University of Central Arkansas Top Questions

Although making mistakes is part of a learning process, one mistake I would alter would be not giving high school my all. During my senior year, I will admit, I slacked off a bit. It was not to the extent that others do, but when I did reach graduation, although my grades were decent, I wish I would have pushed myself harder. Through out school, I was the quiet girl in the corner of the room that always got As and fret when I saw anything otherwise. I know I am too hard on myself at times, but seeing that I had not aced my senior year really made me disappointed in myself. What bothered me about that C in Trigonometry was the fact that I knew I could have applied myself more. I know it sounds silly, but that actually hurt my self-esteem, and it was preventable. I would tell myself that you only have one shot at high school, so may the most of it and its resources.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible in order to save myself more money and to prevent getting into debt. I would also tell myself to relax and to stop stressing out because college really is a great opportunity and it is not as scary as one might think. I would let the high school me know that it is important to step out my comfort zone and to put myself out there. College is a fresh start and a chance to meet all kinds of new people. It is as exciting and fun as everyone says it is. The school work may be a little more difficult, but it is not so bad, especially because you get to pick your schedule and teachers. Lastly, I would tell myself to enjoy my senior year and that things only get better from here!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to focus, work hard, and explore my career options. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy high school, so when I went to college the first time (in 1990), I was not successful. I would have viewed college differently than high school and I would have focused more on my studies and realized how important it is to make good grades. It took seventeen years, and three children before I realized that I needed to teach art. I certainly wish I had been more focused when I was a teenager, because it is much more difficult to attend college and take care of a family. Lastly, I would tell myself that I am not "dumb," and that I really can do anything I put my mind to! If it is possible to carry 18 hours, drive an 80 mile round trip daily, raise 3 active children and maintain a 4.0 GPA at 37, then I certainly could have done it when I was 18.

If I was able to go back and give myself advice while in high school, I would have told myself to learn how to manage my time better. In college I have realized that you have more time for studies and/or socializing rather than in high school. It is important to be able to balance your time and have more than enough time for your studies.

take a year or three off; work, mature a little. 18 year olds usually do not know what they want to do with their lives.

Dear younger and na?ve me, Soon you will begin your first semester at college. And I just want to write this letter warning you of the mistakes you are going to make. This semester you will procrastinate and choose to have fun instead of working on your assignments. Your procrastination will lead to many stressful nights and disappointing days. You will also fall into the trap of letting your friends influence you to hang out instead of doing your schoolwork. But, as the semester continues you will learn to say no because it?s for your own good. Just have fun, but always make sure to put school first. Writing this letter has made me realize that no matter how much I warn you, you are still going to make mistakes. And I?m glad, because the mistakes you make this semester will make you into a better person. Your mistakes are going to teach you some important lessons; lessons you would have never learned any other way. And be glad you learned these lessons now instead of later in your life. Just remember to live life fully and learn. Sincerely, older and experienced you!

I am now 30 and have been on both sides of the fence, as far as partying college student and non-partying college student. My number one advice I would give to students going into college is Attend Class. Yes I realize that college means freedom, but what it doesnt mean is you can slack off on going to class. Going to class is a major part in college success. My next advice would be sit in front of the class room. Sitting in front of the classroom leaves less room for talking and texting during class. Next tid bit of advice would be get to know your teachers, and allow your teachers to get to know you. This will go along ways I can promise you from past experience. Participate. Participating in class discussions will help you in the long run. If you discuss the lesson, you are more likey to learn what the teacher is trying to teach you. All in all, you need to remember that you are there to further your education. Your future and your families future will depend upon this education heavily.

If I could return to myself as a High School Senior I would advise myself to be more adept at meeting people, making friends and 'small talk', practice test-taking, familiarize myself with the student organizations and programs available to students through the campus.

I would teach myself how to study more effectively for tests, because college tests are harder than high school tests. I was a pretty good test taker in high school, but in college I have to study in a completely dfferent style in order for me to better comprehend the material. If I had know how to study and practiced this technique in high school, then I might not have struggled so much during my first year in college.

College will be the best years of your life. You'll make new friends, keep your old, and go to a pretty awesome school. Take biology your first year, because it's going to hurt your gpa. You should also take KPED your first year, because it's just annoying. Don't be afraid to be yourself - people are pretty accepting of you here. Learn to talk and socialize. Get involved. Make sure you go to class, too (although that's not a real problem with your future self). Also, don't buy your books before the first day of class. Some classes won't even use the book - they're just required to list one. Save your money - don't buy stupid things that you don't need! Also, don't bring everything you own with you - there's not that much space. Don't be afraid of new roommates either - they tend to be pretty awesome (one of your future ones is married now and in Australia! How cool is that?). Mostly, just study and have fun. Don't stress out - it's not worth it.

Personally I would say "College is a great way to go to further your education and you should strive as a high school student to do your best on your ACT score and your GPA because in college those two things determines a lot in your college life. Also during college study, study, STUDY!! The more you study the more prepared you'll be for your classes and tests. I would also say to go to class each and everyday because attendance is the most importanat aspect to becoming a successful college student.

The hardest thing about the transition from high school to college life was speaking up for myself and getting used to living more frugally. I was involved in a lot of social activities my freshman year, but I had a private suite and shared a living room and bathroom with a suitemate. Her boyfriend was over all day every day, he smelled, and they were messy. I wish I had been more assertive in suggesting that they hang out at his dorm as well. Sharing a space with a stranger that you have nothing in common with is difficult. It is something that every person should experience though, because I appreciate my current roommates I chose more than I would have otherwise. I was also in the Honors Program and freshman year we discussed a lot of philosophies I had never been exposed to. I wish I would not have been afraid to speak my view amongst the students with differing views. Although I had an academic scholarship and a small music scholarship stipened, it was still difficult to manage that stipened money. I had to conciously not blow it all at the beginning of the semester.

Dear Morgan, I know it is your Senior year, and all you can think about is going off to college, but there are a couple of things to need to remember: I know you do well in your high school courses with minimal studying, but you need to develop good study habits now; they are essential to doing well in college. When move-in day finally arrives, it is a blast. After time passes though, you will begin to miss the comforts of home. Be sure to thank mom and dad now for everything that they do for you and let them know how much you appreciate everything they have provided you with, because they will continue to be your comfort and support in college. Sincerely Yourself as a college freshman

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, the best advice I could give myself is to get involved but remember why your there. Looking back on my first semester getting involved is what made my freshmen experience so great. You need to get out and meet everyone you can. You will be amazed at how many people you never knew will quickly become some of the most important people in your life. New friends and a refreshing new start as you begin a new chapter in your life makes the college experience all it's cracked up to be. Although getting invovled and meeting new people is vital to your college experience you have to keep in mind why you are there. School always comes first. Everytime you know you need to study or get caught up on homework there is always going to be someone wanting you to do something else, but there is always another time for that. Making an "A" on your next exam only comes around one time. Without a degree, college does not matter on a job application. Keeping your priorites straight is a vital component to the college experience.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would say is that college is nothing like high school. There is no one there to make you do your work and make you go to class. Once you get there you are on your own, and it is up to you to make sure that you keep your grades up in order to stay in school. Try to make new friends and become close with your professors. Letting them know that you are a hard working student could help your grade in the end.

I would tell myself to give it everything you've got. School is suppose to push you and extend your limits so let it! Take the opportunities that are given to you, make sure to get to know your professors and your classmates. As for help when you need it, and if it doesn't work out the first time keep trying. Also don't be afraid to take more math and science classes! If you can't take extra classes do it, and try and expand your mind and comfort zone. c

Do whatever you can to get involved. Don't be afraid to meet new people or try new things.

I would tell myself to graduate as earlier than I did and still go into the Army as I did. That gave me the discipline I needed to go back to college.

I would say to myself don't get mixed up in the wrong crowd. Keep your head in the books and noout partying and drinking everyday or every weekend. Support the college in any activities such as football and basketball games and etc... Just look int he future and see wat kind of future you want. If you want a good future then you will achieve in college to the best of your ability.

I would definitely tell myself to learn how to manage my time. Just because you have to study doesn't mean you can't have a social life, so don't choose to go out with friends instead of studying for a French test. Also, don't be afraid to meet new people. Even though you have your group a friends that you generally tend to hang out with, it's always a good idea to know more people because friends from high school change and they're not always going to be your friends.