University of Denver Top Questions

I would suggest possibly going to a cheaper school for the first two years of general education, considering the "prestigous" nature of my school is more important for a students second two years in which they have a major. I would also suggest that I do attend DU, but that I would be ready for the changes, and more willing to get involved the first few weeks. Besides that, I'm fairly content with my decisions as a senior.

There are many changes from high school to college life. A big one is the work load and course schedule where teachers are not there all day to make sure the work is completed and it is a lot more personal responsibility to get the work done. Since classes meet a lot less as well, more is put on the student to do readings and homework outside of class that relate to the teachings that happen during the class periods. To help this I would tell myself to study more oustide of school to get used to doing that type of thing in college. It is vital to have study skills since the classes are generally harder than high school classes and require much more study time. I would also tell myself not to worry about meeting new people as there are plenty of social opportunities and as soon as you meet one person you meet many more as they have already met people. That is one of the biggest worries I had entering college and I would just tell myself not to worry and it will happen naturally.

Briana, I (you) have been at university for a year now. Our life has changed drastically, and we have learned many lessons from it. I am writing this letter to you now so you may better understand what you can do now in preparation for where you life will lead you. You need to stay close with your high-school buddies. You have yet to understand how much that pre-established support will help you when you are floundering at school. You need to write thank you LETTERS to all of the teachers with whom you have a strong relationship. You never know how their letters of recommendation will help you farther down the road. When you pack for school, take good sheets, a soft blanket and pack light for the rest. Most importantly, you must have an attitude of focused determination, for that is what will get you through the college applications, long scholarship essays, and unfamiliar territory this and next year. You can do more than you yet know, so give it all you?ve got! Sincerely, A more experienced You

One of the main things I would say is go some place you love! No matter the location, or price, there is always an affordable school for someone and in my mind, if you do not get enough money from them, it is not the right place. You want to go to a school where they put as much interest in you, as you do them. Also, go someplace where you feel uncomfortable. That is the best way to learn from different experiences. Going to college within your comfort zone and with all of your friends will feel as if you are in high school all over again. Get out there and give yourself opportunities. If they are such great friends anyway, they will make the trip to visit. When you find a school you are interested in, contact everyone you possibly can! If you know what you want to major in, e-mail the head of the department. He or she will always remember your name if you show a lot of interest. Take a lot of time to get to know people that will one day be extremely important to you.

Retrospect is twenty ? twenty, looking back I would tell myself to take it easy. Jumping in is a very good thing to do your freshman year of college, it makes the transition so much better. But, also having time to breath is a good thing. Also I would let myself know that no one can tell you no. That you are the person paying for these classes and if you want to be in a class that is going to challenge you, than go for it, all it is going to do is strengthen your personality. Take the chances while you can, it is okay to make a fool of yourself, because once you hit rock bottom there is nowhere else to go except up. Also that redefining yourself is something that HAS to be done, that you are going to come into college as one person and that you should strive to leave a different person. Whether it is your attitude toward education or if it is a whole self transformation, this change is a good thing and it will eventually lead to the woman that you are going to be in the end.

I would tell myself to keep an open mind and an open heart. To take risks, because there is nothing to lose. To do my absolute best at everything that I encounter no matter how difficult. And probably most important, to be kind to the people that I meet, because you never know who will end up being important to you throughout your entire life. College is an experience that helps you to grow, to think, and to learn, and as long as you embrace that, you will receive your degree having become a better, stronger person.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I think I could prepare myself better for the whole experience. I would tell myself to have a solid writing foundation because it is important for every major. I explain being ready to manage my time, but not forget how to have fun. I also think that it is important to stress that it is okay to try new things and meet new people from different backgrounds. Try things that might scare me a little, college is about the experience and if I had played it safe I would never learn new things about myself. I would advise myself not be afraid to get involved and join organizations. Join intramural sports, like broomball, it is a great way to meet people. The transition was hard at first, but after I got used to the changes it was the best experience of my life. The dorms are so much fun, but the bad food can be tempting at times. Time goes fast so do not get lost in the craze. Stay up late, study and have fun these are the best years of your life.

If I could go back in time talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say: ?Do what you want, not what?s expected of you.? I was shackled with adult responsibilities at a young age. My mother had divorced my father when I was twelve, and fled to another state with no job or financial skills. We lived on the edge of poverty as a matter of course. As a result, I spent my youngest years doing what was necessary to stay clothed and fed. And while it forged a strong work ethic, it left very little time to pursue things like romance or summertime sloth. So when the time came to go to college, I never entertained the option. I was working, I had money in my pocket, and I was not encouraged to do anything else. I did try and be a part-time student, but it failed miserably. Work was deemed more important ? I know now it wasn?t. In hindsight, if someone had told me to be responsible for myself, I might have gone to school full-time. I wished that my future self had told me this, since I would have listened.

Although I have only been in college for a short time, I am absolutely in love with the experience. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to keep it up, to apply for more scholarships, and to remember to pack my coats this time. I would also tell myself to be ready, because with the accelerated quarters you really need to hit the ground running if you are going to be as successful as you can be. I think the last thing I would tell myself is get ready for the time of your life, the teachers, classes, and friends are amazing and you will be the happiest you've ever been.

Stay positive! Nothing that's coming is an unbearable challenge. While some of it may undoubtedly strain you, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. Through all the heartache, the financial problems, the family crises, stressing over finals, troubles with friends, and the utter shock of having a roommate for the first time--through ALL of it, just keep a good attitude. This experience will transform you for the better, I guarantee it--after all, I'm you!