University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Top Questions

If I was able to travel back in time to talk to the high school senior me, I would tell her that college is a lot harder than people tell her. You need a lot of discipline to get through, but once you adapt to the demand you'll be fine. School is extremely stressful at times, but friends and family make it easier to get through the papers and projects. I would also tell her not to ever forget where she has come from and how that has shaped her as a person and in her college experience. People will surround her to give her guidance and assist her along her path. She should always show gratitude to these people, and try to have patience with those who are struggling too. As long as she keeps pushing through whatever is thrown at her, she'll reach her destination in no time.

I would first attempt to stress the importance of not only good grades, but how crucial taking advanced placement courses is. As a senior in high school, I was able to take two AP classes, English and Advanced German and it was absolutely a useful decision. As a result, I received credits in college and ultimately saved me money. Also, taking AP English helped me so much when it came to writing essays and papers at a college level.

Be sure to stay organized, keep up with school work because everything you learn builds upon itself. Don't expect to be out in four years, you're going into one of the hardest programs at UWM. Don't just think that Bachlor's is an end, you can continue your schooling!

I would tell myself to work harder and network more. As a college student I have learned that it's not always what you know but who you know.

It can be hard to adjust to college life. Once you enter college, you need to learn how to balance freedom with school work. College is the first time for many people where they have a lot of freedom. Also, it is the first time for many people to live alone as opposed to living with a guardian(s). When you all-of-a-sudden obtain that kind of freedom, it can be difficult to adjust to having to decide whether or not you should go to a party or stay in to do homework. They key is to complete school work when it is given to you and then go out. If it all balanced correctly, it should not be too difficult to adjust the college work load along with freedom.

When you arrive on campus as a freshman your life instantly will change. Some people spend their whole time trying to fight against this inevitable change, while others embrace the new found freedom. Once you are in college you get to finally make your own choices, and while this can be scary at times, it is so rewarding when you find success. The worse attitude you can have about college is that everyone needs to make your life great and exciting. When it comes down to it, wherever you end up you have control to make your life enjoyable or miserable. The people who feel entitled to being entertained every second by their college or university, will end up bitter and not happy. Pray that you avoid this situation when you finally get the chance, because if you do, the next four years can be unbelievably enjoying!

Prioritize your time better, and get motivated.

don't worry

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself as a high school senior to take a deep breath. Remember that college is a place to discover who you are and what you are going to do with the rest of your life; you don't have to have it all figured out right now. Going into your freshman year, everything seems so scary and intimidating . Remember it's okay to be scared, it's okay to be nervous about your classes and meeting new people. Know that other people are just as nervous as you are. Be outgoing, talk to people and just be yourself. Go to classes, even though it's tempting to sleep in without your parents dragging you out of bed. Be excited, because you are learning new things everyday. Do not be afraid to express yourself and to get involved in clubs that interest you. Don't lose sight of your goals and always do your best. Realize that college is an amazing opportunity and that this new chapter of your life will be so much better than you ever thought it could possibly be.

Education is the most important thing you can do for yourself.