University of Miami Top Questions

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

Heriberto

I would tell myself that I should not believe that the way that I used to study is the best way to study. The other greates thing would be that failure is not simply failing a class, but it would be not working hard after failing. Also, that I should not be completely fixated on one career. That belief might change as soon as I would enter college.

Antoinne

I graduated high school in 1995. I was thrusted into the jungle at Morgan State University. My mother was a single mom and never afforded the opportunity to attend college. I listened to everyone who told me go to MSU because I was African-American. It was expected for me to go to this institution. I did not feel that I was supported in my academic endeavors. I felt lost in the world. I did not even know how to fill out FASFA or schedule classes. I could not seem to find anyone at the college that could help. I became very unfocused in my classes and ended up dropping out of school to find a job where I could make income to support myself. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to seek out a mentor. I should have found someone who could support me emotionally and with wisdom. I would tell myself to become in tune with my inner self and live for myself and no one else. In the future, I hope to serve as a mentor for future youth and help with their transitions into college life.

Julio

Although the truth is I'm not sure I would have listen to myself, If I could go back to HS and talk to myself, I would remind myself that my dreams would take a lot of work not just talent. I would remind myself that talent is never a substitute for hard work . That while things always came easy to me due to my talent and brains, I needed to keep my grades up. That scholarships came to those who put in the time and effort. I would tell my pastself that things wouldnt always be so easy and that I needed better working habits. Explain how I was waisting that wonderful brain that was given to me. I only had to fear my own self. If I got out of my own way and allowed my dreams to work for me everything would be ok.

Khoa

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would give a lot of advice to myself as a high school senior if I could go back in time. The first advice I would give is to save money by avoiding unnecessary spending and spend very wisely . There are many fees while living in college, from textbooks to fees for joining different clubs. Food and entertainment also means requires money. Another important advice I would give is to start exercising and do something productive in the summer rather than stay home and do nothing. In college, it is really important to take care of yourself physically and mentally. Starting to exercise during summer will make it easier to continue going to the gym when college starts. Being productive in the summer would be volunteering in hospitals or clinics and reading books. Volunteering helps gain experience and not to mention look great on the resume. Reading books will keep the mind fresh and prepare it for all the reading required in college. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, those would be advices I would give myself.

Kamara

I would tell myself to havwe fun while i still can. Enjoy the friends I have now because I may never talk to them again.

Whistlourdes

I would advice myself to : - Look up the college I'm going to be transfer to and make sure they take CLEP or AP classes. - Apply for scholarship early. - Do more community services.

leyssa

I would like to congratulate you making it this far. I know how much you are dreaming of going to that certain university. I must warn you, it will not be a breeze. In fact, you will probably struggle to get a passing grade let alone an A. I now know the rigor and dedication that is necessary to succeed. The classes require a lot of reading and studying. Homework generally counts for very little of you grade, however, it is the easiest 'A' you can achieve your courses. It is quizzes and exams that account for the largest portion of final grades. Thus, reading the textbooks regularly, taking good notes during class, and studying with study groups are necessary elements for success. I f you really dislike a class and or have a D or F, you should probably just go to your advisor and change your schedule. Take another class course, in which you know you will have greater success, and enjoy more; it will be more beneficial for your GPA and your sanity. (Trust me!) Remember to take your nose out of the books to smell the roses and have the time of your life!

Angelica

I would tell myself that I am an intelligent, motivated, beautiful, and strong woman, even though I didn?t realize that as a nervous freshman. I came from an incredibly close-knit group of friends who were together since second grade. We were not remotely ?cool? in high school, and it didn't bother us in the slightest because we had each other. I was worried that in college, I would have problems making friends because I am nerdy and shy. But at school, all people saw was that I had a pretty face and assumed I loved partying. Because I wanted to maintain a social life, I was too embarrassed to tell people I met that I actually like taking eighteen credits every semester and going to class. But today, I have learned that it is possible to be smart while also friendly and social. I love talking to people about my three majors and two minors. I have also learned that people are interested in what I am doing, rather than intimidated. So, my advice would be to not be afraid of being smart, successful, and above all who I am because that is what makes me happy.

Alexandra

"Things will get better." It's amazing how similar, yet different college and high school life are. I mean, I'm still absorbing various things in college, but you definitely do open your mind to possibilities. In high school, I was pretty much the same as I am now (I'm not a party girl...I'm pretty low key) But do you know what? There's others in college like that as well! Someone said to me, while I was still in high school, that college is a lot better...everyone is more understanding, that's true. And there's not much "tension" or pressure to "fit in" with a certain clique...unless you seek that out! Not only is it a physically bigger place, but your responsibilities and experiences are "bigger", testing your time management and what you really want to pursue...even if you're not sure. I say, get there, open your eyes, and don't worry. It's like Prom...may not be perfect all the time, but at least you get to dance some time and have a little fun :)

Melissa

I would give myself the following advise: 1. Working hard in high school really does pays off because college work is hard, and the transition is easier if you are used to studying. 2. It is important to keep an open mind and try to reduce your stress about the college process because at the point you are applying, there is nothing more you can do. 3. Stay close with your friends because distance between school does not mean you cannot stay friends in college. 4. Having high school credits that tranfer to your college is a convenience, but if you do not have them, it is not the end of the world. 5. Enjoy being with your family because you will miss them when you leave home. 6. Be thankful for the opportunities you have received and excited for the new opportunities and experiences to come. 7. Never change who you are. Everyone is unique and special in their own way. This is what makes life interesting.