The University of Alabama Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

DeAndrea

My college experience has given me the opportunity to further my education in hopes of accomplishing my long-term dreams. The people that I have met have been a great asset to my learning and developing of social skills. I am now confident about my goals and I'm sure that I will be successful as a student, and in my future career. The University of Alabama is a vast and diverse campus which allows my creativity to thrive and I am able to reach out to many of the students who attend and share my dreams and personal thoughts about life. Each and every day is a learning experience that I take full advantage of. Every new person I meet has the ability to touch my life in various ways, and my goal is that I touch their lives as well. My professors have been more than helpful and they too see my determination and seem to really want to see me become successful. This campus has changed my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined, and because of this campus I am a better person and will continue to strive for success.

Flor

What I have seen in this school have been amazing the staff is great they are always welcoming you with smiles on their faces, you can really tell they love their job and seeing the students enjoy themselves on what they love to do. Everybody shows intrests in every catagory in the school, we all help out each other as much as we can. The joy of being there has made me want to keep coming and attending the institute just go I can keep on learning more and more so I can discover new things each day. The values you learn from this institute is so unique everybody has their own way to express themselves without being judge. No matter who you are or what your studying somebody is always there to help you in anyway they can your never alone in that school.

Michael

I am returning to college after 17 years. I am learning so much and with the experience of returning to college I am increasing my knowledge as well as my GPA. I decided to return to college after loosing my father. I wanted more than anything to make him proud of me and I wanted to show myself that I could accomplish what I started. I will complete my bachelors as well as my Master's program.

Taylor

I am planning on attending a college to furthur my knowledge about Veterinary Technicians. I have alwasy been pationate about animals and their well being. It is impossible to save everyone and everything but if there is an oppurtunity for me to make a difference in the world, small or big, i want to take the steps to do so. Being pationate about animals can and will support me in a big way to acheive my goal to be a Veterinary Assistant/ Technician. I appreciate your time and any support that I am able to recieve from this organization.

NeKisha

My first year in college taught me alot about life. Most people think you just go to college to learn, get a degree, and then graduate. It is however, one the craziest and best thing most people go threw in their entire lives. I came to my school hoping to start the rest of my life. My classes exposed me to many different types of people that I have never been exposed to. My classes where taught with passion from teachers also, which made me want to get that one day. In all my experiance has made realize how important college is to me, and how I need to put every ounce of my engery to complete it. I want to be able to one day graduate and be passionate in my carrer and feel secure I have learned all the of the things I need to know to be succesful.

Martinique

I have learned more than educational skills at The University of Alabama. I have gained social skills, better habits, and better work ethics. I feel that The University is a good school to attend for that.

Felicia

The University of Alabama has opened so many doors for me in my life. They have given me the chance to grow as a person both academically and personally. I have met so many people here that have made a profound impact on my life, and the way I choose to live it. I have had the wonderful opportunity of taking classes with professors who truly care about each of their students, and have an immense passion for their career. My professors have truly been inspiring, and have made me genuinely believe that I am capable of doing anything in life, and that they are there to help me along the way. I am proud to say that I go to the University of Alabama and I always have been. Roll Tide!!

Norrel

I began attending college, because I was tired of complaining that I was not happy with where I was at that stage of my life and so, I decided to do something about it. Before I began, I knew a few colleagues who were attending college, and I thought that it should be pretty easy. But I was in for a wake up call, as it was not as easy as it seemed, actually ? far from it. Being a single mother, working full-time as well as being a full-time student was not the ?bed of roses? I imagined. However, attending college has made me stronger, more determined, and a lot more appreciative than I was. As a college student, I have learned to prioritize like never before, and that has become invaluable in my everyday life. Attending college has also made me appreciate every opportunity that comes my way, whether it is a free day to spend with my son, or half an hour just for myself. I am thankful for the opportunity, and regardless of the many hours spent completing assignments with little to no sleep, I am still determined to succeed.

Abby

My college experience has been great! I have learned so many things in my classes. Also, I have made the best friends anyone could ever ask for! I am in a sorority and absolutely love it! My college experience at the University of Alabama will help me to succeed in my career as a health administrator in the future. With the knowledge I have obtained from college I plan on eventually openeing up my own hospital. I don't believe I would be able to be as successful as I plan on being if I didn't attend the University of Alabama. This university has literally made my dreams, my reality.

Katherine

I have gotten so much out of my college experience so far, and it is only my first year!! I love the University of Alabama. I am a member of the Cross Country and Track teams here at UA. Being a part of these athletic teams has really helped me meet a lot of really awesome people. Even though it can be challenging being a student-athlete, all of the great athletic staff are really there to help. All of my professors have been really helpful, helping find the right path for me and helping me succeed in all aspects of my college life. I have met so many different people. It has really helped me come out of my shell and find out who I really am. Being surrounded by so many different cultures has really opened my mind up to all the different things out there in the world. Seeing so many successful people at UA has inspired me to do something really special and creative with the rest of my time at the capstone. I am so excited about my next 3 years...and then the rest of my life!!!

Jessica

If I could go back in time to see myself in high school, I would definitely tell myself to calm down. I was so anxious about the transition into college, that it interfered with my enjoyment of high school at times. College has been such a mix of emotions and such a learning experience, that worrying about it would have never helped. There was no way for me to prepare for this experience of college, or prepare to grow up in the ways that I have. I would definitely tell myself not to worry about the future of college. I would tell myself that I would be put into positions that would make me uncomfortable, that I would have to work harder than I ever have, that I would feel alone at times, but that I have a wonderful family and strength that will help me survive, and even enjoy, the college experience.

Anthony

High school students often have trouble making decisions with their lives. I am currently in my second year attending the University of Alabama and have come to realize that college is nothing like eighteen year old kids graduating high school think it will be. Much advice can be offered to these kids graduating high school, as I know I myself had no idea what to expect upon arrival at the University of Alabama. The main thing I would attempt to portray to myself if I could go back and offer advice would be time management. The University of Alabama offers so many tools to succeed and so many students do not use these tools because of poor time management skills. These extended resources include free tutoring, libraries open 24 hours a day, dedicated academic advisors, professors devoted to their students' success, multiple peer study groups, etc. I would go back and warn myself about how important it is to balance your studies with your social life and how important it is to place an emphasis on academics before anything else. Kids coming out of high school need some guidance to learn to balance their new freedom with their school obligations.

Joseph

I would definitely teach myself how to study better and make better decisions on time management and the friends which you surround yourself. All three are areas which I knew nothing about in high school and I recommend thinking and discovering these issues I had in high school to better my education.

Briana

If I go could back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have much advice to give. First, I would remind myself that where ever I choose to go to college is where I will be living for at least the next four years so I would be sure to choose wisely. I would also tell myself to find out all the classes I will be required to take prior to graduation and develop organizational skills to plan out all four years. Besides academic advice, I would tell myself to meet as many people as possible in college, join clubs and get involved with anything that interests you. Studying is important, but being actively involved and supported causes is also just as important and looks good on resumes. Lastly, I would advise myself to have fun but be careful as well. Be aware of pictures and postings on websites such as Facebook; think before you act.

Casey

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely have some important advice to give myself. First, I would tell myself to take as many Advanced Placement courses as possible in order to make the transition to college courses easier as well as give me more opportunities to earn college credit before stepping on a college campus. I would also tell myself to maintain true to myself when going through the first few weeks of college. When going to a new college in a new state, it was extremely easy to forget everything that has made me who I am before leaving for school in a dire attempt to "fit in". However, once getting over that initial hump, I realized how crucial it is to stay true to myself and become friends with people who are friends to me because of who I am, not who I am pretending to be.

Candy

I have a couple of regrets that i would like to clear up if i could go back in time. First off, i would tell myself that despite what everyone says about there being so many scholarships , it is actually hard to get them. Since i had no volunteer experience, it limited me to only a few scholarships that i could apply for. I regret not being able to volunteer, but instead i had a part time job that took most of my time. On a side note, i wish i could have told myself to practice driving so that i would have a car and be able to work near my college to help pay for my education. Second, i would tell myself to be more active and try to make friends in some way so that i would have known more people at the beginning of college. It was lonely and boring in the beginning; now i'm slowly making some friends. I've noticed that shy people don't move forward in life and have fun as much as out going people. Of course, i still wouldn't drink or smoke because that's who i am.

Jacob

First off, I do not believe I would want to go back in time and change anything because I am content with the way things have turned out so far. However, if I had to go back and change some things, I would probably start with telling myself to not be so stressed about college because there is nothing I could do to change it so I should just embrace what college is going to be like. Next, I would try to become more involved in school clubs and organizations to help better myself in areas like public service and public speaking that could be of use to me in the future. Lastly, I would explain to myself that I need to have fun while I am in high school because it can only be experienced once and after all it is a major step in the walk of life. Those seem like a lot of changes that could have been made but honestly I am glad that I do not have the opportunity to change anything, becasue like I said I believe everything has turned out just like it is supposed to and nothing needs changing.

Christina

No matter how much you prepare for college, no matter how many testimonies you hear, the transition into college from high school will be like nothing you would ever expect. The best advice to give a graduating senior in high school would be to think about the way that your high school was run, the teachers that forced you to do your work, the coaches that punished you if you were late, and just forget about it--because in college, you are truly on your own (only with hundreds or thousands of other freshman in your same position). You must get yourself to class, keep up with work, definately keep the partying to a minimum, and above all else stay focused. Aside from time management, another issue that many freshman face is financial balancing. Most students have an allowance of some sort. My suggestion is to save your money! Do not go out to eat every night or waste your money other ways. Make use of your meal plan or free things around campus that are mostly offered to freshman. Most significantly, college is the first time away from parents, so prove to them that this investment is worth it.

Mykia

There is a huge difference between high school and college. Yes college is a lot more flexible than high school. You do not have to go to all of your classes, there is no dress code, and you can pick what time, day, and professors you prefer for your classes. These are things that we hear about growing up, the obvious, but there are somethings that you do not hear a lot about and thats responsibility and being independent. They sort of both go hand in hand. Once you have graduated from high school and enjoyed your summer break, it was time for the real world. In the real world, you start becoming more independent. You will not have mommy and daddy there to wake you up in the morning, remind you to do your homework, and tell you when and where you can go. That's when responsibility kicks in. You have to make your own decisions and think things through before you make them. Another part of being responsible is prioritizing. College may be more flexible, but not when it comes to homework. The work is a lot harder and time consuming. Take time out to study.

Casey

As a high school senior, I was incredibly stressed out about making friends and still making good grades in college. I was so used to the comfortable social scene that four years of classes with the same people had all but forced us into that I was anxious about suddenly having over 28,000 peers. The huge, impersonal lecture halls haunted my dreams for months. I wish I hadn't let myself get so stressed about something so silly. In my first semester I got involved in marching band and my church on campus, both of which led me to great friends. And that lecture hall? I only had one class in a room that even resembled the dungeon of my nightmares. Three of my four classes that semester had less than forty people in them, and had professors who reminded me of my high school teachers. If I could go back, I would've just told myself to take a breath. It will all be okay, and you will learn how to go about your new social circle. I would've told myself to just let it happen, because there was no point in stressing about it.

Elizabeth

I would tell myself not to stress or worry about how different the transition will be. I would tell myself that everything is going to work out and that great times were ahead. College will not be an impossible challenge, but instead a fun challenge. It will be an opportunity that will open up infinite amounts of other opportunities for your life. You will have a lot more on your plate, but you will learn to cope with it in an effective way. Mom and Dad will not be around all the time like you are used to, but their absence will make visting home that much sweeter. There will be times you might want to give up, but if you keep trying and giving it your best, you will see great results. Enjoy every moment of it and it will be the best time of your life.

Curtis

Don't follow the crowd. Be independant and remain focused. I have heard this many times "It is not how it used be."

Jared

I think the best advice iIcould give myself is that college almost feels like a race agasint time, you want to do the best you can as soon as you can not to get cought up in all the excitment and parties that goes on there will always be time to party later in life its just the matter of getting to where you want to be and how you want your life to be, stay on top of school work to the best of your ability not to get caught behind its not like highschool where you can put stuff off to the last minute, it will be difficult in the begining but you will eventually adapt not to that bother me and my feeling towards school, but other then that i would tell myself have fun but stay on top of your work and be safe.

Christine

The past few years after graduation have been a very significant time in my life. Since graduating from high school, I have taken some time off from school to decide what I really want out of life. After watching many of my fellow classmates go on to universities and soon after drop out, I wanted to think more about my options before I took the leap. If a time machine happened to be available now I would have to advise myself, as a high school senior, to "be patient" and "make sure college is the right choice before making any concrete decisions". Which is exactly what I did. Simple, yet crucial to being successful. Today, my goals have never been more clear. Obviously, like many college freshman, I want to make new friends and enjoy my time while I attend school. And while reading a book or researching the latest in technology appeals to me, sometimes stretching my legs on the beach or kicking a soccer ball around is a much needed way to relieve stress. It is important to balance both my education and my social life so that I do not become overwhelmed with this new experience.

Tabitha

I would tell myself to do as good as I could in high school so it would be easier to transition to college. I would tell myself to not be afraid to put myself out there and make new friends. I would tell myself to start learning better study habits and I would also tell myself to have fun because college is a big part of your life and you need to get out and learn new things, make new friends, and have new experiences that you can look back on and be glad you did.

Margaret

Making the transition from high school to college is difficult. It's important to find your place within the university; there is more to college than just classwork. The first rule of college is to go to class, no matter what your friends might say. The second rule is to get to know your professors and teaching assistants--once you see that they are "real" people, you'll find class more interesting; also, a professor is more likely to be flexible with you if he or she knows who you are and that you care about your work. The third rule is to get involved in your community; no matter where you go to school, you can find a group of people to call your friends. You might get involved in a foreign language club, a political group, an events planning organization, an honor society, a sports club, or a group that enjoys watching the same television show--the important thing is to find something! Students who have more to their lives than just classes are happier than students who go to class, study, and do nothing else. College is a time for learning about yourself.

Susan

Get involved! Emerse yourself in the college experience! College is about so much more than just taking classes. When you get ready to graduate and apply for jobs and graduate school, they are looking for well rounded individuals who have a wide variety of experiences. My advice is to join at least one organization that will benefit you and one that will be fun. Take the time to get to know your teachers and professors who can offer so much from their own experience and can be a support later on. Forming relationships with classmates will give you a support system during college and a source of networking after college. Undergrad is the transition from childhood to adulthood and is an invaluable experience, so live every single moment to its fullest, have fun and get the best experience possible!

Tiffany

Do not be hesitant to take full advantage of everything The University of Alabama has to offer. Be sure to form relationships with your professors and advisors; they will do everything they can to help you be successful and respect you for your effort. Do not let your fear of taking on too much stop you from taking part in all of the extracurricular activities and social groups you originally wanted to join. It may seem like you are setting yourself up for failure, but it will turn out to be the opposite. Participate more in your classes; I promise, you will not embarass yourself! Making the adjustment from living at home to living on your own will be a big change, but it will be much easier than it originally seems. Do not stress yourself out with impossible class schedules or make having a social life your priority. Just remember, the most important thing is to enjoy being in college. It is a once in a lifetime experience.

Rebecca

I remember being a fairly uncaring senior, especially when it came to my future. I assumed that most colleges were a continuation of lecturing and note taking in high school, in which I often memorized my way though. I learned to take life in the same way, not really reaching for anything that wasn't right under my nose. However, after becoming submerged in my new lifestyle, I realized that college isn't the same as high school at all. The biggest and most crucial change for me is that my goal is not to pass a course anymore. Instead, I strive to genuinely better myself in my developing skills, in the subjects that I love, and in the person that I am becoming. If I could give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take every opportunity that is thrown at me, no matter how challenging it is, or afraid of putting myself out there. Because that's what college really does, it prepares you for success and teaches you how to learn in ways that can't be taught through note taking, or lectures.

lauren

Would the Real Lauren Phelps Please Step Forward: I know she's in there somewhere, but where. That's the answer to the ten million dollar question. Is she the girl at the frat party drinking an alcololic beverage and playing beer pong, the one with the short dress and heels at a club doing who knows what kind of a dance with a stranger she just met when he bought her a drink or the one falling asleep in class from staying out partying all night. Maybe she's the one watching everyone else drink, dance and be merry . Maybe she's the one who only stays up late at night to study for an exam so she can make the dean's list when the grades are posted. I know you were raised to be confident with yourself and the choices you make in life. You have good instincts and are a very responsible young woman who has good morals. Your character sets you apart from others and makes you the wonderful person you are. Remember to be confident in that person and you will make the right choices.

Tamiya

I would tell myself to develop better study skills and to never procrastinate on any assignment. Also take the initiative to fill out more scholarships and do more research on loans to see what is best for me. BE WISE when it comes to choosing the school based on your major and what the school has to offer. Its nothing worse then following everybody else then your yourself because you will turn out flunking out the school because you dont like it. Be financially stable before entering into college, ITS NOT FREE. BE MINDFUL of how everything has a fee and that my parents willl not be there to give me money when I need it. WAKE UP ITS THE REAL WORLD! Basically if I could go back then I would say once you leave your parents nest you will have a lot of weight carried on your shoulders from school to bills. GOOD LUCK and DONT GIVE UP

corey

i wish i was a g

Chanley

Looking back to my senior year only seems like a short time ago. As a freshman begining my Spring semester at the University of Alabama, I know the advice I can give to any hich school senior would be useful. First I would say slow down, these are the BEST years of your life and you do not want to rush throught them. It is very important when moving of to school, to know your priorities and have them in order. Without your parents with you every step of the way you are learning to become responsible young adults and college really prepares you for the "real world". I would say making lists helps A LOT! Also, most days can be very busy and overwhelming, If you have a schedule for each day it helps relieve stress and ensures you do not forget any thing you are suppose to get done or when you need to be certain places. Stay organized! This is extremely important because most college dorms are very small. If you are organized you will never lose anything and always know where to find things, even If your are in a hurry. Lastly, HAVE FUN!

ashton

If i could go back in time to my senior year, i would tell myself to onsider all options when thinking about schools, cost, distance, student life, organizations, and majors. Out of state tution is about double or more in-state. Think about the distance you are willing to be away from your loved ones. Not being able to just hop in the car and drive there is hard. Also to learn study skills so you can come into college classes and feel confident about learning the material. See what organizations and clubs they have, ae you interested in any? Do they have a greek life? And do they have your major and chances for you to do interships to get your foot in the door for getting a job after you graduate. Think about your future and what you what out of it all.

John

Be prepared to work in the down time after class. High school was all about getting everything done in class so there was no homework. College is all about doing everything outside the classroom, sometimes for multiple hours a day. If you think going through college is going to be the same trip as through high school you are going to fail, period. But, if you can manage the adjustment I guarantee you will enjoy every minute of college life.

Lee

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have a lot of advice to give myself about the college life. The first thing that I would tell myself is to relax because college isn?t as scary as it seems. Also that I am going to have the time of my life and meet people that will be in my life forever. On an academic standpoint, I would tell myself to stay on top of my school work. Due to the speed and the amount of work in class, if you slack off any you can get yourself in to trouble because the teachers won?t stop for you in a class of 300 students. Another thing that I would tell myself is to read the syllabus carefully for each class because they will save your life with class and assignments. Finally I would tell myself to be ready because you are about to have the experience of a lifetime.

Madelyn

As a very sheltered child growing up in a small town, I would inform myself of all the new found freedoms in store for me on one of the largest campuses in the state. It is important to note that in high school an above average GPA is not comparable to a college GPA in terms of the amount of studying needed. In order to excel in college you need to study at least five hours a week outside of class and if necessary seek help from instructors. One of the most important things is to keep the values that you hold close a priority, but also be open to new ideals. Due to the extremely competitive nature for careers one has to be the ultimate candidate when seeking employment after graduation. Leadership skills accompanied with volunteering, academic success, extracurricular activities and community involvement are the essential makeup of a quality applicant in postgraduate studies or employment. You should begin as early as freshman year because all of these components are now somewhat standard and research experience in your field of choice or an internship may be needed to be set apart from your peers, which is the main goal.

Robert

So you want to attend College? To make sure that you understand what is involved in being a successful college student let me go over a few things with you. Make sure that you apply early to the college of your choice and take the ACT or SAT. Submit a Resume with your application because this, sometimes, gives you an edge when they read beyond the application and see other accomplishments. Many students need financial assistance for college. January 1st is the start date to file for Federal Assistance or FASFA. Other scholarship opportunities become av ailable also. Be persistant in applying early for them. Above all, prepare to dedicate yourself to your studies, your grades and don't ever be affraid to go and talk to your advisor when you have a problem. That's what they are there, to help with problems and guide you in the right direction. Don't be afraid of the word "NO" when it comes to friends wanting you to goof off and shun your studies. Always look at the "Bigger Picture". Make the best of your college stay and complete your education ON TIME!! Set your goals and stay on track.

Lofton

If I could go back, I would definitely consider loooking for scholarships and understanding the money situation. I would take classes that are more important to my major and focus on getting experience for what I want to do. I would find a cheaper living situation because there are so many out there, but I chose to live somewhere expensive and now am paying for it in student loan debt!

Timi

The most important advice I would give myself would be to search for any scholarship information I could find. Before entering college, I had no idea of the numerous scholarships that are available. I thought just because I did not have a 4.0 GPA in high school, the only other scholarship option I had was an athletic scholarship. The second piece of advice I would give myself is to expect the unexpected. Having a back-up plan is vital in pursuing a degree. A student should always stay ahead on assignments, because he or she does not if a change of events is about to happen. Also, I would tell myself to have more self-confidence. Doing so will allow oneself to have no fear. The last piece of advice I would give myself is to relax and enjoy every minute of high school. I thought high school was the end of the world, but I certainly found that was not the case when I entered college. Time has seemed to past by quickly during my undergraduate career. I now wish I would have relaxed more during my life as a student.

Marla

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to take additional risks and to challenge myself more my freshman year of college. In high school I struggled academically from a lack of confidence which derived from my learning disability, dyslexia. In high school I did not apply myself because to my family for me to make a C was like a person without dyslexia making an A. I knew that if I wanted to fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse C?s would not be acceptable. I need to make A?s. The nursing profession is very competitive and I was advised by many not to take my chemistries first semester to better adapt to college life. This would place me a year behind the rest of my class. In my first semester of college I received a 4.0 grade point average, something I have never achieved in my entire life. I knew I was on the right path to become a nurse. Now, looking back I wish I would have foreseen my academic success and would have challenged myself more my first year of college.

Marcell

I would tell myself to not worry or be nervous. As a senior I feared the worse possible outcomes and to be honest I was really overreacting. I would say that college is where I belong especially the University of Alabama. It has become my new home. I would tell myself to just be ready to truly see specific things with the eyes of reality. And lastly, just have FUN!

Violet

First, find a steady job, I know about jobs because I?ve been through 4 jobs in the past 2 years, yeah the experience is good but find a good one and I left one good job right now I?m hoping to get that job back. Second is flashy nice cars is not really good especially if you just got done with High School you need something you can afford. Third, try not get into a serious relationship because you have to drag him/her along or you have to drag along with him/her. Yeah I know love is the perfect thing to happen to you in life but only if you finish your goals. Fourth would be open your mouth be more outgoing, I was really shy when I was in high school especially in my senior year, you need to get more into the community get recognized. Last is the most important, study harder, arrange with your counselor to get into college faster, if you get the chance to get into a university go for it, don?t listen to what other people say ?This is your LIFE?, your smarter than what you think you are.

Brandon

If I could go back in time, I would have a important conference with myself and explain the essential facts of being organized, focused, productive and successful in any college of my choice. Always avoid mishaps and anything that can be of a distraction to you; therefore, my high-school form could keep a focused mentality that would not lure him to a bad start in college. I would further understand and recognize it when time passes, thus being successful. Organization is key in college. A steady schedule and calendar does wonders for organization, not to mention keeping up with e-mails from professors, organizations, scholarships and important phone calls. Staying productive leads a healthy balance in your life. It enables me to treat college as a full-time job to take care of business in the classroom as well as in my community. A full busy day is a hard earned day with success to come. Always do your best and give your full effort in every class you attend. Have a strong support group! Also, prayer and a positive attitude goes a long way. Work diligently and your results will be of satisfactory. Good Luck!!

Stephanie

Knowing what I know now about college I would tell myself that it is nothing like highschool. You won't have your mother there to wake you up if you over sleep, your professors won't care if you have three exams on one day, and the books are no where near free. Some good advice that I wish i had as a senior is to be prepared. Get as many scholarships as you can because every little bit will help. You never know how much college actually cost until your there. Tution is not even half of it, so just get any outside help you can. Also, don't take it so hard your first semester. Take classes that you know you can do well in so your GPA doesn't have to suffer the consequences. Make choices that seem appealing to you not your parents. Yes, they may mean well, but this is your time to venture and explore. If you want to get a step ahead I would also encourage you to join as many clubs and organizations as you can. Extracurriculars and leadership roles in college look good on any resume.

Taylor

Dear Taylor, You may not know it now, but going to the University of Alabama is going to change your life--for the better. You should take some advanced placement classes this year to give you a leg up when you get to college. Believe me, having those extra credits will help! You should also start learning to accept responsibility right away. Your college professors do not accept notes from parents as excuses for why YOU were not in class or for why YOUR work was not done, so stopping skipping school! Studying is important, don't think that you will "just scrape by". You won't. Learn good study skills now, because acquiring them once you're actually in college is difficult. College is a wonderful place full of learning opportunities. Take every opportunity to learn. Learn from your professors, your classmates, your friends, your roommates. The most important thing I can tell you is to give it your all, and never accept less from yourself than you know you are capable of.

Desiree

If I could turn back time or find a time machine I would go back to my senior year in high School and I would have listened to my Mothers advice and realized she only had my best interest all those times it seemed like she was lecturing or harassing me she was training me. I would have studied harder, prepared for my ACT, and SAT tests. I would have been thoughtful with my spending and saved more for college. I would have made better relationships with the counselors and asked more questions about scholarships. I would have taken the time to apply for more scholarships. I am a strong individual and I am glad I made good decisions throughout my high school career. Life is full of what ifs. I do no regret because regret drags you down but I strive to learn life?s lessons and gain experience for my future. PS I do appreciate my Mother much more these days.

Rudy

I think the biggest thing I would inform myself of would be the importance of staying true to myself as well as putting my self out there. The University of Alabama is an amazing campus rich in social life, however, it is also very exclusive. I would remind myself to never let myself feel less competent based on my race.

Daniel

Study hard, make soumd choices

Lindsey

If I could go back and give myself advice as a high school senior, there are a few tips I would give myself. Honestly, things have always come pretty easily to me, so I know I could have put forth more effort than I did. I know if I had done so, I would be much better prepared for college. It was not a huge shock for me, but I definitely have to work harder for my grades now. I would also recommend just slowing down every once in a while. We only get one senior year (hopefully) so there is no time to waste it. I had a blast all four years of high school, however, I wish I would have taken a breath every now and then. High school comes once and everyone should enjoy the time they have before all the responsibility comes. Basically, soak up every ounce of life that came my way and take every opportunity possible!