University of Colorado Colorado Springs Top Questions

I graduated high school in 2003 and I feel as though I've lived a lot; in a strange way, high school feels like it was a lifetime ago. If I were to go back to talk to myself in high school, I would first reassure myself that everything that happens in high school doesn't matter. In fact, I barely remember high school and it's only been 12 years! Secondly, I would attempt to convince my younger self that I am beautiful; there's no need to rush love and fall for the first guy who comes along. Lastly, I would tell myself to live. We only get one shot at life and it shouldn't be wasted with insecurity or self-doubt. I am proud of everything I've done for the last 12 years because it got me here but I wish I would have had the strength, courage, and freedom that I've discovered in my 20s.

College is absolutely different than high school. Don't become discouraged of your education simply because a teacher is incapable of properly teaching, or if you believe the work load is just too much. Keep moving toward the goal of college because the world of university education is entirely in your hands. Also, don't get too cocky with your knowledge! There are so many things you have yet to learn in the field you are interested in. If you keep an open mind, then learning and comprehending will be absolutely enjoyable as well as painless. This is your life, don't let anyone define you differently. You know what you want to achieve, and if going to college and getting an education in what you love is your aspiration, then shoot for the stars. If anyone tells you that you can't do so, you don't need those people in your life. Don't ever change those aspirations for anyone, and stay true to the education you deserve.

I would say, go to your first choice college and do not be worried or intimidated to live a little! If you play it safe and chose a college that is easy and comfortable, you may not get everything you were wanting out of it. Pick a school and do your research-- look up class sizes, academic life, campus invovlement and activities. Talk to someone from your high school that goes to school their and get their taking on the school. Tour the school, heck spend a weekend there. Imagine yourself there! After all that is said and done, evaluate if this is YOUR school. You are going to college for school and to get a degree. Make that the most important factor. Make sure you will like the classes and degree program. The second most important thing is picking that one school where it is going to be home away from home-- one you are proud to be a part of, come back to, make lifelong friendships out of. You only have a short amount of time to enjoy college the way you are supposed to... so chose wisely...put your mind and heart into it and go!

Knowing what I know about college now and the transition I had to go through, I would tell myself that starting at a smaller school and working toward something bigger is totally okay. The transition I had in going to a small school and living at home was much easier as well as cheaper than going straight into a bigger school right after graduation. I feel much more prepared and well adjusted to life as a college student than many of my friends who did go to a bigger school. It is also not the end of the world if you don't get into your top school. There is always an option to transfer if you choose a school you do not like. Yes, college is a big deal, but do not let the pressure of adults and friends make you feel as though there is only one choice. Trust your instinct, because only you know yourself the best.

Be proactive. Find the freshman advisor office and make connections. Show up to your professor's office hours even if you don't have any questions. Engage them by talking about your life, you interestes, and find out about theirs.

If I could go back in time and advise myself in how best to make the decision between high school and college life, I would say these words: Cydney, you are an adult now. You can make your own choices and think freely about yourself and about the world around you. Embrace your newfound freedom and never, ever take it for granted, because any bit of it can be taken at any point in time - like when you go home on the weekend and suddenly have to go back to asking Mom and Dad if you can go out with a friend to a midnight movie showing. Trust that you know yourself well enough to handle difficult situations, and trust that you know when to get yourself out of dangerous ones. If you don't trust yourself, you'll fail. Mistakes are inevitable, but they'll be much less painful if you keep faith in yourself.

If I had the chance to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say, "You're in the International Baccalaureate Program, and although your studies are difficult right now, and you worry about what next year will be like; you will be okay. You have the preparation you need to succeed. Your friends will spread out across the country, and you'll miss them quite often, but when you see them next you'll have so much more to talk about then you did before, and the time you spend with them will be so much more appreciated. Although you'll have to get used to a new school and new teachers, you don't have to be nervous. Your teachers will understand your a freshman, and they will work with you to help you succeed, you'll even become close to some of them rather quickly! Inhale, exhale, and make sure to enjoy your lat year in highschool, it'll be over before you know it and you'll miss it dearly. You're ready for college, so finish high school with a bang!"

Looking back on the experiences that I have had as a freshman in college, I would tell my high school senior self to take more risks and to stop being afraid of the outcome. I would give myself this advice because experiencing failure and learning from mistakes is a huge part of growing up that is important in becoming successful. By taking risks, I am referring to risks such as going out of state for college, taking challenging classes and doing things that I love. I regret being afraid to take these kinds of risks while making the transition into college and hope that I will be more willing to take risks in the future.

If I could go back in time and talk to my former self, I would tell him that he does not need to take on as much as he thinks. When I was a freshman just starting off in college, I took on a heavy, science-based workload while working approximately six to ten hours a week. I was taking twenty credits and was running myself ragged. I was diagnosed with mono and pneumonia at the same time, and i still went to all my classes and work. I literally almost killed myself because I thought I needed to do all those things to be successful in college. I would tell myself that there will be time to do all the things I wanted to do, so do not take on more than you can handle. I would tell him that you have to first take into account your health before you can focus on anything else. While I still recieved a 3.5 GPA that semester, it was one of the most miserable times of my life because I was so sick, and if I could change that time, I would.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that there are ways to afford college that many people do not talk about. There are more than academic scholarships available but you have to search them out and apply. Also the method to apply for school grants and loans is relatively easy it just takes time and a computer. I would also say that going to college is not as difficult as one thinks. Yes it takes time and effort but it is all worth it in the end. Do not let people around you in your current small town talk you out of finding ways to go to college. You are an intelligent girl who will not stop to achieve your goals. Once you have found your way remember to give back to others. You can and will do everything you dreamed of doing.

I would tell myself to stay in state and if possible to stay in the town I live in. College is a place to learn and not a place to party(all the time). Changing majors 4 different times is not a good idea, just stick with what you first decided to go to college for. I would tell my self that getting good grades as a freshmen and sophmore is key to getting an internship . Last, I would tell myself to get more involved in student research becasue there is where you meet people that have the same interests as you.

Bradley Cooper, A-list actor, graduated with a BA in English when he was 22, enrolled in a three year program at the Actors Studio Drama School, and graduated with an MFA in acting at 25. It then took him fourteen years to become famous. I still haven’t gotten my BA yet. However, I’ve had a great life, good and bad decisions all. But why couldn’t I have realized that college would have helped me years ago? Why did I have to spend seven years in restaurants, bars, and other odd jobs, making next to nothing, to realize that I wouldn’t become a movie superstar, or a famous author, or a successful anything, without a lot of practice, and certainly not without a college degree that is required by almost every major employer? I did learn some lessons from a degree-less life though. I learned street smarts, how to charm, how to lie, how to tell the truth, how to listen, and how to empathize. I don’t wake up every morning and pout about not having gone to college sooner, though it probably would have opened doors and given me a better life sooner.

First and foremost, I would tell myself to take scholarships more seriously. I would tell myself to put more effort and time into finding free money to fund my college education instead of whining and complaining about how expensive college is. I would also tell myself that procrastination is my worst enemy. Procrastinating in high school is bad, but it is worse in college because not only is the workload increased, but the difficulty is also more intense. I have to tell myself to keep myself on my toes and be proactive about everything.

If I had the chance to go back to high school I would tell myself to appreciate the fact that I can study without having to work. I would tell myself to realize how valuable time is and that no matter what you do, you cannot get time back. Every day that passes and everything decision you make adds up to make you the person you will be. Just because we think a decision is small, it does not mean that it will not affect your future greatly. I would tell myself to realize that choosing your career is one of those decisions. I would tell myself to choose my career with time and to investigate whether both my abilities and interests can allow me to succeed in what I’m choosing. College is a wonderful experience and you want to make sure you are making the most out of it. If you know what you want, you will be able to take the classes you need without losing any time. This will allow you to graduate sooner so you can move on to the next step in your life. Remember that without dedication there is no success.

You really shouldn't wait until the last minute to do your work. The semesters get harder as you progress through school. Don't let your social life get in the way of your work. Do not worry about the drama between roommates. Study hard I can not emphasize that enough. You really do like online classes. Keep your head up even when things get harder. You have to work twice as hard to keep your GPA where it is. Don't park in the wrong spot, you will get ticketed. Ask for help if you need it. Swallow your pride when it comes to tutoring. Business calc is hard really pay attention in that class. Stay off of your phone sadly it doesn't help you study. Be proactive, get your stuff done early. Be prepared for team work, I know you don't really like people but it is time to learn some tolerance.

Apply for scholarships! Do not assume that your GPA, your SAT scores, and extracurriculars will be enough to get you enough money to go to school! This is a vital mistake which will keep you from going to your dream school. You can never be too prepared... don't be too hard on yourself, though, for these mistakes. Never focus on the mistake itself, focus on fixing it because that is what is truly important. Just keep working hard, that will get you wherever you are meant to be.

It's going to be a bit different from now. Some of the homework assignments and exams will be more intense. Your free time will often pale in comparison to what you're experiencing these days. But you need to press on. Stalwartness and dependability are going to end up being your greatest assets as a college student. Don't shrink back, even when it feels like you're being overwhelmed. The rewards are so much more than you can even think or imagine. Remember how you were always perplexed about what you'd like to do as a profession when you grew up? Well, you'll find that out soon enough, and you'll be more excited and clearheaded than ever; just so long as you don't settle on a time-wasting party school.

Make sure you remember to find time for yourself once in a while.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would let myself know that life is not a race... slow down. I would have told myself that it's okay to be confused about who you are, what you want to do, and who you want to be. I would tell myself not to take life too seriously, and that the glory in living is found when you slow down to realize how much fun and beauty is already all around me - not in another destination. I would tell myself not to try and grow up so fast, because even adults are not always sure of who they are and what they want to do with their lives. I would tell myself that my parents are not pushing me to be my enemies, but rather that they are my biggest cheerleaders. I would tell myself to love other people more openly and don't be too scared to get hurt. I would tell myself a lot of things, but the most important thing is that I really am loved, and I really was loved, regardless of whether or not I knew it.

The biggest piece of advice I would give my senior self is prepare! Apply for colleges early, start looking for scholorships, and plan ahead. The biggest difference between high school and college is in college you are on your own (for the most part). There are more freedoms and responsabilities. These are things that must be managed in order to be successful. But by preparing in high school you can save yourself a lot of stress, time crunching, and money. By applying for colleges early I would have had a clearer plan and course of action. I could have started talking to my advisor sooner and been even more prepared. If I would have started applying to scholorships early I would have firstly increased my chances of winning (I would have completeled more scholorships) and I could of eased the financial burden on myself.