University of Miami Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Miami know before they start?

Andres

I would tell myself to first and foremost stay true to myself, no matter what other people do at college. Even if you think you're completely different than everybody else at your school, you aren't, and you'll make great friends for life. Go out and try new things, and don't shackle yourself to high school relationships, but step out of your box and meet new people. I would tell myself to buy a good watch and a good planner, because time disappears faster than a box of hot pizza in a room full of frat boys. Make a positive impression on your professors because they can do amazing things for you, as long as they know who you are. Find what you love to do, and don't be afraid to change your mind. You may have to switch majors multiple times, but that's what college is all about, developing as a person and finding your calling. Try something you wouldn't normally do, and get the most out of college because you can only do it once.

Joshua

I would tell myself to actually find someone who was already in my major and ask them detailed questions about their course load, professors, social life, and classes in general. I would advise myself to take all the AP courses I could take and force myself to study so that I would do well on them. I would tell myself to establish more connections with engineering professionals. I would also advise myself to save money and time by refusing to apply to the five other schools just because they sent me free applications in the mail. Finally, I would tell myself to save all of the graduation money I would receive and enourage myself to buy stock in either Apple or Nintendo, or both.

Inna

I would tell myself to enjoy college years to the fullest by getting involved right away in the university community through volunteering and various student organizations. I would also tell myself to not worry whether University of Miami is the right choice because it is, and that no matter what college experience can be gained anywhere as long as one sets his/her mind to it. I would also tell myself that while school work is the number one priority, it is not the only priority and if only one thing is learned in college it should be the importance of time management. This will help during and after college and is what should be started in high school. I am still in that learning process but I am glad that I realized its importance while still at school. I recall the stress that I experienced as a high school senior. Now, I see that there was no need to worry and the most important thing that I would tell myself is not to stress because that is by far the most negative thing that can be experienced.

Jhanile

I would tell myself to stay focused on the prize and to cherish all the memories that I will make. In addition, I will also confirm the saying that all that glitters isn't gold; however I should always take chances. Don't live life based on regrets and take each situation, whether it's good or bad, as a learning experience. Also, I don't know everything! So I need to be more open to new things as well as information. Reading is fundamental, so even though I'd rather be out partying, it's good to maybe spend 30 minutes a day my senior reading novels instead of Cosmo and Vogue magazine. Lastly, I'd tell me myself to be thankful for each day.

Emmanuel

The first piece of advice I would give myself would be to be more motivated to apply for scholarships, since the University of Miami is a type of private school that does not accept the full award of the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship. Gaining more scholarship money will reduce my having to obtain loans, since in the future the family will have a worse financial situation. In addition, I would tell myself to look for books for classes in advance and set up an online E-bay or other account in order to obtain the best deals on textbooks and also read some material to prepare for my tough courses. In addition, I would tell myself to focus on AP Physics with Calculus to prepare myself for my tough physics courses at the University of Miami, since students at the university have a tough time with physics courses, especially considering that the teachers are not the greatest for physics. As far as everyday life goes, I would tell myself to reasearch more about the nearest banks, rather than having to travel 4 miles to my bank now, and find a way to keep my car without the expenses of parking.

Catherine

For starters, look for scholarships, you can never have enough. Second, don't work so hard, take time to enjoy your college experience, freshman year. Find a job on campus not off. Not only will this help you socially but more important academically. Make friends, go to parties, get involved and if you can live on campus that first year. This makes the transition so much better and easier. But more important in the long it will help you gain greater support that you will need. Basically, give yourself a little break from the seriousness of life and be a college student. In the end, this is what you are: a Student first. Your mother will understand.

GIOVANNA

I WOULD DEFINATELY TELL MYSELF CONTINUE TO MAKE THE SAME GREAT DECISIONS. ALTHOUGHT THERE IS MANY TEMPTATIONS AND PEER PRESSURE INVOLVED IN COLLEGE LIFE, I FEEL I DID THE RIGHT THING IN STAYING HOME AND COMPLETING MY FIRST TWO YEARS IN COLLEGE. I SUCCESSFULLY GRADUATED MY FIRST TWO YEARS AND WAS ACCEPTED INTO ONE OF THE BEST SCHOOLS IN THE NATION. I WOULD TELL MYSELF TO SAVE THE MONEY I COULD HAVE USED FOR SCHOOL CONSIDEERING THE PRICE OF COLLEGE TUITION INCREADING A MORE THAN 17 TIMES WHAT COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRICE ARE. I WOULD HAVE TOLD MYSELF TO PLAN MORE FOR THE FUTURE AND APPLY MORE FOR SCHOLOARSHIPS THAN I ACTUALLY DID. I FEEL ACADEMICALLY I DID THE BEST I COULD AND AM VERY PLEASED WITH THE CHOICE I MADE AND AM GREATFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OF MY FAMILY AND EMPLOYERS DURING THIS GREAT TRANSITION OF MY LIFE.

Eric

I would tell myself to research more heavily on what each university in the country has to offer. I selected the University of Miami at the last second, basically because I thought it would be cool to go to college in Miami, and although I am happy with my decision now, it was difficult to make this truly life-altering decision. During the fall of my senior year, I was not well informed about what to look for when choosing a university (basically because of my laziness in looking at universities). I selected schools to apply to based on what my friends were choosing and based on school reputations. Ironically, I am the only one of my friends who decided to go to Miami, and I laugh at them now because most of them are freezing in the snow while I soak in the sun. When looking at a college, focus on what it can offer you academically first, then look at the campus's surroundings to see if you can enjoy yourself there, and finally go on a whim like I did and make the most out of your decision. Hopefully it was a great one.

Jacquelynn

"Get a job, and keep it. There's no reason why you should apply to go to your first choice college and not have a job. Make sure to keep your grades up and do better on the ACT. This is the last one you have to take so finish strong. Keep applying for scholarships, too. Going to Miami, you're going to need all the money you can get, especially since the full tuition couldn't be awarded to you. Your grades are great, you're in the top 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the class, so you're doing fine in the academic department, just don't slack off this last year. Grades, volunteer work, job experience, and extracurricular activities are everything when it comes to Miami - learn to juggle."

Catherine

You are not going to believe what's in store for you. I don't want to scare you, but, when you reach 49 -- yes, you are going to live that long and, no, you won't feel ancient -- you will experience the worst economic downturn the country has experienced since the Great Depression. During the year, you'll lose a newspaper job you've had for 18 years and start on an entirely new career. And you'll wish to God you had finished your master's degree. You might also think about trying not to rush through your undergraduate degree in three years because, from my perspective, those were among the best years of your life. Stay in school and close to education as long as you can, and ask your parents to support you in this. Right now, you're too proud to ask for much help, but, if they understand your goals and if you concentrate on the long term a bit more, they could become great allies. Don't write them off. By the time you're my age, they won't be around any more, so consult with them and enjoy them every day.