University of Arizona Global Campus Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, my number one issue would be to share information about financial aid. I was completely unaware of where to even start in regards to affording college when I graduated high school; and as no one in my family had gone to college before me, I had little in the way of guidance. There are so many options to pay for school that I wish I had known earlier. I am now 25, married, with two children, going back to school; and although I feel that I appreciate what I learn more now, I wish that I could have gone to college right out of high school. A second bit of advice would be to ask for help and do not get overwhelmed with the paper work, it is not as scary as it seems. Especially in regards to the mountains of paperwork that inevitably come with financial aid. As far as the academic or social aspects, I have not had any problems and would therefore just say "Be yourself, be courteous and respectful, and make sure you READ all of your homework"!

Go to school you dumb you sily gril what kind of job do you think you are giong to get with out colllege Even if you get marryed and have kid go to school you get the money some how .You need to feel that you can do this . I ,am going back to school at the age of 51 and I just need to feel that even at this age I can do this .And what to do my best so I say to that young gril that I once was go to school and make something of your self

I would advice myself not to rely on study guides for test preparation. If your in nursing school there is no such thing as study guides or reviews as a result you feel lost and unprepared for exams.

Never choose a community college over a university unless it is absolutely necessary. Yes, a community college is cheap and affordable, however, it will take longer for you to reach your degree if you choose to go to one. There are universities out there that will help you financially if need be. Nevertheless, choose wisely when it comes to universities. Make sure that you do your homework about the college you choose. Check the colleges staff and faculty memebers. Make sure they are reliable. Check their Retention & Graduation Percentage Rates. Check to see if the school has more dropouts than graduates. Check student comments, those who have attended the school (graduates and dropouts). See what they have to say about the school. Never choose a school with more NEGATIVE feedback than POSITIVE. When speaking with a college advisor, ask questions. You DEFINITELY want to ask questions first before applying. Ask for information about the school. 'How much is the tuition here?' or 'Can I transfer credits?' You want to make a lists of questions to ask. When you do apply, be sure to have a FAFSA account so that the transactions needed with the school will be easier to handle.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would sit myself down, look myself right in the eyes and yell: "Do not be afraid of change!". I would tell myself that college is very different from high school, as it should be expected. The freedom of knowing that you can always go back and do things over again is no longer there, that safety net has been pulled out from under us. I would tell myself how pertinent it is to stay focused and get quality work done on time, and that the procrastination I surrounded myself with as a youth was no longer plausible. But above all else, I would remind myself to smile. To laugh at little mistakes and refrain from worrying over every small issue. I would tell myself to seek solice in my friends and peers. I would remind myself that I was not alone, because we, as students are far from alone. We are many, a force united against the obstacles that barricade our path to success, that college should not be feared, it is a form of challenge that should be welcomed and embraced passionately.

After graduating high school in May of 2005, five whole years ago, I am just now starting college. If I was lucky enough to be able to go back in time to speak with myself about college life and making the transition, I probably wouldn't be in the situation that I am now. I would tell myself not to wait and take time off after graduating, but to start college immediately; you have no reason to put off something so important. It 's 2010, and I easily could have earned a degree in 5 years. Unfortunately it's impossible to travel back in time, so I'm telling myself now that I'm not too old, (I'm only 23), and it's not too late. It is never too late to go back to school and futher your education.

My advice that I would give myself if I had the ability to communicate with myself in the past would be to mentally prepare for the massive influx of new people I'm going to meet. Although I already had friends in high school, I needed to find ways in order to keep those relationships still alive while meeting new people and creating a new social network. The best thing to do about this is to try to find people who have similar interests as you while also trying to meet people who are very different from you. No one in the world is going to be an exact match to your every interest so it is good to keep an open mind and a willingness to try new things. I would recommend trying to find a few friends to meet over the summer through something like facebook or the school's website just so you have a few familar faces when you first get there. Gradually you were find your place in your chosen university but patience and acceptance are two things that will make the transition all the more easier.

Dear Angelica, I know you think you have your entire future planned out, but I am here to help you. Attending college should be fun, but please don't party every weekend. I know you are smart, but your grades will slip dramaticlly when you become an alcoholic. Please choose your friends wisely and follow your gut feelings about people; they are always right. I also want you to open a checking account because tuition prices are going to soar and if you don't have enough money in your accout, then you will be in debt to school loans.

As a high school senior I would tell myself that my life as a high school senior and my classes and grades were the most important thing in my life (not boys or friends). I would talk to myself into digging into my studies and making the best of my school days and not wasting them. I would enjoy my classes, my teachers, and extra curriculms. I would not take anything for granted. Our grades, classes, and choices that we make in our high school years follows us our entire lives. I am 43 years old and when I transferred to Ashford my grades as a senior came with me; that we over twenty years ago. I would love to go back and have the chance to make honors in my high school years.

My first attempt at college was 20 years ago. I was a smart girl from a very small town who didn't need to work too hard to get good grades. I came to college prepared to work harder than I had in high school and knew I would need several jobs to pay for school, but I had no idea what the social part of college could bring to my life. If I could go back and explain to myself how it was going to be, I would simply tell myself to study hard, work hard but also to enjoy the social aspects of college at the same time. My only goal at the time was to get an Associates Degree. Due to determination and extreme shyness, my experience was often lonely and frustrating, not exactly exciting and fulfilling. This time around I am working towards a Bachelor's Degree and have found the process so much more enjoyable with people to get to know, professors with a wealth of knowledge to share and of course, an attainable goal to reach.

Take your time to discover your talents and what you really want to do with your life. Don't allow others to pressure you into giving up your dreams. Remember that you are smart and that you will make your goals. Don't wait until later to finish. Do it now!

If I had to go back in time, I would of made the choice of returning to school right after high school instead of waiting until my 40's. I went back to school so I could become a teacher myself, I look around and it just seems to me that where I live in Texas, the school systems are more worried about the TAKS test than teaching the basic's. Lots of freshmen going to college have no idea on how to do certain kinds of work because all they ever did was to study for the TAKS text. So I want to give back to the young people of our country. I start my masters in education in the fall, and I hope to land a TA position somewhere. Thank You, Craig Bumgardner

During my senior year I was more concerned with graduating and getting out of high school than I was with preparing for college, at least not at first. If I had the opportunity to go back I would tell myself to be more organized about applying to schools because then I would be able to make a more informed decision. I feel that knowing as much as possible about the school you decide to go to is very important and it will make the transition easier. Also I would tell myself that having a set schedule and self discipline is very important in making sure that you get your work done on time. I would also tell myself that this is an important time in a person's life so remember that you need to enjoy it and have fun and try not to stress over the little things.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior and knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition I would have joined the military sooner and I would have taken my courses at the community college a little more seriously. Because my grade point average was not so great in high school, the only college/university that would accept me was a community college. I did not have a plan as to what I would have liked to do once I got out of college, so because of this, I changed my major and stayed at the community college for six years. After graduating, I decided to join the military at a later time in my life. After going through this, I would have told myself to join the military sooner. The military has given me an opportunity to travel, broaden my mind, meet many people from different places. It has also given me an opportunity to go back to school for free so I can better myself.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to wait to go to school. I put off going to college for 20 years. I am 38 and have began taking on-line classes. I am a full time student, and have a full time job. I think it would have been much easier to go to college right after leaving high school, rather that waiting so many years. The transition of going back to school has been hard. Since I am not in the habit of having to study, I am struggling now more that I would have if I had gone to college right after leaving high school. I am very motivated to succeed. I know I will earn my degree in psychology, but I do think it would have been easier if I had completed my degree years ago.

Jamie, this is your future self. I'm here to let you know, you will constantly make the decision to attend school in the future and I want to thank you. These decisions will pay off every single time with great employment, good pay and experience in professions you never dreamed of. Don't let yourself down OK? It won't come for free, you have to work like you've never worked up to this point. I'm your personal telescope into the future and I am telling you now, I am proud of who you became. In such a competitive job market, the only ammunition you ever had to help you pull ahead of the pack was your education and you stock-piled! You showed me that with knowledge, you can go some places, but with education, you can go anywhere you want to. You have to be brave when you feel scared and strong when you feel weak to be a success in this life. You've shown me that you are capable of more than you give yourself credit for. Share your strength with others in your community and with any school you attend.

I would tell myself that college is a time to follow your dreams and not to get discouraged by the obstacles of everyday life. I would also tell myself to take advantage of every financial and learning resource available becuase you never know what lies around the corner. There are hardships for everyone. If you just keep pushing on and hold your head up high, you can achieve all of your dreams and more. You will cry and you will hurt, but you must, above all else, remain persistent. There will be times that you will fail before you get it right. Always remember that failure does not mean that the dream you have chosen is not for you, it just means that you should take a step back, re-evaluate your current path, and search for a new direction. Life is ever changing and sometimes you just have to go with the flow. Always remain positive and tell yourself that failure is not and option, it is a state of mind.

Dear Young Woman, You may have grown tired of school. You may feel that you need a break. You may feel that you want to go an experience the world. You may feel that you will have plenty of time to go to school, later. Activities with friends are just more exciting right now. This is all understandable at your age. However, I would like to express to you that the summer will end. The exciting events will quiet, and you will be left wondering, "what next?" Do not allow your vivacious spirit to be found working as a retail associate surrounded by regretful women twice your age. Understand that education will be the key to the car that will gain you many exciting experiences that you want. Do not be afraid of the challenge to buckle down for a little longer. This will only be a stepping stone towards your dreams. You can have it all. You can travel the world with education. Establish who you are, free from added responsibility. Whatever you choose, never lose the spirit at any age, that says, "Yes, I can!"

If I could address myself as a high school senior, Ihere's what say: 1. Plan on staying in one college until you finish your degree because you'll lose credits if you transfer. 2. Attempting too many classes in one term is unrealistic. Take fewer courses and divide your study time equally between them. 3. With no financial help from parents, you should apply for scholarships rather than taking on energy-draining and time-consuming part-time jobs. Limit part-time work so that you can devote enough time to study and sleep. 4. Take care of your health. Avoid too much partying. Make sure you get enough sleep, exercise and proper nutrition. Your brain needs these for optimal functioning. 5. No matter what is going on, never give up. Develop the heart. Too much energy is spent on developing the mind so also develop the heart. Be compassionate, not just to your friends but to everyone. Work for peace, in your heart and in the world. And I say it again: Never give up. No matter what is happening, no matter what is going on around you, Never Give Up. (paraphrased from His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV)

College is one of the most important choices you can make in your life. The choice of which college or which degree you are going to complete is a very stressful decision. Making this choice during your senior year of high school can help you to progress through college quickly but changing this decision in the future is not something to fear either. People make career changes many times throughout life. The important thing is that the individual has a college degree behind them that allows them to make these changes. Lifelong learning is what will allow you to choose what type of career you want to pursue. Make your own choices don't wait for others to make them for you.

Graduating from high school is very rewarding, but graduating from a college degree will give you the tools you will need in order to have a career. Even if you don't know what you want to do with your life, college will give you a path of concentrating on what your dislikes are and to be able to put them into a career of choice. After high school, there are responsibilities that you, like everyone else, has. Why not have a job that you want to go to every morning for the next 30ish years. You have to work as adult in order to survive in this economy. Make the career that you chose count as something you are proud of and it will define you.

I would tell myself that waiting to go to college is not a good idea. It gets harder to return to school. I would also say that you are going to feel like you are moving up the ladder and then some day someone with a bachelors degree is going to climb higher and make more money. So get your degree while you can.

I was not able to finish high school, so I got my GED. I began college rather late in life. If I could go back I would have chose to finish high school, and then go straight to college. I believe the transition from high school and then directely to college at a younger age would not have been so hard. It is hard to began college at a more mature age, especially when you have been out of school for fifteen or more years. I believe it would be a lot less demanding on any one to get their college degree first, and decide what you want to do with your career. Then think about a family.

If I could return to High School as a senior I would stress the importance of a higher education. I would tell myself how important the development of study skills are in high school so that they can be applied at the college level. I would also remind myself that although it is important to enjoy the college experience, I should not loose focus as to why I am there in the first place.

I think being the person that I am, I don't think I would encourage more growth and exploration before embarking on a collegiate tenure. My 20's were difficult and I think I could have avoided a lot of events if I had just went out into the world and experienced things such as AmeriCorps and so forth.

Save money, I know that going out with your friends is amazing but cut back what you spend on going out. It is just as much fun to hang out at your house for a much cheaper price. Don?t take for granted all of the hard work you are doing someday it will pay off!

I would have told myself to start college sooner.

Decide on a major early so you can take your electives in that area.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself this: Angela, have you lost your mind? quiting school and getting your GED is the worst decision you could ever make. Going to college is not as scary as you tink it is going to be. You can still go to school and raise a family. Can you imagine how hard it is going to be to raise kids without a college education? what are you going to do when your kids want to follow in your footsteps and quit school? Oh trust me they will, and when they want to get a car?, how about just being able to eat? Well you need to think about this stuff. One day a GED will not be good enough, you will have to have a college education to make it. Why would you want to wait to go back to school when you are almost 40 yrs old, why not go now and begin your life the way you deserve to..

I would tell myself to get ready to enjoy college life and all the new friends you will make. The work load is heavy but learning great time management skills in high school will definetly help.

I should have done this a long time ago.

Go to College NOW!!! Don't wait untill you are 30 and have a family to support!

If I knew what I knew now about my college experience, I would have made a change to study harder and look more into a college that had the best opportunity for me and go away to college. I would have applied to a college that I know would have made me completely happy where I can study a major I know I would be able to find a good paying job to help secure my future.

I wouldn't change anything, other than to say that I'd study harder to get better grades.

I would not have gone to college right out of high school. I would have taken a year off to travel with an organization or group that would allow me to broaden my perspective on what I want to do with my life. Doing this, I would have also saved my mother a lot of money. By going to college right out of my senior year, I was not responsible and did not have a plan or goal for myself, and ultimately I transferred out of my first college because I was not going to class and was depressed. Thankfully, I went back home for school at a community college and then transferred to Liberty, where I am now. Thing are working out and I'm blessed to have been led to this school! There are many things I wish I had known before college, but honestly, I do not think I would take back the way anything played out because looking back, everything that seemed unfortunate really led me to Liberty where I belonged in the first place. It just took those experiences on the rough road for me to realize it. It all worked in perfect timing.

Dont put college off the longer you wait will effect your job choices. One good thing about school is it opens you up to a whole new world. Continue reading even if you arent in school. Reading is important to expanding your vocabulary. No matter how hard times get tough school out regardless it will pay off in the long run.

I would tell myself going back to school and persuing an education is the most important decision you could ever make and making those sacrifices in order to complete your education is crucial. College life takes determination, sacrifice, scheduling, giving 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} when doing an assignment and attending to your school work on a daily basis will make you a success. Keep these things in mind everytime you think you can't do it because if you keep it in your mind you can do this and complete your edcuational goals, you can feel this great accomplishment and success will be yours. Don't listen to people who are trying to talk you out of an education because of money limitations because it will all work out, just believe and you can do it.

Do it. When you are young and have the energy, time, money and are not tied down with relationships and responsibilities- that is the BEST time to get an education. I was raised in an Amish community, so I was not permitted to go to high school/college as a teenager. After I was married, my husband and I left the Amish, and I got my GED so that I could pursue my life-long dream of going to college. But, it is so much harder now- times are hard, we have kids, we're living on my husband's paycheck, taking out student loans, and trying to juggle school with parenting. It's doable with some determination, but it's much harder. If I could go back in time, and have the opportunity to go to high school, and then straight to college, I would tell myself- "Do it! Dream big, fly high, and never miss an opportunity to chase your goals. There's always a tomorrow, but there's never a better today."

Being in touch with who you are is most important in success. Discovering your interests early on and spending time with individuals who share those same interests, affords a solid road of guidance. Spend as much time as possible around inspiring successful individuals, as their words and action our nourishment promoting a spirit of enthusiasm. Above all, realize that you are not alone in your struggles to be successful. Be as patient and compassionate with yourself as you are with others. Always be empathetic, knowing that you are a member of a mass, diverse society,which is your most advantageous resource of learning. When locating a university to attend choose on- campus courses along with online courses. Prior to admission communicate with students and staff their opinion offers the greater insight. Question their experience with the university; its policies and procedures. Attend a four year university from the start. Two year community college credits are undermined when entering a higher learning institutions. Most important, be diligent by entering college directly following high school. There is much to be said of the old cliche' "If you don't use it, you'll loose it."

Focus on your future, set goals, and make the appropriate choices to reach your goals. Always believe in yourself and learn to decipher all lessons that are being taught. Every situation, good or bad, has a lesson to be learned. Recognize the lesson, accept the lesson, and use the lesson taught to strengthen your ability to reach all goals.

Given the opportunity to speak to myself as a high school senior about campus life I would reinforce opportunities present and future. As the senior version of myself I realize that the opportunities of friendships, relationships are unique as a college freshman; I would reinforce to my younger version the need to enjoy and cherish the campus fun life withoug comprimising other opportunities. Friendship and study opportunities like attending study sessions, forming study groups, and developing relationships centered aroung school work are the major misses that I experienced in my younger college years. As a senior version, I would help my junior version understand the campus learning opportunities as well. As a first generation undergraduate student I did not fully comprehend the goal of achieving a Bachelors degree; because I did not understand I did not set goals to maximize the opportunity of attaining a degree at the low cost when compared to future finaicial and opportunity costs. Learning and developing without the burdens of full-time work, and fatherhood was limited and unique to my first two years of college. I would help my younger version understand the importance of seting goals to maximize learning, friendship, and educational opportunities.

The advice that I would give is decide early what your career goals are in life, but not just what you like doing but also look at the job openings and decide for a career that is in demand and also that you would like to work in.

If I could go back and give myself advice, it would be to not wait to finish my college education. The single biggest mistake I made was to drop out of college after one year and put off my return as an adult student. Another four years of college after high school seemed to be such a long time when I was eighteen; however as I have learned four years is nothing compared to the rest of your life. The idea of taking out student loans to fund my education was very intimidating back then as well, and I did not qualify for grants since my parents made too much money. Looking at the larger picture I can clearly see now as an adult that taking those loans out back then and finishing my education would have already paid for itself, and more than likely I would already have had those loans paid back in full. Hindsight really is 20/20. This is the advice I would give my eighteen year old self if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior.

Don't wait until you're in your 40's to get a Bachelor's Degree! Find out while you are in high school what you would be good at and focus on a goal and direction. Don't let your parents ruin your future because they don't believe in you. Learn to dream and go for it!!

To constantly stay on top of going to college and not let any semesters or classes slip away so that I can finish on time.

Go to college once you graduate. If you try and convince yourself that giving yourself a little time before going to college is best for you, I would advise that it is not. Many things can change in such a small amount of time. Opportunities change and life can take a full 180 degree circle and spit you out the other way. Education first, career later. With college knowledge behind you, more career opportunities could be available. Don't procrastinate on school work and keep a time-managed schedule to be on top of things. Study in moderation rather than cramming all at once. Participate in school activities and which could teach you many life lessons and are great for meeting new people and experiencing new things. Live life with a straight and focused mind to lead your in all sorts of awesome directions and opportunities.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice on college life, I would tell myself to go with the degree which my gut told me to do since I was a little girl. I doubted myself and finished an Associates Degree in Accounting although since I can remember, I have wanted to be an elementary school teacher. I could have been done with my degree already if I did not take a detour. I would have also told myself to be prepared for juggling multiple things at once. I got married and am having my second daughter in a couple of months. College life is challenging, especially when you are trying to balance a family life, but I put my mind to it and I am getting it done. I would just reassure myself to put my priorities in order and finish what I have started. Lastly, I would just tell myself to never give up. Education is so important and I hope to be a great example to my daughters that you can do anything that you put your mind to.

I would have to tell parents or students to check out the colleges alumni. Make sure that they are all using their degree to the best of their ability. If they are you will know that this college inspires the students to be all they can be with what they will learn. It will also prove that the college has a great track record for helping the students retain the knowledge they receive in their classes.

I believe that if you plan ahead and apply for as many scholarships as possible you can succeed. Parents push your children to start school early and to pay attention to their GPA and their grades it will make a world of difference.

Make sure to figure in all immpossible cost because they will come up. Be frugal with your extracirrcular activities the first year in order to adjust to the chnage. Make friends with your academic advisor because they can be so much help when noone else seems to care. Be truthful when dealing with your professors no matter what. Make the most of your breaks. Rest at least one day of the week. If you work keep expenses down and after paying for expense pay everything you can with the remaining financial aid money you have left before anything else.