University of Washington-Bothell Campus Top Questions

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that: "College expectations are much difficult than high school. There are hundreds of pages to read by the end of each quarter, and some classes can have 3-5 books and an average homework workload can be at least 4 hours a night instead of 2 hours a night. The responsilbity of a 4 year university expects much more than what a public high school. Honestly, you have nothing to compalin about how difficult high school can be until you go to a 4 year university! On the otherhand, Universities have more oppertunites. Not only there are more clubs, but there are hands on projects. Class projects enable students to work with companies and the community to do hands on work based on their classwork. For example, if you took a class on Social Work (social welfare/justice and change), you get to work with YMCA and do a research project with them on something you care about. In short, a university has more expectaions/workload than high school, but has more opportunities. Do your best and never give up!

If I could go back in time to talk to myself, hoping that the universe is not torn apart by some sort of black hole, I would tell myself at least three things: 1) read more, 2) write more, and 3) academically socialize more. These are the three things you will need no matter what. Obviously, further learning cannot occur without reading. Student life requires proficient reading comprehension and time constraints require a nimble mind. Professors will ask difficult questions in class, and you will be expected to argue a position or ask for meaningful clarification. After reading, you will need to write articulately on a particular subject and incorporate class readings into your paper in order to demonstrate learning. Once you have written something, especially a research paper, you will need to present your findings to the class, or talk amongst your peers in a less formal group. Either way, you will need social skills in order to clearly and competently explain a specific subject. The only way to get better at these things is to do them all the time, and do them in front of people, students, teachers, other adults.

If I could go back to my high school senior self, I would say have confidence in your beliefs and your ability to change the world. College is YOUR key to opening all the doors you want open. Although many consider me a strong young women, I went through a period of serious doubts if I was strong enough or smart enough to be a doctor, a dream I've had since a little girl. What I have learned in my years in college now is that my will power is beyond what I can even imagine (and I truly believe this applies to everyone) but just set your mind to your dreams and don't let anyone tell you different. I would also say that changing the world CAN start with me. Although I am not a doctor yet, I have worked hard in my community to be the change I want to see. I have fundraised over $1,000 for a program I started at school to feed homeless youth, an example of something I would have never thought possible at 17 and 18 years old. Confidence in yourself and your ambition will carry you a long way!!

As a senior in high school I was pre-occupied with matters that seemed important at the time, but in the grand scheme of things were only momentary and wouldn't be part of my life for long. I let many of these things detract from my studies, which caused my grades to suffer. I let myself become further discouraged knowing I wouldn't get in to my choice university. So, if I could go back in time and talk to my high school self I would say "Lisa, it is is never too late to give it your best." I would remind myself of all the times in my young life that I had experienced hardships and how I had bravely overcome them. I would encourage my eighteen year old self to refocus and recommit myself to acheving academic excellence. I would remind myself not to let minor set backs detract me from my utlimate goal, a college degree. I would say, "Lisa, the path you take may be different than you planned, but this does not mean you wont reach the same destination. Give it everything you've got, I know you have it in you."

Fill out more scholarships so you can focus more on learning versus being at work.

The advice that I would give high school senior Teree' Douglas would be: Ask Questions, Get Answers and Make Moves! It wasn't until after I got into community college, I realized how much I missed out on in high school as far as preparing for college was concerned. One of my main issues was that I had the grades to enroll into community college early and start taking college credits ahead of time but instead of spending a majority of my lunch break in my Guidance Counselor's office picking her brain, I went about my day. Almost 2 1/2 years later, I still kick myself for not being more aware of what I was capable of. I do not regret my senior year one bit (especially the part where I become Prom Queen and win Class Clown)! But I do wish I could've spent more time monitoring my progress and shaping myself to become a better college student. So, 2008 Teree', don't be afraid of the dramatic change that is going to overcome your life after graduation. Start being proactive about your college career as of NOW. Your present planning will bring a prosperous future!

This year is your last year at High School, and College is right around the corner. Just keep doing all your work and dont be afraid to ask for help. If you dont understand more then likely someone else might understand and be able to help solve a problem or answer a question. Dont slack off is also an important part of advice i offer you. Just because your finished highschool doesnt mean your a man, its just mean now you have a choice to make the desicions you believe are right or wrong. Good luck man.

If I could travel back in time to my high school days I would tell my younger self how important it is to go to college right away. If you plan to put it off for a year or two you probably wont go back, or, as in my case, not for many years. It really is almost a necessity to have a degree to get into a secure job field right now, and in the fields where it isn't required, you start off in the lowest of the low jobs and have to work your way up the ladder to achieve success. I have been in the retail industry for 15 years, and have only reached low level managerial positions, whereas a college graduate with a business degree would START at the level above me. Fifteen years wasted because I didn't take four years of college courses. It's a shame that I missed this opportunity, but it doesn't have to be that way for my high school self. Take advantage of the education now and be thankful for the opportunity for the rest of your life!

When I was a senior in high school I was oblivious of the complications of living on my own, I also underestimated the difficulties of college. I was ready for the college experience; however I couldn't prepare myself for future complications had yet to overcome them. If I were to go back in time, I'd tell myself to be frugal and to administer my money wisely. When in college money took a big strain on my life and not having enough caused me to frequently worry about my financial circumstance. I’d remind myself that staying strong throughout the difficulties I face will help me become a better student, as well as a more mature adult. I would also tell myself to face my fears and let life take me by surprise because I’d never know what would come from my experiences.

I think that college has changed me a great amount because before I was more open and willing to let myself get hurt by people. However since I have started college I have become a more reserved person who doesn't do the things that lets people hurt them. I would tell myself to not open yourself up as much because after a while people start to take advantage of you and that only hurts you in the end. You can still open yourself up to a select amount of people but choose those people very carefully. I had the best friends in the world and in a year of being away at school we reunite and it feels like nothing has changed. But still there are some people out there that are trying to use you, and/or hurt you. I am trying to say is watch yourself because if you don't no one else will, its a big and scary world out there but when everything is said and done you can always go home, back to your friends and family. They will be there for you through thick and thin!