University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Top Questions

I would most definitely have not been so close-minded about broadening my horizons. Having the opportunity to attend more diverse schools with higher academic standards was not important to me in high school. However, attending U of I, I am experiencing all of that and more for the first time in my life. I would definitely have been more socially aware and more into networking with others outside of my school. Networking is KEY, especially after attending U of I for a few short months.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to relax. I was waitlisted at the University of Illinois and spent the last half of my senior year feeling stressed about whether or not I was going to get in. I made plans to attend another Universtiy and just felt unsure and nervous about my decision. I wish I had been less stressed and aware that no matter where I went to college, the transition would be something I would be completely capable of handling. Being a senior in high school is a time of life where so much has been achieved and I think it's important to realize that and appreciate the meaning of the milestone that is reaching the end of high school. My sophomore in college self would tell the 18 year old me to enjoy the last year of high school with the knowledge that college will be just as rewarding and worthwhile.

Even though studying was not an important thing to make the great grades in high school, it is another story at college. The best way to learn good note taking and study habits is by practice. Studying in high school requires looking at a study guide prepared by the teacher the class before the exam. Studying in college requires reading the material, understanding the material, taking notes on the lectures and from books, creating a study guide, and repeating these steps over and over again, starting a few weeks before the exam. In high school if you make a few mistakes on an exam, you will be able to counteract those mistakes with other coursework or extra credit work. In college, you have one shot. Many classes are graded upon 3 things: weekly quizzes (10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}), a midterm exam (40{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}), and a final exam (50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}). If you make a mistake on one of the two tests, there is little chance to improve that grade. The key to making high grades is preparation and understanding the material for the course. The key to success in the future is learning the best way to study and retain material now. Good luck!

Don't worry so much about fitting in and learning how to become adapted to your campus Nneka. Instead, take your time to let yourself naturally experience different things and perspectives. Try new things and don't limit yourself to how far you can go in life. Take advantage of each academic resource when you get to your university and DO NOT be afraid to ask questions. Intelligent people ask questions, especially those who want to succeed. You are a high school senior and it's time to take full advantage of all of your accomplishments so far. Your life is in your hands, all you have to do is grasp it and make the best of it. Don't be afraid to be wrong and make mistakes. If you fall short, NEVER give up. Giving up is always the easiest thing to do. But a true succesor holds on. Before you know it, college will be over. So make every moment count. Stay away from all the parties that seem to draw you away from your academics as well. Good luck Nneka and have fun! Be the difference .......

Senior year is a time when many college-bound students decide to kick back and sail smoothly through their final year of high school because they have already been accepted to a school of their choice and therefore think there is no point in trying senior year. This mindset is so common it has come to be known as ?senioritis?. I was one of these students last year. As a freshman this year I quickly learned that college is not all about getting the grades and maintaining a high GPA. There are many opportunities and much knowledge to gain. Within a week of starting college I realized that the next four years of my life are going to be those of gaining knowledge from the vast resources and exploring new things with all the other curious minds. Senior year of high school is the beginning of this journey. Enjoying every part of the academic experience is as important senior year as it is in college. The thirst for knowledge should increase as time brings you closer to a vast sea of knowledge. Staying attentive and pushing further senior year will prepare one for the great opportunities that wait in college.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to practice better study habits because studying is the key to passing courses at this institution. I would also tell myself to practice better time management skills. In high school, I had room to choose parties and social events over my work, all the time, because my high school courses weren't all that strenuous. But, in college, it would be wise to complete your work first. Along with that, I would tell myself not to settle for whats put before me. Do independent research for everything; academics, fiancial support, events, etc. Lastly, I would tell myselft to prepare for the most amazing and educational experience of your life.

I would tell myself not too worry if I can handle the academic work load. I have challenged myself and will continue to. College will primarily be preparing me for life on my own and meeting the people I want to know the rest of my life. There are all types of people on campus. With a population of 40,000 I can find people with similiar aspirations and life goals. Also to take full advantage of academic and career advice. College will not just bring the knowledge of the working world to you. The career services of the college and the professional student organizations can really help to present a simulation of what you will need to succeed. Interacting with the people you aspire to be like is the best way to learn how to get there. But it is extremely important to diversify the people you bring into your social life. You will not have more personalities and talented people to interact with than in college at a large university. Learn to surround yourself with people that have different talents and things to bring to the table. College will open doors to new opportunities and learning experiences.

There is so much to look forward to, and yet so much to be appreciated in the moment. Do not forsake the gift each day has to offer, by applying yourself fully to your responsibilities, as well as to your friends, family and passions. Always be open, humble, and teachable. Work hard, and enjoy the time to relax that you earn. Apply yourself to something new, commit yourself to causes and people who need it. You are more important and can help many more lives by simply being friendly and caring, and do not need to wait until your education is over; in fact you will learn just as much if not more when interacting with others outside the classroom. Be respectful of those who came before you, and considerate to those who come after you. Make the work you do about the faces who brought you there and the faces who can benefit from it, not just about the salary or benefits for yourself. College is what you make of it, and it is entirely possible to find joy in it all as long as you work hard, and share yourself with others.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would first calm myself down about the selection process. I would tell myself that as long as you pick schools based on your likes and dislikes (big school vs. small school, public vs. private, city vs. college town), you will most likely love where you go to school. Another thing I would tell myself is to avoid falling into the freshman stereotype! It is never too early to get involved on campus. I would remind myself about the importance of gaining leadership experience in college as soon as possible by joining clubs and organizations, especially those related to my prospective majors. Finally, I would tell myself to not be afraid to approach professors and teaching assistants. It is important to have relationships with them for recommendation letters down the road.

Hey, self. Here's a little secret about college you wouldn't expect: It's easier than you think. I know you're afraid because other people have told you how they've struggled with it, but trust me, you were born to go to college. Surprisingly you'll adjust just fine to everything, so I only have two words of advice for you. First, don't be afraid because there's really nothing to be afraid of. And secondly, just be yourself when you get there. You think you already knew the second one but seriously, don't ever feel pressured to be someone your not. You'll find in college that everyone is unique, there's no conformity anymore, so don't bother to conform.