University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

I would encourage myself to take more time considering the decision to go to a university, perhaps taking more time off to save money. I would also strongly encourage myself to take into consideration the cost of living in the area that the school is in-- I didn't realize how expensive Santa Barbara was. I also didn't realize how difficult it would be to be queer here. Though there are some queer student organizations, they're not especially inclusive. Lastly, I would avoid living in the dorms. It was certainly convenient, but not being able to cook for myself and being surrounded by so many people I had nothing in common with on a campus that is somewhat geographically isolated from the rest of the city was a thoroughly miserable experience. Overall, however, I think I was somewhat thoughtful in making my plans to go to college and in finding a community for myself that is separate from the university. I knew from the beginning that I did not want to be a stereotypical irresponsible college student, and that I wanted to take advantages of the resources the university offers, and I think I have done this well.

Many say high school is nothing compared to college, but they're wrong. Just like you needed extracurricular involvement in high school, you need that as well in college. Whether you're planning to go to graduate school or not, having extracurricular involvement helps you build a portfolio--you gain experience and build a good reputation. But of course, remember to keep up your academic consistency. College isn't mandatory like high school; you chose to take that step to better yourself, so be responsible and keep your grades up. Remember, that now it's up to you. You're an adult as scary as it sounds, it's all going to be alright. And my friend, believe in yourself because if you don't have the self-esteem and determination to prove the world wrong about who you are then it's going to be hard for someone to do it for you. Lastly, forget any possible advice I gave, live it up! College is for you to live it up and learn as you go. No advice is going to have you better prepared than the actual experience :)

Knowing what I know now, I would tell that high school senior I used to know so well to live his lfe to the fullest with his friends, which happen to also to be his family. They are the ones who mean the most to you in life, and they are the ones who make it. Fear not though my friend, do not despair for although they may be everything to you at the time you will learn to live without them. They will always be in youre heart and you will always be in there's. With that in mind, look forward to the life ahead of you even though it may be hard, as I can attest to because I am still struggling without them. Furthermore, do not let your pain blind you. You have expectations to live up to, many of them from the very ones you love and miss. They will always support you in what you do, and even though they are not at your side they are always with you in your mind. You are never alone.

I would tell myself to relax and not worry so much. While I was making my decision of which school to attend, I should contact people who go to those schools and ask about their experiences. Once I made my decision to attend UCSB, I should have researched the online class schedule and sign-up system. I would tell myself not to be scared to admit to myself and my family that I was nervous and not as confident in my success as I had been during high school. During the first months of school, I should be more like myself ? friendlier and outgoing, instead of dwelling on how much I missed home and my family. I wish I had been more sociable and confident, and realized that college was just as new and scary to me as it was to everyone else. Making an appointment with an academic advisor during my first quarter would have made the transition and planning my college career easier. I should join all the clubs I was interested in, and later decided on which ones I really wanted to dedicate myself to, and in the process meeting new people with similar interests.

High school self-- chillax a bit. Enjoy your last year before university. You have many wonderful friends in high school, a lot of whom you will continue to talk to after you move on, but, also many whom you will probably never see again. Take advantage of this time you have together, get to know people, learn everything that you can before you leave. College isn't a huge, impossible step. It's exciting. When you get onto campus, smile, and talk to everyone. Expose yourself to all sorts of new people; learn where they come from and what they love. Don't worry too much about those you left at home; call them when needed, but aside from that, focus on building new relationships. As far as classes go, you're going to get out whatever you put into them. Professors aren't going to check to make sure that you read or took notes. Do the work that's beneficial. Do extra work if it helps. Don't be afraid to miss a class here or there if you have something more productive to do. Just remember, you're paying for this time to learn; learn from everything.

I would tell myself to listen to my heart when it came to choosing schools because the consequences can be painful if things don't go as planned. Especially with the economy in today's world, you need to know that everything can work out despite your financial situation. If you want to go to that private school but can't afford it, do your research because there's plenty of free money out there! You know what you want in a school, so don't go against your better judgement and decide to pick the school that others think would be the best for you. This is the start of your life being out on your own: you want to make sure you're comfortable with yourself and yet at the same time comfortably being a bit out of your comfort zone. There's nothing you cannot do; as long as you're optimistic about it you will strive!

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would definitely have to scream out to myself ?Go to the summer program?. Knowing what I know now that summer program could have helped me out significantly. Now that I am in college I am looking for any way possible to get the classes that I want. With the economy that the country is currently classes are being cut and I find it getting more difficult as each quarter passes to obtain the classes that I want. If I would have attended that summer program I could have took two of the classes that I desperately want to get out of the way right now. During the first two weeks of college I was so unhappy because I had never been away from home and I found myself very homesick. I realize now that these two weeks of hell could have either been avoided or not have been so extreme if I would have gone to the summer program.

Chris, do everything that you feel is right in college.. you made great decisions and ended up where you wanted to be in life so far. Just a couple of suggestions though, start investing earlier. Also, getting an internship or part-time job in the financial industry earlier could have saved you a little bit of time and energy. Don't spend so much time caring about partying or girl drama situations. Those will pass, and in the long run were definitely not your time. Get to know your professors and TA's earlier than senior year, they really are helpful and make the difference between an A- and B+. Live up that year on the beach, that house was expesive (like all of Isla Vista) but it sure went by too fast. Buy a camera, take too many pictures. Take chances, have fun, and get that diploma.

If I could go back in time to warn myself about what the transition to college wouyld be like, I would urge myself niot to take things so lightly because the transition is not simple. I would tell myself to apply for scholarships and grants so that I won't have take out so many loans. I would also prepare myself during the summer so that when classes start I am prepared for the rigorous classes that await me when I start school. I would tell myself to take more college courses in high school so that I have the extra credits so that I can be ahead on my credits if something were to go wrong. So mainly I would just tell myself to expect the unexpected because collige is not a matter to be taken lightly.

I know it easy to fel as if College is a choice that you do not have to make right away. "I'll go one day" or "when I can afford it". I have to admit, you don't HAVE to go to college, it not a requirement. You might even find a very high paying job with no secondary education but what happens when you loose that job after having a baby? Then you go apply to other job similar in the industry with tons of experiance but no degree. It gives every one else the upper hand. I knew I wanted to go to college to accomplish my goals I just didn't know when. I wish I would have gone sooner so that I wouldn't be starting over when it is the most impartant time in my life to provide for my child. You think school is hard? Imagine changing diapers and trying to study while listening to a crying baby. DO NOT WAIT... participate!