University of California-Merced Top Questions

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to enjoy the last year of high school more. I would tell myself to find new hobbies to try out and to play guitar more. Also, I would suggest to myself to find a summer job so that I would have some more money in my checking account.

If I could go back in time and advise myself, I would stress the importance of not stressing over things out of my control. I would also emphasize the fact that tests like SAT do not accurately reflect a person. There are many other factors that reflect a person, like activities, personality, lifestyle, hardships, and achievements. One factor alone can not represent you, all of these factors represent you. So worrying about hardships, acceptances, and tests will not help you be better. Striving to be a better person in all aspects; personality, studies, health, and life, will more beneficial. Also keep in mind that perfection does not exist so do the best you can do, push yourself just a little, and learn from the results.

Stop! Pace yourself. These are the words I would tell my senior self. Next, I would tell myself that all the challenges I face in high school should be utilized to make me stronger and smarter as I make the transition into college. Then I would speak about the good prospects college will bring such as clubs, community service, and research opportunities. Another good piece of advice I would impart to myself is to socialize and make connections. There is nothing more important than to socialize and make connection because the people I meet can write letters of recommendation or form a study group to help me learn concepts from a class. The possibilities are endless. The final piece of wisdom I would impart to myself would be to let myself know that I am special and I can do whatever I put my mind to. I should never let myself feel like I am worth nothing because I am valuable. The people around me firmly believe I am worth everything and I can achieve anything. It is up to me to accomplish what I want and that is getting a college education. So go reach for it senior self.

Don't be scared. School in Merced is fun and exciting. Rooming with a stranger is not as bad at it seems.

One of the biggest points I would make to myself is that i need to apply for scholarships. Unfortunately college is very costly and the fees are increasing, so getting an early start on scholarships is a good idea. Apart from the financial situation, I would advise myself to get a head start on good studying habits. That also includes not being distracted by things not directly related to school. After I had covered financial and school concerns, I would move on to the social aspect. Specifically, I would tell myself about living in the dorms with other students. I would say that I must learn to be understanding of others people's habits no matter how odd they seem to you. I would also put an emphasis being social. Meeting people and making friends is one of the biggest parts of college, almost as important as the education. It would have been nice for someone to tell me these things, but there are always aspects of college life that you just have to learn for yourself.

Don't slack off and keep studying. You will need to use what you learn now in college.

List of things my future self would tell my past senior self: ?Try to strike up as many conversations with your classmates as possible. You?ll be surprised at what you find out about them. ?You know that boy you had a crush on for the past 3 years but haven?t had the nerve to talk to yet? Do it now. There?s no time to waste. The worst that could happen is that he ignores you. Just think about it this way, next year you won?t have the opportunity to say, ?Hey (insert name here), what was the homework assignment for (insert class here)?? ?Don?t take naps. You are burning daylight, daylight that you can use to a) go out with friends b) watch TV c) research colleges d) research jobs e) have some ?me time? and f) relax, de-stress, and prepare for tomorrow ?Pay attention in your classes. Believe me; you?ll miss their slow paced lessons. ?Take every opportunity to bond with friends. Once you go off to college, everybody will suddenly become busy. The fights you pick aren?t worth the time lost in which you could have bonded.

I'd tell myself to spend more time with my parents and my friends. To work harder when the time comes and to start the year doing all the assignments on time; don't slack off! To try to be friendlier or more approachable during the first few days because those are pretty much the ones that determine whether you make any friends or not. Don't be afraid to try things out. And to get a haircut before leaving!

The advice I would give myself would be to spend money wisely. This would include saving some money because expenditures in college life are plentiful from books to food. There also needs to be a balance between fun and school. Study all day and your mind will become mush, have fun all day and you will fail in your classes. Balance your money and education well enough to go out on the weekends and still have a few hours of studying time. One final note do not forget to go to campus events since they are a good method of making new friends. Friends are vital for study groups, and having fun but they can also help with any work your having a difficult time with. Overall college life can be quite fun just balance your money wisely, but make time for some fun or else life can be dull.

I am a returning student, and given the chance to speak with myself then is something that crosses my mind almost daily. If I had the chance to speak with myself as a high school student the advice I would give would be to not give up. I would tell myself to pursue any dream I wished, emphasizing the unique gifts that are brought to the surface during the college years. I would say that university level learning has the ability to help a person define their goals in life as well as their purpose. I would say that it is important to look, not for the easy answer to every problem, but to pursue diligence and dedication. These things have the ability to bring up self-esteem in any individual, because they require daily goal-setting and discipline. I would make sure to tell that timid high schooler that each goal that is reached should also be celebrated with rewards. Rewards could be as small as a movie outing or a new bike. Most of all, I would make sure to enourage that person to pursue volunteerism, in the spirit of giving back -- this world needs great people.