University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

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.