University of Alaska Fairbanks Top Questions

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

Shanann

My advice would be to not hold back. Do not be afraid to get involved with as much as you can as a Freshman because you think your course load is too large. Get involved with undergraduate research early on and start the student organizations that interest you. Another thing is do not procranstinate and do not be complacent. College is meant to be a time of proactive experimentation, to figure out what you want out of life. You never want to limit yourself by sticking to a single path without considering all of your other options. Take classes that interest you outside of your major. Also, always complete your work to the best of your ability and do not miss out on opportunities because you waited too long to meet a deadline. Whenever you submit a piece of work, realize you are submitting a representation of yourself when you do so. Finally, take the time to get to know your professors and the student your are graduating with. Your professors will recognize your drive if you show initiative to meet them outside of class to ask questions and career advice.

Ashley

I would tell my self to enjoy my break from college and save even harder. All those trips will sound amazing and you will want to go with your friends but college is so much expensive than you think. To convinece my self I would tell myself that I will be denied financial aid (which is true) and I would tell myself that I wont be able to live on campus so I will have to pay rent, bills and food. My financial obligation would be much different if I would have known all these things prior to going back to school.

Lauren

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I'd tell myself to plan all the finacial stuff out ahead of time. I'm usually great at budgeting however I didn't really prepare for college finaces. It's a confusing process and I wish I had prepared more. Planning out exact steps would have helped me immensly. I'd also tell myself to sign up for chemistry instead of geology. I'm an undeclared major and thinking about majoring in a science. The problem is I don't know which science. I really want to get into a biology class, however you need chemistry as a prerequsite. I would tell myself to not waste my time with earth sciecne (turnes out rocks were not my thing), and get chemistry out of the way.

Jessica

Traversing my past, I solidify a theory. Pain precedes promise as turmoil and talent stem from the same gene. I am myself, destined to significance because of my history. High school is a bleak moment to acknowledge. Yet between shadows dance lights of hope. I’d tell myself "focus on moments of fortitude rather than fault". But I now know problems are akin to cracked concrete between bricks on the most magnificent building. Despite these, onlookers and architects are continually amazed. The past resides in my core. Rather than separating myself from the qualms of my history, I’d note these occurrences as my being. My cyclic thoughts lack logic; a place where I write my best works. I mirror myself in others to overcome our strife. And through a persevering patience to witness better days, I’ve learned to never give up on dreams. The dark is the teacher who awakened me to great lessons. If it weren’t for my mind’s construction, I’d never surpassed struggle to encounter talent. I’d tell my high school self to be proud as I am of myself now. We are who we are amidst trials, talents, dreams, and genes.

Corrisa

Be stubborn. Don’t back down. When people tell you that you must want to be a teacher because you are majoring in math, tell them to walk of the pier at Gibson Cove. I know you think children are sticky; besides, there are so many things you can do with math. For that matter, why did you give up on your engineering dreams? You don’t have to choose, you know. You can have your cake and eat it too. There are plenty of Computational Engineers out there that make way more than you ever will teaching snot-nosed little pip-squeaks their times tables. To that end, take Java Programming second semester, you’ll need it if you want to jump right into CS 201 as a freshman. Lastly, when you get assigned the head of the math department as your academic adviser don’t chicken out and register for classes down at Rural Student Services. You’ve been given a great gift; he will force you to see yourself in a whole new light, one you just can’t appreciate yet. Good Luck!

McKenzie

If I was to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have told myself to live a little. To realize that you are only young once, and even though the high GPA and taking more than usual classes was a successful feeling, I should have taken the time with my friends. If I could go back to two years ago I would have told myself to spend time with loved ones and take special care of my friendships because after we all split and went to college nothing has been the same. It's a hard lesson to learn, but it is one I know ver well now. To always pay attention to academics and take it seriously but to also remember that I am human and mistakes happen, and there is never such thing as not having time for the ones you love because of the school you have to do.

Kristie

There isnt anything that I would change about transitioning to school. The only advice I would have given was to possibly have started searching for a job earlier.

Brooke

If it were possible to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to start saving a majority of my paychecks for years like this one when taking 15 credits just isn't an option (meaning I don't get the scholarship that I depend on to pay for textbooks and supplies), and to not put all my eggs in one basket by depending on a single scholarship. I would tell myself to attend those after school classes on writing college essays or introductory scholarship essays so that when I'm 22 I don't feel like an idiot as I'm bumbling around trying to figure out how I'm going to pay for textbooks, or supplies or gas in the winter when my truck seems to take double the gas as in summer.

Sam

The advice that I would give myself is to look first for classes that will be something you enjoy, even if it's not specifically in your major or minor, such as recreational classes or ones that are for hobbies in which you are interested or actively doing (i.e. dance, sports, arts, or writing). These type of classes give you something to look forward to taking over the semesters, and give you a reason to continue going to school during the times when more academic and other required classes might be stressing you out. After finding a few classes that will help keep your interest, next look at the advanced classes in your major, the ones that you eventually want to take and the ones that interest you most, and look at the requisites for that class, and start planning out what classes to take so, one day, you can end up taking the high level classes you want. Most importantly, though, remember that college is a learning experience; it is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and the field you are interested in, and classes should help you grow, as both a student and a person.

Genevieve

If I were to go back in time as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be more outgoing and join as many on-campus clubs. I would tell myself to express my feelings and not be afraid to put myself out there. Having a social life is important and when you're away from family, it's important to have people to go to on campus. I would tell myself to not judge people or worry about people judging me. I would also tell myself to work and save money, as well as applying for as many scholarships I can. The last thing I would tell myself is to not forget about what your going to school for, to stay focused and manage your time wisely.

Lauren

If I could give my past self advice about college, I would encourage myself to try to earn more scholarships that are applicable to out-of-state schools. Going to college is expensive, and it's really disapointing to feel like you don't have any options as far as location goes just because you can't afford out-of-state tuition. Getting through school debt-free is great, though, and scholarships will help make that happen.

Tara

I had a habit of memorizing things long enough to ace the tests and then I dismissed them from my mind when I was finished. If I could go back in time and give myself some advice, I would tell myself to try harder to retain everything I was learning, whether I thought it was pertinent or not. I would tell myself how frustrating it is when you know that you have learned a particular thing before, but you can’t remember because you were too lazy to care in high school, and now I have to spend valuable time and money relearning what I should already know. I would also tell myself that I as I get older, I find that I love learning anything whether it’s of immediate importance to me or not, so there’s no need to worry about dreading college courses, because in the end, I do just fine!

Ashley

I would give my high school self advice on thinking ahead about college and scholarships. I would tell myself not to just take the bare minimum to get by, but to always go above and beyond because then I would qualify for just that many more scholarships. I also would tell myself that a majority of scholarships need to be applied for graduating year of high school and to apply for anything and everything. Every little bit helps.

Erica

To go back in time would be a blessing. I would tell my non-confident self to go to a community college, and get the ball rolling for higher education. I unfortunitaly waited 12 years to go to college. Back then I did not have the confidence I would pass any collge coarse. The words "anatomy and physiology" scared me right out of college. To go back, I would tell myself to listen, and take the help my high school guidence counslers tried to give me. I did pretty well in my life, but going to college with two young children, working and running a household is a bit tricky; needless to say not at all easy. My advise would be "go to college, it's not as scary as you think."

Erica

Definitely go to WSU, but absolutely do not waste your time on Architecture. You will hate it! Go into Business. You like it and you are good at it, and you will discover a whole different direction to take your life that you aren't thinking about now (and believe me, it's a much more promising direction). Live in the dorms for longer than a year. The camaraderie in a dorm is tight, you make very close friends that are much different than your high school friends, and it's fun. While Washington is much more exciting than home, two years is enough. You're already taking out more loans than you can afford. UAF is an excellent university, and after growing and learning more about yourself, you are ready to come back home. Pay for every UAF semester. Take summer classes. Graduate early. Work part-time. Look for internships. Get active in Business groups. Live at home. Save money. And most of all, keep on dreaming. The bigger the dream, the bigger the reward. You will get what you want, just don't slack because you are smarter than that!

Matthew

I have learned, in addition to skills and techniques relevant to my major (computer science), the ability to solve problems logically, the scientific process and how to apply scientific reasoning to obtain facts. I have developed skills for working in groups from both my job with the university and class projects. I have learned to judge the scope of assigned tasks and plan time to complete them while allowing for free time and hobbies. I have learned independance and feel that I will be qualified for a good career when I graduate. It has been an experience that has allowed me to learn from professors, from and with other students, and for myself on a variety of subjects and fields.

Ciara

My, so far, college expierence has allowed me to grow as a person. I thought in high school we were treated as adults, that we were seen as equals with respect, unlike how we were treated in middle school. Yet, once I was in college, there was a huge difference with how we were treated. The teachers didnt care if we left the room to use the restroom, or if we had to step outside to take a quick phone call, here is where we were treated as adults, no limitations. That is where I fel accepted; that is where I belonged. I learned to could grow a connection between professors even though I was always told they wont care about you, and I also learned that they will do anything to help you. It's been a lot of hard work, but it's also been rewarding, and I cant wait to see what my future education brings me.

Anastasia

Surviving on my own. I have lived off campus, on campus, and in a different country; all while going to college. So far the most important thing that I have learned is that I can live without my mother and father. It was hard at first, not having the support net that I was use to. But after a month I made some great friends and found a crappy job; and I was happy. I know that I can survive lifes hard spots on my own.

kortney

College hasn't been easy but I have definately learned a lot. In college, you're on your own. There's no teachers there to tell you to do your homework or to come to class. All the students seem different and older at times. College is a lot better than highschool. You have your freedom and your chance to start fresh. It has been a real eye opener to me. It has taught me that studying is really necessary and when teachers say a certain test is going to be hard, they really mean it. College has been hard at times, but, in the long run, it's been very exciting.

eghosa

Attending JC in the past year has change my prospetus in life, because not only have i learnt so much on taking responsibility, it has turly help to confirm what my parent has always told me and advise me about. In my middle school and high school years i was the who is who in all local basketball , baseball and socer event in my communnity. Some of the league will even offer me a free registeration just to have me play for their league. Most time my very strict and hard working parent will refuse the offer, simply because at my high school years my grades started to drop like no mans business which made my parent very angry. And restrited me from play sport and spending extra time working with a tutor, i felt my parent were the meanest creatures on earth, but i was very wrong . My parent has been nothing but a blessing with all the restriction they were putting on me. Most of my friends who took sport before their school find out, in a hard way, because all the sport they played and negeleting their education coun not take them anywhere, without the grades.

Riquendra

Out of my college experiance, what little i have so far, i have recieved mixxed emotions. I personally think that it something you have to have your mind set on and you have to find the right school for yourself, otherwise, i feel your wasting your time and hard earned money. It is a lot of money, but worth it in the end. So however nessisary, find ways to get through it.

Ben

I have gotten real world experiance and education. What I have learned is actually useful. It is valuable for me to attend because I have a 2 year old daughter that I am trying to provide for and the education will help me get a better paying career.

Kariza

I started my college career at Chemeketa Community College. I graduated high school in June 2008 and started college the next fall. I'm glad I started out at a community college, because of the experiences I have had over the last year and a half. Through my college experiences I have become more aware of what is going on around me, many future jobs I could have and the people I have meet. Even in the Baccalaureate core classes that I have taken, they have opened my eyes to how living cells form and grow to into the many living things I see. I've realized that I am judging other cultures by what I think is normal than what is normal to them. As well, I have come to know more about how religion made its way to America. In learning these things, my learning desire has grown and become intrigued. This is valuable to me because we live in a world that is always changing and we are continuously learning new things. By learning news things it has and will help me make someone else?s day better, which makes me feel like I've accomplished something.

Randolph

In a crucial period of the new millennium, in which certain evils threaten the inalienable rights obtained through a divine power, intelligence stands to be a significant trait to possess. Politics, physics, history, mathematics, etc. all contribute towards a growing community. College is a place with a positive atmosphere that has allowed me to expand not only my knowledge of the world but my personal qualities as well. I have been more socially active have been able to expand different talents I obtain. I have learned so much and intend on continuing to learn. I have made connections between statistics, quantum mechanics and progressions of human beings in the process of globalization. To obtain knowledge is certainly valuable in today?s competitive world. Not only is it important for career purposes that enable man to provide for his family but it provides a meaning to life. Given this opportunity to live, I believe it is our duty to put our minds to use and to push the boundaries of progression. College has allowed me to make a step towards this, ultimately making the world a better place. Therefore, nothing is more valuable than knowledge.

Shawna

My family always told me to do my best, and that is what I came here to do. Ever since I was little, I have always dreamed of becoming a "business woman". Since I came to University of Alaska, I feel like I am accomplishing my dream. I feel that this last semester is just one step closer to my one main goal in life. I have definiatly learned new information here in college. Staying up late to finish a ten page paper, studing with my friends for a huge final, or just going to the library to check out the books you have to read, but I have learned so much more than just education. I have learned what it is like to be off on my own. In college you have the right to do what ever you feel like. It is your right to stay focused and learn as much as possible. Attending the Universirty of Alaska Fairbanks has opened my eyes to a higher education and that is why I need help to maintain in college. I come to you to ask for assistence in helping me pursue my bachlar degree in business adiminstration.

Cody

Well, obviously I've learned things (that's pretty much the whole point of college, right?), which has been immensley valuable to me. I not only have more knowledge about my major, topics related to it, and the world in general, I have also learned important lessons about myself. I have a firmer grasp of the way my mind works and the limits that I can push myself to, and hopefully one day beyond. Without the experience college has given me I would not know these things. I hope to continue learning important things about myself and the world around me in my further experiences at college.

Amber

My college experience has not only provided for me on a social level through making friends, connections, and valuable relationships with my professors, but it has also motivated me in my education to not only get through with passing grades, but to extend past my best and to reach for the impossible. I came to college as an aspiring female programmer, an intent that was initially daunting under the critical looks of my male peers. Through the encouragement of my professors, support of my friends, and my stubborn determination, however, I have been proving myself more and more capable in my field, both in class and out of it. It is for this reason, this support and caring from the staff of my school that has made my college experience all the more exciting and worthwhile. They have not only put their faith and time towards helping me, but have also encouraged my faith in myself, and that is more valuable than any GPA.

Chelsea

Freshman year is not difficult. The transition from high school is easy. Make as many friends and connections you can freshman year, because after that, free time is like a diamond in the rough. You will need these friends you make to help you get through the workload; they will be your back up and support system. They will remind you why you're doing this on those long, lonely nights in front of a computer screen. They will be there to bounce ideas of of. They will be there when you've had a rough critique. They'll be there to call you when you're late to class to see where you are, and run home to wake you up if need be. They will become your partners in the industry. Keep a journal. Right down daily observations, things you see people doing. Things that interest you. All these things will flee your mind when you need a fun, inovative, creative idea for a project. Or, even more scary- for a thesis. Keep your eyes open. Don't stay in your room every night- get out there. It's not as scary as it seems.

Lauren

College requires making mature decision. If I could go back I would have pushed myself into more challenging class like AP /IB. By taking these class there would have be multiply benefits. First you would save on school tuition. During today?s economic time everyone including students is trying to find ways to stretch their dollar and if taking a free class in high school would allow that why, not take it. Second the way College is ran is so different than high school. No one is constantly checking your homework to make sure you on time. In college you must be the one to crack the whip on yourself to complete assignments and show up to class. If students were put in more intensive class like AP/ IB then they would have an idea of what is going to be expected of them. Learning to be mature does not come in a day. It comes by practicing it. It comes by allowing the student to make their own choices and reaping the benefits of making a good or bad one. If I could go back I would have enrolled in more AP class and used that to my benefit.

Brandi

This university, so far just isn't what I expected. Really, any university for a freshman isn't familiar in any way. Thinking back, I would've like to change my grades and all of the important things, but really I would've just like to be happy. In 2008, I graduated from Kenwood High School in Clarksville, Tennessee. Originally, I was set to graduate in 2009, maybe I should've stuck with that plan and for my senior year, I could have moved to Fort Yukon, Alaska and finished in my hometown. In a setting like that, I would have been more headstrong about my school, and pushed my G.P.A. up. Really there is so much to change, but I just have to accept my decisions and move on.

Annette

Annette, Hear me out. You've got a great game plan. Your applying for scholarships. Preparing for classes. You've got the right idea. But lets focus on the big picture. How many scholarships have you applied for? How many, realistically, do you think your actually going to get? The truth is, you dont have a whole lot of money saved for your college education. And, think about it. You need to be working a lot harder to rake in some scholarship dough! At the rate your going you are only going to have enough financial help to get you through the first semester! Then what? You'll be stuck working full time trying to pay for the remaining 3 and a half years! We both know you are too stuborn to take out loans, which I dont blame you, but we really need to concentrate on saving up and getting some more scholarships! This will be key to your success. You can worry about all those college life changes when they come, right now, we've gotta focus on getting there first!

mary

If i could go back and takl to myself as a high school senior I would have told myself to take day classes rather than morning or night and also get more help when needed espically from an advisor and take classes you need rather than classes that you want because its an easier way to finish your major and not be stuck taking classes you dont want to but have to in order to take calsses that you actually need. so listen to my advisor more

fionna

get involved with extracariculars, not just to put on scholarship applications. it helps with the transition.

Charles

If I could go back in time to my senior year to give myself advice, I would tell myself to get into the right study habits now while everything is easy, enter into many more scholarships, and keep up contact with your fellow classmates. I would make sure that I knew that no matter how hard or easy high school was college will be harder because ultimately you will be responsible for yourself. You won't be able to lean back on your parents. I would also tell myself to always keep money on my mind. College is expensive and unless you want to be paying most of your life apply for as many scholarships as possible. No matter how many hours each scholarship takes you are still coming out ahead even if you only win a few. The hourly rate from your scholarship winnings will already be five times the amount of your minimum wage just from the few you did do. It would be so much more if you just applied to other scholarships also. Lastly keep up with your classmates. Your be going to go to a new school where you know very few people.

austin

do better in school and dont party

Regina

The knowledge gained through education is inevitably more important than the money earned through a career that requires no intellect. You can only go so far in this world without continuing your education beyond high school; taking a year off is a bad start. Your mother was right when she told you that the company you keep says a lot about you. Remember that and do not ever let yourself believe that you have anyone to rely on but yourself. You will only go as far as you push yourself; success is measured by hardwork and nothing in life is free or easy.

Alora

As a high school senior I barely knew anything about going to college. Going back in time I would tell myself a few things about college life that I wish I would have known then to make the transitions more easily and to better be prepared for what was to lie ahead. The first piece of information I would have told myself would be to do more research. Research a variety of schools, including the area around them, the cost of attending, and different majors offered at them. Even if a person dreams of going to one college thier whole life, or no college at all there is no loss in just taking a look. I would tell myself to decide what is important to me (or a need) in a school and what are characteristics about the school that I would like it to have but I would be ok without. It is better to look at all the differnet options when making a desicion about a school and a major. It would be better to know ones options and choose wisely what is going to suit one best rather than to choose without that knowledge.

MagenLee

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself that grade matter! Middle-of-the-road grades won't get you scholarships. I would also tell myself to save your money! You need to make good money decisions in college because you don't always have a cash flow.

Colleen

Given the opportunity I would kick myself in the pants and insure that I got the ball rolling sooner then I did. I would also make sure that I improved my math skills prior to my first year, It took me paying an arm and leg for college to realize the blessing highschool (being free education) is. I would also tell me not to fret to much about it. As long as I keep working, I will keep getting results, all I have to do is get up and try.

Jessica

My biggest piece of advice I would have for myself would be to get into the habit of managing your time. In high school I could go home, relax for long periods of time and put off my homework until late into the evening before thinking about it--and I'd still have time to get everything done. I also put off studying for tests until the last minute but could still get very good grades. That's not the case in college and I've had to work hard to break myself of these really bad habits. I would also tell myself to be more prepared to stand up for myself. In high school my parents took care of any issues I had financially or otherwise and my teachers were easy to get along with. I never had any problems getting by because I was basically taken care of. Now however, it is completely my responsibility to stand up for myself if I'm being dealt with unfairly by any department at the school. In high school it was too easy not to stand up for myself when things went wrong. I can't do that anymore!

Julie

The main reason I applied to the University of Alaska Fairbanks was to get closer to my brother and his family and to get away from the place I was currently living. I did not really check out any other schools or look at any other options. If I could go back to senior year I would look at my options more closely and find a University that fit me, that offered the social and school life I want out of college and yet could afford, and enjoy paying for. I would apply to a school that I would be excited to go back to after winter break, not dread. I would look more closely at what many different Universities have to offer academically, socially, and financially, and what I could contribute to them as well as the community. I would definitely do things different if I had the chance.

Stephen

stop sulking you whiny little bitch i know everyone is going away soon so quit sulking and get ready enjoy the time we have, make bigger bolder choices, leave with a bigger bang, ask out the girl, and apply to lots and lots of scholarships because youre going to need it!!!!

tasaha

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would strongly encourage myself to finish my senior year, then immediately continue with a higher education. I would point out the disadvantages of dropping out of high school and how it effects so many aspects of life. I would also point out that deciding to continue an education later in life is increasingly challenging. Not only have the corners of your mind structurally weakened from lack of use, but life?s obstacles become so much more abundant when your older. This is not to say that the path traveled was the wrong one, because I ended up at the same place anyway, but I may not have received so many bumps and bruises along the way.

Mohammad

Now i am studing Electrical & Electronic Engineering . So I aquried some Knowledge about EEE.

Robin

I would go for!! I would choose Tanana Valley Campus and not be so intimidated about school at all. I know now that an advisor is there is provide guidance along the way, and map out my classes with me. The instructors are great, and has alot of enthusiasm about their class. The instructors provide a great leanring environment without all the stress.

Chelsea

Go to the school that makes you happy. Dont fight it, just go with it.

Christiana

I would tell myself to stop worrying so much, because when all is said and done, I will do just fine when it comes to academic life. I would also tell myself that even though I may think I know exactly what I want to go to college for, I actually do not know for sure. I ended up changing my major from English to Philosophy during my second year at college, but I would have never known that my life would change courses as such. I would tell myself that college is, above all, an experience to be lived, and that experience can lead to various paths, not necessarily the path I thought I would chose, either. I would tell myself to embrace change, for it comes easily while one transitions from high school to college. Acceptance is key, and to flourish in this acceptance is vital to one's future self. To be able to "roll with the punches," as it were, is just another stepping stone on the road to success. To live everyday, and not sweat the small stuff. For in the end, all will come together and work itself out for the best.

Elizabeth

As a senior, college classes to me were intimidating: I thought professors were intellectually untouchable, homework was assigned by the mile, and every class would be plagued with liberals. Though the latter may be true, my preconceived ideas, I found, were somewhat exaggerated. If I could travel back in time to advise my past self, I believe I would put my mind at ease with descriptions of what the classes or the down-to-earth professors were like. By then explaining how some classes are easier than high school classes, I would encourage myself to take college classes in my senior year. This jumpstart, I believe, would have given me confidence in my freshman year of college to test out of some classes that were already included in the regular high school curriculum, ultimately leading to a semester or whole year reduction from my anticipated college graduation year.

Shannon

Don't hold back. There are a few things I wish I had done as a senior that I never got to do. After high school time just flies by, don't ever leave yourself with the "what could have beens." It is not worth it.

Brittney

Make sure to find a good group of friend who will push you forward in your acedemics. Don't give up and keep moving forward no matter how hard it seems. There is all a bright future aheld and keep your eyes on your goals and stay physically active with your horse.