University of California-Riverside Top Questions

To go straight to college as soon as you graduate. Save your money. No credit cards. No boys and no partying. Focus on getting your education, it will pay off by the time you're my age.

It is very important to ask questions the summer before your first quarter! Ask academic and financial aid advisors everything you can think of. Ask about money, classes, tutoring, dropping classes, adding classes, literally anything and everything you can think to ask. College is much more independant than high school; everything that is done for you now won't be done for you in college--you have to do it all yourself. Make sure you can! Asking questions at the start is especially important because it will set you up for success and make it easier to keep asking them. Too many students end up in bad situations (academic probation, dropping out, etc.) because they are too intimidated to ask question or to find out who knows something because they think they will look foolish, but this isn't the case. Employees at colleges are helpful and they want you to succeed, so please ask anytime you don't know something because it will make your college experiece easier, more enjoyable, and ultimetly more successful!

The one piece of advice that I would give myself as a high school senior is to learn how to study effectively and efficiently. It's different in college than in high school because in high school we barely had to study, and still managed to do well. While in college, you have dedicate a good amount of hours per class per week in order to do well. By learnig this skill early on, it would make studying for midterms and finals that much easier, and there would be much procrastination and pulling all nighters.

I would tell myself to open up to the experiences that were possible because I could have gained so mych by them. The students at UCR are diverse not only because of their race/ethnicity but because of the many things they have done. I would tell myself to be more social so I could have made friends easily. I would also tell myself to never procastinate. Procastination in college results in headaches, anxiety and sleep deprivation. I know now that when you recieve an assignment or when the professor announces there will be a test, the best thing to do is start studying or start the homework as soon as possible. These three things would have made the transition to college smoother.

If I was a high school senior again first and foremost I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as you can because college is not cheap. I would make sure that I look into financial aid and do my research. I would tell myself not to procrasinate and apply to many colleges as well because nothing is out of your reach. I would visit the school and ask questions and make sure that I am making the best decision for me because I am the one that is going there for the next four years. I would also tell myself to have that attitude that I can do anything and strive for A's and do not have the type of attitude of I just want to pass. I would tell myself to get involved in things that interest you and make connections, network, and buil long time friendships. Do not be afraid to socialize and break out of your comfort zone because that is why your going to college to experience new experiences and be open to neww ideas and ways of learning.

Take some classes at a community college now, because it will save you time and money in the future.

The advice I would give to myself is, do not sress too much on extra curricular activities in high school. It is okay to volunteer, but it is not a requirement to join sports or clubs to make yourself look smart. Colleges look at your grades, and how well you answered your personal statement. I would also tell myself, to not always listen to what my teacher recommended, but to my instincts. For example, sometimes it is not necessary to take out a loan on your first year, just because your teacher recommended. The truth is, I took out a loan and realized I did not need it. The same goes when you are recommended to reject any work study, just because your teacher says you wont handle a job and studying. I did not know that work study was financial aid. I would tell myself to research the possibility of passing a class without purchasing the book. There will be students who do better in class, and have not purchased the book. Find ways to reduce your study load. Studying a whole passage means studying the introduction, and conclusion. Finally, make sure your professor remembers your appointment to meet.

Be prepared for the change of your life! You've never once succumbed to wrath of procrastination. Keep that up because in college, there is no room for procrastination. The expectations are a lot higher. There will definitely be stumbles and obstacles in college but no matter what, never give up. Never let yourself fall. There may be times when you feel lost and contemplative about the future but remember... it is OKAY to make mistakes. It's okay to be imperfect. Learn from those mistakes and keep your head forward so the imperfection is path leading towards perfection.

As a high school student, I was not as involved or as studious as I could have been. Being involved on campus could have prepared me for situations that I face now. I have never been the most outgoing student, but if I had commited to push myself to be involved during high school the college transition would have been easier. Now, as a college junior, I want to be more involved on campus and it becomes difficult, since I am not the best speaker, but I try my best to reach above and beyond my goals to overcome my challenges. My dream has always been to give back to the community, and knowing that I am not a born-extrovert I would have challenged myself more. However, it is never too late to create changes and it is never too late to surpass a full potential. I continue to stumble throughout college, but I just brush off whatever holds me down and get back on my feet. The necessary tools, before high school even starts, begin with a positive attitude and a constant reminder that progess and change are attainable.

The tag / ID holder necklace is how the rest of the student body identify freshmen at school.