University of Florida Top Questions

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."