University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Top Questions

Success comes from active learning and staying away from trouble. I have maintained a clean record and have no plans to cause mischief. I am not employed so I can dedicate one hundred percent towards my education. I study vigorously and strive for excellence. I plan to study many hours and limit my personal free time to insure good grades. I do not hesitate to ask questions, if a problem does occur I will try to fix it to the best of my abilities or ask an appropriate person. I have maintained that mindset throughout my senior year and have no means on changing it. Nursing as a Profession is expensive I would use this scholarship to help me financially to pay for nursing equipment and tuition. God bless

If I could go back and time, I would tell myself that there is no need to rush through my last year of high school. The transition into college isn't something you have to face alone. I now know that there are many people along for the ride their to support and help you: friends, families, faculty, and staff. Although the transision into college is an important one, so is having the time of your life senior year. Looking back, I now realize that high school was the best four years of my life and that I didn't need to rush into adulthood, I have the rest of my life to grow up. I would tell myself that I should have fun while it lasts because although college is an exciting adventure, it is also challenging at times. We really shouldn't try so hard in high school to rush into adulthood, it comes much too soon.

I would really stress time management. I did well my freshman year compared to how a lot of freshman did in my class, but I would have done so much better if I would've managed my time more wisely. I also would've stressed know who I am as a person, and find friends that compliment who I am versus just friends that just happened to be convenient. I wouldn't say I was in with the wrong crowd my freshman year, but I was with people that didn't help me better myself, they kind of actually slowed me down. Now that I know this I was able to move on and find the right kind of people, but I really wish I would've built stronger relationships with the people I know now versus wasting my time being someone who I wasn't. Other than that, I have truly enjoyed by college experience so far, and I have NO regrets!

When I was in high school, looking ahead to college future, I was worried about everything- if I would get into a good school, if I would find the right school, if I would get accepted at all and wind up working at McDonald's-- you name it, I was worried about it. If I could go back at show my bundle-of-nerves 12th grade self how college life has turned out for me, I could have saved myself many a near panic attack. Of course I didn't find the absolute perfect school (I don't think those exist) but I did find a school that's pretty great. I had every intention of attending a small, private liberal arts college, but I wound up at Pitt-- a huge, public university. My fall psychology lecture was bigger than my entire high school! I wasn't sure how everything would work out, but looking back over the ups and downs of my freshman year I think being at a big school is exactly what I needed. Things I thought I couldn't live without in a school I actually haven't missed. My college advice? Don't sweat it.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not stress out as much about the college process. Though it is an important time in your life deciding what to do after high school is finished, I have found out that if you put effort and drive into what you want, it will work out for the best and for what is meant to be. I would also tell myself to relax and not worry so much about meeting people. Everyone is new freshman year, and everyone is looking to make friends and fit in. College is the begining of the rest of your life after high school and it is a place to really find your interests and what you really want to do. I would go back and encourage myself to try new things during my first year at school, such as joining new clubs, to see what I am really passionate about.

Apply for as many different financial aid options as you can. Take a part-time job to learn responsibility and money managing skills. It will help in the long run and especially throughout your undergraduate years.

As a high school student I was determined to attend college; I thought of no alternative for the years after graduation. I also made my mind up that I would pursue no less than a Master's degree. I contemplated career goals of business administration, graphic design, and psychology. When I was accepted into my first choice school of the University of Pittsburgh I was ecstatic. I immediately began taking advantage of everything the institution had to offer academically; I declared two majors and a minor. However, I was hit by the realization that I was verging on financial difficulty. I am determined to find a way to make my dreams of higher education happen. If I could go back in time I would tell my high school senior self that college is completely worth it. I would tell myself not to let anything hold me back from achieving my goals, especially not finances. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.”

Honey, let me be frank with you: you are not ready for college. Sure, I know, all your friends are going, and everyone expects you to go get a degree like Mom and Dad and your sisters. But take a step back and think about this for a bit, 'cause I know the thought has crossed your mind already. Take a year off. Go on a trip. Get a job. Figure out what you want to do with your life. What makes you tick? What can't you stand? What fills you with delight? In which field do you see yourself being truly happy for years to come? Answer these questions and THEN come back and throw yourself into school. Let this be a meaningful decision; go to college because YOU want to, because you know exactly what you want out of life and what you need to do to get there. Let college be a time to develop the tools and skills you need to become a successful member of whatever profession you choose, not some strange limbo between childhood and adulthood. You can do it, kid. You have so much potential. Don't waste it on indecision.

I would advise anyone to make more use of teachers and professors. Not only are educators exceptionally knowledgeable about the college experience and how to get acclimated and succeed, they also have a passion for education which makes most instructors enthusiastic to provide students with help and advice. Deciding on a course for your college education is a difficult and intimidating decision which will affect you throughout your life. Rather than taking this on alone, it can be enlightening to talk with people who have experienced the same process. Discussing your interests and strengths with teachers can expose you to new careers and fields of study which you may have been unaware were an option. Rather than settling on a seemingly practical major, pursuing something you can be passionate about will make your education, and eventually your life exponentially more fulfilling. People who pursue a career in education have a passion for teaching and helping others. Utilizing such an available, enthusiastic, and beneficial resource can have a profound influence on your education and your future.

Never take yourself too serously. Aiming for the ivy league schools is not a necessity. You can obtain a great education anywhere. It's all about attitude, learning and making a difference in society. It's not where you start...it's where you finish!