University of Central Oklahoma Top Questions

The advice i would give my highschool self is that what you do now is important to your future, but the what peers think of you is not. Most high schoolers are focused on what others think of them and the approval of others, like I was, but if I could go back and change my focus to be on making better grades and truly comprehending the material I would. It is important in highschool to find out who you are, and not become the person everyone else wants you to be but also to focus on studies and learn whats in front of you. I would also tell my self to enjoy the four years of highschool I was given because it goes by faster than it seems it should. Enjoy your friends and enjoy the experience while you have it. You only get to go through high school once.

Dear High School self, To be ready for college you need a strong and sturdy backpack for all the books and supplies you will have to haul around campus. I suggest a North Face backpack. Also downloud the app Scholly for your phone. This app has tons of free schlorships that are quick and easy to apply for. Next, go out and buy a big calender and a planner the size of a notebook along with a pack of colorful pins. When you get your class schedule assign a color to each one of your classes. Then when you go and buy the rest of your supplies, get matching color 5 star college ruled notebooks to go along with the pin color you chose for your class. Finally when you have something due in that class take the pin and mark it in your calendar and your planner so you remember and you easily can tell which class it is because of the color of the pin and the matching notebook. I didn't figure that out till this year, and it has helped me get all my assignments in on time. Good luck! Sincerely, Your College Self

The advice I would have gave to myself was to stop rushing growing up and to enjoy the last moments with the people that you've spent the last twelve years with you have. I would tell myself that college isn't staying up all night running the streets and crazy parties that you on movies. College is actually hard and the nights you do stay up all night is because you will be in the library studying your brains out. That you have to grow up and be responible because there isn't someone there to make sure you are out of bed and heading to class or someone to wash your clothes. If I could tell myself anything before I went to college it would be to be thankful for the parents I have because in college those two people that have raised you your whole life are the only ones you can really trust and the only ones that will truly be there for you when you have a total breakdown becasue you've been studying for hours upon hours.

Dear high school senior me, do not fret. You may think that graduating high school will be the end of the world and nothing will ever live up to Friday night games and Homecoming, but you are wrong. College is greater than you can imagine. Moving in seems so traumatic, but in reality it is one day and will be over with before you know it. There are so many new experiences in college. The amount of people you meet is crazy. You will say your name, year, and major more times than you can count, but it is all part of the experience. You will meet people that will make you think and become a better human. You will find your bestfriend here. Everything seems so overwhelming at first. When things seem too tough and you are tremendously homesick, just take a deep breath. That big test will pass no matter how much you panic. You will go home and see your family. Don't be so overwhelmed and scared for the future that you forget to enjoy the present. Welcome to the next chapter of your life. Read slow, it will be over before you know it.

Dear 17 year old Petra, I know you are excited, nervous and anxious as you are about to begin your collegiate career. Here is my advice to you: Don't panic! You are in good hands. You are about to have one of the greatest experiences and make sure you soak up every second of it. This is a chance for a new beginning, high school was rough and people were not the nicest. Good news, the bullies don't make it to college with you. Take advantage of building relationships with professors, networking with professionals and making friends. These connections you make are so important for your future. College is a chance for you to find yourself and your calling in life. You are indecisive about your major and that is perfectly okay, everyone is a little unsure. Trust yourself when you are about to decide and get ready, because you are about to fall in love. Sincerely, older you. P.S. Listen to your parents, they actually know what they are talking about.

College isn't as terrible as it seems. Don't procrastinate. Ask questions. Join as many organizations as possible and meet new people. Get involved and volunteer as often as possible. Talk to strangers in the elevator. If someone looks like they need help, offer them some. Never miss out on free food. Don't take an 8 AM class. grab all the free stuff from tables outside and in the Nigh, even if it means having several pairs of sunglasses. And do whatever it takes to get the free t-shirts they give out. Take advantage of the Wellness Center, even if it's just sitting on an exercise bike do something. Fill out as many scholarship applications as you can. Always check your e-mail. And keep up with your online work.

If you ever doubt your choice of a Bachelor's in the Fine Arts, stop. It takes a lot of courage to pursue something you love instead of something sensible that you know will be able to keep your bank account in check. Sometimes it's going to be difficult and you are going to doubt your capability as an artist. This is normal, everyone questions there career choices, the important thing is to be true to who you are and what you love and believe in, because doing what you love and what makes you happy is important, don't ever think otherwise. Good luck kid, I know you have what it takes.

Hi, Faith! I'm so glad you've decided to go to college! You will love UCO! There are some tips I'd like to give you. First, enjoy it! You've come so far to get here. This college has so many opportunities, you'll feel like they're made for you. If you see something you like, don't let it pass by. Second, learn anything you can! That's what college is about, right? It has almost everything you need to create the life you want. The many things you're interested in could be right at your fingertips! There is no doubt that by the time you leave college, the expierience and knowledge you have gained will surely become a part of who you are. Lastly, focus on you! This is a time for you to really look into yourself and find who Faith is. Life is too short to mind what other people think. In the end, you will be so very happy that you did this all for yourself. I look foward to you remembering reading this. Remember, enjoy this expierience, learn, and just be Faith! I have no doubt you've got this!

I would tell myself to focus more on school and less time on playing video games.

The things I am about to tell you, about where I am in life, will probably shock you. Try your best to hear me out though because these things have led you to a good place. First off the facts: You have been to the same two universities two seperate times each yet you have yet to get a degree of any sort, you have moved back in with your mom, and at the age of almost 25 you still have yet to find Mr. Right. Like I said hear me out. The reason you have been in and out of college so much is because God was sending you on a journey for self-discovery. I had no idea what we wanted to do at your age. However this has taught us perseverance and determination. Also living with mom isn't so bad because she is helping you reach your goals financially so that you can sooner or later go to New York and follow God's dreams for you. And about Mr. Right? Stop trying to plan that cause that will just make you settle. Here's my advice: Dream big and know that God is with you!

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self I would have a lot of advice. I would tell myself to look into more colleges, rather than just settling for a local community college. I would explain that I would be challenged more and that college is more than just an adacdemic experience. Now I have learned that it's important to find a college campus that fits one best. I would also tell myself to take my high school classes more seriously. As important as it is to make memories to look back on, taking one's studies seriously will help prepare for the future. One last thing, take the ACT as many times as possible, it will help open more doors every time you improve your score. Being proative towards one's future during high school is more important than students realize, as it will impact the rest of your life.

I would tell my self that i would need to learn how to time manage when it comes to transitioning into college. Time is a big essence to college you have a lot of classes and work to do, so i think time management would be the only thing i would tell my self to work on and get it down to a 'T"

Assuming I go back to the very beginning of Senior year, I would tell myself to apply to more scholarships, and generally try and be more active in school activities. I would also tell myself to keep looking for other means of employment, as my job at the time was a little bit too stressful and low-paying for it to be worth it while I was in college. Most importantly, I'd tell myself to relax. College (so far) hasn't been anywhere NEAR as stressful and time-consuming as I imagined. In fact, the incresed freedom to choose my schedule and study things I'm actually interested in learning has actually improved my study habits and grades signifigantly. The amount of time and freedom you gain once you're out of the traditional school system is liberating, and the courses aren't a monolith of papers and all-nighters like some would have me to believe. You still have to WORK at it, of course, but you actually have some semblance of control over the matter.

Apply for scholarships, you need to take advantage of any "free" money that is out there. Also, be open minded about what you want to major in, don't waste your money on something that you don't even know you for sure want to do. Choose wisely on your major, you have to be happy with what you do the rest of your life.

Push for your dreams, do not let anyone or anything hold you back, you are completely capable of succeding at a large university. Do not be afraid of people. Get out there let your voice be heard and get involved. Everyone is looking for new friends, not just you. Things will work out, more people have gone before you and made it, now it is your turn to show the world what you are cappable of and you have it in you. Just let it out! Go get em'!

I remember vividly many moments during my time in high school in which I would ponder over the seemingly inexplicable environment I experienced daily. One thing was clear for me- I would not allow myself to get caught up with a "bad crowd," so to speak. I had good support from my mother and other family members, so I never struggled with drugs, alcohol or promiscuos behavior. I had good grades, wonderful friends and was achieveing great things for myself. At the time it seemed as if I was riding the perfect track to success. Looking back, I realize now that I was missing an imperative aspect of life that would have changed my own and many others'. See, it was not enough for me to simply stay away from the bad things and the difficult people. If I could give any bit of advice to my senior self, it would be to invest in the lives of others while I could. I had what I needed to truly succeed- but, alas, it is not just about myself. Reaching out to others and making a difference in their lives is what matters. It can change the future.

If I had the opportunity to time travel, I would go back to the fond memories of my ninth grade year in high school. In that time period, I would tell myself who my “real” friends are, and ignore the “fakes.” I would motivate myself to study, work harder, and repeat to myself that everything is worth it. In doing this, I believe I could have excelled more in the high-school environment overall. Most importantly, if I had this opportunity I would have encouraged myself to obtain an AA degree before graduating high-school because afterwards, the worst is over, and all I would have to do is concentrate on what is important to me, such as my bachelor’s degree, what university I would be attending, and what major I choose. I feel that if I had the opportunity to talk to my “past-self” I could have eventually moved from my parents house and started living on my own long ago. However, I am happy with where I am at now in Polk State College, I am proud of being an eagle, and having the opportunity of attending this spectacular school.

Apply to as many schools as you must, military will not be your field trust me. You will have a sudden heart change right before your pledge instead apply for school.

Knowing what I know now about the college transition I would tell myself to take more concurrent classes so I could get more of my credits out of the way. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships because it is always smart to be prepared and have money for your schooling. I would tell myself to be as involved as I can and to make everything I do fun, because school is shcool and it is what you make of it.

Do not wait until the last minute is one of the many phrases you'll be hearing and is undoubtedly the most accurate. Once you graduate things will only get harder, especially financial wise. You'll be presented with several oppotunities to apply for scholarship programs that will be beneficial towards paying for college. I told myself "oh, i have plenty of time to this before i graduate." now I'm struggling to pay for my first semester, this is not something that can be done with the snap of your fingers. Another thing would be not to hesistate, I had to re-take the ACT because I missed it by 1 point, but ultimately decided not to because I knew money was tight. If i had decided to pay, then I would probably not be in the situation I'm in right now. So what I'm trying to say is never let yourself waver because of money issues, always take the chance because by doing so it could potentially be one of your greatest assets. Always remember that by spending a little now, will lead to prosperity in the near future. Be wise in making your decisions.