University of New Haven Top Questions

If I could go back to when I was a high school senior there would be many things I would say. First off I would tell myself to take more dual enrollment classes so I would already have the credit for the classes and it would save me thousands of dollars. I would also tell myself to learn better studying techniques because to be quite honest I am still learning to study effectivly and its tough with the amount of work I get. The last thing I would have told myself would be to save as much money as possible. I am a current student worker and have a high work load and its tough being broke and in a lot of debt.

Don't be afraid of your future in college. At times thngs might not go your way or be hard, but in the end it is worth it and these will be the best years of your life if you let them be. You only live once, so live to the fullest but don't be too dumb with decisions.

It may seem as though high school is all fun and games but high school (if you want it to) can prepare you for college and for success in life. Don't worry. You won't miss out on anything. Everything fun that your friends are doing will still be there after college. The last few years have been tough and I understand what that can be like. Making friends, wanting to be a part of something and to be accepted. Those are things that all kids struggle with. The very best way to build self-esteem is to get an education. Buckle down, finish strong and apply college. There's more help out there for you than you know. I believe in you and know you can suceed if you put your mind to it.

I would definitely warn myself to avoid Senioritis during senior year to maintain a 4.00 gpa. Secondly, I would advise myself on the benefits of attending a local community college. As a high school student, I placed a huge stigma and looked down upon community colleges. A large part of that was being improperly informed on their benefits. I would advise myself on the great number of financial benefits there are as a result of completing basic courses needed for my major at a junior college and then transferring to a 4 year university. Maintaining a high gpa and class ranking would allow for financial aid to cover my tuition fully at the community college, so there would not be any out of pocket expenses. I could also live at home as well to further reduce costs. Most importantly, I would emphasize the importance of completing as many Advanced Placement Exams to get early college credit. This would cut tuition costs greatly and help me speed up my transfer to a 4 year university.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have told myself to relax and enjoy high school. When I was in high school I was always running around and stressing about all my AP and honors courses. Now that I'm in college I realize they don't matter as much as I was lead on to believe. I would also tell myself not to worry about the transition because I would soon find out that my high school did a perfect job at preparing me. In high school I was always pressured to do my best and take multiple AP courses because that would prepare me for college. Now I know that the AP courses were actually more difficult that courses in college!

I would advise myself to attend all of the summer get-to-know-you programs. Meeting new people ahead of time might have made the transition a little easier since I'm really shy and find it difficult to make friends in an unfamiliar enviroment. I might have been able to find a roommate that would have been more like myself as well. I had alot of problems adjusting to life with the roommate that I had this year. She and I were completely different people and compromise was not an option for her, so freshman was really difficult for me dorm wise.

By attending my community college I have been able to finish all of my general education courses while saving money and focusing on my community service. I love that I have been able to make close relationships with my professors, and now have developed a better work ethic, taking pride in my classes. I am working to my full potential and experiencing my future career first hand. My campus is lucky to be incredibly diverse with a refugee resettlement program in the city which alows the college to have a wonderful Cross Cultural offices providing services for ESOL(english to speakers of other languages) students. I have been involved with this office throughout my enrollment, volunteering as an english conversation partner and a member of the Cultural Exchange club. We won several awards last year including the Campus Compact President's award and being unanimously elected as this year's president of the club. All of these incredible experiences have helped inspire me and fuel my drive for going on to double major in Linguistics and Anthropology minoring in TESOL at the school I am transferring to in the fall.

My college experience has taught me more in the past year than in my entire high school career. I couldn't have found a better home here on campus and the friends I have found will last a lifetime. From the moment I stepped on campus I began the process of finding myself and being who I was always meant to be. No more reins to hold me back, just the freedom, independence, and responsibility, all my own. I had to adjust fast to the pace of college life, as well as balance a heavy double major workload, my campus job, and my Division II athletic career, not to mention a small alloted time for a social life. Time management is key and I have been getting by with flying colors. I have developed great working relationships on and around campus and remained extremely involved in extracurricular activities on and off campus. These college years are very valuable and precious to me as they are my first taste of the real world and what I have to expect on my own in life. This university is the first step in my lifelong dream of success and happiness.

So far, I have gotten so much out of my college experience here at the University of New Haven. Ever since my first visit on campus I met new people who were all so friendly and helpful. Everyone says college is a great place to meet new people, you never know the relationships you will form in college, whether it be just a roommate, an acquaintance, or even your future maid of honor. Being in college has taught me that not everyone you meet will share the same interests as you and that is why it is important to have an open mind and be less judgemental. Coming into college with the mindset that everyone will like you and that you will get along with everyone is not going to get you anywhere. In order to make friends and have fun is to always be positive and be yourself.

My education has provided me with skills that have greatly benefitted me in just dealing with everyday situations. I have received valuable information that will stick with me for the rest of my life. I have really enjoyed my college experience so far. I have studied some very interesting subjects that were really fun and exciting to participate in. College is such a great experience when you have the right attitude. When you find courses that spark your interest, it makes attending college so much more worth while, and definitely worth the time and money spent. Going to college allows you to further your knowledge and improve your critical thinking, as well as give you the necessary skills you need to be successful in your career. I hope to achieve great things by attending college.