University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

If I were able to go back and talk to my high school self I would tell myself to relax and stay calm. All of the worries that incoming freshman have are very minute things that turn out to be far less of a problem when you get there. Also, make sure to talk to a lot of people and make lots of friends when you first get there. Never say no to an outing or adventure and only hang out with people that you think are fun to hang around with, don't waste your time with people that you don't enjoy being with. Most importantly, just relax and have a good time, because you perform and work the best when you are not stressed out.

I would tell myself to get a better study habit. High school prepares you for college in some ways but in others you are completely thrown for a loop. I would also tell myself to stop worrying so much about what people think and stand up for myself so I'm not dealing with any major drama and I'm only worrying about what is most important and that's school. Also, I would tell myself to think before I act. Don't act impulsively because your on your own and you have to take care of yourself before you can begin to think about others.

Choose the school you can find yourself most comfortable in. Even though academics are important, your social life is too. You should be able to work hard and have fun at the same time.

I would give myself an advise that I should definitely go to UCSB. People in UCSB are very friendly and laid back. I can never forget the days we had barbeque party at the beach with my friends. Both academic and social life suits my life. Most people have stereotypes that all the students in UCSB are party monsters, but UCSB is not only active in party, but also academically strong. Even on fridays there are a lot of people studying in 24 hour study room. We are also famous for our dining commons. I think food here is very healthy and delicious. I would give an advise that you'll never regret going to UCSB. Can you imagine living right by the beach?

In high school I got very good grades, but I wish I had challenged myself more. I didn't take any advanced placement classes and in not doing so, I feel that I didn't get as much out of high school academically as I could have. If I could go back in time I would urge my high school self to challenge herself more and not just do the bare minimum in order to see good grades, but to actually work hard in more difficult classes in order to feel more satisfaction when looking at report cards. I would assure my high school self that she is smart enough and that in reaching for higher education goals, those grades would have been far more worth it.

Keep up with your studies; it might be amazing to finally be free from your parents, but do not let it get out of hand, you will go to college for a reason, and do not stray away from that. Really think about what you want to do with your life, what will make you happy? what are you willing to do to achieve that happiness? is it worth it? Remember you live life once and you must live it to its fullest but you must also live it inteligently. You have the determination and the strength to never give up - whenever you feel down, find help, there will be plenty of it around you. Live it up - live it smart, and you will have that happiness.

Dear Saralyn Crossen, high school senior: In preparation for your next educational journey as a college student, I am going to give you a little advise on making the transition from high school to college. Right now you are surrounded by people you have known for years, or your entire life, you live at home and in the home town you have grown up in. You are very comfortable in your surroundings which makes you obtaining you current education feel safe and doable. Transitioning to college where everything is new, your teachers, the expectations, the environment, your living environment, you will feel overwhelmed, intimidated and thus at times have a hard time absorbing your education. Sit back, relax, take deep breaths, familiarize yourself with your new life, don't rush; if you feel overwhelmed, reach out to others, teachers, administrators, counselors, they are all there to provide you support, reach out to your peers, have faith and enjoy the richness and newness. Find a sacred place to study, take your time to read and to learn the new materials you are studying. Enjoy the journey, the end will arrive before you know it. ~Saralyn Crossen, 34 years old.

I would simply say that college is your door to a better future and that a High school diploma cannot pay the bills.

I would advise myself to get more involved in campus activites and clubs as well as dedicate more time to my studies and less time towards work. I would advise myself go to office hours every week regardless of if I had questions or not about the material in order to get to know the faculty better. Asking for help when you need it is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength, I would ask for help more often whether it was asking my parents for money, other students for help with assignments or professors or TAs for help with papers.

I would of tried hard in high school. I thought I pushed myself to do the best but I wish I could of done better. I wanted to go to college so bad I rushed through high school and I didn't enjoy or do my best. I wish I could go back and do my senior year over.