University of Florida Top Questions

As a senior I could never have imagined my college experience being what it is now. Originally I had no idea where I wanted to go, but I knew what I wanted in a school. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to worry because people will accept you and like you for who you are. There are so many different groups on campus that it is practically impossible not to find at least one group with which you mesh well. I have met so many people via my sorority, my classes, volunteering at Shands, joining a dance studio, and even joining ASDA, a pre-dental club that greatly holds my interest. The combination of these groups has kept me grounded, helped me maintain my focus, and also helped me to meet people like myself, as well as friends I will have forever. I would also tell myself to have fun and enjoy these four years. I'm almost halfway through my college experience and I feel like I have so much left to do! Time flies and it's so important to enjoy these last few years while learning some extremely important life lessons.

Looking back at me senior year of high school, I wish i could go back and tell myself just one thing: start studying and start some good study habits. Looking back, studying in high school was a foreign concept. It just was something that never needed to be done. But upon entering a university environment, I wish I had learned to study in high school instead of trying to learn to take time and focus all on the fly. My first semester was spent trying to learn good study habits instead of enjoying the college experience. Had I had good study habits already it would have been easier to make a smooth transition into college, but instead I was forced to not only learn college level material, but learn how to do so.

Don't doubt yourself. You'll figure out what you want along the way.

If I could go back in time and advise myself about what its really like to be in college I'd do it in a heart beat. High school does not prepare you enough for the transition of being a highschool senior to a college freshman. You must learn to THINK outside the box, act like an adult, make mature decisions, study, don't waste your time, dont spend your money. One may feel overwhelmed, and stress out about money. You must learn to save every penny or you wont be able to pay for your classes never the less the books one must buy for the courses EACH semester. The professors aren't as patient as a high school teacher, you MUST turn in everything on time. The way they grade is yen times harder than your high school teacher. The professor wont help you, so learn to think outside the box; explore your inner mind. You will have no time to be fooling around, you must behave like an adult. That means sacrifising your "fun" time for studying. Don't make your decisions based on what people say, or people do, make a decision based on YOU.

Looking back on my Senior year of High School only one thing comes to mind, AP classes. I took five AP courses during my junior and senior year and wish now that I had taken more. Getting credit for AP courses helped me get one semester of college out of the way. If I had taken more of the AP courses offered by my school I could easily be a college junior by this time. AP classes were way easier than college classes so taking them at a High School would have benefited be tremendously. Some AP classes even offer credit for two classes with a certain score. I loved my High School experience and getting into my first choice school was an added bonus, but taking more AP courses during High School would have eased me into college more.

If I were to go back and talk to myself, I would discuss two topics: social and academic. I would remind myself to keep some old friends close. While college is partially about new experiences, it never hurts to have some old friends as well. One this allows for some variety in the friends that you have and also provides for sociable possibilities during breaks and networking down the line. This is one thing I learned the hard way, as the multitude of friends I made while in college were ones who did not live in the same area I was from, which made some breaks less relaxing and entertaining then they could have been. However, the time in college with new friends is something special and illuminating. On the more serious concept of academics, I would have taught myself a very important lesson. In high school, it is very easy to just go to class, never study, and still get straight As. In college, this is not exactly a given. From the beginning, one must be willing to put in extra time, comparatively, towards studying. While this lesson can be learned, doing this from the beginning is less stressful.

Given the opportunity to go back in time and tell my High School self about the transition into college, I would be hesitant to say anything at all. Not that my transition was smooth, far from it. It was filled with sleepless nights, soul crushing credit card debt, car wrecks not to mention, heartaches, depression and loss. However, it was also when I learned how to deal with these things on my own. I was rewarded with inspiration, enlightenment and unconditional love. The choices I made that first year led me on the adventure that would become my life. They got me where I am today. Good or bad they were mine. Face to face with my 17 year old self, I would offer no words of wisdom (I wouldn't have listened to them at 17 anyway) but perhaps I would offer up a sincere and heartfelt, "thank you."

After spending a semester experiencing college life, I would tell my high school self to be outgoing and open to trying new things and meeting new people. College life provides so many opportunities for fun and self discovery and it is important to go out and find it because it will not necessarily come to you. So join a club or organization you can become involved in and passionate about. Also, college life so much less structured than high school so it is important to schedule your time wisely. In this scheduling, it is important to maintain a good balance between the amount of time spent on academics and on other things you enjoy. The transition between college life and high school life can be smooth if you have self discipline, time management, and something you are passionate about getting involved in.

As a high school senior I studied the life of a University of Florida student, therefore I knew what to expect once I started school. Knowing what I know now about college life the advice I would give to my high school self is to write for scholarships until my hands fall off. It's great to be a Florida Gator but financially it can be devastating.

Be open to every opportunity that arrives. You make think that something is not worth trying for until you've seen what you missed. I had the opportunity to be a Florida Cicerone but I decided not to apply because I was afraid that I wasn't going to get the position. However, my close friends applied and they were accepted. They were in the same boat as I was but they still gave an effort. Success is giving effort. Don't let anything pass you by because you never know what you are capable of until you do it. Even if a task seems impossible, go for it. Future employers love to see effort. You will gain success with effort.

If I could go back in time, there are a number of things I would tell myself. First off, college is not significantly harder than any other educational level. At every grade you are learning new material, just like everyone else, so if you work hard you always can be competitive and at the top of the class, so don't be nervous. Secondly I'd tell myself to be prepared for the scheduling differences between high school and college. Instead of having class all through the day there are typically several hours between classes, or only a couple classes a day. Be sure to stay focused and treat your day as a work day so that you don't fall behind. Thirdly, I'd tell myself to make sure I request people I know as roommates. The worst thing possible is to get stuck in a triple with a guy you don't know who smells really, really bad. Fourth, get involved on campus the very first week. It makes the transition so much easier when you know people and have friends. Last, look for a job. College life is expensive, and you'll appreciate the extra money.

If I were to go back in time and give my high school senior-self advice, I would tell myself to not stress so much about getting into college. I would also tell myself not to worry, because I have been raised and trained to succeed in anything I will do in life. I would tell myself to prepare for the most fun I will ever have in my life, and I would also tell myself to work harder than I ever have. College is really fun and different and new, but I have had a blast and I feel as though I have been pointed in the right direction by University of Florida staff and faculty.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to develop better study habits. Studying in college is much different from studying in high school. There is no homework for most classes and it is difficult to track your progress unless you?re constantly self-reviewing your knowledge of information you have learned. I loved study groups in high school and those work wonders in college. I would tell myself to be ready to be open, honest, and upfront about my feelings and concerns with those that I?m living with. Conflict resolution is an absolutely necessity when you?re living in such close quarters with so many people. Whether you are the one with the problem or you're trying to be the mediator, it is incredibly important to be able to diplomatically solve problems. Most importantly, I would tell myself to not be afraid to get involved, to talk to people, and to be social. Nobody is going to hold your hand in college and introduce you to people; you have to do that for yourself. You just have to dive right in!

I would tell myself to start saving money earlier, as well as start looking for jobs while still living at home. Having a good credit score, money saved up, and respectable resume when beginning to live on your own allows for a less stressful transition into the part-time work force (which pays for your classes). I would also advise myself to not worry about what other people think, that all college freshman are trying to fit into a quota that is nonexistant, and that you are cool if you are confident. Confidence, self respect, and self descipline are all necessary to survive college.

If it were possible to travel back in time and advise myself as a senior in high school, I would provide my former self with several fundamental criteria that I have come to realize as a college student. Firstly, I would tell myself to join as many leadership positions as possible in order to develop a strong work ethic, which is crucial in a college environment. Secondly, I would tell myself to enroll in as many advance placement classes as possible in order to prove to universities that I am willing to challenge myself in all academia. Lastly, and perhaps the most essential point, I would tell myself to apply to all scholarships and monetary awards as possible. This is in order to attend school without the burden of knowing that this is costing my family a fortune. A huge aid to the college student is to be able to study with nothing else on their mind. Financial peace will ultimately lead to more efficient studying and a more enjoyable college career.

If I could head back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior here is what I would say: ?Trust your instincts; they will prove more valuable than most other guides. You know more than you think, so believe in yourself. Do not let fear hinder your choices; you will be fine. Try again, even if at first you fail. Try again, especially if at first you fail. Follow through; there are few things as painful down the road as regret due to unfinished opportunities. It is okay to change your mind, but give everything and everyone the chance it or they deserve. Forgive yourself and find joy daily. Trust others to a fault; it will bring you more than it will cost. If you are given a leg up, step up; in the end it does not matter for what reasons you have been given the boost and you may not get that boost again. Take some risks; you will be stronger for it. Above all, be kind to the world, help others, and give of yourself without reserve; you will make a difference.?

Hey! You there! Yeah, you. Are you ready for college? Do you know exactly what it entails and the workload you're going to have to face? Well if your answer is no, then you better get ready! College at the University of Florida is a mix of both hard and easy. Yes, campus-life is fun and lots of cool things are always going on. But classes are tough and you'll have it extra hard since you're planning on pursuing an engineering degree. You want to do well though, right? Well listen up. Stay focused and don't get distracted by all of the social events going on in the organizations on campus. Yes, it's fun, and yes, you'll meet lots of potential friends, but ask yourself this: In 5 years, was that night that you spent at a party instead of studying really worth it? Your answer is probably no. What can you do to stay ahead and be prepared to pursue an egineering degree? Keep your GPA up and join clubs that pertain to your major. That's right, by doing those two things you'll be ready and WILL succeed!

Go to college right after high school. It's very hard to go back once you wait as long as I have. So take your time to find the one that fits you the best and have fun at the same time.

Pick early classes. This way you can shower while the rest of the floor is asleep and do laundry while the majority of the students in the building are just waking up for class. Plus, chances are the professor doesn?t really want to be there that early either, so they will be a little more relaxed about the rules. Don?t forget shower shoes. The dorms have two showers for twelve girls to share and not every girl is as well groomed as you are. Gross, I know, but just be thankful the bathrooms aren?t co-ed! Keep snacks in the room. The dining halls are only open certain hours, and usually those hours don?t coincide with your ?study breaks?. Finally, get involved! Starting in the spring after graduating a year early is tough enough. By then everyone has found a place to fit in. Joining clubs and participating in school-wide activities gives you an opportunity to jump into the experience. You will make friends, you will stay busy, you will have something to tell Mom and Dad when they call EVERY DAY, and you will discover your passion for pastries much sooner than I did.

If I had the opportunity to go back in time to give myself some advice, it would have to be to relax. The transition into college was one of the scariest times of my life for a number of reasons. First of all, the events leading up to my graduation from high school included the forclosure of my parents' home, due to the hurricanes and the loss of my father's job. Later, my sister's unexpected pregnancy and then the loss of the second, rental home and the end of my father's electrician carreer when the economy dropped beneath our feet, brought in the stress and it felt like the world was upon me. My college funds were drained for food and I felt like there was no hope. I nearly tore my hair out trying to find a way into college. But now I'm here, I have just enough money to get me through school from various scholarships and aid. "So, Cory... You should just relax, I know these are hard times but concentrate on school and know that every little thing is gonna be alright."