being in college I realized that I cannot know what I want to pursue as a career without experience exposing me to that profession. Had I been able to tell myself to volunteer in hospitals or to take a course on becoming a nursing assistant perhaps I would have known now that I want to be a nurse and not a teacher or a researcher, but because I did not do those things I have not the slightest clue of what I want to be. So save yourself the trouble of wondering whether you are even in the right major by engaging in opportunities that will expose you to interesting careers.

If I could go back in time and speak to my high school senior self, I would tell myself to take the time to figure out exactly what I wanted to pursue in life. After studying English in college, I learned alot about literature. However, that knowledge did not specifically serve my future plans to enter law school. If I would have utilized the resources available to me, such as career counseling and assessment tests, I think I would have made smarter decisions regarding my choice of major. Further, those resources might have directed me to people who could have helped me during my academic pursuit. Networking and talking with experienced adults may likely have propelled me into a different direction. In addition to self-realization, I would also advise my past self to take more time to enjoy the learning process. There is no rush to get a degree. And, often times, hurrying through the work undermines the learning process.

I would tell myself to take one thing at a time, to pace myself, and never give up. I would tell myself to always ask questions no matter how stupid they seem, but to always do my research before I ask questions. To not be afraid to talk to my professor and make connections. To not be afraid to talk to other peers, for most likely they are in the same boat of difficulties as I am Always reach out to others and listen for you never know when you are changing somebodys life for the better. I've become a strong believer that hard work can take you far, but passion takes you all the way and changes the world. I would tell myself to not make hasty decisions, but to think thoroughly through things as I would if it were somebody else's life. To take risks and put myself in uncomfortable situations, for this is how strength is born. With this, I would tell myself as a highschool senior to never doubt myself or the passion I have for the well-being of others; which is why I chose Psychology and Social Behavior to begin with.

When I was a senior, I was a professional procrastinator. Sometimes I wake up at four in the morning to finish or even write an essay that was due later that day. This habit is the one I regret the most. In college there is no room for procrastination. There are no teachers who are willing to go easy on you and give you an extra grade, or teachers who decide to go easy on you because you are a senior. There is no sympathy in college. If you miss an assignment, you fall that much more behind the rest of the class. I also wish I could have gotten into the habit of exercising in high school. It was easier for me to stay fit as a senior because I was in dance production, but outside of that, I was a couch potato. At Irvine, I am a biology major, which means I am not allowed to take a dance class without special permission from the dean. Now I have no motivation to go to the gym or even jog around the housing complex. I think this is the most probable reason students fall prey to the ?Freshman 15?.

My freshman year wasn?t too exciting. To be honest, it was actually kind of lonely, sad at times. The transition to college would have been easier if I had not been ostracized by others due to a Facebook note I posted. In the note, I said I wasn?t comfortable being around alcohol, and if I saw anybody with such paraphernalia, I would tell on them. Fact: 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the students at my university drink alcohol. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be more accepting of people who drink alcohol. In my mind last year, I thought people who drank alcohol were bad company for me. As I?ve learned, a lot of my friends, who are truly kind people, drink alcohol. If not for the Facebook note, people wouldn?t have thought I was a tattletale, I would have been invited to parties, socialized with others, and made new friends. Out of the people I could have met, I bet I would have met someone who was like me, part of the small 20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} at our school that did not drink alcohol.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to be more proactive. As a high school senior, I was too close-minded, thinking only about my next paper and finishing class readings in order to pursue leisurely activities. From the beginning of my last year in high school, I always felt that I was ready for college, and that the time interval between high school and higher education would simply crawl towards an end. After all, wasn't college simply a larger version of high school? Three months later, I realized that I could not have been more wrong. By the time I entered through those large college gates, my skeptical mind had not adapted to the various changes that took place, some of which included new responsibilities, difficult classes, and money budgeting. My grades suffered as a result of my arrogance, as did my confidence. Eventually, I realized that I could not simply live in the present moment and that I would need to plan for the future if I was to succeed. Thus, I began scouting for future research opportunities in addition to budgeting my future financial expenditures. College life became much easier afterwards.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior, I would tell myself to take a breath and take a step back. I was always so sure of path I was taking with my life, I didnt pay attention to my options. So many counslers were so proud and a mazed that I knew what I wanted, but in the last year I have changed my direction more times then I can count. I only applied to a few schools and only in-state. I would tell myself to reach out and look at schools I never even thought about considering. I was ready to get out and face a new world head on but i didnt take the time to make friends. Friends are a neccecity in college. They help you struggle through the stressful times and study groups are amazing. I didnt have any of that my first year and my grades really show it. Make a few good friends in your first year of college because those are going to be your friends for life not those you left behind back home.

To put it quite simply, be open to new things. You're going to change an enormous amount in college, so don't be resistant. Constantly evaluate yourself and see if you are who you want to be. In all things, be true to yourself. Also, try to learn as much as you possibly can. Don't just strive to get the grades, but try to actually learn. Better yourself as a person and educate yourself. Go outside of your comfort zone. Take classes you wouldn't normally take. Talk to people you wouldn't normally talk to. Do things you wouldn't normally do. This is your chance to explore yourself and your world. Try to experience as much as you physically can.

If I could go back in time, I would probably tell myself the winning numbers of the lottery, because in all honesty, regardless of any jewel of wisdom I could present myself, it doesn't really mean anything if the future me couldn't pay for her college tuition. I honestly don't mean to be crass, greedy, or even disrespectful, but in today's economic crisis, my family and I have intensely stressed over the subject of money. The last time this was such a struggle was when I was not yet in existence, when my parents came over to the US from Vietnam in the hopes of giving their future child a good education. Ironic, right? I was a very good kid and young adult in high school. I was up early and home late participating in band, theatre, and choir. I was voted most talented of my senior class. I was in honors and gifted classes and even graduated in the top 11th percent of 500, not too bad considering the Val and Sal didn't participate in any school activities. I was extremely well prepared for college. It's just too bad my wallet's not.

Why aren't you studying for that AP French test?! You need that 5, you know - more than anything you can think of. Oh, pish-posh, I can hear you taunting me; I'm going to take Japanese at the college anyway, I want to have fun! Shut up right now. Right this instant. Go crack that French book and get to it - what you need more than anything in college is to have that language requirement for the school of humanities out of the way. I mean, look at me - I've stuffed my schedule full to bursting to get everything I want to do done before they kick me out. If you study French now, then you can get that 5 on the exam and pass the requirement right by! And stop lagging on getting that license! For heaven's sake I don't /care/ about your insecurities about the road. In two or three years time driving will be old hat to you, self-senior in high school, so there's no point in waiting and waiting, and making yourself all upset over it. Last of all, don't stress. Everything works out in the end.

I would tell myself that it is okay to have fun, but I need to learn to prioritize and make sure that homework gets done before doing anything else. It is also important to watch what I spend and not buy too many unneccessary material things, but food would be okay to purchase. I would also tell myself to buy and sell books online, because it is cheaper and I was able to make profit on several books that I sold out. I would tell myself to join Alpha Phi Omega, because having people to support you and talk things through with you in a new environment can be helpful in the overall transition, such that they will have better knowledge on the classes that are necessary to take or whether a professor would be boring or not. I would also tell myself to try new things and step out of my own comfort zone. Lastly, I would tell myself to never give up, even if I fall back into Academic Probation, because learning from mistakes like that can leave a lasting reminder to work harder, study more, do the homework, and basically to stay on top of things.

As fun as senior year was, you have to remember all of those study habits that you've developed up until then, working your butt off just to get into that good university. Do not think for one second that once you've made it pass that door to the other side, it is necessarily greener. There are still rocky grounds ahead, and the fact that there isn't really any supervision doesn't help. I know you've always been a self motivated student, and you think that, "hey, i'll never be like one of those people who won't go to class," but you're wrong! You should really do those recommended problems, and PAY ATTENTION during lectures. You may have been able to pull it off in high school, sleeping through your classes, but you always did the homework. Here, with so many other distractions, "recommended" problems becomes "not nessecary" problems. Everyone says to "manage your time wisely" but take serious consideration of that, not just dismiss it thinking "i know already!" Always remember to have fun and make meaningful connections, but do not lose sight of the fact that you are here for your education.

Looking back, I would have definetely done a few things differently: I actually think academically I did the "right" things to do, in order to prepare for the transition. I took extremely rigrous courses in high school, which has prepared me for the intense academics at my current university. I could have taken into account more in terms of picking what school I decided to go to. I actually am one of the very few out-of-state students at my school, so I am definetely a minority in that sense and that comes with it's disadvantages Also, I would advise current high school seniors and even juniors to start taking classes at their local community college. I did take 2 classes my senior year and mine, but wish I thad taken more. Coming in to college with many units offers a HUGE advantage, not only with early class-reigstration but with just finishing your degree on time. You might discover in college that you want to double major and if you didn't come in to college with many units then it will be more difficult to stay on track with multiple majors and finish in 4 years.