University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Top Questions

If I could go back in time, I would challenge myself more academically while in high school. During my senior year, my class was spoon feed. Academic programs were put in place that allowed our exemption from taking mid-term and final exams. While it appeared to be an excellent idea at the time, it did not serve us well, as we did not learn how to study for such exams, which are a key component of the college curriculum. As a class, we weren’t well read, as we weren’t required to read many of the literary classics. If I had been more intoned to my academics, I would have challenged myself more and taken the exams that my classmates and I opted out of. I would have also made the literary classics apart of my summer reading. Not doing so made me walk into my first year of college feeling inferior to my fellow classmates that had graduated from high schools with higher standards. And this discrepancy in standards was apparent during the first weeks of class, which served as an initial obstacle that could have been avoided had I demanded more of myself in high school.

I would advise myself to use college as an opportunity to become the person that I wanted to be. College is a time for self-discovery and self-awareness and I would have told myself not to be afraid to to branch out from the people that I had always known and to get to know new and interesting people.

Don't apply to eleven schools, only apply to five or less that you really know you want to go to and are places you could see yourself.

Take your time. You've been on the fast track to making sure you make all the "right turns" to get you to a place you know superficial information about. College is about discovery, personal and academic. Its so easy in an academic world like ours to get a plan and stick to it just for times sake and to stay ahead, but there is more than the cliche "doctor, teacher, lawyer" bit that we were given in grammar school. So often, I was embarassed to say "maybe being a doctor is not really what I want," but coming to that realization led me to a career that I can't wait to start. Don't get hung up on the dreams of a little girl- focus on the passions of the young woman you want to become. If they line up - well that's great; if they don't- well that's great too.

If I could go backin time and talk to myself as a high school senior, having the knowledge I have now, I would tell myself to develop study habits and learn how to budget my money and time efficiently. Using these tools will make your life easier in college when almost every activity needs to be planned. I would warn myself that hardwork would be coming my way but as long as I keep a positive spirit about it I would make it. I would give myself a fair warning of the journey I was going to be partaking of.

Though advanced placement is helpful and sets you apart from average students in high school, it does little to help you prepare for college unless you earn college credit from the placement exams. I was not lucky enough to do this. Knowing what I do now about college, I would tell myself to take as many general education classes as possible at the local community college that will transfer to the college you want to attend. That way, you will be able to have many of the general education out of the way, and will be able to pursue your interests more openly and with more flexibility. Also, I would tell my high school self not to stress out so much. I was so consumed with grades and being perfect that I never actually had time to enjoy myself in High School. In college, you have to be willing to be social and outgoing while still maintaining work. College is not as stressful as I thought it would be, and I am sad to know that I wasted my high school years being such a busy body perfectionist. I have to learn to please myself before I can please others.

College is a frustrating and, at times, infuriating experience, but it's a rite of passage that all future citizens should go through. If nothing else, college teaches you to behave responsibly and independently, even if it takes four years for you to learn it. I’ve been in college a year, and already I have the inklings of an idea about who I really am. As high school students, we hear stories about people whose lives changed in college, changed by the exposure to so many new ideas and perspectives. These stories are absolutely true. I myself have come to realize so much about the nature of humanity, just from interacting with so many, well, ‘strangers’ on a daily basis.I encourage future students to enroll somewhere far from home; it’s a little jarring at first, but very worth it in the end. It lets you escape whatever influences there were on you at home growing up, and once that ‘noise’ is silenced, it becomes possible to truly understand what you enjoy, what you know, and what you want to do.

I have truly grown during my time at college. My beliefs have been challenged, my ideas have changed, and from this I have grown into a better person. Life-changing discussions can happen at any time and this self-reflection has been on of the greatest advantages of college. I believe that you do really find out who you are as an individual. It is because you change and become the human being that you are meant to be during this time that is so valuable. The experiences and the knowledge gained while in college is irreplaceable.

I have been fortunate in that my college experience thus far has matured me in ways that I never knew were possible. I understand better what it means to work hard and put forth every effort possible to acheive the things I need in life, and I continue to strive for those things as I continue on in my college education. I have learned what it means to be a loyal friend and member of the community, as well as a productive representative of myself. I have learned the necessity of a well balanced life, and how to efficiently manage the priorities therein, including school work and studying, extracurricular activities, exercise, and maintaining a social life as well. I was able to learn all these things because I have been the manager of my own life and my own affairs for the past year and a half; because I have made many mistakes and had many trial and error moments that have taught me how to be an adult. The beauty of college though, and what I appreciate most from it, is that while it fosters maturity and arms you with education, it also gives you lasting friendships and community.

I haven't been in college for too long, I am learning a lot - not just about the courses I'm taking either. One important thing I have learend over the last few months is to be more independent and professional. I have also grown personally. I am surrounded by people with the same motivation and drive for success as I have, and it has made my education a lot mor fufilling. My parents always told me that college was not only about recieving an education; it was much more. In college I will make contacts, develope long-lasting relationships, explore new interests, and pursue my life goals.