University of Nevada-Reno Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Nevada-Reno know before they start?

Edna

Really focus on yourself and do not get preoccupied with distractions such as dating or partying too much. Spend more time at the library and try to manage your time as best you can. There are many opportunities that the University will offer, so take advantage of them! Do not get lazy and find a hobby that will keep you motivated. It will be important for you to pay attention to your health and fitness, thus educate yourself on nutrition and work out often. Expand your horizon by joining clubs and organizations that suit your interests and that will enhance your career opportunities. If an internship opportunity comes by, take it because you might need a letter of recommendation from them one day. Stay connected to your support system such as your family and friends and do not be afraid to let them know you are struggling because they can bring positivity that is well needed into your life. Last, give back to your community and understand its dynamics. This gives you real knowledge of your surroundings since you will be stuck in the academia routine for a few years.

Tyrell

If I could tell myself something, then it would be to continue to look at all possibilities. One should never have to settle for something less than what they expect. With that, one should not limit them self, either. One should always have an initial plan and a back up plan, just in case. I would also tell myself that when making a decision, it is important to understand what you want. No one else should have influence over your decisions. It is okay to listen to another person's perspective, but what they say should not deter you from what you truly desire. I would also tell myself to not be afraid to express who you are. You should be proud of who you are. You have a lot of good qualities that need to be shown to the rest of the world. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, so you should not be afraid of what others think because it is what you think of yourself that matters. The final thing that I would say is to continue to work hard and dream big. If you continue to do that, then everything will start to come together.

Alyssa

College has so much more reading and homework. Get organized early so you do not fall behind. It is easy to fall behind and then struggle to catch up on reading. Being social is not what school is about. Make friends in your classes and study and work hard! Most of all have fun. College doesn't last forever and it is an enjoyable experience if you do not stress yourself and work hard.

Katherine

If I could go back in time, I'd tell myself to take more AP classes, that way I wouldn't have to worry about taking Chemistry next semester! I would also tell myself to plan ahead better. I would have applied for more scholarships and been more serious about college if I would have known it was going to be this challenging. I assumed that it would be easier than high school for some reason, and now I regret having that pride. In addition, I would have tried more diverse activities in high school so that I could've made more friends who would be with me in college. One of my biggest problems right now is feeling lonely. All of my friends have all gone on their own separate ways, but I guess this experience will make me stronger in that it will force me to make new friends. I would have also told myself to save up! It's nice not having to worry about money, but I am going to college completely on academic and financial need scholarships. I should have gotten a job that summer before college, which could have helped me with college expenses.

BRITTNEY

If I were to go back to high school with the knowledge that I know now I would definitely change alot of things in order to prepare myself. The work load is more then I had anticipated and there is no one to hold you hand and help you through it unless you seek extra assistance. Processors tell you what is due and clarify only to an extent. It is important to remember that you are in charge of your work, knowing when things are due and seeking tutoring or extra assistance if you are struggling or in jeopardy of so. Also, financial aid is not guaranteed and as I have seen, there are times you may be responsbile for tuition so make sure to save money and work very hard. Also, most importantly work hard in high school for your GPA will continue on and reflect on your admission applications to colleges.

Lilianne

Something that a high school senior will miss most are buffer points. You will wish that you had weekly spelling and grammar tests. Or how you should be caring about that minus .5 mark that you should have not gotten. Because especially in a class that does not offer extra credit, you will be fighting for every point possible back. There may not be a lot of homework in a college English class, but that means if you do poorly on one essay, your grade may drop a whole letter grade. Why? Because a class will be made up of three midterms, two essays, and a final. You better hope you do well on everything because there is no cushion when you do bad. Also, enjoy the no plus/minus system while you can. A 90.0{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} is not an A, it is an A-. And an A- will not get you a 4.0, it will get you a 3.67. PS: if you think the all-nights in high school are bad, just you wait until you start cramming for finals.

Stephanie

To go back in time and be able to tell myself what to get ready for would be very convenient. I did not know what I was getting into and I didn't know how different life would be. So I would tell myself that the most important thing about college is timing. I would say this because in college you have class, labs, homework that takes more that 2 hours a week to do, and maintaining the grades you need to push forward for your career. I would say that if all of what I did in school was scheduled and I would be on top of all of my class assignments, activities, etc., then I could maintain A's. The second thing about the transition would be to get out of your shell, be brave and ask questions. I say this because in doing so I would be clearer in my classes, more concise in my work, and of course get the job done correctly. So in all I would be telling myself to be more active in my life and academic career so I can be more successful in the start of my journey through college.

Maybritt

As a high school student, I was always serious about my schoolwork and academic success, so the cliche advice of "do your work" and "take school more seriously" were values that were already instilled in me. What I needed to hear is quite the opposite. I needed someone to tell me that although obtaining an education for my future career is a substantial part of college and I shouldn't take it lightly, I should be careful not to get too caught up in the monotony of merely attending class and then doing homework, or else I would lose some of the last few carefree years I had left before life as a responsible adult began. I would tell myself to embrace the friends and time I have been blessed with, create memories, don't take myself too seriously, work for change and not just grades, and to make college a journey to remember instead of just a transitory period between childhood and adulthood. I would tell myself to look at college as an opportunity, an adventure, not a job, because that outlook would have made college a prospect to look forward to, not to dread.

DAVID

Assuming that I can go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I wouldn’t advise myself to do anything differently, because each of the experiences that resulted in down fall have presented a lesson to be learned. From the times that were good to the times that were bad, those moments define me for who I am. Over the course of life, I have been faced off with many obstacles, and all those times I have trounced them in one way or another. Some were not as difficult while others tested my skills and ability while it used my weaknesses against me. However, the commitment that I have made to myself has enabled me analyze every scenario and determine a resolution to the problem at hand, and to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way; whether it is in education or to improve myself as a human being. By overcoming these obstacles I have gained experience; it pushed me past my limit and made me the person I am today. Through hard work and perseverance, I have become a more knowledgeable and outstanding individual.

chantell

The advice that I would give myself would be, join a group or club and get involed in some activities. College life goes by very fast and you should use this opportunity to learn as much as you can about yourself and the world around you. Study as much as you can and do all of your homework all of the time. You will only get out of college what you put into it. Never miss a class, not even one. It will take to long to get caught up. If you have questions see your professors. They are there to help you. Make as many friends as you can for these are the friends that you will have for the rest of your life. Last but not least, call your Mom at least once a week. She is going to miss you more then you will ever know.