University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

Throughout my college career thus far, I've faced many different challenges in different aspects of my life. But, with each challenge comes opportunity, and with each opportunity comes a choice. And it's these choices that define us and make us who we are today. The first piece of advice I'd tell myself is to plan and prepare. Yes, not everything can be planned for, but being prepared puts you one step ahead when opportunites and misfortune come knocking. I constantly remind myself of my dad's advice. "A failure to plan is a plan to fail." The number two piece of advice is to not be afraid. College is a new world full of new oppurtunites of every caliber. Embrace these opportunites and take a chance. I've learned it's better to try and fail, then to never try at all. College is a time of learning who you really are, and the best way to learn is through experience. Be proactive and take chances! Last, but not least, believe in yourself. Adversity and problems are never ending battles in life. Stand up for who you are, and you'll never lose the war.

Dear High School Senior, Selecting a college to attend is a tough decision. There are a lot of different aspects to consider. When it comes down to it, though, make sure you choose a school where you believe you will be happy. This isn't necessarily equivalent to choosing the school ranked the highest or the school your parents like most. No, it means choosing a campus that you are excited to step foot on because you have found an environment that makes you want to learn and grow, ask questions and find answers, face challenges and become the best version of yourself. Similarly, once you have made your decision and arrived at college, don't be afraid to explore what lies on the other side of your comfort zone. Go out of your way to meet new people, try new foods, and participate in different activities. Don't be afraid to fail because the end destination is but a minor accomplishment compared to who you become on the journey there. Lastly, have fun and cherish every moment, even the tough ones. College goes by fast, so soak it up while it lasts! Sincerely, Nostalgic College Grad

“Nothing matters”, I would impart upon myself.It is my firm belief that nothing really matters in this world, because as important as we constantly tell ourselves we are, the reality of this Situation is that we are merely temporary specs in the grand scheme of Everything. Yet, to clarify, nothing mattering should be taken in the most incredible and inspiring way possible. That thought has made me realize that life is just the longest and realest game we’ll ever play. Therefore I’d tell myself that if I want to become a doctor one day, then I should spend hundreds of hours buried in the dusty library stacks. If I want to make as many memories as possible, then spend a few more nights past 2:00 am, yet write down the laughs the next day. I’d remind myself that I am in control of every thought/feeling/situation that I encounter and since none of those three things will exist in 100-200 years, I should make them as incredibly epic as humanly possible. For me, since nothing matters, I would remind myself to achieve any and all things my dreamer mind conjures up.

During my high school senior year, I placed upon myself a rigorous set of academic classes. From taking six advanced placement classes, being involved in two varsity sports and multiple community service commitments I was unable to truly enjoy my senior year experience. Though I have learned a lesson of great time management during my senior year, I wished that I have taken my time to fully submerge myself in the courses that I was taking. Instead, in order to keep up the graduation requirements and my GPA, I rushed from one activity to the next not fully comprehending the subject material. I admit that in high school I worked very hard but for the wrong reasons. My goal was to get as many accolades possible and attain a perfect grade, instead of acquiring the knowledge that would have continuously been useful during my college years. It was as if though I was sprinting the fastest than anyone else, yet ineffectively in circles, not going anywhere. The advice that I would give myself ultimately, if I can go back in time, is to savor every moment of high school and study the subjects dear to my interests for the future.

If I could go back and give myself advise, I would begin by describing the differences between college and high school. I would tell myself that it is not the simple sit in class for 30 minutes while the teacher talks then talk to your friends for the next hour. College is not the easy never have to study because it's mostly things that can be remembered without trying. You don't get the extra time to make up any work that you may have missed for any reason. So in short, the advice I would give to myself would have to be, be attentive, be studious, and be flexible. Do what needs to be done to get the grades and further yourself in your education and in your life. But always remember to have fun! If you don't have fun, you will hate all of it.

If I were to go back in time and be a high school senior, the best advices I would give to myself now that I am a college student would be the following: The number one advice and the most important one would be to attend to all of my classes without skipping any of them. I would also pay attention to all my professors and do all of my work and of course turn them in on time. I do regret some things i didn't do in high school. For example I didn't apply to any scholarships and I wouldn't try my best to be a top student. Now that I am in college I am trying my best to be a better student and not only that but to be the best!!

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to be so narrow-minded about my college choice. It's not that I dont't love U of I, it's great here. The big thing I realize now though is that I could have gone to other school and gotten much more scholarship money, potentially even full tuition. So, I would tell myself to broaden my view and not to discount schools based on location or name.

Remember, go to bed early, do all of your homework, and don't get side-tracked by video games or your "friends." In life, you will only get out as much as you put into it. If you only put in half the effort, don't be surprised if you don't get everything you hoped for. Out of experience, stay in school, fill out as many applications as you can for scholarships and universities, unless you'd like to end up in Afghanistan sleeping four hours a day, always on guard. Learn from everyone's mistakes. I know you think, "I'd rather learn on my own," but if you just listen to your friends, family, and teachers, you can avoid so much stress, danger, and heartbreak. If you forget and ignore your goals because of the woman you thought was "the one," you'll lose not only your time and money, but you will find yourself putting in jeopardy one of the most important aspects of your life, your future. Lastly, remember what we were raised with, "Honor, courage, commitment." Do not be afraid to push yourself, you are stronger than you know. Remember where you come from.

Last year in April, I received a letter in the mail informing me that I had not been accepted into the university I wanted to attend in the fall. I was crushed and devastated and had to settle for a school I was not nearly as interested in. I spent all of my summer worrying that I was not going to enjoy my time there; I was convinced. But now, already into my second semester at this school, I can proudly say that I love being a student here and would not rather go anywhere else. I wish I had known as a high school student that everything happens for a reason and it all works out eventually. Now, as some of my senior friends are beginning to hear back from colleges, I can understand the disappointment they may be feeling. The college they end up committing to may not be their originally preference, or even their second or third. But the truth is that people are accepted to schools for a reason, and those are the schools they will fit into the most.

In 200 words it's going to be hard to tell my high school senior self everything I want to, but, I'll try. I would tell myself my friends actually aren't the only thing that matters to me - spend more time with your family. That guy you're dating that you think is the most amazing person ever? Yeah, don't let him waste your time, there is too much of the world to see to be hung up on him. When you go to Italy to study abroad, put your phone away, spend that extra couple Euro on something you want, and just open your eyes - look around, take it all in. The Freshman 15 is REAL!!!!!! One more shot is never a good idea or necessary, I promise. Appreciate how intelligent your Professor's are, it's actually very cool that you're learning from some of the best in the field. I would also tell myself to remember that the road to your future is full of obstacles and pot holes, learn to appreciate the challenges - they will make you better. Lastly, get excited for an amazing four years.

Be yourself, become more involved by volunteering and try out for sport teams like you wanted to. Take more chance and challenge yourself more. Follow your dreams and always do your best. Do something different every day, and actually live life to the fullest. Look for the best in yourself. Bringing smiles to those you know is what you love the most, so why not try to make someone new have a brighter day every day. There is always going to be struggle, theres no way around that be even so, live for today and look forward to tomorrow. Just be yourself and you'll be fine. You will miss high school's simplicity once you're in college so be grateful for the time you are giving here. Depend on yourself first before relying on others, you can always count on yourself to follow through. Create better study habits thats for sure. Also, get a job and start saving up, believe when I say, you would have wished you had done that earlier, a lot earlier.

Don't be afraid of the unknown but embrace it! I was really homesick as a freshmen but I’ve learned the best way to overcome this is to get out there! Do something to pass the time. You will meet new friends, who will eventually become your “home away from home.” Go out there, join organizations, volunteer, or even find a job! The opportunities are endless when you are in college; it is a time of self-development (there is no one to tell you what to do, the choices you make are yours). So, use this time wisely, have fun, challenge yourself, learn new things, and expand your horizons. Have fun but at the end of day, don’t forget to call your parents, let them know how you are doing. Not only do you embrace the unknown but never let failure knock you down. Follow your heart. You may be rejected five, ten, or even hundreds of time but don’t let that discourage you. Pick yourself back up. Believe in yourself. Know that you can win by following your passion.

Try harder in AP classes! Take that test, so you don't have to take an entire semester of the class again! Also, start networking NOW. Put yourself out there, shake hands, and keep in touch with EVERYONE. People like helping other people, it makes it much easier if they know you!

Realize that college will change you. You may end up doing things you never thought you would do, but take everything as it comes with the best sort of attitude possible. College is what you make of it, so make it worthwhile.

I know it feels like the whole world is finally unraveling before you and you are basically the master of it all, but take a step back and look at the bigger picture. It is difficult, I understand, because you have just finished 12 years of schooling and you feel invincible. However, be open-minded. Don't think you know exactly which degree you will earn or which friends will follow you to graduation. Do not think you're above the Freshman 15, or that you will be able to cram in a semester of material the night before each of the three tests that will make up your entire grade for a class. That stops in high school. Be aware of college debt. It exists-but it is okay. College is the best investment you will ever make. Love the time you spend in college. Take classes that make you fall in love with learning. Take a risk and get involved on campus. Step up and be a leader! Your resume will thank you. Make friends that will be at your wedding. Meet the person you'll marry. Truly treasure each moment; it'll be gone way too fast.

Two girls, young women really, sit down at a table and study each other. They look the same, although one is a younger, more sullen version of the other. After a moment, the slightly older woman leans forward and says urgently, “Jasmine, listen to me. What I say next will shape your life immensely. The younger person begins to listen as she is told to be more present in her senior year. She listens as the older woman tells her that although things might seem bad and difficult, they are actually valuable opportunities for growth. She’s told not to retreat into herself when she feels that she doesn’t fit in, but to instead make an effort to learn about herself and others in the times that she is ignored and shunned. Instead of being prideful, she should ask teachers for help, because they will explain things far better in one-on-one situations. Above all, don’t take AP Chemistry, but take something fun instead. This will set the precedence for her class taking habits in the future, and she won’t use Chemistry later anyways. The older Jasmine says a lot, and hopefully, she will listen.

Grasp every opportunity you have. A university is filled with resources to learn, connect and improve. Don't wait until you are half way throught to explore these options. If you see a club that is vaguely interesting, join it. Chances are, you will be captivated by the people you meet. If you see a job opportunity in your freshman year, apply. Working is a great way to instill discipline and time-management capabilities. If you find a field of study more enlightening to you than the one you chose, pursue it. Your heart sometimes know better than your mind. A university is a place where you meet the most opportunities, but it can also be the place you form the most regrets. The people you meet and befriend should be the people you keep in touch with for years to come. The lessons you learn will be stepping stones to the full of your aspiring career. The most substantial thing universities offer is choice. You have a choice to make the most out of the four years and come out as a radically and wonderfully different individual.

" The value of a quarter" Looking back at myself in high school, an myriad of suggestions comes to my mind but something that hits my head the most is to somehow take my driver’s seat out and recover all the quarters I have lost over the years, I mean what is college without quarters. You need quarters for everything; laundry, parking, vending machines, printing and countless other things, without which you can’t even survive a week on campus. While all these quarters might not cover the college expenses very significantly, it definitely establishes the true meaning of the phrase “a penny saved is a penny earned”. Living on campus meant that I had to keep record of every dollar I spent in order to have spare money in my pocket every time I had to leave my room, which taught me the ‘true value of a dollar’. So going back in time I would only have one suggestion for myself; to save as much as I can, yes that would mean I would have to skip a fancy latte every morning but the money I save in high school could mean a lot more to me in college.

You have confirmed your acceptance at the university of your choice. You attend summer registration with your major decided, and choose all your classes for your first semester. You get there in the fall and immerse yourself in classes and activities for your major. You're doing everything everyone has ever told you you are supposed to be doing. There's just one problem: you hate it. This is certainly not everyone's experience, but it was mine. And even if you don't hate your major, everyone at one point or another experiences a bit of doubt. Sometimes what you expected isn't the reality. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to explore all of the possibilities. Before summer registration, peruse the list of majors on your university's website. Select the ones that interest you, even if you think you are positive of your major. Look for gen eds related to those majors that you can take during your first year. Explore related activities (but don't overwhelm yourself during your first semester). Try anything that might interest you, even if it scares you. ESPECIALLY if it scares you.

Be nice and talk to everyone. Everyone wants to make as many friends as possible. Exclusivity ended with junior high. In junior high, if your parents won't buy you new jeans and you grow 3 inches you're in a tough situation. By high school, you already have more power over your destiny than you realize. Tear down walls by asking a question, any question. Get people talking. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something and show vulnerability and ask for help. People want to help, and you're opening up an avenue for them to ask when they are in need. Humans aren't meant to live in isolation, everyone benefits from knowing as many people as possible. Talk to those who are outgoing and the quiet ones, too. Get everyone talking. Your social circle will be huge, you will get such a sense of satisfaction from the network you built for yourself and others, and the dynamic of the environment becomes entirely different. Everyday, every person, every room: get talking.