University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Top Questions

If I could go back to high school with the knowledge that I have now, there are many pieces of advice that I would give myself. One piece of advice would be to push myself as much as I can in high school to prepare myself for the adjustment to college. I was focused more on getting the grades I needed to get to receive admission to my dream school rather than actually learning the material, using efficient study skills, and challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone.

If I went back in time and was talking to my senior-self, I would give myself a couple of tips. The first advice that I have for myself is to take the AP class tests in order to receive as much credit as possible becuase it is essential to graduating on time. The next piece of advice I would give myself is to not stress out about college as much. College is a time to have fun and a lot of it. But, having said that, I would make sure to emphasize that I told myself that academics are still the most important part. I know that if I was told that when I was a senior, I would have been much more relaxed, prepared, and ready for college than I actually was.

I would tell myself to be confident in my abilities, and that I am strong enough to make it through whatever life throws my way. I have experienced devastating trauma and hardship during my time in college, but I made it through and became an even better person for it. It would have been nice to know beforehand that I am tough/smart enough to accomplish anything I put my mind to. I would also tell myself to take full advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities available to me at this great university. Getting involved with research projects under different professors has been an extremely rewarding experience and one project will lead to me being a co-author of a book! That is something that I never would have thought possible, but that is why it is so important to keep an open mind because you never know what is going to happen. Finally, I would tell high school me that I am really going to miss my parents and that it is going to be a lot harder living on my own than I thought, but that it will all be okay.

As a high school senior about to enter college, there are a few things you should know before you embark on the adventure that is university life. First of all, be prepared to change, a lot. You will grow in unexpected ways, feed your passions, and discover new ones. Get involved in your campus life outside the classroom; play a sport, volunteer, sing in a group, or act in a play. Do something outside your comfort zone, because you might just love it! Fine a good balance between work and play; work hard academically (because that's why you're in college, after all) but take time to relax and do something you love. Make an effort to meet new people and make new friends, especially with people who are different than yourself. Finally, take care of your body. Manage your time well so that you get plenty of sleep at night. Eat well and take time to exercise, either in the gym or on the field or court. You'll feel better and perform better if you care for yourself well. Also, DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! Savor every moment, it'll be over in a flash!

Hey, I don't have much time so turn the music down for a moment and listen because I have three important things to tell you. First off, stop goofing around and waiting until the last minute to cram. Yeah you always came out on top but that was high school. Before you start college you need to master at least two powerful study tactics: one long term tactic that you will use throughout the entire course to help you accumulate the material and a one week span tactic where you skillfully review material for each chapter test. Now, stop looking at the guy over there! Yeah he looks good but so does that first check from the Fortune 500 company you will be working for. So think, which is most important to you? And lastly, yes the college experience is as incredible as it sounds so please have fun. But if you forget anything, please promise me that the one thing you will never forget is why you are working this hard. You have a dream and you plan to shoot pass the stars so focus and stop settling for clouds.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would give myself several pieces of advice. First, I would tell myself that completing my first two years at a community college will not only save me lots of money, but it will also better prepare me for college life. Additionally, completing my first two years at a community college will cause me to appreciate my college experience more than others who arrive to a college or university directly after finishing high school. Secondly, I would tell myself to give myself permission to discover who I am and what I love. I would encourage myself to try new things, to get involved with clubs and organizations, and to attend as many cultural events as I can. Lastly, and what I believe to be of most importance, I would tell myself to believe in myself, as I have learned that you never know what you can achieve until you try!

I would advise my high school senior self to learn how to study; my "study" skills in high school were subpar at best because I never really needed to study to do well. However, college is much more difficult, and I have learned the hard way that it is necessary to develop effective study skills to do well in college. I would also advise my high school self to attempt to make more friends; life is a very lonely experience without others to share it with.

If I could go back in time, I'd tell my high school self to follow her heart and not do what she believes is expected of her. It is her life to live and doing what everyone else wants is going to weigh you down. Eventually, it'll be a burden too heavy to bear. I'd also tell myself to utilize all resources that are available to me at the school. When you are depressed , go to Student Counseling. And last but definitely not least, DO NOT ever let a man abuse you. Be strong mentally, emotionally, phsychologicaly, and physically and endure to the end.

The advice I'd give is to worry less about how my accomplishments will look and focus on what those accomplishments mean to me. I've always been a perfectionist, always trying to get the best grades, be the best athlete, and have the best records, all in the hopes of getting into the best colleges. I was convinced that it was all about the big names and the big achievements, and that those are what gave you your worth as a person, that those made you. I've come to college and seen a lot, and though I still have my drive for success, I have started to do things for me and not because I want recognition about them from others. I've learned that my self-worth is measured not by the quality or quantity of the activities I do but rather the satisfaction I get from doing them. I would tell myself that no matter where I go to school or what major or extracurricular activities I pick there, it’s the small victories I make, like being a true friend or getting an A on that test I studied so hard for that really matters.

I would tell myself to not be anxious about all that the transition to college brings. It is truly as it is said to be-- the best years of your life. New friends, academic opportunities, and learning to be independent all come in a positive and controlled environment that will really help to become a healthy and mature adult. The most important thing to know is that there is always someone else who feels the same way you do. There will always be another nervous freshman, another confused undeclared major, and a lost student on his or her first day. Never shy away from asking for help if it is needed, because just about everyone is in the same boat and would love to know that there are others that feel the same way!