University of Central Florida Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Central Florida know before they start?

Yuliena

The greatest advice I could give myself at this stage would be to understand that being nervous is part of the process to adjusting to the beginning of what will define the rest of my life. Yet being worried should not keep me from pursuing those interests and relationships that have the power to create within me a sense of self-worth and confidence. I would tell myself to not hesitate in exploring any interest that may come to mind, for I am truly the only person who can understand that which I wish to become, and the lifestyle I hope to develop. Asking questions and becoming informed are also the greatest assets anyone can have and it can ensure the most positive college experience for anyone.

Russell

I would certainly convey to myself that college must be attacked head-on and with a strong sense of self-motivation and determination. High school is often an easy experience for most teenagers and the transition to college can be a time of great freedom. Students begin to be faced with making decisions solely on their own but still expected to perform as well or better as when in high school. College is a new world and I would make certain to remind myself to work hard and focus solely on completing school with excellence.

Elizabeth

Be fearless. Be involved. Be a success. As a high school senior, still a child really, I constantly worried and was too timid to try new things and things I wasn't familiar with. Like many other students my age, I was too afraid to try and fail so I never ended up doing much of what I wanted. I did things and was involved in things that were safe and familiar. However, knowing what I know now about college life, I would waste no oppurtunity to tell my former self that life is about living it and college is no different. I would tell myself to take the leap and try new things, get involved in the clubs you were curious about and never give up or let anything (not even myself) get in the way of my success.

Vianca

If I could go back to when I was a senior in high school and know what I know I would not to too many things different because I had great parents and a great counselor that really guided me on the right path for me. However something that I would pay more attention to would be essential and effective study habits and time management skills. I do posses these attributes but if I had sharpen them up then, I would be much more prepared and better of now at a state university.

Ashton

Given the chance, I word tell myself to simply relax. I have vivid memories of how worried and frantic I became about the transition into college. From what I've learned, a vital part of college life is transition. The process forces one to become independent and self-sufficient. I moved away from my teachers and mother helping me out. I've become my own person and the process was natural. Everything else like new friends, jobs, and knowledge come on their own. I would let myself know that if I made it through high school; I'm more than capable of adjusting to college as long as I have faith in myself. Of course responsibility and will power play a role in everything, but these are characteristics that I have always felt I displayed. With that in mind, all the pre-college stress and worriment seems unnecessary. I think high school seniors, including my previous self, should just relax because the transition into college will happen all on its own.

Patricia

Personally, I went through so much when I got to college. I had a good GPA in high school and when I got to college my GPA was not good at all. For the first time in my life I honestly failed. I failed when it came to my grades and I failed to myself because I was not prepared for what college was about. I did not know what I wanted to do as a career and I was under the pressure of making my parents proud. My parents wanted me to go into the medical field that is why my GPA went down that was not for me. I decided to do something I wanted to do which is Hospitality Mangement and is the best decision I have made. What I would say to myself as a high school senior is: explore majors and see what they can offer you. There is nothing in this life you cannot do. Stand up for what you believe in and follow your dreams. No one can make your dreams a reality only you can do that. Strive for the best! Be persistent and do not give up.

Leonie

As a high school senior, I made many transitions as a new students in a public high school. On my own, I had to learn that not everyone was going to be my friend, even though there was no harm in trying. Eventually, I found my group of friends, but when I left for college, I had to start all over again. As a newbie in college, Ive learned to realized its okay to be alone sometimes. Being independent teaches you to makes youre own choices, and as a result you learn who you really are as a person, which ultimately can make youre experience in college, as well as life, more enjoyable and fulfilled.

Rebecca

Well, If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, the greatest advice that I would give myself would be to do as much as I can while I'm in high school and never turn down the opportunity of what seems like more work. For example, Dual enrollment courses and AP classes because they count a lot in college and gives a major head start. Plus the more work you do means the more disciplined you'll be once you start college. If I could give myself advice at that time I would have told myself not to just settle for minor honors courses every school year and to go above and beyond and enroll in some dual enrollment courses at the community college. Knowing what I know now, honors classes in high school only help for the moment that you're in high school, not for the long term. I would have definitely told myself to take challenges and the easy way out wasn't the best way out.

Kelly

Keep working hard, even though you feel like slacking off. Believe me it pays off in the end to keep doing well in your classes and motivating yourself to stay involved. Apply for more scholarships, even the ones your don't think you have a chance at winning. Make a list of scholarships when you find them and note the deadline so that you don't keep putting it off and miss turning it in on time. Local scholarships win your priority and also scholarships specific to your major. Apply for awards as well, even ones that don't award money. They will help you look good on paper and allow you to win more scholarships. Don't be afraid to take hard classes your last semester. I know your tired, but it will help keep your brain in shape and ready for college classes. Apply for multiple colleges and then slowly narrow down to 1 or 2. Consider all aspects of each college; size, location, finances, and degrees offered. Choosing a college is a big decision, but don't put to much pressure on yourself. You will never be stuck if you accidentally choose the wrong college. Good Luck!

nastasia

The most important thing I would tell myself is to save money!! I would also tell myself to learn how to cook.

Dionne

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to have fun but also stay on top of your school work. It can be so easy to get behind in college level classes. One week you're only a little behind, thinking you can catch up, and the next week, you're in so deep that you can't pull yourself out. I would tell myself to understand the responsibility that you have to yourself to do well and succeed. College is no joke and it can either make or break your future. Make the best of your experience while you're still young and have the option to go to college and make a great life for yourself.

Shelley

I am a non-traditional student in my thirty's who would love the opportunity to tell myself as a teenager what I now know. I had pretty good grades in high school, but I passed on all classes that could have been used toward college credit. I opted to by-pass college out of school. Furthering my education sounded like too much work when I was 17 years old. Had I been able to give myself a list of all of the low-paying, ego surpessing jobs that I have had to endure since I graduated, I feel certain that I could have convinced myself to follow a different direction. Going back to school at my age and with my responsibilities is not easy. I am a single mother of a 3 year old. Trying to go to school, pay for daycare and keep a roof over our heads is my everyday struggle. Given the opportunity to make the transition again right out of high school would be an answer to all my problems that I have now. I am sure I would do things differently given a second chance.

Olivia

I would tell myself, ?Olivia, get your head on your shoulders, life is tough and everything you worry about today will mean nothing to you tomorrow. There is so much opportunity in this world that you are just letting slip right through your hands and you do not even realize it. I understand that you want to have a social life as well, and I agree it is important, but you need to set your priorities straight. Life will come and hit you square on the forehead, and if you are no prepared, you will fall flat on the ground. You will be able to pick yourself back up but the journey will be only be harder. Have more determination and make your life easier. The more you sacrifice now, the more you give up later. Give up some hours at work so you can spend them studying, helping yourself in the long run. Prove to your family that school is important. When you are older you will want to be proud of yourself and not have any regrets of what you should have done, what you could have done.?

Erica

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would take the opportunity to give myself some advice. I would tell myself that it is imperative that I study hard, meet all high school and college deadlines, and apply to every single school I was interested in. Unfortunately, I did not apply to hardly any schools, and while I do love my school, I would have loved to know if I could be accepted to the school of my dreams.

Nicole

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior with the knowledge I have now, I would definitely stress the idea of saving money and becoming more active towards school and community activities. Being more prepared finically would make my college experience a lot less stressful. Taking advantage of the opportunities that my community and school offered would also prepare me for college activities and broaden my ideas of my future. Being aware of such diverse opportunities that life has to offer I would in my own way have experienced college in less stressful and more enjoyable way.

Daryl

If I had the chance to go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advice myself to learn to trust my own self and purse what I love. I would advice myself to not let other people decide for me, and simply allow myself to speak up. Back then, I recall myself to be very doubtful about each and every single one of my decisions, especially about college life. I was always shy and too scared to decide what course to take becasue I was afraid to choose wrongly and regret in the future. I was so unsure during the whole transition process, and for the most part, I believe that this was because of me not trusting myself. I always listened to what other people dictated me to be and I let them make decisions for me. I wish I can go back in time and encourage myself to have my own mind and opinion, especially about my course in college. Now that I know how college is like, I wish I would have researched more the course that I am taking and not be afraid to ask questions about this path.

Chelsea

I would tell myself to save every penny that I had. I would also say to practice superb studying habits, perhaps even read textbooks which are required for classes now; for enjoyment of course. I would inform myself that money is sparse when you're on your own, and paying for an education is extremely consuming. I would have also liked to push my high school to consider offering more AP classes, because free education is wonderful. I would have pressed all of my teachers for advice and tips for success with my career path, as well as explore temporary summer jobs in laboratories similar to those that I am interested working in. I would have reccommended taking up a cooking class; one with great nutritional value. And did I mention I would have saved as much money as possible? I would save all the money which I had ever recieved, and sew my own clothing.

Leilani

A flower is first a stem, and then a bud appears at the top of the stem. The bud then gradually opens, and over time it is what we know today as a flower. When considering life, one may compare themselves to the evolving of a flower. About 19 years ago, a young infant girl was sent to Jamaica. She was raised by her grandmother ,and like a flower, she was given all the qualities she needed to grow and succeed. Even though her mom couldn't be physically their the first several years of her life, she as well as her Grandmother, taught her all the qualities she needed to make all the major transitions in life . As time passed, she adjusted to her original home in the U.S., but got sidetrack in school. Today, like the obstacles of a growing flower, she passed through all the dark times, and regained her true values and purpose in life. When looking back at this young girl as an overly excited high school senior, one advice would be to remember your true purpose and values in life; your dreams may only come true if you pursue them.

Josh

Don't worry about being forced to go to a community college before moving to a four year school; it is not the end of the world. You will end up profiting from it profusely. Also, learn how to manage your money so that you can stay in school. If you don't learn that eating out is extremely expensive, you will be forced to take a year off to earn money for school. It is disgusting when I look back at the way I spent my money before going to school. On the same track, learn to use Amazon when buying textbooks during your time at community college, it will save you a couple hundred dollars. Lastly, find a church and stick with it. None of that church hopping business that will leave you feeling like you have no connections outside of the school campus. You would do well to latch onto Moody Church and get involved quickly so that you have a place to belong.

Barry

Their are a lot that I wish I could go back and tell myself. The number one thing that I would of told myself is to take school more seriously. I would actually have played high school football because of the talent that I have on the field. I would of told myself to work harder and never give up on anything. Settling for the less would not be part of who I was in high school. My goals would have been higher and the fooling around would of stop. I can honeslty say that I cant turn things around, but I can do better for myself since I am in college. I also want to tell my kids this once I have some. I would like them to stay focus in high school and not fool around.