University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

First and foremost, college is a way to explore who you are in all different ways. One thing will not define you; it is what you choose to do, and not to do, that will shape who you become. Making mistakes is part of the process - it's required for self-discovery. Here, grades account for a lot, and using the resources is required. Also, forming long-lasting relationships is really important. You can't go away to college without meeting new people and experiencing different political, religious, and overall life views. This is how you grow as a person - by accepting what the world has to offer. Your family (and you included) has sacrificed so much , including paying a lot, for you to be able to go to an institution such as this. Make the effort and get good grades. But most importantly, don't forget who you are. Yes, you go to college to discover yourself, but you also come to college with expectations and morals and hopes and dreams. These hopes and dreams may change, and that's perfectly all right, but don't expect less of yourself. You can do it - you've come this far.

If I were given the opportunity to return to myself from two years past, I would only say one thing: listen to what your teachers have to say about their college experiences. In high school I would talk to my teachers and they would all say that college is not like high school; they were completely correct. My life since high school has changed so drastically that it is difficult to imagine that I was ever busy in those days. My teachers said we will study and make choices that can affect us in so many ways. But, as students not yet in college, we did not understand what they meant. All we had ever known was a few homework assignments, sports practice, and good grades. Upon attending college, I soon realized that it is not like high school in the least. In order to be successful, time management became the top priority in order to balance classes, studying, sleep, and friends. I would return to my senior self and say enjoy the free time that has been given to you, but do not worry that college is impossible; you will be okay, even in the most difficult times.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would emphasis that college is more than just about academics. In the college searching processs, I spent a lot of time looking at schools that did not really fit me, but I thought they had good academic reputations, so I still pursued them. While it is important to attend a school with challenging academics, the college experience is more than just books. I like constant change, so there was no point in my looking at small schools. Being at a school with 40,000 people has been ideal for me, and I wish I had realized sooner this was what I wanted based on my social preferences. You may spend five hours in classes a day, but the other ten hours you are awake will involve you experiencing different clubs and people, so make sure that the school fits your preferences there as well. I would also want to be prepared for the fact that the first month of school isn't easy, adjusting to being independent is a real challenge. But it is definitely worth it to stick through it, you'll grow as a person.

I still would have come to the Univesity of Michigan.

If I were provided with the opportunity to step into a time machine, and turn the dial back to my senior year, there would be many things that I would tell myself. I feel as though in high school, most individuals worry about the label of the college or university and its ranking among the superficial standards of U.S. News and other organizations. Rather, the college experience is meant to help you find yourself as an individual. It compels you to take four years to discover yourself as in the academic, social, and personal realms of life. It is a passage of life that is often frightening, but necessary. It forces you to step outside of your comfort zone and test the waters. You will never know unless you try. Yes, the moment when you say good bye to your parents is disconcerting as the sense of freedom is overwhelming and yet so intoxicating (no, not in that sense). The burden of making the right decisions rests heavily in your juvenile hands. But take it one step at a time, and think about the different things you can try and the open sea of opportunity that lies ahead.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself that I needed to stay focused over the summer to prepare for my freshmen year of college because it was not going to be easy. I would tell myself that it would be okay if I didn't spend a lot of time with my high school friends that summer because it is more important to do well in school and be able to get a job after college than it is to hang out with friends all the time and have a good social life. I'd tell myself not to worry about fitting in at college or worry about boys because getting an education and being able to provide for myself in the future is more important. I would tell myself that I didn't need to be totally independent of my family, that they would still be there to support me through college, that I can trust them to be there every step of the way, and that I didn't have to go through the transitions and life changes alone.

I would tell myself to relax and enjoy my time in college. I would find fun and easy classes to take my freshman year to fulfil my basic requirements and get involved with campus groups and clubs. I would also not worry so much about what classes I need to meet my degree requirements until all my other graduation requirements are fulfilled. I would not put so much pressure on myself to try and push myself to take really hard classes and get in over my head when I could just take a similar class and get a good grade. I would not take myself so seriously and I would not rely on everything my counselors tell me. I would do my own research and come prepared with questions for my counselor so that I don't take any unnecessary classes or end up having problems finishing on time later on. I would not take classes during the spring and summer terms. Instead, I would study abroad for the summer and enjoy my vacation from school before the fall semester begins again.

study

really think about the money-issue. You probably won't have time to apply to as much scholarships as you can now when you are in college. So go to an in-state universtity :)

Keep going Blue!

Undergraduate school is the time to explore a wide variety of interests and fields, take advantage of it wisely. Don't be afraid to ask for help, talk to department heads or meet with the Dean of a department you're interested in, your future is worth the butterflies in your stomach. Regardless of what other people may tell you, grades are important and the first two years impact your GPA the most so take it easy and slow to get your bearings; don't feel you have to rush around and do everything at once. During the summer, while interning, take an evening workshop or informal class on managing your finances, it'll help you in school and in the work world. Get involved in the community and prioritize your time. Your relationships with family, friends, classmates, teachers, and advisors are what you'll remember the most after graduating. The chances of falling in love are high. So surround yourself with people who you can trust and are considerate of your feelings. You can overcome any obstacle if you stay true to yourself, thoughtfully communicate your feelings, and ask for help or advice from people you trust.

It's okay to try something new. It's okay to be worried, nervous, and not know what you're doing. College is a new experience with new people but that is the most important way you gain essentials for life and learning. Yes you may be leaving friends and family for a while, but this is not forever. Many high school graduates like you embark on this journey year after year, so you're not doing it alone. When you get to college, immerse yourself in the experience. Try not to live in the past, or worry too much about the future. People all the time reminisce about how time spent in college was some of the best years of their lives. The journey is what you make it so take advantage; after all, you only have one opportunity to do this the right way. In college, many will try to sway you into a confounded system of beliefs, but stay true to yourself and discover who you are. College is a time for you to take responsibility; so be your own leader, and never let anything or anyone discourage you from pursuing what you believe is important.

1. The first semester is always the hardest and most painful especially if you go far away from home, but as long as you have a positive outlook and know that it will only get better, you can make it through anything. 2. Get involved in activities, clubs, organizations early - don't wait until your 3rd or final year to make the plunge. 3. Develop good relationships your professors by making an effort to meet with them during office hours and outside of class. They want you to succeed and I can't stress enough how valuable those relationships will be throughout your college experience and afterwards. 4. Support athletic events, not just the big football and men's basketball games, go to women's volleyball, lacrosse, men's soccer, water polo, ect. 5. Student groups are always putting on exhibits, plays, performances, concerts - so GO and support your peers. 6. Be very careful in choosing who you live with - set up very clear boundraries with whomever you live with from day one. (A best friend doesn't necessarily make the best roommate) 7. Live it up - you're only in college once.

Dear Maya, I know you already have a vague idea of what you want to do in your life and you're concerned about how you'll be able to accomplish your dreams. I know you're struggling with the decision to stay in the same state and therefore attend a great university or go out in the big world and experience something new. Do what is best for you and you'll find the resources to make your dreams happen. Transitions are not always easy, but the university provides a great opportunity to get involved and develop your interests, learn about yourself, try new things, and challenge yourself personally, academically, socially, and politically. Opportunities are there for the taking and you'll discover when opportunities don't present themselves, you can make them. This may sound overwhelming but there are a plethora of resources from the university and student orgs for all occasions, from career possibilites, personal development, academic/housing/health issues, to how to knit wool socks to survive the winter. Whatever you decide, make the most of it, find a balance between working and playing, and enjoy the ups and downs. All the best

As a high school senior I did not have any idea what college was like. If I had the chance to go back in time and talk to my younger self I would tell myself to be confident with everything you do. Sure, the work load is great as a college student, but if you put in the time, success will present itself. Finding study groups or partners is a great way prepare yourself for exams. Adjusting to a different life style is another major concern to students making the transition to college. I would tell myself to meet as many people as you can. You will find people at college that are just like you and at the same time very different whether that is differences in race, ethnicity or religion. Adjusting to life in college is not too dificult as long as you take care of your own needs such as housing, school work, and your social life. It is a good idea to get involved with organizations as long as you stay focused on school work. The final message I would give myself is to be a hard worker. Do everything you can to prepare for tests.

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The one thing I wish I knew about college was the fact that everything that you do is worth more. Homework actually affects your grade. If you do poorly on a test there is little opportunity to earn back points. So you must treat every assignment as if it was a major part of your grade because it is.

If i could go back I would of applied for more scholorships and grants knowing that putting me through school has really put a lot of stress on my parents, if i had not been able to receive enough money I would of stayed at home and saved more money.

Everything happens for a reason. Don't stress about where everyone else is going; just swim your own race.

I would remind myself to take every opportunity I get. I would remind myself not to be afraid to ask for help when I need it, and to never take for an answer. I would remind myself to be motivated and to find outlets to keep me inspired. I would remind myself that I want to go to a school that is diverse, so I shouldn't be afraid to put myself out there and be friendly to every person I meet. Don't be afraid to be out of your comfort zone every so often. It's a healthy mentality to keep.