University of Central Florida Top Questions

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

Joe

Being on my own and having to guide myself through my own education was never an issue with the transition, but knowing what I know now, after having had to drop out of college for a year in order to save up for the remainder of my education, I would enforce the importance of keeping my scholarship for all four years. Being able to pay for my education so I can get my degree and enter the business world sooner would have given my life a head start further than where I am now. To that end, emphasizing how much I'll be using what I learn in college to further my career will have given me the motivation to keep on driving towards a successful four years instead of the six years I will be using up to get the same degree. That one important lesson would have been life-changing for me, but I am driven now and will succeed nevertheless.

Michelle

If I could go back and talk to myself, I would certainly tell myself to relax a little and enjoy the journey I am about to embark on. College is truly a life-changing experience that you will keep with you forever. Though it can be scary at times, it is an amazing time in your life where you will have the ability to completely re-invent yourself and learn whatever you would like to. The potential and possibilities of your life are endless, and it is up to you to decide what path you would like to follow. I would say that it's imperative to have fun in college and figure out who you are and what makes you happy. College is only four short years, and then on to the "real" world. Enjoy every moment you have and make sure to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. The learning never stops.

Suzanne

College is tough, but it's not as bad as the high school teachers make it out to be. It is an amazingly fun time, but you cannot lose sight of your studies. Make sure to meet new people, have a great time, get involved in campus activities, but make sure that you study hard because these grades will follow you for the rest of your life!

Kristin

Don't automatically assume that the most populr college or university is the right one for you. Make sure you do your research, but not just theoretically. VISIT the campuses you are interested in. Be sure to explore the whole town to decide if it is somewhere that you would be happy living. You will be spending a lot of time on campus, but certainly not all of it. Consider who you know in that town and whether or not you feel there are people you share common ground with at that school. Finally, even if you are unsure of your major, choose a school with a variety of programs you are interested in.

Levin

Going back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior with the knowledge I have now about college, I would first say work hard and believe in yourself. Another advice I would have to tell my high school self would be that, in college there are lots of obstacles that you will have to face which ranges from personal, social, and also educational. When you hit those obstacles, sometimes they maybe difficult to overcome, but when you go through them you will end up as a stronger person. In college hard work pays off and depending your determination and to finish on top will greatly increase your chancing of having a successful college career. Independence and separation from your comfort zone is what you shall expect when going into the college life. Working hard and believing in yourself, will be the key to achieving what you want out of college. College life will be fun and you?ll meet different personality, but never lose your true self to mold into your surroundings.

William

I would tell myself, as well as my classmates to apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible. Paying for school can be tough and loans can sometimes be difficult to pay down. You never know what the job market will be like after you graduate, so be prepared for a back-up plan, such as a minor within your degree or any internship opportunity that may arise, as that can be you foot in the door for a job after graduation. The bottom line is to meet your goals and do not let anything stand in your way.

Alyssa

DO NOT PRPCRASTINATE!! That would be my number one advice! When you get behind in classes, it is very hard to catch up. Also get involved in clubs, sports, music. Anything that will get you socializing with people, make friends. Do not be scared. If you had a good study routine in high school, that will help you a lot. The SLS 1501 class will help you a lot with transitioning in to college. It informs you of all of the clubs and resources on campus. Most of all, have fun!

Sarah

I learned that not being afraid to put yourself out there, meet new people, try new things and get involved is the best thing to do to adjusting to college life. Don't just go to club meetings once. You get more out of it by learning to manage your time. School always comes first, but you'll enjoy doing the work so much more if you join a team or club and actually stay involved with them. When you have hobbies and friends to enjoy, you enjoy the not-so-fun sides of school (like studying and going to class). Even simply spending time with your roommates, making friendships and bonds that will pull you through rough weeks of class and more is one of the most important parts of college living, so its important not to shut that out. Being busy is more rewarding than not, and it is the first step of learning how to deal when the real world hits.

Jamila

Advice, that I would give to a high school senior is to take school seriously. Also, to take as much AP classes or dual enrollment classes.

JoEveline

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life and the transition involved, I would tell myself to stop goofing off. I would tell myself that high school is a kid?s pony ride compared to the Kentucky Derby that is college. There are no breaks in college; you can?t call your mother for a note, and you can?t expect to do well, or even pass, without putting forth some serious and concentrated effort. The transition from high school into college is tough, and takes some adjusting ? and not only in study habits. You will need to truly learn the value of a dollar, and how to efficiently manage your time, especially if plan to study and earn an income simultaneously. You?ll need to learn how to become your own advocate. Most importantly, I would tell myself the following: ?You?ll need to learn to take personal responsibility for your future. You can?t claim the tests are too hard if you don?t study, and you can?t expect the teachers to pass you based on your personality.?

Guerda

Although dual enrollment may seem time consuming, DO NOT reject such an opportunity!

Megan

If I could give advice to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships. I learned this year that between books, tution, housing, and meal plans your money goes very fast and I would warn myself that although I did get a few scholarships, I should keep applying for more so that I can get as many of the expenses of college paid for and so I can aviod taking out loans.

Janet

College is the most growing experience that I have had until this point. It forced me to think by myself and make my own decisions. It gave me the opportunity to meet people of different backgrouds that I never expected to meet. It also gave me the opportunity to acquire valuable experience when it concerns my future career preference. However, most of all it gave me the opportunity to learn more about myself and develop into an independent woman. So, I can only say to not be scared that it will only get better!

Deborah

Well, I did not make it past the middle of 11th grade in high school and received a GED. I started college later in life and have acheived my AA Degree and am working on my BA at UCF. I then plan to go to law school. I don't think that I would change anything that I have been through in my life as it has made me a stronger and more knowledgeable person. The advice that I would give myself about college life and making the transition would be go for it, you can do it at any age, you can acheive your goals, take your time and be ready to attend college, don't let anyone hold you back and study hard!

Gregory

If I were able to go back in time to when I was in high school, I would tell myself not to worry about finding my way in college. I grew up always fearing that I would have to be completely on my own and not have the guidance of another individual throughout college. Since i've become a member of the UCF community, I have quickly seen that there are thousands of opportunities to help you succeed and further your educational, social and intellectual life. Since I've started college, I've become more philosopical, almost wise, and I have my adult peers and my community to thank for that. My college has several ways to reach to students for not only current problems, but future ones as well. Finding a mentor to help you along your way is easy in this community. The stress and fear that I received as a high school student would have non-existent if I had none then, what I know today.

Angelina

Do not slack off in college and when you work hard it will pay off in the end. Thoroughly research the major you want to persue and assess all of the expenses attributed to the college life.

Denise

As you enter college, you will be starting a new time in your life where you will be confused at all of the different opportunities that are offered out there and what you can achieve. With this in mind, always keep yourself motivated and determined to achieve everything possible. Don't let the stress of how much a degree may cost you, or how much work it will require, but think more of the fact that you are working towards starting your life in your career, and the rest will fall into place. There will be a lot of obstacles that you will have to overcome on a daily basis, but remember that all of the hard work will help lead you into becoming that much more of a hard worker when you are looking for a job. Never forget how much work you have already overcome during your years of schooling, and use this to help motivate you to pass all of your classes and work towards something new. Don't be scared of what the future will bring, instead embrace what the world has to offer you.

SANDRA

College is hard but donr get frusterated. Take it easy, don't overwelm yourself, and try the best you can. Take only whatyou can handle, and dont wait till last minuite to get stressed and work on your grade. Aim for an A!! Always! Do not let other discourage you !! Get involved and engage in the most activities you can. Build relationships with other students as well as teachers!! Above all remember that you are great and you can do anything you set your mind to, Don' t give up!! Be the best at everything you can!!

Chelsie

Embrace every opportunity you are given and never change yourself. You will experience many good and bad situations, sometimes you will feel uncomfortable and other times you will be content. No matter how you feel or what you think, know it is all a part of the process. Cherish every moment you have, because you will never have it back. Study until you feel successful, dance all of your worries away, hug every person you cherish, and share your happiness by smiling at everyone you see! :)

Zoe

Zoe though working may be a priority since you have to pay bills, try and focus on community service hours as that will open up many doors to scholarships. Not only that, but also try hard to pass all your AP classes! And when it comes down to picking classes, try and take as many AP classes as possible.