University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor know before they start?

Migdalia

what i hWhat I have gotten out of my college experience is that i can depend on my professors that to give me all the right information to be able to be an outstanding individual when i finished with my studies ill be able to have the proper knowledge that i need to do my job. the college environment at itt-tech instituted is very friendly and all the professors are very passionate about what they teach and you can tell that they have a great knowledge of what they're teaching. over all i think that the college that i attend is great for me cause they offered all types of help and they don?t let any body fall behind. they give you all the necessary tools to be able to pass the class all you got to do is take fully advantage of it.

Danielle

I feel when I graduate I will be fully prepared for the workplace.

Laura

I will be starting the Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Michigan School of Nursing in May 2010. Although I did not have a very good experience in the RN Studies program at the UofM, the FNP program is supposed to be much better run and respected. I look forward to becoming a FNP, being able to provide care for patients of all ages. I am especially interested in providing comprehensive and holistic care to my patients. I believe in empowering my patient and their families to make knowledgable decisions about their healthcare, and support those decisions once made.

Amy

What I got out of my college experience was how to be an independent and resourceful person. I faced many challenges along the way, mainly one of a financial nature. I come from a middle class family but found it necessary to hold down multiple part time jobs while taking a full class load in order to pay for housing, books and tuition. I led school tours at the Natural History Musuem between classes, worked in my dorm libraries so that I could find extra time to study, waited tables, walked dogs and commuted back to my home town on weekends and vacations to continue working as a physical therapy aide. I had the goal in mind to earn my degree from the University of Michigan and accomplished that goal by working not only hard but smart.

Christopher

Aside from thought-provoking lectures and enlightening discussion sections, my college experience has also brought me together with dozens of fantastic new friends from all over the country. Being able to learn and collaborate with thinkers from all over the globe is an intellectually-stimulating experience, and one that supports well-rounded learning in numerous disciplines and from many perspectives. All of the opportunities for student involement on campus have taught me that with the right time management, it's possible to make a difference in the world or find other people who share common interests. Being able to shape a personalized college experience has enabled me to learn by experience and explore a variety of things I could continue doing later into my life.

Josephine

College is a lot of money, but at the end of it all it's well worth the loans I've piled up. Going into college I thought I knew a lot already. I thought I knew who I was and who I wanted to be, but I learned that everyday experiences can always mold you into someone better than you ever imagined you could be. The day I went to college I was a shy soccer player, determined to be a doctor. Beyond that I didn't know who I was. I learned through a study abroad program that I was meant to be a doctor overseas! I learned through heaps of volunteer activities that I was destined to spread the gospel to the underserved. I lead successful organizations and fundraisers for people in need. I came out of college a daring rugby player, an international traveler, and an outgoing advenurous achiever. I learned so much inside and outside the classroom that made me the success I am today. Now I'm completing the medical program at my rival university, and everyday I discover more about myself while making my dreams a reality.

Hillary

I have learned so much than what has been taught in the classroom. I have learned how to live with people with different habits, personalities, and beliefs than myself. I have learned how to manage time better than I really ever thought possible. I have learned the value of a dollar, how to be independent, and how to ride public transportation. My parents have become people whom I respect, not people whose only goal in life is to embarass me. My siblings have become friends, my friends have become like siblings. My life is so much more enriching now than before I came to college. Before, I looked to tomorrow, and thought about who I would hang out with. Now, I look to my future, the job I will hopefully someday have, and the problems within the medical field that I can help solve. College has taught me to be a better student, friend, daughter, employee, and person. I know that the information I've gathered here cannot be learned elsewhere.

Han

If only I had known what college life would be like, I would go back in time and tell myself to hurry up, finish high school, and jump right into college. At the time, high school seemed like a secure, exciting place where I could be with friends, where I had all the stimulation I needed from extracurricular activities. Looking back, I would like to remind myself how wrong I was. College has really opened my eyes to the world, not the cozy little bubble that I'd lived in before. I would tell myself to take full advantage of all the resources offered here, not only the academics but also the plethora of activities - volunteer, career, and just for fun - available everywhere on campus and off. Of course, I'd also remind myself to study harder and take those college students that visited my class seriously - university work really is harder, the exams really are longer, and the classes demand so much, but for every effort I put in, I get an experience I would have never gotten from my little high school world.

Robin

Robin, On the cusp of a new chapter in your life?college?I would like to give you some advice. The most important piece is this: Do not be afraid of failure. C.S. Lewis once said: ?failure are the fingerposts on the road to achievement?. College is about growing up and living life. During this time, you will fail at something. It could be a class that you are struggling with, a date that didn?t go so well, or a high school friendship that could not survive the distance. Do not let that stop you from pushing forward and achieving what you really want. You will get through it, no matter how far you fall. You will come out a stronger person. I would also like to encourage you to participate in the college live and take part in what campus and the city you live in has to offer. Keep an open mind. You never know who you might meet and what you might learn. Lastly, the most simple piece of advice I could ever give you: smile, laugh and have some fun!

Jay

My perception of college in high school involved copious amounts of studying in a world that revolved around academics and grades. Obviously, when I came to college and experienced the splendor that is independence, I realized that there was a lot more to college than academics ? quite a lot more. My first month at college was bittersweet due to the plethora of duties with which I was bombarded; along with taking care of my grades, I now had to do my laundry, feed myself, keep myself in shape, and most importantly, make new friends. I quickly discovered that my impression of college in high school was drastically different from the reality. Assuming I had a way to advise myself in high school, I would tell myself that college is more than a transition to a higher learning. It is a transition to higher learning in independence and character building. I would warn myself that the first month is one of the most difficult times due to transitions and trying to find your own niche. While it might seem comfortable to stick with what you already know, it is better to take a risk and explore something new.

Jorge

College is exactly what you expect: diffcult. Don't go into college assuming that it is any easier that what you have already heard. You have to study countless hours and dedicate your time and effort to every single one of your assingments. Living on campus is a new and exciting experience, but it can be one of the deadliest for your GPA. Socializing seems so easy when you have a couple of classmates you can talk to that are right down the hall. Prioritize, manage your time wisely, and never under estimate things. Although deadlines might seem like they are an eternity away, they are always closer than they appear. Start working and do little by little everyday, so when the deadline comes around you aren't trying to do everything the night before. Never cram before an exam because you cannot retain that information. It is always best to study throughout the semester and review your notes. Besides that, have fun, enjoy yourself, and know that college is what YOU make it!

Brett

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would simply give myself five words of important advice: Be loud, and embrace opportunities. Firstly, it is important to be loud. In this regard I am not referring to talking amongst your peers, or the level of music you play at a party. Instead, I would urge myself to make myself known and avoid attempting to "blend in." College applications and orientation programs are not a time be bashful and humble - people want to get to know you and about what you think. Keeping quiet isn't going to do you any favors. Secondly, passing up on opportunities is not necessarily an immediate loss for you, but is instead an immediate gain for your classmate. Again, to avoid misunderstanding, I am not suggesting a ruthless personality that leaves no space for consideration of others. I am merely advising new college students to avoid giving the competition a "leg up" on jobs, internships, and scholarships, etc. Some opportunities may never be accessible again. In short, remember that there are a lot of college students in the world, but far fewer create successful careers.

Brittany

My biggest challenge in college has been adjust to a busier schedule. This semester in particular, it seems that I am always busy. There is always homework to do, a organization meeting, a personal meeting, work, or a group project meeting. With all of these things going on, I still have to try to make time to have a personal life. In high school, I didn't have many things to worry about. Though this may seem a little bit strange, if I could speak to my high school self, I would tell me to take on more responsibility. I feel that if I had been a little more active, college would not be such a shock to me. When I say active I mean participation in more school sports, clubs, or volunteering. Being more active in high school would have hopefully made me better at my time management skills.

Nicole

Althouh I had to do a lot of work in high school, it almost seems like nothing compared to the work that I have to do now. I may have a class three times a week, but have to do work for it everyday just to keep up with what we're doing. If I went back in time, I would tell myself to work harder on my school work in high school because it would help me develop better study habits ahead of time. I would also tell myself that working hard will pay off because college isn't all work and no play, and the rewards that I would receive in college would make all of my work seem well worth the time I spent doing it. I would also tell myself to save as much money as possible during the school year and the summer because college life can become very expensive in a very short amount of time. I would also tell myself to choose the college that I love, and not to choose a school based on pressure from family or anyone else.

Jennifer

There is no better place to explore who you are and what you want your life to be about. Give yourself the freedom to find what career you're passionate about. Your studies are important; utilize your professors and resources the university offers. Changing majors midway through college is normal. Almost everyone is nervous about moving to college. Find a genuine group of friends. You will have the best times with them and you will need them in the rough parts. Getting drunk is not the highlife. Go find a campus performance, explore the town or cram a group of friends into your dorm room, order pizza and watch movies. Find a mentor, college brings up huge life questions. College is not about having a perfect track record; don?t beat yourself up over mistakes. Mistakes are part of what make us who we are. Learn from them and grow. Don?t get so caught up in studies that you forget to have fun. Get involved with student groups, you will learn just as much there as in classes. When you look back on college you are going to remember the football games, clubs, concerts and the friends you made.

Joel

Be open to the process that you?re about to experience. There are so many resources at this university that you can take advantage of in terms of academics, cultural activities, the arts, and social opportunities, but be proactive. Seek out these opportunities by asking questions, listening to others, and moving out of your comfort zone. In high school, everything seemed so at your fingertips, but if you remember, it took time for you to understand that system. You won?t be master of campus right away, nor would you want to be. So much of your next four years will be part of a process of personal growth and intellectual exploration that you will want to experience every moment as it happens. The memories, relationships, and stories you take away from college will be some of the most memorable in your life, and they will prepare you for life ahead. So, take positive risks and seek out the people who challenge you to be a better person. The degree is important, but I challenge you to have it be the sign of a thousand thoughts, memories, discoveries, and accomplishments than a mere piece of paper.

james

life after high school is'nt simple . sign up for more scholarships, be more open to different ocuppation . life is going to be tough ,but you have to be tougher then life. You get out of life what you put in it. and never give up.

Shawn

I would suggest taking a couple of years off before going to college to explore myself and the world a bit, but I would definately tell myself to go after the year or two. I would tell myself to be sure you are ready to focus and take college very seriously, because I think many students go into college for the partying and waste their time and money. I would also say that it is important to follow your bliss in a career, because no amount of money can beat being happy, content, and proud of what you do for a living.

Stephanie

Go to college to work hard and do well academically, but also to form friendships. Focusing on your work is extremely important, but those first few weeks of school are difficult if you do not have a friend by your side to help push you through the homesickness and difficulties of adjusting to the new school. Most importantly though, trust yourself. Trust that you have worked hard all through elementary, middle, and high school and you are prepared for this. Those endless hours of studying for tests, the late nights you spent writing papers, the days you showed up for class and pushed through despite being exhausted and unsure of whether or not you could make it, those are the times that have prepared you for college. Just beacuse you are at a new, bigger, and more prestigious school doesn't mean you don't belong there - you were accepted - you are good enough. Everyone is scared and doing it for the first time. Trust yourself and enjoy the experience because it only comes around once.

David

Take heart! The future is bright; do not be downcast, afraid, or without care, for though you do not yet know or see the joy you will soon share, its certainty in coming is without question. Have faith, and let this advice take root in your heart: Continue to seek wisdom, finding good counselors who live peaceably with others (great and small) and have a good name for being just. Some of them will be found in books rather than walking among you; therefore, be diligent to read selectively but often. And, read antiquity?s recommendations, but hold the Scriptures above all else, that the words of Christ may be your guide. Relax. All will proceed in due time. Friends will emerge, anxieties will settle, and work will be completed ? just be sure to sleep. Enjoy each day?s work. Though I know you have several years to live, you would do best to live each day with the mindset that it may be your last. You should live as if everyday presents your last opportunity to show mercy, to love your brother, to give thanks for the cup of water, etc. Do these and you will do well.