University of California-Riverside Top Questions

The most important advice I could give is to apply to as many schools and scholarships as possible. If I had applied to more schools, I would have recieved more acceptance letters and financial aid packets. An increased number of scholarships would eased the financial burden on my parents. I also would have told myself to take advantage of the college experience from day one but to not forget about the relationships I forged in high school.

I would tell myself to FILL OUT SCHOLARSHIPS! It definitely makes a huge difference. The amount of financial aid can make or break one's college decision. Now that I'm in college, I see how much it's really costing me and my family. In my senior year, I was completely in the dark when it came to financial aid and how much it would cost to attend college. Now i'm regretting the fact that I didn't fill out enough scholarships to help out my mom. I would also make sure that I had very good time management skills. College is all about time management. I spend less time in class in college, however, each class requires more time outside of class to do extra readings and essays. Also, there's no time to mess around on a quater system. Its ten short weeks and I would've told myself to prepare for that even more. I would also tell myself that I'm responsible for each and every action I make. College is about responisibility and maturing into a person who can handle the real world and it's pressures.

As a senior in high school, I thought college was going to be very difficult and that students depended on their own rather than asking for any sort of help; although i was wrong. It was time for my first quarter of school and I had rushed the course registration process. I was very nervous becuase I had never used a course catalog while refering to a list of mandatory classes that I needed to take. As the quarter passed by I didn't put much effort to review any course materials becuase I thought, since the class is too hard why try? At the end of the quarter I had regreted what I said while looking at my grades. The funny thing is that after I had taken my course i reliezed that college courses are not difficult after all, and If I had put time aside to study I would have done much better. If I could go back in time I would have taken my courses sersiously and attended all the tutoring sessions. I would have also told myself that there is always time for fun as long as I review my class notes daily.

I honestly think thay throughout high school/senior year I did pretty well. Making the transistion was not too bad t all. The one thing I probably would have told myself is to not go home so much on the weekends/weekdays and stay on campus and get invovled. Going home keeps you from making new friends and getting the whole college experience. Also it takes away from your study time and convient resources you may need. Other then that I think I have done retty well so far with the transitions!

If I could go back and tell myself anything it would be "you're life is not over, it has just started. So get up, brush it off and don't waste any time because the life you are really after is closer than you think." When I was a senior in high school I was on the basketball team, I had been for all four years. It was my life, so much so that I was referred to as a 'gym rat' because I was always inside the gym practicing or working out. But then I tore my ACL. I was completely lost, basketball was the identity that I built my world around and I thought I would play in college, I was devastated and soon became depressed and went through a major personality/existential meltdown. It greatly affected my thoughts about college and what to do when I got there. Little did I know that college would lead me to what I was truly passionate about; social politics, social progress, art, and how our world functions and is connected. It was an awaking that has transformed my life, thoughts, and view of the world for the greater.

I would tell the high school senior in me to do what I did and work a terrible job for two years then go to school. Compared to a terrible job school is awesome and the information is more interesting after a little real life.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to be so nervous! I would tell myself that I AM smart enough to go to college, to have faith in my skills as a student. I would tell myself not to waste my first two years attempting to fit in both a full time education as well as continue my professional figure skating training. I would tell myself that they won't keep giving that much financial aid, so you won't have the money to keep doing both and the disappointment will dishearten hopes for a figure skating career. Start the haitus from the beginning and focus on your studies because there are only four years of college and a lifetime to continue other paths. I would tell myself that no one can do or have anything all at once so take the time to hone what can be honed. I would tell myself to remember that professors are people too and mostly want to simply help you succeed, not put you down. Oh, and take that trip to Europe! GO ABROAD IF YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY!

I would tell myself to take more advantage of the different opportunities available at college. Classes are demanding, requiring ample study and preparation. However, there is also plenty of time to enjoy extracurricular activites, such as clubs, volunteering, exercising, and internships. Research the different clubs and try a few out by attending the first few meetings to see which ones seem interesting. Clubs are a great way of interacting with other students and making connections that could last a lifetime. Make the most of your time at college because you will not have the opportunity to go back. Leave college without any regrets and with a feeling that you really did accomplish all that you wanted. College is time for you to enjoy yourself and define yourself. Do not take anything for granted. Make time for friends.

You're making the right decision, Heaven. Don't worry about money. There are always opportunities to pay for applications and books and tuition, even if you don't have the money right now. You will find it and you will earn it eventually. Don't worry about the distance from Home. You are going to get Homesick, but your Family is always going to be there. Don't worry that you don't know anybody else that goes to UCR. This is an adventure, remember? This is your chance to learn who you are as a person and who you are in respect to others. Don't be shy. Take the intiative. Be yourself, not the person you admire and not the person you are expected to become. Be respectful and kind, but be yourself. Don't worry, Heaven; you're making the right decision.

If I could go back and tell myself as a senior in high school knowing what I know now, I would have a lot to say. I'd remind myself that school is why I'm there, but I also need to reach out to find new friends and become even more immersed in my school and the people there. I'd tell myself to bring a lot of walking shoes, start managing my money now, and to get reading for more intellectual conversation. I'd tell myself to be less shy, and nervous but to go for it and make the best of my college years.