University of Georgia Top Questions

Nix the expectations. In one sentence, that is what I would tell my high school self. Growing up in Lansing, Michigan I was a die hard MSU Spartan fan and was 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} convinced that I was destined to end up there. As it turns out, with scholarships and financial aid, I ended up at UGA. In high school, this devistated me. However, it has turned into a situation and experience that is better than I could have imagined. There are a lot of kids from my high school that attend UGA and I was nervous that I would be trapped into only socializing with them and not experience college the way it is supposed to be experience. I was wrong. There is an abundance of things to do, thousands of people to meet. I would also tell myself that college is just one more chapter in the book of life and every decision is not the be all end all, but if you think it is, there are plenty of people to guide. I truly think that even if UGA was not your first choice, it is nearly impossible to not experience UGA and fall in love. Nix the expectations.

I would tell myself that going away to college doesn't mean that I will be disconected from my high school friends I don't see everyday. I can talk to and keep in-touch with my friends and family on the phone by calling or texting, and I can also talk to them on facebook. During my senior year, I was really upset and worried that I would lose all my friends as we went our seperate ways at different colleges, but I've found that talking to them is just as easy as typing a message. And, when I see them during breaks, nothing has changed except that everyone has a lot of stories to tell. I'm not going to lose my high school friends.

Take AP classes! It is so crucial to take AP classes if they are offered at your high school. As a freshman in college trying to plan out the three years ahead of me, I truly understand how important it is to take AP classes and to take the AP tests at the end of the semester. The average semester at UGA is 15 hours. That is the equivalent of five classes, and that is simply not an easy thing to do - especially when you are just learning how to be independent in a place where your parents are not there to do everything for you. If you took AP classes, however, and managed to pass the tests, then you are ahead. You won't have to take that many classes at first, and trust me, you will be very happy you did it. Also, apply for scholarships and grants. Financial struggles are terrible to deal with when you are trying to focus on school. I constantly have to worry about how I'm going to pay rent, and it's just not something a student should have to focus on everyday. Otherwise, prepare for the time of your life!

In deciding which collegiate path you'll take, consider all your options and really analyze what you want out of your college experience. Do your research. Decide what is most important to you and find a school that meets those specifications. Know whether you want to attend a big school or a smaller school; whether you want to live in a rural or metropolitan area; whether you care about the layout and look of the campus. It is vital to know your lifestyle preferences and pick a school that is cohesive with those preferences. You want to choose a school that exemplifies who you are so that you will be able to flourish as a student and as a person. Your college choice should be made carefully, critically, and meticulously. If you pick the right school--the school that provides a conducive learning and growing environment--then you will be pleased with the choice you make.

As a high school senior, I could not wait to graduate. I felt trapped and suffocated, especially because I knew that independence and a fresh start awaited me after I walked across the stage and accepted my diploma. Not only this, but I felt that my dreams of entering the film industry were so far away and I couldn't wait to start on that path. Looking back on this time in my life, I now know that this vision I had of college life was pretty accurate: I feel like college has given me the boost and new beginning I was so desperately needing and is putting me on the right path to achieve my career goals I have had since childhood. Therefore, if I could tell myself as a senior in highschool one thing, it would be, "relax, you're right." Just as the workload in high school served as a preparation for college courses, I feel that college is serving as preparation for the real world. Not only the real world, but that my dreams of entering the film industry are actually coming true. "Leigh, it's not just a dream. It will become your reality."

Dear Kris, I am speaking to you as a college student and here is some advice I wish I would have known. Don't underestimate the good qualities of attending a small school and playing soccer for scholarship money! I know you want to attend a big university but understand that its harder to make friends there. If you attend a small university you will see familar faces everyday, know more about whats going on around campus, have more free time, and most important have one on one time with your professor. I advice you to play soccer in college for a few reasons. It will look really good on future applications, you will be with a good group of friends playing a sport you love, you'll be in great shape and finally you'll be getting paid to do it! Really think about this and I hope you make the best decision! Love, Your future self P.S. If you still decide to attend a big university GET INVOLVED AROUND CAMPUS!

?If I could write a letter to me, and send it back in time to myself at seventeen?? This quote is not only lyrics to a Brad Paisley song, but a unique opportunity many people would love to take. At seventeen, I was about to embark on a journey that seemed simultaneously exciting and scary, college. Having gone through this transitional experience, the best advice I can give is to be aggressive. Be aggressive and make new friends. At the beginning of college, there will not always a friend to accompany you everywhere you go, so make some. Make as many friends as you can and remember, everyone is in the same situation and will greatly appreciate your outreach. Be aggressive and get involved. Sign up for organizations and leadership roles; it will make you stand out and you will actually have fun helping your community. And most importantly, be aggressive with your schoolwork. Do not procrastinate and do not be afraid to communicate with your teachers. College is a new exciting world with many opportunities. And even though you are leaving high school behind, everytime you are struggling, remember your old high school cheer, ?Be aggressive! Be, be aggressive!?

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself how important college is. I would tell myself that even though you are graduating early you should still go straight to college. If you take time off it will be harder to get back into the swing of things and you will be out on your own trying to juggle work and school and although your first few semesters this will work out fine as you go on it will get harder and harder, so go ahead and start school now while you can still live at home!

As a senior in high school I was prepared for college. One thing I would tell myself is not to worry so much about meeting new people. I wasn't very concerned with the academic transition, because I have always done well in school, and I enjoy learning. However, I chose a school where I didn't know anyone, and I was worried that it would be difficult for me to make friends. Once I got the University of Georgia, I found that that wasn't a problem for me. I was able to go a little out of my box and introduce myself to new people. I made a lot of excellent friends through the people I met in my dorm, in my classes, and especially in the clubs and activities that I do on campus. I would tell my highscool self to keep balancing my school work with friends and activities, and I would do fine. As long as I try my best to reach my goal of becoming a veterinarian, I will do well and be happy.

If I could go back in time, the advice I would give myself is to get it done, or as we say it here in Georgia, "Git 'er dun!" I am thirty-three years old and I am starting over yet again. Although I am proud of myself for getting into UGA at this age, it can sometimes be overwhelming. When I was eighteen years old and fresh out of high school, I felt that the path that I was on to lead a successful life was inevitable. There was nothing that could stop me from living my dream. Now fifteen years later, I find myself unemployed, with no college degree, trying to make ends meet. I am grateful for this second chance and I am determined to make the most of it!