The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Top Questions

Be fearless. Put all the energy you have into everything you do. College life is your chance to discover your strengths and weaknesses, acquire and develop important skills, showcase your talents, demonstrate a commitment, meet people with diverse backgrounds. Attending college is a privilege, that's why by the end of each day you must feel and know that you have learned or accomplished something. Stay involved. Stay focused. Work hard. Just remember you will be rewarded for all your hard work and achievements. College life experiences is the fundament of the career YOU are building for yourself.

During high school, I wasn't very involved in school activities or sports. If I could go back, I would join more clubs and try to play a sport, no matter how bad I was, it was worth a try. I would also gain better study skills in order to become a more successful student. The transition was a little rough, but over time it became very easy. As a senior, I wish that I had researched all of the activites I could do here on campus so that I could become a part of campus life. If I could go back in time, I would make sure I understood that college will be tough, but if I try, then I can succeed at anything.

The number one most important thing in my opinion when it comes to academics is effort, effort, effort. Your parents are spending a good amount of money to educate you and your teachers work fervently to teach you, therefore, your part is effort and desire to learn. It is such an amazing opportunity and privilege to learn, so take every step needed to make the best of it. You have to go to school, so why not try hard and do well? It never hurts, only helps.

Do not be too worried about college, it is easier than most people would have you believe, the actual schooling and just living there. On-campus housng is not as bad as it seems, but be sure not to get a meal plan for your second year, you will get sick of that food fast, after freshman year find an on-campus apartment. Some of the schools policies for general education might seem annoying, but just put up with them, they arent as bad as they seem at first. That is all the general advice I have, just dont worry and everything will come easy enough. Oh, and take Latin instead of German, that way you can get a minor in classics just from your general education requirements, and start studying thermal dynamics now, it will be annoying later.

If I was given the chance to give myself advice college, I would first tell myself that I would be doing the laundry and cooking on my own. I would also mentally prepare myself for the heavy workload that I would recieve in my major. One last thing that I would tell myself is, make sure to be more social and open to others.

College will change you in ways which you would never have thought were possible, but those changes will be for the better. Though high school was about who you were friends with, the clothes you wore, the kind of car you drove, and the sports you played, those things which once defined you as a person will no longer matter in college. College is the best rollercoaster ride you will ever go on. You will find friendships that will last a lifetime and will learn that everything happens for a reason, even though that reason may not be so clear to you at the time. You will have days that you will want kick yourself because you wished you had tried harder, studied longer, or had gotten up just a little earlier but don't get down on yourself, just learn from your mistakes. The best advice I have to offer is treat every assignment, quiz, homework, and exam like it is your last to ensure your greatest academic outcome. Most importantly, college offers so many opportunities on and off campus so use them while you have them, and NEVER pass up events that offer free food!

I would tell myself to be more committed to getting good grades. This would have allowed me to possibly qualify for more scholarships and help pay for school.

i would tell myself to pay more attention. if you dont know how to study the academic transition will be very difficult. lucky enough for me i learned that quickly and have had some amazing people there to help me the whole way. also remember who you are. sometimes there are going to be things people are doing and you feel pressured to do, well dont. sometimes standing up for your values is alot more important and you wont regret a thing if you just stay true to who you are. remember college is about having fun and learning to be the kind of person you always dreamed you would be. this is the time to make that happen.

I have learned that it is sufficient to be myself and there is no need to please anybody else. College was an incredible learning expereince for me and I will always treasure how the University of Tennesee shaped my future.

I have learned that even though you may come into college with your mind set on specific careers, jobs, moral/ethical issues, opinions, college is valuable to teaching yout he unbiased truth. It also gives you an opportunity to expereince many different options for your future, and allows you to create your own path.

My experience at UT has been positive and rewarding. The University of Tennessee strives to accomodate every student as an individual and offers numerous services, resources, majors, minors, advisors and councelors to help make the college transition easier and college years more successful. I know since I choose UT many door have been opened for me in achieving career obstacles and goals in the future. My degree I will receive from UT will be one of the most valued treasure I will ever have in my life, and I know I have picked the most meaningful school to achieve that treasure from. I have made many new relationships while attending UT which I know will stay with me throughout my life, all my new friends and I share a common goal; graduating and walking across stage together in four years. Thank you for your consideration and allowing me to apply for this scholarship. This would really help me save some of my funds for law school after graduating from UT.

I have gotten a couple of good friends throughout my experience so far and I am slowly learning how to socialize more . I have learned how to live and cooperate with my roommate and have gotten used to the concept of being totally independent and responsible for myself. It's been difficult without having a teacher to guide me along with how to study and what to study and even to remind me to complete the Fafsa. I've also learned how to be content with myself. There are certain times where I am alone in the dormroom with a bunch of work ahead of me and I have finally learned how to complete my work on time. Certain skills have been improved such as my drawing and artistic thinking with help of the art class I took and rather enjoyed. I have also grown a liking to the world of psychology and have even considered and am still contiplating double majoring with that major and premed biology. Overall, it's been a well balanced experience with all my mental, social, and physical needs. It's teaching me more about life than highschool ever has.

I've gotten to meet a large variety of people and see things from their perspective. It's been increadibly valuable to see how so many other people see the world, and to learn from them.

My college experience has been amazing for me. It has taught me so many things and has let me grow in a way that has matured me and made me a more responsible young adult. It has made me learn when to stand up for myself, when to let things go, how to handle people who are different than me. College has taught me that it's ok to be different than others, and even encourages it. It has taught me how to depend on myself rather than others. It has taught me the value of hard work, good work, and taking pride in my work. It has shown me a lot of life lessons that needed to be learned at this age instead of an older age. My learning experience has made going to college valuable for me.

The most important thing I have gotten out of my college experience, other than my degree itself, is the life-long relationships that were fostered, and the fact that I grew from a boy to a man while in college. I also met my wife there, so that, in and of itself is very special. I also found my greatest mentor, Dr. Tommy Wright, who encouraged, and believed in me, and pushed me to succeed, sometimes despite myself.

The most valuable talent I have achieved through college is studying! I used to not studya nd I felt like I was doing great but studying has helped me do even better. If I had my study skills now back then, I would have many more scholarships. Attending college is one of the greatest times of our lives and the greatest memories are made here. I can honestly say I have stories I will remember forever.

Education is a great gift that one is given if one has the right opportunity to grasp it when it is there. And I give thanks to God every day for the great opportunity he has given me for advancing me in a life on which every day it is more uncertain and become one of it's citizens that will contribute for a future that we will one day see in our own future generation that is in our own children. Every day that I go to class I think of the new things that I have learned like new breakthroughs from psychology, and other organizations that help contribute to the education we are given now as future adults, that we as people would one day serve the greater good which is in our selves and in other people. But think what is more valuable it is that we are learning new things that we would never learn alone and with people, is seeing the world universally instead of in a community, on which we could help other people with our own degrees, and not being stopped for lack of money, or ideas, but for what it is presented.

I have been able to work on campus which has really helped me discover more about what my school is all about, the history, and how the programs that are offered can help students in anything they need to succeed. Also, there are tutoring options on campus that help students understand the courses they are ennrolled in. It is valuable to attend because the campus is very diverse, and there is something for everyone including careers as well as extracurricular activities.

I have returned to school to obtain my teaching certification, I am an older adult student and my primary goal is simply to complete coursework necessary to obtain my goal. My 'collegiate experience' was experienced over 20 years ago.

I have learned the meaning of time management. In high school, it was easy to wait to the very last minute to complete an assignment but in college, that's not acceptable. So overall learning to give my all and do my best in whatever it is that I am apart of. I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. I have learned what it really means to be apart of a big family with students who aren't the same as me, but we come together to represent the University of Tennessee. When we are all in a sea of orange and white we see no other colors, sexualities, backgrounds, or religions. We are one in that very moment.

Through my college experience, I've become a new person. I've discovered who I am meant to be, what my strengths and weaknesses are, and how I can best live my live: by loving others. By taking initiative, I have become involved in some great organizations and interact with student leaders and role models on a daily basis. I have also learned that college isn't just about getting good grades... it's about finding yourself and realizing what you are called to do. This is only possible with the right attitude in my opinion, because those who want to advance themselves and gain something more powerful than just a degree can and will go and find it. I know for a fact that attending college is the best decision I've ever made because through it, I have grown into a more mature and loving individual. I feel entitled to try my best to go out and make a difference in the world in whatever way possible. And I have my fellow classmates to thank for teaching me that; because through their example every day, I am inspired to be all that I can be.

I have only finished one semester in college so far; however, I have already made a home at this school. I'm surrounded by friends and a community of devoted learners. This is the best university for me.

I have learned that it is necessary to have a degree, if you do not finish school people think you are a quitter and will not finish a lot of other things also.

The entirety of what I have gained from my college experience is absolutely invaluable. My college career is what has shaped me piece by piece into the young adult that I am today. I have made mistakes and learned from them (and from my friends' mistakes as well!) I have had failures and successes. My college career has also been a mirror that reflects things about myself - how I handle stress; what I want to do with my future; how I interact with people; what I love and what I hate; what it takes to motivate me, etc. What I am most grateful for however is gift of learning. Every hour I have spent in a classroom here at the University of Tennessee I consider to be priceless. There is not one class I have regretted taking or one paper I wish I didn't have to write. Every experience, whether it was joyfully chosen or painstakingly enforced, in the last four years is a key part of the masterpieces every college student should one day hope to become!

I am gifted with a heart that wants to learn everything that I can and I constantly strive to improve my performance. For this reason, I always welcome any opportunity that allows me to be great; College let’s me do that by shaping me to become somebody capable of making a positive impact in the society. Everything I will be doing in the near future will be about people, or for people, or with people, or in one way or the other, related to people and being here in college puts me in a continuous state of learning this: I take classes to broaden my horizon and academic knowledge, I am part of a number of organizations that allow s me to meet and network with people of diverse backgrounds and the value of giving back to my community is instilled in me as i am required to do thirty-five hours of community service each semester. This will help me become a better person and help me give back to the people around me and my community.

Everybody has a different journey in life. In many ways, my personal journey has been unique, and has helped shape my goals and ideals through college. Besides my study, every year I fly to other countries as one of the leaders with a team to do youth camps. We work with teenagers from broken families or those who have lost relatives in the war. As a result of our work, I see how people change after we impact their life. Also, I have a leadership position in the church, where I actively participate in the life of the community. I hope that by showing people the example of my life, I might give them something they can emulate to grow in their own lives. My experiences working with people of different nationalities, social statuses and backgrounds have given me a desire to grow, and obtain a more challenging job. I want to become even more professionally educated, so I can have a greater impact on people’s lives. My decision to be trained as a Registered Nurse is based on a strong desire to advance in the health care field and continue serving my community.

I have gained a sense of independence as well as more self-confidence. Being a female in classes with men being the majority, I feel more comfortable in my own skin and more confident in my schoolwork. In my calculus class I am one of five people with an A. This is an accomplishment for me because I am the only female in this category. Also, I always bring to the table new ideas and I am able to help other people with physics-something I never thought I'd be able to be successful at. Now, I also have an A in physics.

One of the most important thingsI have gotten so far and will continue to gain as I complete these fours years is the growth of myself as a person. Another important aspect that I have gained from my experience here, so far, is the importance of time management. The last thing I have gained from my stay here is the the knowledge that going to class and studying outside of class is key to passing any and all classes.

Through my college experience, I have gained a lot. I have gained respect and honor for myself. Being a part of such a spirited school has taught me to be proud of who I am. The vast amount of opportunities that have been open to me make me feel positive in my choice for my future life. There are an infinite number of majors and career choices to choose from at Tennessee. Through that, I have finally realized who I want to be. This school has allowed me to chase my dreams and make them a reality. If given the choice, I would not attend any other school.

I have only been at the University of Tennessee for just over 2 weeks so far, and I have loved every second of it. I love my roomates and suitmates, I have made so many friends and I love the classes. I had met people from all over the word with different backgrounds and have been brought up with different cultures. I have learned a lot already and am looking forward to the next 4 years to increase my education, both in the classroom and out of the classroom.

What I have gained out of my college experienced so far is to step out of my comfort zone. Yes I have learned a lot class wise, but I was able to broaden my horizons. I was able to be a leader on campus and help freshman feel at home. I have learned to believe in myself, to live each moment to the fullest. College has changed my life for the better. The University of Tennessee is a wonderful place. I always say that everyone has a place at UT. UT is a place where you can be yourself. It is a place where you can you not only learn about yourself, but you are able to make life-long friends who you will cherish for the rest of your life. Overall the Torchbearers Creed defines the campus UT as a whole, “The one that beareth a torch standeth in shadow to give light to others.” Not so much that I hold the torch, but I'm able to hand it off and watch someone else make their future. That is what makes the University of Tennessee so special! UT is preparing me to be a light in the world.

During high school I was always one of the smarter kids in my classes. Most of the time people relied on me for help and direction. In college, I have learned how to better work in teams because the majority of students there are actually motivated to help out and do work. I have also learned to stay ahead of the game. Unlike high school, I can't wait until the last minute to put a project together. College has definitely made me a better student over all.

My career goal is to become a firefighter/EMT. Eventually I would like to return to college to become a paramedic. The only barrier I have to completing these goals is funding. I was brought up in a single parent family and money was often tight. That situation taught me to appreciate the simple things in life. It also t taught me about the importance of family and solidarity both which are essential for fire fighters. I have been active in many sports like soccer, football, rugby and lacrosse. All that teaches you about team work and that there is strength in numbers. Again vital insight for fighters and EMTs. I have an identical twin brother I have shared my life with and having someone that close to me has taught me the true meaning of being “ My brother’s keeper “. I will use this knowledge everyday when firefighting. When 9/11/01 occurred I was humbled by the bravery of the firemen who risked everything that day to help. I will utilize this scholarship to fulfill my dreams and by fulfilling my dreams I will be able to honor those hero’s who preceded me in this noble profession.

I am a single mother of two toddlers. It is important for me to continue my education so I can begin my career teaching so I can provide a stable, safe, and happy living environment for them and for myself. I have not been able to engage in many of the "normal" college experience such as extra curricular activities and programs provided at the University but I would like to have easier financial access to help cover my classes, books, etc. so that I can finish my last year or two at the University. It is nice to go to classes and be able to feel like a normal college student continuing my education. I just wish it was more affordable for me.

My college experience so far as been life changing. I've met so many diverse people in one place that I am never bored because I am constantly learning about different cultures. It has been a valuable experience for my life because now I can share what I learn everyday with others. It is extremely important to broaden your horizons in life and that is my goal I hope to reach fully in my four years attending.

I HAVE LEARNED THAT YOUR NEVER TOO OLD TOO ..LEAN AND THAT EDUCATION IS ONE OF THE MOST INPORTANT THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR LIFE

College has given me the oppurtunity to expand my horizan in more ways than one. Accedemically, I've been able to experience real-life situatuions that I would deal with in my career of choice and gain critical knowledge and insight to my future path. I've also been able to develop socially by opening up in a strange, yet familar land, and interact with people that I never would have met under different circumstances. Overall, I have enjoyed this enriching experience and would recomend it for anyone who intends to do well later on in life, whatever thier chosen profession.

Starting out at the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology I was quite sure what to expect. Would I get the information being taught to me? Will I fall behind in my work? Honestly I was quite unsure what to expect. During the first two years I gained a great deal experience not only from my professors, but from meeting new friends and making valuable memories. I was only going to pursue my associate?s degree, but after finishing off my second year with a 3.77 GPA and being inducted into the honors society Phi Theta Kappa, I decided to further my education and transfer to Temple University. I am now pursing my bachelor?s degree in mechanical engineering. I have heard many people say to value all the memories you make during school. I plan to do that as I spend the next two years working hard to maintain a great social life and obtain the bachelors degree that I know I deserve.

an education

When asked, "What have you gotten out of your college experience and why has it been valuable to attend?" my response returns a question; What have I not gotten out of my college experience? Before entering my first year at The University of Tennessee, I could hardly imagine the great adventure I would soon embark on. Now after completing two years of my undergraduate studies, I realize I have grown in so many ways. Within this short amount of time, my college experience has already given me more than I could ever think of. It has provided me with some of the best friendships I will ever have. These are friends from all over the world that I learn with, live with, and will ultimately keep forever. Professors have shown me their passions, their patience, and their incredible practices in order to expand my mind. Campus life has given me Student Government, sporting events, and countless more extra-curriculars to accompany my growth. Finally, my college attendance continues to provide an extraordinary education so that I may excel as a professional. Although my time at the University of Tennessee is finite, I will value my experience infinitely.

I've always believed that an education is one of the most important aspects of a person's life, and with financial aid and community college, that's become possible. I've grown intellectually, as well as personally. I now have the confidence and intelligence to move on to a four year school, and to eventually fulfill my dreams of becoming a forensic psychologist.

Throughout my life i have dreamed of different careers, from teaching to being a doctor, but everything requires education. Any dream i had would be incomplete without college. Although I had always planned on going to college I did not realize the importance till it came time to pick a college. Comparing and constrasting lead me to the decision of the University of Tennessee. And through the two years i have been there so far, I see how far I can go with an education. I can live out my dream, I can lead a successful and prosperous life after I graduate. WIthout a college education I do not have much to fall back on, and in a time that is struggling economically there is nothing better than security, especially if it is in something that you enjoy. If there is any possibility of going to college I would recommend it to each and every person, no matter what it will be beneficial. In addition to education I have met some of my best friends and had some experiences that will stay with me forever. None of this would have been possible if I had not attended college.

Tennessee wasn't my first choice, and even now, if I had a chance to do it all over again, I don't think I would attend. I had a lot of fun at UT and made some great friends, but I can't help but think that another school (albeit private and with a hefty price tag) would have been a better fit for me. That being said, I learned a lot at UT, both academically and about myself. I found my true major and I did good work. I stayed close to home and realized how important my family is to my life. I learned that being different because of gender, race, finances, religion or politics is not a handicap. These differences can be used to educate others. Mostly, from UT, I found out what I'm made of. The idea is a little abstract, but understandable to anyone who has ever reached a point where they were not sure if they would ever make it through to the other side. So, after all that, I accepted my UT diploma with pride. I earned it.

My college experience has been invaluable to me on a personal and professional level. As a young adult, I wanted to be a criminal lawyer, working to put "the bad guys" away. I am still interested in doing that, but I now want to work from a psychological approach. The University of Tennessee is helping me with this career goal with a degree in psychology. I love the psychology department here, and am using the things I learn to help in my personal life as well. College has been very challenging so far, but I still count it as one of the best experiences of my life. This university has also helped me with another very important goal: going to Italy. I am currently studying Italian, and am trying to enroll in a study abroad program this summer. My Italian professor is so supportive, and my life would not be the same without having the opportunity to study under her both here at Tennessee, and abroad in her native country. I do not currently have the funds to do this, but I am not going to give up this dream.

I have achieved so many new experiences through my brief time at college, it is surreal. I have experienced more in my first semester of college than in my four years of high school. It is how college can change a person, for better and worse. College has helped me grow as a person, and because of this, I know more about myself than ever before. It has been valuable to attend college because of the growth I have witnessed in myself, as well as the strength in the bond between myself and my friends.

Always remember to enjoy your senior year. Make time for friends and school. I knew college was going to be hard. It was harder then I could have imagined.The first semester is the hardest. The classes, marching band and being away from home. At first I didn't think I was going to make it, but don't give up. You will get settle into a routine. You will start making friends. Its is amazing what you can do.

Prepare for the worst. Work hard in high school and it will make your life easier in college. Learn to manage your time more wisely because that plays a big part in achieving great grades in college. Be independent and responsible. Enjoy your time in high school and make the most of it!

I would tell myself to make every decision with thought. Go straight into college instead of taking a break from school. I took a break from school and became a mother. I don't regret it at all but wish I had gone to college to start a good career first. It is hard being a single mother and working and trying to go to school. I would also tell myself to study hard and continue to stay focused. It matters. Don't make things harder for yourself. Stay driven and work hard to accomplish your goals. All will fall into place if the right steps are taken.

I would definitely tell to study.I thought I would be able to get by with studying the night before my tests. Needless to say I was very wrong. I would also tell myself that I'm going to have to branch out and not worry about what other people think about me. In high school there were many cliques and what not, but in college everyone has their own since of style and they don't care what other people think about them. I honestly wish I could go back in time and tell my high school self these things because it would have been extremely helpful.

Take as many chances as are alloted and never hold back. As a Freshman and Sophomore in college, I was quite reserved in my activities and as to how far I would venture from my comfort zone. Transitioning into my Junior and Senior years, things changed and I became more open to all of the opportunities and experiences that were offered here. Looking back on my undergraduate years, it is those first two that I would like to revisit the most. Sure, I met plenty of people, made several friends, and had a great time, but I realize, looking back, at how much more there was to experience. My fear of getting into trouble or letting someone down, i.e. my parents, kept me from attacking certain challenges. I will admit that in some cases, I was probably better off for listening to that fear and I was able to finish my degree in four years. The amount of people that I know that required upwards of five years proves testament of that fact. But more than anything, I would tell myself never to fear exploration or the plains of a new field. Conquer the world before you!