University of Utah Top Questions

"Sammi, get as involved as you can in college. There will be so many opportunities available to you that it will seem overwhelming, but if you find something that sounds interesting, go for it. Don't only focus on academics. Yes, your classes are important, but so much can be gained from real-world experience. Employers aren't going to look at each class you took; instead, they will pay attention to internships, work experience, clubs, volunteer experience, and what you have done in your community. Plus, you may find a passion for something you never knew existed! Most importantly, don't limit yourself. You're the only one that can stop yourself from doing something, so don't! Just because something seems impossible doesn't mean you shouldn't aspire to it. You will grow so much during college, as a student, as a woman, as a thinker. You will be amazed by what you accomplish in four short years! Don't ever look at someone else's accomplishments and think, 'Well, they're smarter, or more priviledged, or more popular than me.' You are just as capable as anyone else, so set your expectations high, and meet them!"

Dear Chesy, I know you’re about to start college and are very excited to begin this new journey but I would like to give you a bit of advice before you go. Learn how to study! I know that high school has been a breeze and that you haven’t really had to take notes or spend a lot of time on homework, however, college is different. Be sure to read the book and complete all of the assigned problem sets. Try to study a little bit every night so you don’t have as much to review the night before the test. Study groups can be helpful but be sure to stay on task while you’re there; sometimes it may be more beneficial to just study on your own. While academics are very important and it requires hardwork to succeed, don’t forget to have fun! Try to get to the gym regularly to help relieve stress and to wind down for the day. I wish you all the best of luck and I know you will succeed. It’ll be over before you know it, so enjoy it while you can! Love,Your future self, Chesy

While in high school, I participated in several AP courses and received my IB diploma from the International Baccalaureate Organization. I felt overwhelmed and stressed, not to mention the lack of social life that resulted in the vigorous course work and extensive studying away from school. Knowing now what college life is like first hand, I would tell myself to push through the advanced classes, because the hard work has paid off in more than a few ways. One way is the preparation for college like- structured courses. My first few days (and even to an extent now) have felt more at ease because the vigorousness of the courses is nothing new to what I haven't already experienced. Also, the study habits acquired have immensely allotted feasibility in studying at the college level. Probably one of the best advantages from sticking it out was the several credit hours that came forth from completing the tests and earning literally two years of college. I would have to say, however, that the most important thing is live a balanced life. Be physical; play sports. Be smart; study hard. Be you; have fun.

Self: Stay in school, study hard, and make solid friendships! Learn as much as you can and keep your open-mindedness. Follow your dreams and stay true to yourself. Set goals and take steps to achieve them. You are never too old to learn. Be forever a student of life. Be kind to others and be of service in your community.

If I were able to go back in time to when I was a high school senior I would have told my self to learn better studing habits and to try harder in my classes. I would also tell my self to have more comunication with the high school counselor to get more inforemed about what to expect and what thing I should do to prepare my self for collage life.

I would tell myselft to take as many A.P. classes that I could. It is much easier in highschool than it is in college. Most of my classes are huge, and I would tell myself to take advantage of the smaller highschool classes that have teachers who care about you and your grades. A.P. classes also has more assignments which is simular to college classes. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships and save more money. College is expensive. I would have also told myself to research more about college.

I would tell myself that applying for all the scholarships that our out there would help so much when it comes to the books, supplies, class, and even lunch. I would also tell myself not to fool around when it came to school and to make sure to keep up all my grades, that partying can wait.

College has been an interesting experience, I don't regret any of the decisions that I've made regarding my education or the actions that I took. Everything I’ve done have taught me something valuable and I wouldn’t replace that with anything. There are a few things that I wish I would have been a little more prepared for; I had no clue the curve ball that college threw at me. I would tell my naive high school self to be more involved in the first year and meet new people, don’t wait around for someone to befriend you but find the courage to step outside of the box that I've lived in for so many years and put myself out there. I would also tell myself to learn good time management at the beginning of the semester when I can develop habits, rather than the end when everything in stressful. Lastly I would tell myself to have fun and enjoy these years; this is a time that is all about you. You make your own decisions, you're finding out who you are as a person, so enjoy life while the possibilities are limitless!

Apply for more colleges than you think you want to attend. Then you will have a larger selection to choose from once you receive acceptance/rejection letters. Ask as many questions as possible, and ALWAYS visit the campus. Don't let you parents or anyone else influence your decision! If you can, talk to some of the students on campus and see if they like going there.

“Confidently explore the opportunities provided by the university,” I insist. Giving a half shrug and trying to hide behind my own shoulders, I tell her I regret not taking advantage of so many opportunities. That cannot happen to her, so I tell her what can. “You will spend a semester in Italy. You will be editor in chief of the literary magazine. Your volunteer work at the Women’s Recovery Center will save lives.” I defiantly look my teenage-self straight in the eyes and say, “You will fail. Many times. And after each failure, you will pick yourself up and stand stronger-- because if you don’t, you will grow old, but you won’t grow.” Before leaving, I give her a hug and remind her to love herself. She quietly shuts the door. After hearing the click of the lock, I steal a moment of the night sky, absorbing the warmth of the moon to give myself a swift hug. I walk away, hoping she experiences life for me.

I would say don't quit. Although it seems too big, too hard, too much, don't quit. I never gave myself the grace of knowing too big, too hard, too much, so I quit. I am 28 years old now with fours years left to finish my doctorate, and I just now figured out don't quit. Had I knew this when I was in high school I could have saved myself some precious time. Don't let the mistakes of yesterday predict your successes of tomorrow. If you make a mess of your plans, clean it up, and try not to make that mistake again. Oh, and you will make mistakes. Just remember it is what you learn from them that will set you apart from the rest. Take time and truely understand what it is you want to do with your life, and don't waste your parent's money. You will find out soon you are going to have a better appreciation of a dollar. Love will come and love will go. Just remember when the world, college, life gets too big, too hard, or too much, don't quit.

I would tell myself to pay more attention in class and to try not to take the easy way out. Choose classes that are going to better prepare you for college so that when you enter college, you won't have to begin at the bottom. an example; while a freshman in high school my classes were chosen for me and pre-algebra was one of those classes. My next year I could choose the classes myself and instead of going on into algebra, I chose to go backwards and take math II. Big mistake, because I done well in the class and could have passed algebra, I believe, as well but never tried. I took the easy way and now I am having to start over in math which has set me back and therefore taking longer to earn my degree. What I know now would have helped me in high school as well as college, but I wanted to take the easy way out. The easy way is not always the best way especially when it comes to your education. If I could go back and change that decision I would.

If I could go back in time to high school and offer some advice that would help me succeed, I would say make sure to enjoy the moment. Carpe diem, sieze the day. I remember thinking that I could not wait to get out of high school so that I could begin my life. I did not take high school too seriously and just went through the motions of going to school. I was not involved in many clubs, sports or volunteering. I could have got better grades then I did or made more friends then I did. I was just not thrilled to be in high school and looking back, I could have made my high school experience much more enjoyable. If I could go back in time, I would participate in as many clubs that I would have time for and put more effort in my schoolwork. Another thing that I would change is that I would put more emphasis of figuring out what type of activities I love and ultimatley find out what I would want ot major in. These things could have saved me more time and money which would have assited my overall college experience.

If I could go back and tell myself advice now, I would tell myself to take off a year or more prior to starting college. College is not just about learning a field, it's about discovering who you are. However that is really expensive if you don't know what you want to study. I really wanted to study writing and literatue but thought I should study something I could make money in instead. I am now quitting that job in the sciences after twelve years to go back to school to pursue the degree I wish I had the guts to get in the first place. I would tell myself to study what makes me happy, not what makes money. Money will come if knowing how to make yourself happy is there first.

The most important thing to do to get ready for college is to study hard and get good grades so that you have the chance to get good scholarships because it is really hard to pay for college if you do not have these scholarships. It is also important to continue to work hard so that you can keep your scholarships. Get to know your professors and students because they will help you through your school years and can help you in the future to get a good job. Never give up and focus on your school work.

Almost everyone could say that high school was centered around pleasing those around you. Always trying to fit in or get in with the cool kids. If I could go back to when I was in high school I would tell myself not to worry what other people think. Nobody cares when you get into college. Going to school in sweats? Great! Everyone and their dog do it in college. Don't worry whether someone is going to think you're weird or a genius or crazy. You meet so many new people every single day, you're bound to find someone who appreciates your craziness or the things that make you unique. I would tell myself to never hide who I am and always express myself how I want to express myself. I wasted too much time worrying what people would think if I made certain decisions or did certain things and it was all for nothing. You get to start fresh in college and the more you share your true self the more people will be drawn to you.

If I could go back and give myself advice at the perspective of a high school senior I would inform myself of many things. For one I would express the need to hang in until the end and continuosly try your best because it will be very worth it in the long run. It would appear that I somewhat 'gave up' at the end of my senior year. I would want to tell myself to hang in their and work my hardest until the end. I would also want to tell myself to truly do some investigating before actually going to College. Exploration of many options is needed at that age in life. Even for those who are set on something that interests them, they need to make sure that that field of choice will hold out for them in the years to come; if its income could support a family, if that field will continue to give them enjoyment, and if it will continuosly be dependable? Nobody likes getting into the position that I am in now and realising that their field of choice just is not going to work for them. At length choose wisely and work hard.

Live it up while you can because this time in your life only comes around once. Find something you enjoy doing, then stick to it even when the going is tough. Soak up all the experiences that come your way and always look for the positive. Study hard, but find time to have fun. Find those that have similar goals for school and form a small study group and within that you may discover a few friendships. Hold onto those. Living at home is great to save money but, if able, move out. You will gather a completely different experience from college and even more opportunities to make lifelong friends. Take the chance to live independently and gather life experiences that will help you in your future. Most importantly, always respect and be honest with those you associate with. Professors, fellow classmates, roommates, etc... you're life will be better off because of it. Life happens, so enjoy it.

I would tell myself to "know yourself". Knowing who you are and what you can and can't do is important. It is also important to know what you are and aren't willing to do to achieve your goals. There are many opportunites in college to learn and grow, but there are also many opportunities to get lost. As a college student, your life is much less structured than high school so you need to stay focused and keep your head up. Talk to your professors. Use them as resourses not only for your classes but also for any other questions you might have. In other words, find a mentor. Don't be shy. Be willing to explore. Don't be so fixed on getting A's that you don't have fun. Finally, relax and just do your best.

I would let myself know about the major I am now in and some class ideas. I could have made less mistakes if I didn't have to change majors and fit courses in.