University of California-Santa Cruz Top Questions

Being in my third year of college and having had a variety of experiences I would tell myself as a senior in high school that college is your opportunity to discover who you are and who you want to become. I would encourage myself to take advantage of every opportunity presented to me as I enter into college. Meet as many people as possible, build your network of associates. Participate in sports, clubs, on campus activities, or any leadership positions to prepare you for working with others in the business world. Take classes that you are really interested in and that you would enjoy going above and beyond for. A university education is expensive and you want to make sure you get academically what you have paid for financially. Once college is over you are forced into the real world and loaded with decisions and responsibilities. Take these four years to accomplish your goals, establish the path you want to be on once you've graduated, and discover who you are as an individual.

I would tell myself to stay in school and focus to get the good career afterwards. I was never good at attending school or finishing school work, i chose to play instead. Although i did get get my highschool diploma and got lucky with a decent job a few years out of highschool, i always kick myself for not attending college sooner. The more time goes on the harder it is for me to find the motivation to go, and now having 2 kids its even harder to find all the time. If i could go back now and tell myself all of the struggles i went through and the hard times I've had not being able to get the great paying job due to lack of schooling i would change it all!

Dear Heather, Try not to be nervous about leaving your friends behind and making new ones because you'll find the right friends if you just be yourself. Don't be too upset when you don't get straight A's; the assignments and exams are more difficult here than they were in high school. Just do your best and try your hardest because in the end you will still have learned a lot. Be sure to spend some time on activities outside of school, you'll need friends and fun times to get you through those challenging courses. Don't be afraid to try new things; join an intramural sports team, a club or take a dance class to meet new people and learn more about yourself. Also, be sure to ask for help when you need it. Your professors are paid to help you learn, so take advantage of office hours and discussion sections to help you do well in your classes. Finally, leave your expectations behind, have a blast, and never give up! Love, Heather

Sawyer- It's me. Or you. Whichever, I'm already half way through college, and we have a chance to start over- Some tips for the road: -Taking your own advice is one of the toughest things to do in life, but regardless of whether it works out, you still believed in yourself, and that's what matters. Don't turn away because of timidness. -College course work isn't what it was hyped up to be, but it's still something to be prepared for. Knowing you can handle what they throw at you is half the battle. -You were born in the US, not Togo, or Swaziland; recognize your blessings. -That being said, don't you dare sit on the sidelines too much; get active, play games, discover new people, but most of all, face head on the apprehension you feel within; destroy it, crush it with new feelings and ideas and desires. -Be ever-changing but still true to yourself. -Relax. Wake up each morning as if you were tackling the day with new spirit and agenda. -20years from now you'll wish you'd have done more, but let's limit that the best we can.

As a senior I was unaware of the storm on it's way. Today I would say to my past self that no matter how bad things get it will only be a temporary period, and doors will start opening up for you real soon. During college a tempest of social, academic, and family problems berated me continuously. Contrary to my positive expectations of college, my life took several turns for the worst and I ended up feeling like a broken man. During this crisis it took tremendous effort to maintain good grades and try to connect with others. After many years of hard work life is looking much brighter. I have discovered a career path that I am excited about working as a public consultant. I want to help develop environmental policies that improve our nation, without causing people to sacrifice their quality of living. I will work to achieve this by developing better urban planning, transportation, and waste management. I am also connecting better with my friends and family, and I can see now that my future has great potential. This scholarship will help fund my tuition so that I can achieve those bigger things. Thank you, Dan.

Hey PJ, I know you think that college is all about partying, girls, and sports... but the main reason you go to college is to get an education an prepare yourself for a career and a life

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to stop procrastinating! College is definitely a time of independence and mommy and daddy are no longer there to tell you when to do work. The quarter system at UCSC goes by so fast that you need to be on top of work. Once you lag behind, it is very difficult to catch up. I would also tell myself to be more open with people during freshman year. With the shock of a new environment, I closed myself off during my first year to most of my hallmates and I was scared of meeting new people. I wish I could tell my old self that people at Santa Cruz are actually quiet friendly and not as scary. My high school self was really scared of coming to Santa Cruz and I wish I could have come into school with a better and happier attitude. Lastly, I would tell my old self to be open to the idea of being a Business Management Economics major. It took me a whole year to finally realize that I actually like the BME major and that I'm actually good at those courses.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, the most important advice I would give would be to stop stressing. Stop worrying about prestige, about being the top of the class, and just get into the groove of learning for the sake of learning, not for credentials or grades. I have forgotten so much of what I learned in K-12 public education because I was so focused on the grades; on getting into a good school so that I could have the life I envisioned, but here I am now, in my backup backup school without much prestige, and I'm happy, and I'm learning, and my bachelor's degree in literature from Santa Cruz will be no less helpful to me than one from San Diego, or those coveted Ivy leagues, in my quest to become a teacher. So I would tell myself to stop stressing out, and also to be careful of dining hall food, because that freshman fifteen is no myth.

Being a college student isn't just about going to parties all the time or studying for classes 24/7. To be a successful college student, while also having a good time with friends, you must know how to manage their time well. Staying in the room and sitting at the desk all the time makes you miss all the opportunities that college has to give you. College life isn't about just getting good grades so that you can have a successful career. It is a time to interact with your peers and learn how to make smart decisions on your own, which will allow you to have more independence. However, you must not get carried away with socializing with others and have that be the only thing your doing. A major reason that you're going to college is to have a successful career. If your grades are not up to par, then there would have been no point in all your work that got you into college. As a college student, you must know the balance between socializing and studying. Don't expect yourself to be either studying all the time or partying all the time.

As a high school senior, I had many interests and my mind boggled at the many major options. Coming to college, I didn't know what to expect. Moving out of my house and living away from the parents for the first time, meeting new people, taking college courses--they were all questions that I had coming in. Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, if I could go back in time, I would advise myself to take my time in college, enjoy the college life but at the same time, study when needed. Be open to meet new people and to try new things. I would also tell myself to get involved as much as possible! More specifically, I would tell myself to consider majoring in math education, or biology and environmental studies. And lastly, call your parents and no matter how much they may call you, don't take it for granted. Enjoy!

Dear high school senior me, What kind of campus atmosphere do you see yourself in? Are you happy there? What opportunities do you see yourself taking? Is it just like you imagined? Well, reality sets in and one decision can change your life. You expected to be making the right decision because this school was known to be academically best out of your school choices. And how would you have known that you'd have a horrible roommate your first year? You wouldn't. You didn't. You were far away from home without a friend that you can truly trust, and even when you did, one transferred and one dropped out. It's true, you do have fun with your friends out of the dormitories and you'll miss them once you graduate, but something's still missing. This place just doesn't have the right atmosphere for you. So my piece of advice is to go to a state college, try your hardest, transfer, and make it to the top. I believe in you. Sincerely, college me.

Looking back at myself as a high school senior I realize I was a bit naive to the realities of life. Most might go back and advise their younger self to create effective study habits, become organized, learn how to make friends and become responsible and while I consider these aspects extremely important I think I would give myself slightly different advise. I would put a lot of emphasis on learning how to be your own person. I would tell myself that in college there is nobody watching you, telling you what to do, say, how to think or what to do and not do. You must develop enough strength in yourself to be able to say no to what goes against your beliefs and create a sense of morals and values in yourself that you will be able to follow without anyone there supervising. All in all, I would advise myself as a high school senior to be the kind of person that would look back and be proud of their choices. Become the person who wouldn't have to act one way when watched and a different way in other situations. Be consistent and responsible in your actions.

I would've told myself to apply for a lot of scholarships and to take the AP tests to prepare myself better for college.

If I could go back in time and let my self know the things that I now know about college life I would tell myself to calm down. Last year I was really stressed about how hard college was going to be and whatnot and now that I've been here for four months I would most defintely tell myself that yes it has its moments and that you do have to try and work hard, but also that it isn't as stressful and terrifying as people make it seem.

Wow!! What wouldn't I tell myself? Firstly, don't take summer school, you're going to want a break before you take the plunge into four more years of uncertainty dipped in disappointment and sprinkled with sleepless nights. Secondly, go buy a donut. Well, it isn't all that bad, I mean you still have awesome hair, oh wait you don't because you got a horrible hair cut in the future so be afraid of haircuts! Aside from those, undeniably important tidbits of information which will get you through the next two years, that's it. Alright, there's one more thing. Don't go to college and study something mom wants you to. It has to come from you, this is your life after all, heck don't listen to me (or you from the future). Don't major in business administration, or culinary arts, or even marine biology, don't pick a major. Take a spectrum of classes, learn more about everything that interests you and when you find your passion, it'll come naturally. Don't just dive in thinking this is what you want because there is so much more. Think for yourself.

My advice to myself back in high school would be to experience every type of class possible, and enjoy all the time I had with my friends. When I got to college, I found that I didn't have all the educational experience I could have had to better pursue my chosen career. This wasn?t necessary a problem, but it would have been nice to know about the advantages high school could have given me. Also, for many, going to college means starting a new life with new friendships. I often miss seeing and spending time with my old friends. But these things aren't problems that should have been avoided. I'm happy with the new life i'm living, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

I would say not to be afraid to try new things and meet new people. I would say explore the city and campus as much as possible. On a campus as big as this one, everyday can be a new adventure, but only if you want it to be! I would remind myself that academics are only part of the reason to go to school, you need to be independent and take control of your own life. Don't let other people tell you what you want. I would also say don't be afraid to talk with your teachers and other figures of authority, they want you to have the best experience and want to help you.

The best advice I could give would be to visit the physical campus of schools and get a hands on feel for what student life is like there. Too many schools sounds great on paper or look good in brochure pictures, but can have a much different impact in real life. And once you've done that, than follow your heart and go with your gut when making the final decision as to where to attend. Don't be influenced by peers, teachers, or parents, but choose the school that fits your own interests and personality. It may be challenging, but in the long run it will pay off. I had to learn this the hard way and I'm now transferring schools as a result. Not only would I give this advice to myself as a highschool senior, I give it to highschoolers I know in my own family and community. Most people only get to go through college once, so you want to have the most enjoyable and rewarding experience possible by choosing the school that is truly right for you. If you are in the right learning environment, you will naturally thrive and succeed.

As a high school senior I would have told myself to start saving money. I would've warned myself about the cost of school, as well as the possibility of costs rising as I am enrolled and trying to finish a degree. I would also give myself the advice of taking as many classes at my community college that work towards my major. I entered UCSC as a transfer student, and I wish I would've taken advantage of taking more Biology classes at my community college before applying. On another note, I would've told myself to take my future into my own hands. Don't just rely on the words or recommendations of counselors, or transfer forms, but more so use that transfer form as a simple guideline and incorporate classes for my major into that guideline; that way I would have maximized eveyrthing I could get from the community college, before heading to a university. I would say balance your major courses with other mandatory classes that way you have some of your interests in every quarter of your school year. I would've definetly havew done things a bit different.

Self, I know you now listen. Get in to college now. Do not pass go do not try and get a seeming good job. Skip AIU and go in for eather nursing or zoology. Trust me I'm you and you'll love it.