University of Central Florida Top Questions

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that transitioning to college is not as difficult as I thought it would be. I would tell myself everything will work out fine. I would tell myself to major in the field that feels right for me and not to let fears of the unknown keep me from acheiving my dreams. I would tell myself that buying textbooks online is cheaper than buying them directly from bookstores and used books are not as bad as I thought. I would tell myself that living in an apartment is not as scary as I thought it would be. I would tell myself I have actually had a lot of fun and made new friends while living in a college apartment.

You need to enjoy your Senior Year and spend as much time with your friends as possible as many will be going to other colleges. Start also a time to keep in touch even if it is just a get together at Christmas Break. You also need to make sure you keep your grades up and apply like crazy for scholarships. Plan on spending more for school supplies than you think and also go out and see what you may need for a small apartment. Remember to take a lot of pictures of your friends and store them for later. Research your college to see what kinds of fun things you can do both on campus and off before you decide on your school. It doesn't do any good to go to a school where everyone goes home on the weekend and you are stuck. See if they have any clubs beforehand that sound good and find out how to hook up with them. You should try to attend 2 orientations if they let you. One to get a feel for the school and another to really actually learn what you need to do.

As a college student, the one thing that I wish I would have prepared a bit more for in the hefty price tag that comes with an education. I did my best to save up what money I could from part-time job. However, minimum wage doesn't exactly add up to meet the bills of a 4-year university. If I could go back in time and speak with my former high school self, I would suggest that I spend a little less money on prom, and apply for a job a bit earlier in the school year. Saving up every penny I could have, might have made a difference for my present financial situation. Asides from saving my earnings, I would advise my self to apply for more scholarships. With this advice, I hope that I would make the right decisions in regards to my future education.

I would tell myself to get off to a better start in college, that way you don't need to repair your GPA, just maintain it. Also, to be more open to making friends in the beginning. And lastly, that there is a lot of extra time outside of class in college so monitor it and spend it wisely.

I would tell myself that procrastination is not an option. Time is much more valuable in college and you would need every second of it because it goes by so fast. I would tell myself that all the complaining I did about homework in high school is nothing compared to the hours upon hours I would spend for just one course at UCF. I would remind myself that I must remain responsible because it is not easy to transition from having everything given to you and then having to do everything for yourself. I would remind myself to stay dedicated; that if there is any point where things feel like they are too hard , just remember how hard you worked to get here and that you are invincible.

I would tell myself to pace myself. I could have done alot better in highschool if i took more time for myself and school then to be social. Being social is an important aspect of life, however, school should come first. I've learned that since starting college 4 years ago. I needed to learn how to balance my time between friends, school work and any other activities I was involved in. If you can have a happy balance, college will be no problem and you'll have a better experience. Nobody likes to be stressed all the time.

Plan ahead and make alternative plans just in case you have to make some changes. Be open and honest, with what you want to do. Do it for you and not your parents, siblings, or anyone else. You may change your major 2-3 times, which does okay, just don?t become a career college student. Your career should be something you passionate about, if that passion starts to fade ask yourself why and what can you do fan the flames. If that passion has changed don't be afraid to change with it, it?s okay to change your mind as long as it is for growth and understanding of how you want to live your life. Failure is not Final, Delay is not Denial.

To be more assertive in everything I do.

Transitioning from high school to college can be a fun experience but it can also be overwhelming. It is a new campus with new people and an entirely new atmosphere. College is a time for you to grow and learn about yourself. It is a time when you find your passion and with the tools and resources college can offer, you can find a successful career. Time management is important if you want to be involved with campus activities in addition to your studies. When looking for career jobs after graduation, prospective employers look for a person who is well-rounded, in terms of staying active in the community and earning good grades. That shows the employer that you have time management skills, as well as the ability to multi-task. Staying on track academically can be difficult when you're in a new environment and experiencing new freedom but in the end, it's all about graduating with that piece of paper called a diploma. As long as you keep your priorities in order and manage your time wisely, your college experience should be a memorable one!

During my college freshman and sophomore year, my focus was single minded: to do well in all my courses and to continue pursuing my passion for learning. I have experienced that over-studying provides the same negative stigma as a resistance to studying. Consequently, I seek to balance studying and social interactions. Without friends, my foundation invites loneliness; without academic focus, it invites failure. Armed with this mindset, balance will enable me to reveal more salient aspects of who I am. I am someone who is quick to give and love, and slow to anger and judge. I am someone who has the strength to be someone?s loyal and caring best friend. I have learned that I need to readily employ my gifts of focus, intent, and follow through. I can move forward into college and my future with a strong sense of balance between academics and friendship. As Stephen R. Covey once said, ?Wisdom is your perspective on life, your sense of balance, your understanding of how the various parts and principles apply, and relate to each other. It embraces judgment, discernment, and comprehension. It is a gestalt or oneness, and integrated wholeness.?

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior there would be lots of advice I would give myself. I would tell myself to have studied alittle harder in order to have higher SAT scores making me eligible for scholorships at that time. I would know how much tution costs and understand the benefit of having a scholorship to pay for tution costs. I would also have saved alittle more money in order to pay for textbooks and other small costs while in college. In addition, I would appreciate the smaller classes in high school and the one on one assistance from my teachers. Lastly, as I tell many younger students including my brother I would say to enjoy my young days because when you become an adult and have responsibilites you will appreciate the good times and easy life you had.

Thank goodness I stayed home and went to a community college for the first two years before transferring! You're not as dumb as you look! : P

Enjoy every moment because it flies by way too quickly!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to start thinking about subjects dealing with the academic community, that I could possibly see myself doing as a living. My first year as a College student made me learn a lot because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I had friends pursuing Majors that they had no interest in and it made me realize some people go to school for reasons other than passion. I would inform my high school self that a high-paying job would not be worth going to everyday if it doesn't make him happy. As for the college life and making the transition, the best advice I could give myself is to be patient and be on top of all pre-requisites in order to graduate.

Amanda, making this transition is not going to be easy. Although you are moving back home, you are going to get homesick. It is going to take a few weeks to get used to your freedom. Once you settle in, this is the most worthwhile experience you will have had so far. Your classes will not be too difficult first semester, but that does not mean you can slack off. You need to study. You will learn to manage your time, and rather well actually. Work hard, but always make sure there is time for you to relax. Be sure to keep up with your schedule. Use your calendar. Call mom often. Her phone calls will be the only thing keeping you sane. You will get closer than you think. Even though you feel alone sometimes, you aren't. It does not mean you have to go home for every event. The longer you stay away, the better. Just trust me. It will make your experience so much more stress free. Besides that, you do pretty good on your own. Do not worry about how things will turn out. You really grow up, and it doesn't take long.

To pick a program with a lot of jobs and stick with it right out of high school.

I would apply for more scholarships, live on campus, and secure my choice in major. If I had the tools I know now, I could rectify many of the mishaps I am dealing with now. First, I would encourage myself to apply for more scholarships. I did not realize how much school would cost when I first began, and like many high school seniors, I assumed Bright Futures would cover alot of my overall costs. Also, I would save every penny I earned in high school. I had three jobs at the time, and with my increasingly advanced classes now, I am almost uncapable of working and staying afloat with my studies. It is very appealing for an inspiring college student to want to live off-campus. I did not even think twice about my choices, I went with what my friends enstilled in me, saying that on-campus life is very discouraging. But when I got to college, I realized how many opportunities I had missed out on. There are events I miss out on, just for the simple fact that I live off campus. To save yourself time and energy, know what major you want to pursue.

Well, I am still currently a senior in high school, as I will be attending college next year. But from what I have heard from many people heeds great warning to me and gives me advice as to what I should do to prepare for college. Many people regret not saving enough money or getting a job their senior year. I currently have 2 jobs, so I'm saving as much money as I can for next year. Many people also regret not trying harder in high school and not getting the grades that they know they could have achieved. I have been doing extremely well this year and I am very happy with the work that I have accomplished.

The advice I would give myself would be to expect the unexpected. I have had many health and economic problems in my family since graduating high school, and as a high school senior I would not have expected them. In 2008, as a freshmen at Florida State University, my father had a debilitating stoke. As a result I was forced to leave the school and come back home to save money and take care of him. I attend a local community college (Brevard Community College) while I was home, and this is my first semester at my new school, the University of Central Florida. I never would have expected that this would be the path I would take two years ago, but despite the hardships associated with my situation as a caretaker, my life has been quite pleasant. I would tell myself that situations will always change and the only was to survive is to embrace those situations and maintain a positive outlook. Adapting to post-high school, or "adult-life," can be a scary thing that we tend to put off for as long a possible, but in the end the rewards are sweet.

Hey Self, It's Ashley. I know right now you're all caught up in the hustle of applying to colleges, keeping your grades and involvement up to par, but I wanted to give you a piece of advice: stop worrying. There will always be someone with more student involvement or a higher GPA than you; as long as you're doing your personal best, don't let their success affect yours. Paying for college will always be a concern, but there will be financial aid available to help. Don't let financial limitations determine where you attend school. You may think you can only afford to attend an in-state school, but if you search hard enough, there are resources to help you attend the school of your dreams. If you're not sure which school is the one of your dreams, don't worry about that either. You have the next two years before you have to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life. P.S. Avoid as many college-level math courses as possible; these are not your strong suit. Sincerely, Me, Three Years in the Future