University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Top Questions

I would tell myself to not be so timid and shy. People in college are accepting and open-minded about so many things. It is important to put yourself out there and get involved with the things that you love. The people who love you, will love you. The poeple who don't, well don't think that you have to conform to their standards. Be yourself, people will adore you for it. Trust me.

If I could do things all over again, I would have looked more closely at the things that matter when getting an education. I didn't really care about class size, liberal arts requirements, or curriculum. I paid attention to mascots and the looks of the campus and students, thinking that all colleges are the same when it comes to all the other "stuff". Unfortunately, I found out that a bigger school might mean more extra-curricular options, but that it's nearly impossible to get into the classes you want or even need to graduate. I found out that being in a small, college town can make your school feel isolated and not "real-world-esque". I found out that looking at a course selection booklet is decieving and that you need to ask for the numbers when it comes to what is REALLY available and who gets in. Overall, I wish I had done more research to find a college that would suit my needs, not just look good on paper.

I would advise myself to not be so overconfident. High school was easy, but that is because there was a different academic standard. Getting into UNC was only half the battle, and to complete your academic journey, you need to not only stay focused, but step it up. Discipline and study methods are skills that you must cultivate to really succeed at the college level.

I would tell myself to not make the mistake of relaxing to the point where I become lazy and my GPA after freshman year is something too embarrassing to say aloud. I would remind myself of my dreams of becoming a doctor, and to keep that goal in mind everytime I want to turn on the television instead of studying.

Essentially, I would begin the process of choosing a college sooner and put more thought into the matter. I would apply early for both schools and scholarships, and I would only apply to those I am certain would be a good school for me. I would consider all schools I was accepted to and select the one that most met my needs, disregarding which is considered the best or most prestigious. I would fill out the FAFSA on time and apply for scholarships that require essays even though I prefered the ones that took less effort. When selecting a place to live, I would choose a dorm with mostly first years because the older students are less interested in making new friends. I would search for friends with non-alcoholic hobbies. When selecting classes, I would take mostly general education requirements no matter how sure I was of which major I wanted, because there could always be a better one I hadn't heard of. I would do homework even if it wouldn't be graded, but I would also make an effort to do things that are fun without considering how they will look on a resume.

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior, I would've told myself to take more AP courses, and sign up for as many placement tests as I could. It would've helped me tremendously. Plus, I would need to work more on my writing skills. Lastly, I would've told myself to save some money.

This past summer I worked for a non-profit children's sleep away camp in Pennsylvannia for children with chronic illness called Dragonfly Forest. These children inspired me more than words can say. After all they endure at such a young and vulnerable age they are still hopeful and so resilient. There are so many things in life to take advantage of while you're able. I came into college not knowing exactly what I wanted to do but I have held strong to my beliefs and made some decisions along the way that have further fueled my love for children and non profit work. I would make sure that I knew how important it is not to stress myself out as much as I have. I would tell myself to relax, take a deep breath, and when I'm having a tough time to always remember the smiles and the hope in the of those children at Dragonfly Forest.

Don't get hung up on the prestige of an ivy league school. It's a lot more important to be on a campus where you'll feel comfortable and where you think you'll fit in with the students. You need to consider that this is going to be four entire years of your life, so choose carefully and pay attention to the little things because they're usually the most important.

Parents should encourage their kids to explore at least several different schools so that the student can find the one which fits their desires/needs most adequately, as well as the one which seems most "homey." Not all students want huge universities, but some don't like small ones because they are just like highschool. I found it easier to adjust to the harder and heavier workload presented by college by being somewhere I felt comfortable and safe. The school should be inviting, first impressions of a campus are important. My advice to students: Don't be afraid to reach out to people your first year. Everyone there is in the same boat as you, or was at one point in their lives (even professors). Most are friendly, inviting, and even excited to welcome you to their community. And don't worry--freshmen don't stick out as badly as most people think. Within a week of being at school you will blend in easliy.

Definitely explore all your options and don't just go with what your friends are doing. Be outgoing and take advantage of everything offered to you in order to meet new people and have new experiences.