University of Nevada-Reno Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk with my highschool self, I would have told myself that college is totally different from highschool, not in a bad way, but in an awesome, challenging, life-changing way. I would have told myself that even though I felt that I was already smart enough and mature enough, I was wrong, because college tests all those skills in education and life and makes you even stronger and better than before. I would tell myself to jump into all the opportunities that college has to offer and to not miss out on any experiences that you can only get in college. I would tell myself to be more open to meeting new people instead of being shy and intimidated because they can change the way you feel about and percieve college. I also can't forget to tell my highschool self to study and not porcrastinate! That's very important. But above all, I would tell my highschool self to have fun and not take life so seriously. College will be an amazing experience and just make the most of it because you only get to be there for a little while.

At 18 years old and a high school senior, you are confident that you know everything about your future endeavors. As your future self, I call for your ears in these final moments of adolescence because your coming-of-age, which you have masked with college fantasies, is only a time away. Listen, I’m about to tell you what you should have done. As expected for any college student, you have done a great job with involving yourself in clubs and organizations, student-run governments, and on-campus employment opportunities. Lifelong friends and networks have been woven into your life by that needle we call investment. Through introducing yourself to your professors, you have set yourself apart from the other 200+ students in your classes and given your professor a face to remember. However, your choices in time management have consequentially cut these woven threads two inches too short. Taking on such a heavy load of schoolwork and extracurriculars requires a developed sense of organization. Integrating work and play is easy, but managing work, play, responsibility, leadership, and expectations is a different story. Everyone makes mistakes. You’ve already made some, here is your chance to learn from them.

Looking back at high school, there are numerous things I would change about how I approached college. If I went back in time and talked to myself as a high school senior, the most important piece of advice I would give myself would be to start early! I would stress researching colleges as soon as possible so I could apply early and have a better chance of acceptance. In addition, starting early includes the FAFSA and other scholarship applications. My 'start early' advice could even apply to standardized testing. I would tell myself to take both the SAT and ACT sooner than later so I could have several more chances to retake them and improve my score if needed. Another way I could emphasize starting early would be to begin saving up money in a savings account because college is expensive even with scholarships. Finally, starting early on everything else means I could have started looking for help earlier too. If I went back to myself in high school, I would definitely impress the importance of not being too shy to ask for help if I ever got stuck in the grand process of the pre-college 'to-do' list.

I advise you to join a sorority to improve your social life and networking, as well as being informed about everything including education. This will help you find a place at this university. Also, know that you should try to apply for as many scholarships as possible and don't procrastinate. Lastly, enjoy this experience beause it will go by extremely fast and this will be the time of your life so don't take it for granted.

College is right around the corner and you are sitting here procrastinating as if everything will happen for you if you do it on your own time. You honestly need to apply for scholarships and more scholarships so you will up your chance of receiving money for college. If you want to live on campus, I suggest you turn in the forms and pay the deposit as soon as possible so you don’t end up scrambling trying to find somewhere to live. It’s going to be different living by yourself for the first time, but there’s counseling to help you if you get stressed out. Worried about making friends? No big deal. A lot of incoming freshmen are in the same position as you and living on campus will make it easier to make friends in your dorm as well as in other dorms. You should also join a club you feel fits you to meet other people and not depend solely on your friends in the dorm. Most importantly, keep your education first. In college, it can get overwhelming, but if you study hard and complete all your homework, the first semester should be a breeze.

In high school, everyone always talks about college life as if it were one big party; getting away from your family, living on your own, and having all the freedom your heart could possibly desire. However, when I got to the University of Nevada, Reno, I realized that college isn't anything like they say it will be in high school. College is hardwork and dedication, it is fun and it is nice to have a sense of freedom, but you need to have a better work ethic than you did in high school. College is competitive and every grade counts to either entering the specific school you want to or getting more money to pay for your education. If I could talk to myself in high school, I would tell myself to work hard at everything you do and not accept "good enough" for anything.

I would tell my 12 month younger, and eager self that chasing what I thought I always wanted; to go to college in Texas and play football may just be a pyrrhic victory. That in the months to come I would become lonely, and enter in a state of depression for the first time in my life and lose someone very close to me. 2000 miles away from those I loved yearning for solace. Somehow I would try to show that highschool kid what I know now. When you're constantly thinking about your future and beyond, you lose sight of whats right in front of you, and take for granted the blessings god has given you. I would tell my self to keep a clear head, stay focused, and keep my faith in god because thats the main thing that got me through my trials. If my old self didnt get or agree with what I had to say I'd slap some sense into myself.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that college isn't easy. It takes a lot of dedication and time to be successful in college. Deciding on a major and career path is one of the most stressful things you have to decide. However, you should take advice from your parents, peers, guidance councelors, and anyone who has been in your shoes. Studying hard and being a dilligent student in college has its' rewards and will definitely pay off in the future. Teachers in college want to help you and care about your success; you just have to take the time to find help. No one will hold your hand and remind you that you have a paper due, so you need to be on top of your schoolwork. Time management is a huge part of college. Making friends, studying for tests, and being apart of your school's events are top priorities and all should be enjoyed. Making friends and having fun will give you memories that will last a lifetime. It is just as important to enjoy college as it is to make good grades.

Don't assume that you'll be able to get through classes with minimal effort like you used to. Actual study and work will be necessary to pass with the grades you want. Don't worry about any surprising discoveries you may find about your apparent career path, things will turn out all right. Even if programming wasn't what you thought it'd be. Dorms aren't bad at all, as long as you're a considerate roommate, and you are lucky enough to get a considerate roommate. Finally, don't worry about making friends. Go to the club fairs, and look into the ones that interest you. I guarantee that there will be at least one club you will love, and want to dedicate a lot of your time to. The people in that club will be great friends, and you'll definitely find a place to fit in.

To stay focused always!