University of California-Santa Cruz Top Questions

In order to truly know what you are getting into when you decide to attend a college, you have to visit it. Being able to see, hear, and feel the atmosphere and setting of a college is extremely important in understanding what awaits you if you choose to spend your next four to five years there. Also, try and decide what general career path you want to pursue prior to accepting admission, choosing a college with a strong department in the field of your interest is very important, and knowing before hand which introductory classes you should take is extremely helpful. I originally was a proposed psychology major, but soon switched over to neuroscience, as I wanted to challenge myself, but I had a later start to all the introductory math and science classes I had to take than I would have liked. It is not important to know exactly what you want your career to be, I still don't know, what is important is to find a subject you are passionate about, for if you are not passionate you will not have the success you desire.

College is totally different from high school. There is no one there to tell you that the assignment or the reading needs to be done. There is little room for mistakes such as the computer didn't print or I had a game. There is little to no extra credit work. Your grades are primarily based on two or three tests during the quarter. My college is on the quarter system and it moves very fast. There is virtually little breathing room. To do well, it is important to do the assignments when assigned and keep up with the lectures. If you need help, find it before test time. Tutors and office hours gets super impacted when it gets closer to mid terms and finals. Get to know your professors. The better the professors know you, the more likely that you will get a better grade if there are any conflicts. Form study groups and be responsible for learning what you need to know. Above all, make friends and have fun. Friends who will be there when you need them will become your lifetime buddies.

When you move in your dorm, introduce yourself with your Ra's and building mates. The faster you build friendships, the better transition you achieve. Introduce yourself with the faculty and staff, their guidance is essential. Stay connected with your old friends, so when you go back home, you know who to share your first college experience with. Work hard, play harder!

I would definitely emphasize that everything works out in the end. Although college is completely different, shockingly different, it's one of the greatest transitions that you will make in life, and there's nothing to worry about.

Even though I took a handful of AP and honors classes in high school, I was never very motivated to challenge myself academically. Upon acceptance to UC Santa Cruz, my indifference to schoolwork prevailed through my freshman year because I took classes that were easy, not interesting to me. I really loved earth science, but I was afraid of failure and I felt too dumb to take long series of chemisty, calculus, and physics prerequisites especially when I knew nothing of academic discipline. After switching between multiple social science majors, I finally decided to declare earth sciences. Looking back to my high school self, I would tell myself that I can do anything if I really put my mind to it and if I love something to just go for it because in the end, no amount of intellegiance determines academic success, rather it is passion for a subject that propels the incentive for success. I wish I knew my potential when I first started college, but now I know and I plan on ultilizing this in my life endeavors.

If I could go back and give advice to myself as a high school senior there are only a few things I would tell myself. First thing I would say to me would be, "never trust your counselor." My advice would be to use what counselors advise as a guide to be followed by diligent self research. Only you can be trusted with your future as only you will be affected by bad advice. The second piece of advice I would have for myself would be not to waste money by going straight to a four year school. As a transfer student from Santa Rosa Junior College I can attest to the fact that the preparation provided by this college is more than comparable to the preparation provided by a reputable four year school. In many instances I have felt that my preparation was superior to fellow students who started initially in the four year system. This is all that I would tell myself however.

Dear Justine, You have the whole world ahead of you, and I know that this overwhelming phenomenon scares you, but in the coming years you will slowly but surely find yourself: who you are, what you love, maybe even who you love. So even though the world is displaying its numerous wares and hustling you to choose one, tell the world that it's going to have to wait to meet Justine Campbell, she's in no rush to find her path. Buena Suerte, Justine

Do not get lazy whatsoever, it will be the death of you when you enter college. Make sure you stay on top of all your work because if you do not understand anything, get help. The UC syster is quarterly so time passes quickly. Adjust your life to do well in a short amount of time.

Don't forget to live.

Try to get along with everyone and have an open mind. People are going to be much different from the ones in your hometown, but that doesn't mean that they are uninteresting or untolerable. Hang out with people that you wouldn't normally hang out with. Be safe and make smart choices, but try new things and experience different people. Never pass up a date, either! ;) Soak it up-you will have an amazing time, but you have to put in some effort! Don't pass up and opportunities to make awesome memories., because the friends you meet here will be ones that you will hopefully keep your whole life. Get involved in your dorm events, your school, and your community. All three of these will effect your social life and shape the person you are becoming. Be smart about time management. Don't eat in the dining hall too much, and keep in touch with old friends.(they are just as important as you new ones will be)! Also, stay in touch with your parents and siblings. They may have things that you would rather not hear, but those things will probably help you in the long run!