The University of Texas at Austin Top Questions

The advice I would give myself would be to keep working hard accademically throughout high school because it really does pay off in college. The AP classes are very important for getting college credit and they should be taken seriously. I would recommend to take classes at a community college as well because the classes like Histories, Englishes, basic maths, and sciences are classes you can eliminate. The faster you eliminate all the core classes, the faster you're able to start working on the actual classes that deal with you major and career interests. If you want to do something with the sport you're talented in; practice as much as you can because it also pays off to be appreciated for athletic talent. My biggest view is to take the opportunities and resources you have as a high school student to your advantage because it gets costly and difficult to achieve later in college.

The main thing I would tell myself is to have confidence. I would say that college will be a little different and probably a lot bigger that what I'm used to seeing, but I definitely am more than capable of excelling. I would tell myself to make sure I focus on grades first and then fun second, make sure that I take care of my grades first and foremost. I would tell myself to be open to ask for help because you can learn alot from the other people in your class, and the professors and TA's. I would tell myself to keep being myself, stay involved in extracurricular activties and whatever you enjoy. Most of all I would say to have fun and don't be afriad to try new things and talk to people, because there is so much to learn and see it would be a shame to miss it because you only go through college once.

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships. This would come in handy to put my son in day care and be able to afford it. This way I would have enough time to focus on my studies. Unfortunately, I failed a class my first semester at college because of lack of money and therefore lack of time.

College is going to be the best experience of your life. Make sure to take in every moment, because it only happens once. Although freshman camps may seem a bit strange and unneccesary, it will be the best decision you ever make, because it's a great environment to meet others like yourself who are also looking to meet new people, fresh off the high school boat. Make sure to pick a roommate you can get along with, but who is not necessarily your best friend. You want to be able to communicate well about issues that may arise, because living on your own presents many unforseen challenges. Make as many friends as possible, for these will be the people you will be freinds with for the rest of your life. Those high school friends you have had for years will likely become just a memory within weeks. Take advantage of all the clubs and societies that are offered at school, for these will make the college experience so much more valuable and exciting. Lastly, make sure to focus on school and your education, for you are learning about what you will be doing for the rest of your life.

When I was a high school senior, I envisioned my college life to be very different from what it actually has been so far. I imagined myself as a college student in a movie; a student who gets to college, quickly becomes best friends with one other student, have fun, and be academically successful without actually doing real work. However, college life and my transition into that life was not what I pictured as a senior. I, personally, had to put in some time and effort to make close friends and good grades; college is not a movie script with a pre-written happy ending. Therefore, if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself by saying, ?Do not expect your college life to be handed to you on a silver platter. If you want friends, be outgoing and get to know people without any judgments. If you want to do well in school, the easiest solution is to study. Your life is not a movie, but if it was, you are the writer of the script. So, grab a pen and paper and go for it!?

I would definitely take as many AP classes as possible. I could have placed out of courses in college and saved a lot of time allowing me to take the required courses for my career path earlier. Taking many AP classes would also prepare me for the rigorous work, studying, and dedication that I now know college requires of any student. Life as an undergrad takes determination, extra effort, and previous preparation, all of which can be developed in AP classes in high school.

It is not as hard as you think. Snap out of senioritis and you should be fine. You have alot more time because you only go to class for a maximum of 4 hours a day or so. BUT you have alot more work too so it seems like you have all this extra time but you don't! Make sure you join alot of clubs. It looks good and you make new friends. Everyone there pretty much wants to make new friends. Perfect time is the first few weeks. It's just like high school. Study just as much as you did and you'll be fine. When you sign up for classes make sure you ask friends or have a pickaprof account to help you choose the best and easiest professors. I would go for the easy professors not necessarily the best. Go to the tutorials and stuff. Use all your resources wisely, including the study rooms. College is there to have fun. Make the best of it. Don't just sit around and watch tv. If you want to watch tv, watch it with someone. If you want to study, study with someone.

Dear high school senior Madison, Above all, I encourage you to banish fear. You are about to enter a large university, with an exceedingly diverse student population. In your first year, you will be one of two Caucasian students on your dorm?s floor. Everyone else will be Indian, Pakistani, Lebanese, Mexican, or African American. Relish the opportunity to explore other cultures, but never cease to search for yourself as well. Find like-minded peers through organizations and study groups, and when you plan to attend a meeting, do not be deterred by last-minute insecurities. Remember that you have a niche at the University of Texas, but you must seek it out. Remember that a B on your first exam, (even a C- gasp!) is not an ill omen, but an opportunity for improvement. College classes are more rigorous, your professors will require more of you than your high school teachers, but don?t be intimidated: rise to the challenge. Banish fear, and you will discover what you are capable of, gain more confidence in your strengths and awareness of your weaknesses, discover what you love, and realize the person you want to be.

First of all,if I had discovered the secret of time travel I would go back and tell myself past self to not worry because he is going to be super rich in the future. But seriously, after almost two years attending college, I have grown alot in many ways and made my fair share of mistakes and successes. I would inform my past self that he should not underestimate the workload of college especially during his first year. College has many social activites that can easily conflict with a person's studies. I would tell myself that I should improve my time management skills. Also that it is important to meet with your professors during their office hours. I am currently in a panic looking for professors to write recommendations and this problem could have been resolved if I met my teachers earlier. Overall I would just tell my past self to have fun,while not losing sight of what got him to this point.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself not to be so nervous. Going to college will be a great experience. You will meet many interesting people from different places and have the chance to learn about whatever it is that your heart desires. Just be prepared for class, hand in the work on time, manage time wisely, get to know your professors and let them get to know you. It can be hard work, at times, but college is going to be great! You're going to like it.

The first thing that I would tell myself is to just relax, and stop panicking. Moving out of the house and into a new city might sound a bit scary, but beyond that, it is incredibly exciting. You are being blessed with a change of scenery, new faces, the ability to reinvent who you are, and the awesome opportunity to acheive your dreams. Live it up! And another thing: when you finally make the move out, money is going to be very tight, and with your newly embraced independence you will find it hard to ask your parents for a bit of financial help when you need it. In order to avoid this stress, make sure to find work while your'e still in high school and during the summer, and keep saving up. This way, when you get to college you will have enough to spend on food, other living expenses, and exploring the city and all it has to offer with your new friends!

Hey Lynnell ! You're doing pretty well I believe, no need of me to ask how are you (smiles). Even though your Calculus is being a pain right now do not give up, trust me you'll make it just fine. Your larger worries should be about time management and how to push yourself towards achievements you did not think that you'd have when you hit the doors to college. There are so many opportunities here waiting for you. Take advantage of them. Another thing that you must know is that the college your headed to is nothing like high school, so go ahead and remove the idea that you can use the same study strategies and still pass the class with an A. You might as well practice now while you have the chance and do some extra reading and get aquainted with the ones around you. You'll never know who you might see again. On an ending note, the boys, or men if you would, are cute and nice but do not let that interfere with your true reasons for attending school after getting your diploma! And that is an order young lady! MUCH LOVE - Lynnell

I would tell myself to take alot of AP & DC classes to get some of my college hours out of the way. I would advise myself to learn how to take notes and study them. I would tell myself to learn how to manage my money and time. I would advise myself to fill out scholarships and FASFA earlier to get more money for college. Also, i would do more volunteering and after school activities to make my scholarship applications look better.

The first thing I would tell myself would be that college is as difficult as I make it. I would tell myself to plan out how I will be living for the next few months. I need to think of when to do laundry, when to go eat, when to play around, and when to do work. College is a big juggling act. Those who keep with it and don't slow down when the going gets tough will succeed. It is very easy to put off an assignment until the day before it is due or to skip class because the subject seems easy. I am already paying for the education, might as well get everything I can out of this experience. Discipline and a strong will to succeed will get me through any situation. Another word of advice would be that how I represent myself and how I treat others will have a big role on my college experience. Feeling like I belong is a big issue, and the best way to achieve that feeling is by treating others with respect. Once a strong friendship is built it becomes easier to get through the rough times of college.

However cheesy it sounds, follow your heart, but there's a catch: you have to be smart about it. My biggest regret is that I wish I would've began doing what I love instead of wasting time taking classes I didn't need. You also have to work hard. Work as hard as you can, because it pays off and you get the results you want. Don't assume that you know how to study, because in reality, you don't. And don't procrastinate, you will pay for it dearly later on. As for your social life, don't be afraid. Here's the big secret: everyone is just as scared as you are, so take advantage of that and you'll make friends. Don't be afraid to be yourself, the people worth knowing won't judge you and in the end you'll be happier. Say hi to the person next to you in class, they'll help you ace that test or pass a tedious hour. And please, I beg of you, always step out of your comfort zone and do new things. And most importantly, have faith in yourself.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior at the University of Texas at Austin I would advice to not waist my time on doing things other than school activities. I would tell myself to utilize all possible resources that are available for students in campus. If I had any quesion about a material I didn't understand I should go and see professors or TA's during their office hours, because they are there to help. I would tell myself to attend every SI session and additional lessons that were scheduled during that semster. Even if I knew the material , reviewing helps to remember material for a long time and also I could help other students to understand. Also when preparing a schedule for semster I should have chosen classes in such a way that I have breaks in between my classes. That way I would have enough time to review new material, review old for quizes or exams, instead of having classes back to back and absolutely have no time to review. During stressed out periods I should attend student's health department, they would advice me how to deal with stress.

If I could go back in time and talk to my younger self (not by alot of course) I would definately tell myself to learn to study. In high school I studied maybe once a week for two hours max, in college the story is a complete opposite. I have stayed up nights just because I never adjusted to studying and the things it will help me do. Also a big thing I would tell myself is learn how to balance my time, although I was never to particularly bad with this I just had to realized books over friends is ok (sometimes). Another thing I have come across is making new friends, in high school I had a smaller group of friends that I was really close to, now I have a larger group of friends with some of the same people that used to be in my circle. In a way I would just tell myself to be ready for a change, its not that its amazingly different but I definately know your responsible to be the best or the worst person you want to be.

You are making a fine choice by deciding to attend The University of Texas at Austin. Do yourself a few favors while you're at it. First of all, go ahead and try everything at least once. You are bound to find some things you never knew existed, but you really do enjoy. Second, go ahead and get to know your professors well. They are well-learned and can help guide you, not only in schoolwork, but in your career and life. Next, form a few circles of friends that share the same classes and the same interestes as you. This way, you will always have someone to go to, regardless of the situation. Also, learn to cook from one of these friends, because this is quite an important life skill. Finally, you need to have superb time-management if you want to get the full college experience. Manage everything on your plate using whatever methods you may need. Never miss an opportunity due to poor time-management skills. In conclusion, be the you that you dream of being in the future; you have the potential to achieve it.

You cannot just focus on school completely, but you cannot have too much fun either. There must be a good balance between school and recreation. This is usually difficult for incoming students, especially since it is usually their first time away from home and with little to no supervision. Thinking towards the future, to make yourself more marketable to companies , it is best to be involved in activities and organizations outside of classes. A student with a 4.0 GPA with no other activities does not look as appealing as one with the same GPA and involved in community service and take part in a fraternity/sorority. I think of college as a privilege. Not everyone has the money niether the determination nor the support to attend a large 2 or 4 year college. Take advantage of all that is offered, learn much, and live life. It is not every day that you can experience the college life...the best years you can ask for.

The most vital thing I could tell myself would be to explain how financial aid works. My parents did not understand how to pay for college and told me financial aid was not an option. If someone had told me, "if you can go, there is money," I would have gone to school 18 years ago and my entire life would be different. I would also try to tell myself about humility, how to know what is important and to cherish it.

Dear Haley, I know you are worried about leaving home and leaving your family behind , but dry those eyes because YOU WILL BE FINE. People have told you that you need to be prepared; that college will be so much harder than highschool. But trust me, It isn't as bad as you think. You're are stronger than you think, you are smarter than you think, and you have all the support you could need. College will be a little scary but don't let that fear stop you from experiencing things. You will do things and see things you never have before, but you need to embrace every moment of it. Don't take anything for granted. I know you have heard all that before but that is because it is wonderful advice. Keep your head on your shoulders. Remember who you are and what your going to school for. Thats it. Just be who you are, do what your supposed to do and never lose sight of your dreams. I love you . - Your future self.

If I could go back and tell myself, or any other high school senior, good advice, I would say a few things. Number one: Manage your finances well from the beginning. Make sure to budget and work during the summers if you're not taking summer school. It's less debt that you'll have to pay off when you get a job. Number two: Take your grades seriously, it's harder to build up a GPA than to tear one down. Number three: You don't have to join a fraternity/sorority to make friends. There are hundreds of organizations on campus that are filled with wonderful people. Don't let anyone talk you into going Greek unless you absolutely want to. Number Four: Always lock your door at night, even if you live in a dorm. If you don't, drunk people will walk in and try to get in bed with you for some reason or another! Last but not least: Have fun! College is a life changing experience, cherish the time you have there with your friends.

When you begin college, you are entering an entirely different world. The competition is steeper, the teachers are tougher, and you are free to do whatever you please. It's easy to sleep in and miss a class or two unnoticed, but its jut as easy to fail a class because of this. The decisions are now up to you. College is difficult, but it's also one of the most amazing experiences of a lifetime. The opportunities are endless. If you're interested in an organization, join it and make lifelong friends. If you need help with something, ask for it and figure out a different way to approach your problem. Not everything is going to be easy, but if you surround yourself with friends and build strong relationships, it is always going to be fun. Whether you're up until five a.m. cramming for your fifth final in two days or looking for something to do on a saturday night, the friends you make in college will be there. However, balancing your social and school life is key. Time management can make you or break you, and procrastination is not a good friend to make in college.

I would tell myself that there is no one true secret to success in college. Everybody has a different way of adapting to the freedoms of college life, and for myself, I learned later than I would have liked, that I thrive on habits. My secret to success has been a structured, recurring week. I know when all my classes are, so I plan a repetitive work schedule around it, and set aside time for homework and eating. After that, any free time thats left I can do whatever I want with. This ensures that I get all of my work and obligations done without succumbing to the freedoms that college life allows. If I had just known that coming into college, I think I would have been alot more comfortable getting through my first semester.

Don't stress so much about the school work. The university you will attend is a terrific school with lots of tough classes but you can do it. As long as you attend your classes, pay attention, and study hard your classes will go smoothly. The toughest part about the transition is making quality friendships. Many college freshman drink and party every weekend. There are ways to have fun without doing this. Join multiple organizations that interest you so you are able to meet numerous people who are sober and who will remember your name the next day. Many freshman in college go crazy because they are no longer living under their parents' roof and can make their own decisions on what to do and when they will come home. Have fun, but also make memories you will remember. As long as you make a few good friends, you will be set. So try out all the different organizations and sports that sound like fun. Join a couple of scholastic groups and some other interesting sports you've never tried before like rowing, ultimate frisbee, or rugby. You will make loads of friends and have a fun time meeting them.

Stay calm. Four years of college, maybe five, will be no more than high school seemed four years ago. No matter how daunting it seems to be transplanted where everything is new and alien, where faces are unfamiliar and sights have yet to be seen, time has a strange way of making new things second nature and others inextricably forgotten in the muddle of the past. Time will pass, that I will guarantee, and your life will change. Realize this, let go, and the months ahead will ease by. The iron knot in your stomach will loosen. The tension in your shoulders will fade, and the bitter memory of the many things you could have done, the things you should have done, will be washed away. Go to college with what you know; soon life will be set right.

Talking to my high school self, I would simply be able to say," College is the best experience of your life. Even though you are not the typical student to attend such a big university that is this costly, you can do it. Find out the resources that you need to achieve your goals. The road is hard, and it will not be easy to have everything that you desire from the start, but you are able to appreciate the simple things that you have already. With respect to classes, make sure you are prepared to teach yourself how to study properly and that you are able to learn from the beginning again. Most importantly, you can do this! Don't let the small fears that come get in your way of getting an education. Take each day one at a time, and enjoy the college experience. It will be a great balance between school, work, and play. However, your smile will be brighter knowing that your education is attainable, even when all of the odds are against you.

Dear Jess, I am going to be completely honest with you- next year ain?t going to be easy. Prepare for your new life now by spending as much time with your friends as possible. Savor every minute that you can as a senior, because it isn?t coming back. Next year life as you know it will be gone. But do not be afraid. The University of Texas has so much to offer you. Get connected with the campus because it will be your new home for the next four or five years. Yes high school will be the past, but life is just beginning. When you need it, ask Grandma to bake and mail you some cookies, it really will make everything better. Keep hope because everyone feels as insecure about all the changes as you do. Everyone starts new in college. Seek out your own opportunities, and find the things and people that make you happy. Work hard and keep motivated. Don?t be discouraged when classes get scary, which they will- academics are very different here then at little o? Hutto High. And lastly, when you feel utterly unprepared for a class, DON?T TAKE IT.

Though I have so far only experienced one semester of college, I still feel as if there is so much more I could have done, if only I knew as a high school senior. If I could go back in time, I would encourage myself to become more proactive. I would say, you should go out there and make your own experiences instead of waiting for them to come. If I say I?m going to do something, go do it and don?t change your mind the last second because you are tired. And when it comes to opportunities that float my way ?just say yes? as a stranger once told me in one of my first semester classes. When someone asks you to do something, like assist a costume designer for a show, don?t say ?I?ll think about it? because then you never know the experience you will gain and the connections you will make. Being out there will get you places and if you ?just say yes,? then you will make the most of your college career. P.S. Don't do homework or pass time on the bed! It will only make you sleepy.

If I had the chance to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior the first advice I would give to myself is go out of my comfort zone and meet new people. College is an opportunity to express yourself; it is a chance to recreate yourself and grow up. Try out different extracurricular activities. Take risks and be confident (but also humble). Do not let small failures get to you?accept and conquer them. This next stage of life is also a time of great temptations and test of faith. Guard your heart and stay close to those who truly care about you. Be patient and take time in finding these people because they are the ones who will support, encourage and be there for you through life. College can be challenging at times but know that it is these challenges that push you to become a stronger person for the future.

If there were three skills I wish I would have acquired prior to packing my bags and heading off to campus life, they would be self -discipline, time management, and avoiding procrastination as having to take time to learn these skills held me back in academic success. In high school I was required to do homework each night in order to force information into my brain, but when I went to college these tasks were not required. I wasted a good deal of my first semester wasting time thinking I was smart enough to study less and figure out the information on my own. I learned the hard way that in order to succeed in classes, you have to put forth the work, you have to study, and even though fun opportunities are right outside your door you have to figure out when you need to say no in order to accomplish what you need to. Being an adult and deciding what I needed to do each day for myself was difficult, but if I had already acquired those skills I would have succeeded without a doubt, because that is all you need to do well in school.

I would strongly advise myself to sperate from some of the troubles I should have left in high school. Goin to college was hard for me, because I was going through so many family issues and still trying to support friends I had left behind to atleast get through high school that I began to feel guilty for leaving them. Over time I suffered and so did my school work. With work and refocusing I did what I could for all my family and friends back home and decided to move on and push forward by concerning myself more with my school work and planning for my future in education.

Jelisa robinson! Let me tell you something! when you go to college , it is nothing like high school! Be prepared to hit the ground running. Education is first and formost! Also, aceppt that you and your roomate are different and that you are in a different environment! It will be hard at first, but go to events and met new people! Also apply for more scholarships...even in college! the extra money will come in handy...trust me! And embrace diversity! it's an awesome part of life! By the end of the semester you will love UT! Hook em'.

Dear Yelena Jr., You are about to step out into the real world. No one is looking out for you now; you're responsible for the achievement of your own dreams. College is going to be a game of balancing your social, academic, and extracurricular pursuits. Make sure you achieve a healthy balance of all three. You don't want to become a bland, one-sided person, nor do you want to spread yourself too thin in one area. Plan ahead, study efficiently, and choose just a few things to concentrate on (trying to do everything at once is a bad idea). You're going to have a ton of free time outside of class. Don't be decieved by this: it is often barely enough to accomplish everything you've set out to do. Make lists, timelines, or whatever you need to organize your time. Lastly, don't stress when not everything goes exactly how you expected. There are plenty of second chances, and in a university setting, there are plenty of alternate routes to get to where you want. Love, Yelena Senior

I would tell myself to not be afraid to come out of your shell. Alot of freshman at college may feel the same as you...anxious, nervous, and a little out of there element. So, there is nothing to be scared about. You are at college to meet new people and make new friends, so go out there with confidence. Also, I would warn myself against fake friends. There are several people that you will meet who will never have your best interest at heart (i.e. a wolf in sheep's clothing). Be mindful that everyone is not your friend. Although some may pretend to be, you must put them to a test just to make sure. Lastly, go out there (to school) with an open mind, be ready for new experiences, and most importantly have fun and make the most of this journey!

The best advice I would provide to prospetive college students is to never limit yourself and plan an elaborate academic and career path that is permanent. I used to be the student who thought it would be ridiculous to change majors. In fact, I had gone most of my years in one track. Yet, I ended up changing my major multiple times until I found the one I am passionate about. I would advise students to be open-minded to unexpected changes and find what you are truly passionate about, because you will be going off to a career that you will be doing for a long time. Thus, a great way to think about college is to experiment with various careers/majors, and find one that fits you most to the point you would be willing to do it for free.

The greatest mistake I made during my transition to college was delaying my FAFSA application process. FAFSA, as it turns out, provides the greater majority of financial aid that any one student will get. Because the house was being foreclosed at the time, the FAFSA was drawn out months beyond the priority date. Whatever you do, GET THAT FAFSA IN ON TIME. I'm suffering financially right now because I didn't. Good luck. :]

The first thing I would advise myself about the college and the transition is to try very hard to make a good communication with people, professors and other students. College is the great place to get education and fulfill the need to learn. There are so many sources to help us get through that. We have to always remember that all the connections we make in college might work for the best in the future. It is really helpful to form a study group and get the advantage of learning from others. Meeting other students from the higher semester is really helping. I addition to making friendships and connections, we have to keep being focused on our goals and tasks. The best result should be gained when we are determined and purposeful. Teachers and professors are there to help us to get to our academic goals and be successful. We should never give up and keep our goals high. We have to always remember to learn from our mistakes and move on.

Treat the opportunity to attend college seriously because people in other countries rarely have this opportunity. If you have an idea about the field you want to pursue, make sure you thoroughly research the field's requirements. Stay focus on finishing because allot of people in college are not there to finish. You should surround yourself with people who have goals that are similar to your own. It is easy to get discouraged but, remember that in the end it will all be worth your hard work. Work as hard as you can because your success in college will determine how easy it is to pursue an advanced degree. Take advantage of intern/externships in the field that interests you. Use these intern/externship opportunities as the start of your professional network. Most importantly, remember that you can still have fun and be successful in college.

I would have given myself a lot of advice if I could talk to myself as a high school senior. I would have said: "Chris, first of all while you are making your transition, it is extremely important to keep a positive attitude. A lot of times, especially early on, things can be uncomfortable socially. You may feel alone and isolated while you miss home and question your decision about the path you chose for college. This is normal for everybody, as they leave the comfortable environment of their senior year with a clear friends group and a comfortable schedule you are used to. But give it a few months, and your new situation will start feeling like home. You will have a schedule you constructed yourself, friends you are comfortable with, and a new sense of independence for learning and everyday activities like you have never felt before. For the first time, it will be completely on you to take charge of your life, want to learn, and want to succeed later in life. The new self-motivation will get you thinking about the future, but just make sure you orient the future around helping others."

Relax. Everything will work out just fine. Have faith in God and yourself. Have more fun. You don't even know how smart you are.

Even though I entered UT at the age of 19 with two years of higher education under my belt, I was looking for love and a MRS. degree rather than applying myself as a serious student who wanted to engage in meaningful work throughout my life. I was way too immature. I didn't apply myself and now at the age of 61, I find I am having to redo a lot ofmy education inorder to experience a meaningful job. I would strongly advocate that young people truly prepare themselves emotionally before making the higher ed plunge.

Establish better study, time management and financial management skills.

Dear High School Senior Lydia, Don't be afraid to approach clubs and organizations that you never think you would join. Don't just hang out in cliques with old high school friends; reach out to other diverse cultures and ethnicities and meet new people. Don't be so shy and afraid to take risks; just take a leap and do something crazy. Don't lock yourself up in your room and study all the time; academics are important, but be sure to embrace the college life. Experience the social aspects of college--go to sporting events, explore downtown, and try new things. Take advantage of all the resources available to you! DO take classes that interest you, not just classes that will help you get a degree that will make a lot of money. DO talk to and get to know your professors--they will prove to be very beneficial and helpful in the future if they remember you! Basically, just HAVE FUN. College will fly by before you know it, and it should be one of your most memorable times in your lifetime. Sincerely, College Lydia

What do other people tell me that I'm good at? What do I enjoy doing? Even if it doesn't make sense and doesn't seem to have a future, shoot for it anyway. It's better to do something enjoyable than ace your way through misery.

dear me, Try harder. As much as you want to socialize and go out with your friends, it's worth it to try just alittle bit harder in all your classes. Also, start reading as soon as school starts. Get ahead and it will pay off.

College is something that you will remember for a very long time. Who knows, maybe until you're in your 80's before you begin to lose your memory. If you thought high school was a time to remember, college is much more thrilling and exciting. College is the start of the real world. The decisions you make in college will follow you as the days go on. The classes are much more bigger than high school and the course work could even be harder. You receive more work than you did in high school, so if you are a procrastinator, you better change that when your in college because you will fail and you will be behind on your course work. Things tend to happen when you wait the last minute. Don't make the same mistakes

I would give myself a few pieces of advice: The first piece of advice I would give myself, would be to start applying myself to school earlier. I didn't start really applying myself until my senior year of highschool, which made it much more difficult to get in my school. The second, would surely be to relax and enjoy the time I have in highschool. So many people are FREAKING OUT about college, or this and that. High school was good while it lasted; no bills! And finally the third piece of advice would be to get more active with extra curriculars in highschool, and diversify. Maybe theatre, dance, and who knows? So many possibilities I missed out on!

I would definitely tell myself to join more organizations and be as involved as possible in anything and everything that interests me and that I have time for. Also, it would have been really helpful to get close to my professors, the classes are so big and you don't want to be just another face. I would also advise myself not to take school as seriously as I did my first year. Having other things going on in your life besides school is very helpful. Just have fun but stay focused.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior, the first thing I'd tell myself is to start saving up more and to apply for more than just a handful of scholarships. School books for just five classes can total up to more than $400 and that if you shop around online for used books too. I would also suggest that I start working out. The campus is huge and not called The 40 Acres for no reason. I'd suggest working my glutes because when you have to try to get across campus to a class on the very opposite side, in under 10 minutes, being very athletic would be helpful. The very last thing I would suggest myself is to not be afraid to come out of my shell. Austin is a big campus and I should not be afraid just to be friendly. It's nerve-wrecking to leave a city where you've grown up and leave to a city where you know nobody, but the main thing is to not be afraid to make new friends. You have to be able to make networks and connections.