University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would say is "your life away from home is what you make it to be." From experience, many college freshmen have a hard time transitioning from high school to a world where they are all on their own. If one stays true to who they are, focused on their goals, and has a little fun, college life away from home will be one of the best learning experiences of their life! Second, I would recommend exploring different types of courses the first year of college. Even when entering college with a decided major, there are SO many fields one can study about! When will you be able to take a sociology, environmental, and global studies class all in one semester? Third, I would remind myself to keep in touch with good high school friends. I found it is true that "college friends know who you are, but high school friends know why" and those high school friends will always be there when times get tough. Finally, "watch out for those dining commons!" The "Freshman 15" sneaks up on you- fast!

I would tell myself to stop using the credit card so much because those interest rates are terrible. I would also tell myself to develop better study habits now, because now that I just transferred, a 4-year university is no joke.

If I had an opportunity to go back to my senior year and give myself advice, it would be to apply to more scholarships and save up as much money as possible. Real life is really hard, I wish I would have listened to my family, counselor, and friends when they were telling me to apply to scholarships and grants. I've now realized that time goes by fast, and as soon as I know it, I will be out of school and demanded to pay back my loans that I had to apply for and recieve just to attend school for proper training in film production. My parents worked very hard for what they now recieve, and the last thing I would want to do is take more from them than what they've already given me. So if I could go back into time, that is what I would tell myself. But since I can't go back into time, I have to face the future, so I ask, would you make my future just a little bit better?

Dear Chailenn, I have lived your future and feel I could share some wisdom for your transition into college. While you are still in High School you might feel you have everything financially under control, but the two scholarships you receive at the end of the year only help you with your first quarter. You need to apply for scholarships as much as possible. When you get to the University you are only a number. One of the most important things I have learned is the importance of creating relationships with your professors. Really get to know your professors and their passion through office hours and research opportunities. In lecture, sit in the first two rows. It will help you pay attention, and it shows the professors you are serious about your education. Take advantage of the resources and opportunities the University has to offer. Do not hesitate to take classes in abstract subjects, expand your knowledge base. Finally Chailenn, always remember you are paying to attend this university for a purpose; to acquire the education and opportunities to reach your goals, and turn your aspirations into reality. There is nothing you cannot do or accomplish! Good Luck, Future You

If I could go back and give myself some advice to aid in the transition from high school to college, I would tell myself to be more organized. When I first got to school I tried to remember every little thing that I had to do, but I quickly learned that this was not the correct method for me. I continuously showed up to classes and ensembles late, I forgot meetings, I was late to work, and I was just generally unorganized. At the end of the quarter I decided that that needed to change. I now put everything that I have planned in my iTouch planner. All of my classes, work times, dinner meetings, and everything else that I have to do is in there. Ever since this revelation, I have not been late to anything! So my advice to self would be to not rely on memory for my hectic schedule because when you are taking maximum units, that does not work. Simplify things. Put everything in your iTouch and relax!

If it was at the beginning of senior year I would definitely tell myself to take trig/pre-cal instead of statistics because as a math major I had to come into college with that knowledge and I didn't have that. Since I did not have any trig background, then that made me struggle in my first college math class and I failed it.This is definitely a set back which could have been avoided if I had had the knowledge of trig that I needed. Another thing I would advice myself is to use the free resources that are provided here in campus; There are many ways to find help. Also, something very important is to manage my time very wisely. Having set times to study is very important in order to learn the material well and do very good in the midterms and finals.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself to be more proactive. I would tell myself that college is really hard and I have to be prepared for it. I would also tell myself to get more involved in the community and apply for all the scholarships I can. I would make sure to fill out all Financial Aid realted applications on time so I would be able to receive some aid. If I could go back in time I might even tell myself to go to a different UC or to community college so that I wouldn't have to deal with the financial difficulties I face right now. I would make sure I am well informed and ready to got to college so that I wouldn't have such a miserable experience like I am having presently. Basically I would tell myself how to prevent the mistakes I have made.

I would tell myself to study more and to not read to much into what people say. I would read more and try to be as diverse as possible. The people I go to school now did so much during high school I would like to be just like them. I would just make myself study and have better time mangagenent. I would also look for more financial aid so I don't get stuck paying back loans all my life.

The advice I would have given myself if I were able to go back to my senior self, would be to never give up. Things may look bad now but things will get better. Your education comes first. Don't slack off and don't get too caught up in trying to be social. Friends come and go. There are over 20 thousand students in this university. You're not the only one. Get as much advice as possible from other students who have already passed your grade level. Get more involved in school. Get a job as soon as you see the opportunity. Take your chances. Take a risk. Never let an opportunity pass you by. Figure out a schedule that works with you and follow it. Don't panic, don't stress, take a break when you can to get yourself back in focus. College is not a joke. You've got to pass and get ahead. Your goals are set. Now find that path and follow it. Distractions and obstacles are there. Don't let them bring you down. Don't give up because when you feel like all the doors are closing, a window is opening.

Live your high school and enjoy the times with your family. College is very different than high school in many ways. Do not procrastinate and always try to do things early. Sleep a lot while you can and lastly, learn how to take care of yourself.

College is going to be a huge transition for you. Separation from the familiar places and faces that have watched and helped you grow thus far in life will be strange and, at times, sad. But simultaneously, the separation allows for meeting new people and learning of new places. Your horizon will be broadened if you allow it to be. Don't settle for the familiar. Go out and learn about all that the world and this new place has to offer you.There are so many different people to meet, each with their own story and personality. Don't limit yourself to what seems comfortable. Break through the wall that separates you from all that is new and change the lens through which you view the world. In the process older relationships won't be forgotten, but will grow stronger and more dynamic with distance as wine does with age. Be thankful for the opportunity you've been given and worked for and take full advantage of this unique, wonderful time of your life.

As a transfer student to a four year university I feel I have gained quite a bit of wisdom over the past four years. Being in and graduating from high school is a milestone for most people and was for me. If I had the opportunity to go back and talk to myself when I was a high school senior there would be a few important things I would tell myself. First off, I would let myself know that college is not that easy. You have to work for your grade and the competition is very stiff. Being said, it is a great way to discover yourself and become independent. College may be one of the greatest things you will experience in your life, and to cherish every second of it. I would also tell myself to make sure to embrace and love your friends. Over the past four years I have had an enormous amount of support and guidance from my friends and would not be where I am today without them. Lastly, I would tell myself to just be yourself! People enjoy your company and want to be around you when you are just that, yourself.

College can be a difficult transition expect things to be completely different from home. But remember that you are not alone. You are not the only student that is homesick and scared about all that college has in store. Talking to students around you and making friends can help you in ways you wouldn't expect. Analyize a situation before involving yourself because you are now on our own and will have to live with your decisions. If you don't know about something research and don't be afraid to ask for help. Procasination is the down fall to many college students. Once you receive an assignment get started on it as soon as possible. The more you wait the more you have to do on the deadline and the less you retain. Time management is hard to become accustom to if your not use to it but it would eliminate your stress and allow more time to get help if you need it. If you are going to be involved with Greek Life you must be on top of time mangament or you will fall behind. While in college remember to have fun and be smart.

If I had the chance to go back in time and give myself some advice, I would have a few things to say. I would tell myself to not be so uptight, and be able to adapt to different situations more. Flexibility is crucial to having a success college experience. I would advise myself to take some time to myself everyday to keep my sanity, but not isolate myself from people like I did at first because I felt like being alone. In college, especially the dorm life, managing time is key. I would tell myself to keep time for myself, but to spend more time with other people. It's the only way to meet new friends, which are important in a new place where literally everything is unfamiliar.

Before coming to college, everyone else' advice was always "manage your time" or "they don't care if you come to class or do your homework". I think it's obvious for all students to be independent and do their homework, otherwise they wouldn't be coming to college. The real advice I would give myself if I were a high school senior is to never underestimate myself. During the college application process, I didn't apply to the schools I truly desired because I wasn't confident enough to do so. I now regret not applying because even a simple "no." from them would have been way better than skiping an opportunity, or even worse, wondering. I now love where I'm at, and, the "college life" is what you make of it, and everyone ends up in the college they should be, therefore, don't hold yourself back from anywhere or limit yourself to certain places. My best advice would be to do what I want to do and not be pressured by it. In college, always be responsible because there will be strong consequences for irresponsibility, and more than manage your time well, manage your money better.

Looking back i would tell myself that on entering college life would speed up and events with consequences will find you sooner than before. Procrastination will not disappear unless you start from the very beginning and commit to your tasks. You will thanks yourself at the end when you have studied with time for an exam. High school is definietly not the same and learning better study habits will increase your scores dramatically. A very important detail is to have a voice. If you wait for tomorrow or worse not say anything at all people will keep you silent and it will follow you until you have courage to change. Your academics and social life will benefit from this and will help form the person you want to be early on. Part of growing up and going to college is putting yourself out there, it will change your perspectives and develop your mind.

I would tell myself to take advantage of every single opportunity and service the college has to offer. The years fly by and I wish I would have known just how fast it begins to pass. I would make sure I knew how to manage my time efficiently and how to balance between school and a social life. There is so much to do, see and experience in college that the most important advice I would give myself is to just have fun. Enjoy it, take it all in, and don't let a single moment pass you by.

The advise that I would give myself in high school would be to appreciate everyone that helps you there. Do all your homework and readings because they help you with your homework in college. Always pay attention to the teachers and their advice. High school is much easier than college so dont complain when you have a two page paper and do no procrastinate.

It's difficult to see beyond graduation day when you are in the excitement of your senior year, but I don't know that I would want to change that. I feel that living in the moment is something that gets lost in the shuffle of preparing for life, and while it is necessary to prepare, it is also necessary to savor the moments and make memories with your family and friends. I would tell myself to get involved in as much as possible when I got to college. I have joined a few clubs as well as the Greek community, all of which I feel has helped me find my place here and keep me motivated and happy. I would say to keep up with work and studying more than anything. I wouldn't tell myself too much else about college life--my character has been shaped by the experiences I have had and the choices I have made forging my way through this new life and I don't think I'd want it to happen any other way. I would remind myself to enjoy the days left at home and look forward to an incredible ride ahead.

If I could go back to talk to myself as a high school senior I would probably tell myself not to get bummed out by the outcome of my college acceptance letters. I would tell myself that UCSB is a gorgeous and fun school with a great diversity of subjects, teachers, and students. I would also tell myself that I should not have slacked off in my middle high school years, because of that I was unable to get into CAL or UCLA. And most importantly I would tell myself to work extra hard in calculus and try to avoid dropping it. But even if I dropped it once more I would tell myself to take the AP test for it because I could easily achieve a 3 or higher.