University of Utah Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Utah know before they start?

Sujal

Entering college, I was pretty sure that I wanted to attend medical school. Five years of unfortunate struggles and late nights questioning myself later, I have come back to this conclusion. Struggling through classes and life in the university setting has resulted in me being down on myself and my dreams for a long time, but I have recently come to realize that it was a blessing in disguise. While I hated having to take classes from professors who didn't seem to be there to teach what they know as opposed to just telling us what they knew, I have been able to change myself into a more complete student and a better person. I have improved my studying habits. I have found myself becoming less introverted and more likely to socialize. And while I have learned a lot about the subjects I have taken, I feel the college experience was much more important in turning me into a more confident person, someone who is more able to trust myself, no matter how bad things seem to get. I would not have gotten to this point without the college experience and the friends that come with it.

ilia

the university of utah has been and still is an incredible experience for me and everyone that i know. its involvement with the community, environment, and outdoor activity makes the lives of students fun, while teaching them valuable information and giving them much needed experience in the world. the academic education that i receive is very rewarding already, as i am proud to be a part of the engineering department, whose performance parallels that of MIT with just a fraction of the budget. i was born and raised in russia for most of my life and haven't come acroos very much diversity before coming to the university. this place has taught me to be tolerant and accepting of everyone, no matter what their heritage may be, and, more importantly, it taught me the much needed skills in group communication and group work. i see on a daily basis that group work is an emerging part of the workplace and those skills need to be mastered to succeed in my field of study. i've extensively researched over thirty different universities before attending here and this is easily the best place.

Mary

I love going to school. I get to meet new people and I am challenged everyday to do something new and better. I really enjoy the environment and the opportunities that I get by going to school. Opportunities that I know I wouldn't get if I wasn't attending school. Initially when I went back to school I thought that I wouldn't be able to do it, but because of the interest the teachers take in each individual student, I am able to succeed. It also brings confidence to myself that I can accomplish anything I want to take on in the future.

Jason

Just as a general college advice, get ahead. Get strong and confident in the math and sciences. You don't want to get to college, and see that you have to take this long list of pre-requisites to get into a class you really want to be in. Start discovering what interest you, what makes you happy early so you can start college off running. Good Luck.

Adam

If I were to go back and talk to my former self, I would stress the importance of making my own decision. It was hard for me to trust myself as a High School student. I depended on those around me to make my mind up for me. That is not the right way! College is about finding yourself and starting your life in the direction YOU want to take it. You can never be happy if you only let others choose your path. I know it's scary to think you might regret your choice and feel there's no one to blame but yourself. That's ok. Fear is a part of life. It's ok to be wrong. Being wrong is a valuable component of learning. I firmly believe that if you choose your own goals, work hard, and persevere you will have a truly life changing college experience.

Sarah

If i could go back to high school I would take advantage of the knowledge that my teachers possessed. I would have asked more questions and taken the time to really learn what was being taught. I spent a lot of time being social, and I found it important to include everyone. I wouldn't change that, but if i could I would change that as being my only focus. I feel like I missed out on quite a bit of education by staying home instead of getting my lazy bum out of bed. My mother would encourage me to stay home on days that she could really use the extra help, and I wouldn't have taken advantage of that so much. I can honestly say that I loved my high school experience for many reasons, but having experienced the real world over the passed eight years, I regret cheating myself out of education, learning study habits, and getting ahead in college. It has taken me a long time to learn, but I love school so much, and wouldn't change my college experience and education for the world!

Tyler

When I checked my grades after the first year of my university life, my GPA was a 1.8 and it felt like an icy rod shooting up my spine. As a high school senior, I had no idea what I wanted to be. I chose a major thinking it would make my parents proud. After a few years of working hard and struggling, I changed my major. I asked myself, ?What is the most interesting topic to me?? and I found it. Instead of going to school with the feeling of it clawing at my back, I now see it as a friend; a launch pad, helping me find what I really want in life. If I could go back in time, my advice to myself is to think greedy for once. No matter what you study, if you don?t like it, it?s not worth the time. Think about what YOU want. There are great people who share your interests no matter where you decide to go and you are NEVER alone. My GPA has risen from the dead to a 3.0 and still rising. There?s nothing more prestigious than loving what you do.

Chelsea

My worst attribute is the fact that I can be shy when I am in a new environment. Coming to college was more difficult for me because I had trouble meeting and talking to new people. The best advice I could give myself would be, " Come out of your shell! Everyone else is just as nervous as you are so don't worry too much. Get involved in every club or activity that you possibly can. It is a great way to meet new people and establish yourself at school. The best thing I did freshman year was rush and pledge a sorority; I truly cannot replace the experiences I have had and the friends I have made. Also, make sure your professors know who you are and that you are interested in school beyond college. I made the mistake of not doing this with every professor and deeply regret it. Make the most of your college years because you won't get them back. By this I do not mean to 'party it up.' Have fun but remain focused on school and you won't have any regrets!"

Chad

I would have told myself to put myself out there and go for something bigger. I wish I would have gone out of state but financially that wasn't an option. However I would have told myself to work harder to find financial aid.

Krista

A month ago I'd look back having regrets, wishing I'd been more prepared. I'd tell myself "get it together: apply for scholarships like everyone else, pick a University...and go!!!" I'd tell myself "You NEED to have a degree and a job in four years...You NEED your life planned out!!!" But now that I have gone through two years of community college, auditioning for many college ballet programs and being discouraged, wondering why isn't there that perfect college for me, is this what I want to do...I realize that I shouldn't have any regrets. After high school there's no longer anyone telling you what to do. Life after high school is a huge transition that one has to take. I believe that no matter how much advice one is given, what it comes down to is the choices that one makes. Some will be bad, some good...and that is okay because no matter what, those choices are learning experiences. I would tell myself not to be discouraged because all will come into play. It doesn't matter how long it takes as long as you are doing what you love!

Lacey

Lacey, you know that you're good at a lot of things. You made a great choice choosing the University of Utah, don't regret it. Just so you know, you'll greatly enjoy a major in Chemistry. Don't wait to get yourself established in it, or you'll wind up graduating late. You won't like dead things, so don't get wrapped up in going pre-med. Be sure to do your homework, and to turn it in on time. Aim high. Take part in Undergraduate Research. Move out of the dorms and into the apartments as soon as you can, the food there sucks. Learn to cook. Don't be afraid to talk to people. Go out and do stuff on the weekends. Keep the ink in your printer filled and ready to go, and always make sure you have duct tape and paperclips. You never know what you can do with duct tape and paperclips.

Robert

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to engage in more than just my academic career and have a social life. I would tell myself to build relations with other people, as my University is not a social experience for me. I would also tell myself to continue to be academically prepared and do well in my classes. I would tell myself to apply for every scholarship available, as I lacked in this area, and paid the price. It would be greatly helpful though to have told myself to be more engaged socially, it could change my entire position.

Sahar

I would tell myself to relax and not to be scared. I would say to just be ready to do more work than you do in high school, but in college all that work is so much more worth it. Also, try to apply for more opportunities around campus and meet people because that way you can get help with anything that you need.

Miranda

I can see myself standing there in front of my mom fidling with my fingers. I was thinking "What am I going to do?" I didn't think I was ready for college yet, and I deffinately didn't have the money for it either. I was scared and didn't know what to think. I would go back and tell my younger counter part that it is okay to be scared. The only thing you have to remember is that your family is there to help you in any way possible, and they care about you and would love to see you make something big of yourself. Yes, you will have to make new friends, but that's just an adventure waiting to happen, and to embrace it. Yes, you will have financial woes that will stress you out, but jobs are available everywhere you just have to look. Finally, I would say that you have the chance of a lifetime to find something to help you stake a claim in this world and don't you dare hold yourself back from your own potential. You have strength, you just need to take your waits off. Go for it!

Jordan

The word of wisdom that I may give myself as a high school senior would be to take responsibilty of your education as an early age. In doing your best to complete assignments to the best of your ability and also taking the responsibilty to dedicating yourself to your studies during high school you can develop the hunger of learning. After practicing the essential habits of studying you can find the world open up to you. That by studying you learn of the limitless abundance of knowledge waiting for you to accumulate it. The only things you need are good study habits and a hunger to learn. We have the right to knowledge and success, but it takes discipline and developing solid habits in acquiring knowledge and also and developing a curiosity or a desire to learn more about our surroundings.

Mick

I would tell myself that college is much less intimidating than I thought. People are very friendly, and the transition to college was painless. I think the most important piece of advice I could give myself is not to panic and make it a big deal. Sure college is a major part of your life but when I came to college it was very easy to fit in and make friends. Don't stress the little things and just have fun because you only to go college once! I was lucky that the college I chose was very a perfect fit for me, but I think it is important that you take the time to find a college that will allow you to be yourself and one that fits your personality. If you are unhappy with the people you are surrounded with and the environment the school is located in you will not have as much fun. In conclusion just relax and don't stress, college is the greatest time of your life so enjoy it!

Jason

Make the most of every day, every professor, every class. There will be times when you may feel your views are the minority, but listen closely and glean what you can from what is being taught and being discussed. There will be many lonely and friendless people that you will meet in the next four years talk to them. Make them feel like you care and that they are important, for they will be grateful for you and will consider you their friend. Be on time and do not procrastinate your workload, this will only bring you stress and sleepless nights. Maybe most importantly, follow your heart. Do what you love. There will be those who will try and persuade you do differently, but I encourage you to do what makes you happy, no matter what may be said. In doing this you will find happiness, success, and meaning. In not suppressing the desires of your heart you will become your best self, and come to find what is really important. This great opportunity will only will be here once, so go out there and take full advantage of it. Remember, don?t hold back, and have fun!

Jill

Time management is something you have to pay attention to. Ask for help with subjects that are difficult for you. There are many resources that can make it much easier for you. Don't give up! It is much harder to go back to school later in life. You have to become part of the college. Participate in any activties that you can find. It will make it more fun and want to go. Don't put off a class because you don't like the subject it only makes it worse when you have to take it. Enjoy your college experience. You only have this time of your life once.

Megan

Apply for more scholarships, and get a better GPA. After school activities are important, but too many can lower your GPA. Many don't even pay off as scholarship money in the long run. College isn't as hard as everybody says, but high school doesn't really prepare you as much as you'd think. Just do what the teachers say and study hard. College is more expensive than you think, though. Even if you have "full ride" scholarship, there are many other expenses that come with living away from home. Save all the money you can. Once you get to college, have fun, get involved, and study hard.

Abigail

I would tell myself not to worry so much. On the plane ride here, I was extremely nervous and worried that just about everything would go wrong. I know it's pretty typical to be nervous when starting college, but for awhile, I worried far more than your average college freshman. I was worried that I wouldn't make frineds, that I would fail all of my classes, that I would end up regretting the decision I made in choosing a college, and all manner of other ridiculous and silly little things. While I knew somewhere in my mind that things probably wouldn't turn out so terribly, I kept worrying for a good part of my first semester. Now, having made absolutely amazing friends, passed all my classes, and enjoyed almost every minute I've spent here, I've realized that all the time and energy I put into worrying really was not necessary. Of all the decsions I've made so far, choosing this college was one of the best. So, if I could give myself advice, I would tell myself that there's no point and no need for worry. In the end, it's all amazing.