University of Illinois at Chicago Top Questions

I would tell myself that college is truly a test of how well you want to reach your goal; this is simply because of the level of independence that you have. The ability to decide whether to go to class or not, the ability to leave with friends without having those "annnoying" parents to force you to stay and do homework/study, and the ability to make most of your own decisions that are so critical for the major. It is so easy to not show up to class, and to deviate away from the path of graduation. You are basically alone when it comes to making the right the decision, and it is basically an indicator of your devotion and desire to recieve that degree. Also, you need to have resistance when it comes to having friends who only want to go out and party, and who will only leave you way behind on your studies. You finally begin to learn what if feels like to become an adult, a person whose own decisions that can make or destroy the person's fate, and their willingness to keep working for they destiny they crave.

Michelle, it?s your last year in high school and you should take this opportunity to prepare for college. You are prepared academically, but you need to be prepared mentally. You'll be attending a competitive school with 25,000 other students. If you are not hired for the first position you apply for, do not give up hope and keep applying. From time to time, if you don?t receive the A you expected, do not give up, study harder for the next exam. College is full of challenges, and the most difficult one you have to face is rejection. You are a perfectionist, but it's important to learn how to persevere. You're optomistic when you face a challenge, but you need to stay an optomist whatever the outcome. To learn how to persevere, you should practice soccer and try out for the team, apply for jobs, apply for scholarships? etc. Also, take harder courses, and if you don?t receive straight A?s, at least you tried to challenge yourself. You cannot always be perfect so learn and progress, accept and persevere.

Dionicia, i know your excited to go to a big University but take into consideration the fanacial statues of yout family. You are currantly not recieveing finacial help from the goverment or any other outside source. Think about what is best for your family don't be selfish. Since you are undecided you are going to be taking prerequiste courses at you school this is something that can be done at your local community college aswell as a University. The difference between the two are that one the University can cost up to $25,000 a year and a local commuitty college could be less than half of that . I know you feel like this is the next big step that you have been waiting for your whole high school career but what is 2 more years of waiting when you can save so much money. Going to a community college does not mean you a lesser of a person or get lesser of an education it just means your being financially smart considering the economic statues that thye whole nation is in. Go to a community college for 2 years then tranfer to the university of your choice .

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would inform myself that making such a large transition is not always easy. There is a big difference between high school and college. College may seem easy at first, but as you further your education, it gets more difficult. I would also say that I should manage my time wisely and make smart decisions with money. In addition, I would tell myself to aim high and notjust settle for average grades because higher grades is what gets you to where you want to be in the future. Lastly, I would tell myselfthat focusing is the main key to success in college. Do not fall into peer pressure and other activities that would put you at risk for anything bad that will affect your future.

College is a different playing field. The comfort level I had became so use to is no longer there and I have to establish a new one in order to start of successfully. I would tell myself to continue what I have been doing as far as preparing for assignments and tests but I would tell myself to do a lot more advanced reading. Procrastination is the one thing that kills many students. I have seen it in high school and I almost fell to it during my 1st semester of college. The next thing I would tell myself is strop procrastinating because it will hurt you quicker than it does in high school. After that I would tell myself to take advantage of all the resources available especially here in UIC where there are resource literally right in front of you. The last thing I would tell myself is have fun. Be serious, focus on the job at hand, focus on the future, but have fun, be socially involved in the community, and don't stress out because if you are on top of everything there is no reason to stress out.

If i could go back too my senior year. I would have talked to myself, knowing what i do about college. I would tell myself to work harder in school by getting my work done on time. I would fill out scholorships for colleges an take advantage of everything the counselors gave me. I'd tell myself to take school more serious than i did an make it to class on time. Making the transition, i would tell myself not to give up on stuff so easily, like homework if i cant get it done i'd make sure to get help from the teacher. The advice i'd give myself is the same as going back an talking to myself ."I would tell myself to work harder in school by getting my work done on time." I'd also would have taken the ACT more than i did an i would aimed for a higher diploma so that way i would've had to work harder than i did an i would have to show up to school.

I would tell myself to not be afraid to take some time off from school to gain some real world experience. But, I would warn myself to keep education a top priority no matter what was going on. There is nothing wrong with taking time off to learn and mature. If anything college will only be easier because your focus will be more refined. Not only would I have real world experience but also the knowledge to apply theory learned to that experience.

As a high school student, people told me how college has no homework and attendance is never taken. For me, there was loads of daily homework and plenty of lectures that made sure your presence was necessary. I would tell my past-self that college is just like high school but you are responsible for your actions. If you don't attend class, you will fall behind. Although the professors post the lectures on the school's website, he/she will add information during the lecture that won't be on the provided slides. It is essential to attend all classes, study for all exam and quizzes, and turn in papers on time. There aren't many point offered during college therefore all points count. Missing one assignment could put your grade down the hole, it is extremely important to take college life seriously. Its your life, be smart about it.

Talk to other individual students that may have or are attending this college. Not only look at what the college is known for but also the location, diversity and campus life, etc. Be more observant to fine print on fees, financial aid etc. College life is an experience to enjoy and one that will always be remembered. Be more aware of study habits, counselor remarks, and teachers who are willing to help prepare you for college. Take what your parents have told you and always keep it with you. Sometimes what you think might be meaningless is some the best advice you will ever get.

If I could travel back in time to the end of my high school career to offer up some friendly advice to myself about college I would start off with a reminder,"take a deep breath". Though the transition period from high school to college may be three months, it feels like days to an upcoming freshmen college student. There are so many things to do, buy, sign, and pack that the overwhelming excitement to leave can cause one to overlook the decisions that should be considered before entering college life. I would tell myself there is no need to rush, to take a break and truly experience the options of what career path is just the right fit. Before going off to school make sure of what you truly have your heart set on to avoid wasting the time, money, and stress worrying you will regret the path you chose. If your going to spend $25,000 dollars a year on an education, wouldn`t you want to know your spending your money wisely?