University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I'd try to mentally prepare myself for the challenges ahead. I would give myself the advice to sign up for as many clubs or outside activities as I could. I never realized how big college could be when you don't know anyone there. I, sadly, wasn't able to afford to live in a dorm, therefore I haven't had the chance to get close to my peers. Therefore, I'd advise my younger self to begin signing up for clubs in order to meet new people and make some friends. I would also advise myself to start putting aside a food budget now because I certainly had no idea how going out to eat would add up! I had never had to worry about my own expenses before I started college and I wish it was something I would have taken into consdieration. Other than that, I would like to mentally prepare myself for the workload to come; I'd had homework before, but never like this! I think with this advise, I would've been better prepared for college.

Work hard and balance your life. Sometimes it seems like there are a million things going on and those million things are traveling at a million miles per hour. Take your time, relax, and take things one thing at a time, step by step. If there is school,work and dance to balance out, remember that school is the priority. You are here to do well, so you can succeed in the future. Prioritize and take your time. Know what is best for you in the long run and follow your heart. It is possible to do everything and as cheesy as it sounds, "if there's a will, there's a way". Also, remember not to live in "have, do, be". Live instead in "be, do, have". Don't think , "if I have a lots of money, I can do this, and be that". Live your life being what you want, and do what you want because then you can have what you want. Don't stress. As long as you stay positive and follow your heart, the things you want will come to you.

Take more time to look at the schools you apply to. If possible go visit the campus and get a feel for it. Remeber you have to go here for 4 years.

The one peice of advice I would give myslef is to make as many connections as possible with faculty and to get to know your professors and make sure your in good standing with them. Your professors are the people you will be going to later in college career to ask for help with internships and research opportunities. Be ingaged with your professor, do not just sit in class and make your A and never talk to your professor. Stop by your professor's office and speak to him or her let them know what your dreams and ambitions are for your career. There has been times where a professor of mine has forward me an email or stopped me in the hall to tell me about a internship or research opportunites, just because they knew what I was interested in.

I would advise students and parents to work together to find a university that is the right choice for the student. Students need to be able to express their dreams and aspirations to their parents and in return parents can voice practical concerns. If students and parents are able to help each other in the process of finding a university, then both will have a more enjoyable experience over the next four years. Having open communication about ambitions, finances and career goals will make the process of finding a university much more effective. The most important thing you can do to make the most of your college experience is to be intentional. You should be intentional about your area of study and your life outside the classroom. By committing yourself to not only your studies, but also to friendships, volunteering and a job you are able to have a full college experience. With this advice I would also urge caution not to over commit yourself; invest in the causes that are really important to you and take time to keep yourself healthy and relaxed. Make your time in college enjoyable by seeking a balanced life.

It's extremely important to determine why you are going to school. The University of Colorado at Denver its mostly a commuter school that focuses on learning for your career. Often times you will meet people on campus that live over an hour drive from you making it sometimes hard to find friends are a date. However it does have access to downtown Denver. Other schools like Boulder focus more on a closed community and making friends and tends to have much larger class sizes. This is why almost every year there is a huge number of students who switch from Boulder to Denver and vise versa. They didn't determine what kind of college experience they were looking for beforer just saying yes to an acceptance application. Take time to explore the campuses you are considering going to, even if they are out of state. The last thing you want to do is arrive at a college you've never been to and hate it within the first week.

Choosing: Don't just choose based on finances. College is a big deal, and can change your life, so make sure you choose a school where you can grow and feel safe and happy. Making the Most: Try to be involved in something, and don't be shy or feel intimidated because if you let those feelings dominate in school, they will be hard to overcome later in life and you will miss out so much.

Start looking at colleges early on in your high school years and look at the many majors offered at these schools. Find out what you like doing or what you want to do early on so you can get a good start to your future. Going to college fairs is also a good idea. To make the most of your college experience work hard, have fun, and never give up. I believe in learning from failure. There are going to be times when your classes are going to be extremly hard and your going to want to give up, but don't. Keep moving forward.

Explore all of your options, but keep your financial situation in mind.

Most of the people who finish college seem to be more jaded and less prepared for the real world after. It is important for parents to wane the children properly and make them fend for themselves in college. This will allow their kids a better opportunity to rely on themselves to make a better future.