University of Colorado Colorado Springs Top Questions

Get out of your comfort zone, experience new things and enjoy the time that you have with the people around you. College gives you so many opportunities to go out and meet new people, try new things, learn new things but when you are too comfortable it can be absolutely shocking. Don't get comfortable. Give yourself a chance to breathe in between class, homework, scholarships, concerts, games, calling the family, etc. College is a busy time of life and if you dont know how to relax it may kill you. Be confident, you know what you are doing, and apparently the college that accepted you thinks so too. Make connections, get to know your professors and upper classmen, they have experience with all the things that are new to you. Most of all; make it fun. (I promise it can be done)

If I could give myself one piece of advice as a senior in high school, I would first and foremost tell myself to research all possible college options. Choosing what college to go to is a big deal. I had so many opportunities given to me from different schools, but I didn't research well and just went to the school everyone else told me to go to and that had the best academic curriculum for me. I ended up hating it there, and had to transfer after one semester. Before I transfered, though, I researched the schools I had in mind and chose the one I thought I would enjoy the best. If I would have looked at colleges before choosing the first time, I could have saved myself a lot of hardship and trials.

Dear Self as senior in high school, You are an honor roll student! Don't stress out so much about college and what you will do next. Taking a year off like you are planning to do will be a great idea and a year full of adventure and growth for you. And you really shouldn't be as terrified of your first day of college as you will be. You will do very well!!! College will be one of the most exciting things of your whole life! So hang in there, keep up the good grades, and you will succeed. There are so many good things in store for you that you don't know about yet. Sincerely, Myself as starting my second semester as a freshman in college

I would tell myself not to worry. College is really not as bad as most high schools make it out to be. It is fun because you are actually learning about what you want to do with the rest of your life.

I would first tell myself to think hard about where to go to school because it only happens once. I let people influence my decision as well as money. I should have followed my lifelong dream of attending KU. I have visited a few times and I absolutely love it there. When I think of a fun college and a good experience, that is the campus that I think of.

I would tell myself to learn how to say no to some of my friends or peer preasure because it doesn't help with school when you procrastinate on studying or doing the homework assigned. I would tell my self to study a little bit each day to get ready for college and to research and know about what my major is going to be in and the availability of the jobs that you can get with a degree in that major.

I would have worked harder at my academics in high school, because grades do matter. Because of my poor performance in my senior year in high school, I took a gap year before enrolling college. That year off really helped me to mature and I have now become more committed than ever to educating myself and I actually enjoy learning. I also would have prepared myself to be more organized and to be a better, more comprehensive note taker.

I would tell myself to keep working hard and not give up even if something is harder than expected. Also, to make good connections with my teachers and classmates because it is so helpful to have a good support system when moving into a different aspect of life. I would also tell myself to focus on school and not let small problems get in the way, because getting my degree and achieving my goals for my life are based a lot on the skills and knowledge that I gain in college, and nothing is worth as much as those experiences. Lastly, I would want myself to know how priviledged I am to be attending school after high school, because a lot of people are not able to have that opportunity, so it shouldn't be taken for granted.

I would tell myself to enjoy every second of my high school senior year and don't let things stand in the way in being yourself. Don't take advantage of all of the great things you have going for you. Give it your all in basketball and soccer and don't let anything stand in your way of being the best and playing the way you play. Don't let drama get in the way and effect who you are. Enjoy it all. Forget about those people who were awful to you, becuase you most likely will never see them again in your life. Just enjoy your friends and don't be afraid to risk some things to figure out who you really are. Have some fun. It doesn't hurt to have some every once in a while with your friends. Don't go into college being all serious. Some times it is okay to put yourself out there to meet people. Make sure school still comes first, but don't be afraid to go out and have some fun and try some new things in reason.

FINISH COLLEGE!!!!!! After 38 years, I will graduate with BS Senior Fitness and BA Psychology in May of 2010. I have applied to graduate school and will begin the summer of 2010. I wholeheartly believe that if I had finished my college degree in the early 70's, I would have had a great career in my field and my life would have followed a much different course. Obtaining a college degree while working full time and caring for aging parents is not an easy task, but it is one that thousands of adults do every year. I would also share how life doesn't end at 40 or 50 and that experience is as viable a teacher as any book. I would teach myself how to effectively learn and retain knowledge. Words of wisdom: "worry is the interest on a loan not yet taken out."

I would tell myself to stay away from certain Chat rooms and to study harder

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise that it is okay to go to college and follow my dreams. I thought that by going to college I had to do what was expected of me from my family. I didn't consider that I could use college as a means discovering my true interests and talents. I would explain that picking a major doesn't mean I am committed to that field for life, that it is okay to explore a field associated to a major and then change majors if I change my interests. I would also tell myself that it is expected that I take a variety of classes outside of my major so there are many opportunities to discover what my true interests and talents are. Finally, I would explain that graduating with a degree in a particular major doesn't condem me to being stuck working in one field my whole life. The skills that are learned during the process of graduating from college are applicable in most careers. College is an opportunity for self-exploration, not an anchor.

Stay off certain sites and chat rooms on the internet

Using your time wisely is the key to success. Form relationships with your professors, spend time getting to know other students in your classes and always read the chapters BEFORE attending lecture! If I could do it over again, I would take my time. I managed to cram four years of college into three and a half and will graduate early without a goal in mind yet. At 18, making a career decision is NOT the most important thing on the To Do list. It's forming friendships and learning about yourself that matter the most. Instead of spending most of your time sitting in class, volunteer in the community, take classes that interest you. But in the back of your mind, always make sure what you are doing is a means to an end. Don't become a professional student but take the time that you need to accomplish the general goal of graduating with a degree in something that you will be proud to talk about at your high school reunion. You have four years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with jobs. College will end some day so make the most out of it.

That college is not as hard as people make it out to be it is just like high school always a challenge for improvement. I think that you should not have started going to college and then giving up on yourself so easy because even if or when you have children they should not stand in your way. You should always remember that your chidren should be there to push you forward because you should be satting examples for them and you would not want them to give up on school so don't you do so either.

I would tell myself that I need to be true to myself and stick to my beliefs. I would advise me to follow my heart and stick to my goals because that is what makes a strong person.

I would recommend that students begin their college search in the ninth grade. They should start to think about their interests, their strengths, future career options, and schools that are strong in these areas. When it is time to apply for school, I think students should apply to some "safe" schools that they are pretty confident will accept them, but also shoot for the stars and try one or two schools that would stretch them academically. I was accepted into the music school at the University of Denver for freshman year, but my parents were doubtful that we could afford a private school. I attended the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs and enjoyed my theatre/drama classes, but took no music classes. For my sophomore year, my parents and I decided, as a family, to trust in my vocal music ability and go for it! It's a little scary, but I am excited at the chance to immerse myself in music and see what develops.

Look early into scholarship oppurtunities and ask for help from everyone you can.

I would say to explore all your options. Make a list of all that you are looking for in your college experience and compare all prospective schools against that list. Don't feel pressured to pick one right but realize that in order to avoid the pressure you need to start the process early.

Don't sell yourself short. If you can make it into a good university then you should jump at the opportunity. College is the best time of your life, so might as well make it happen at the best possible place.