University of Arizona Top Questions

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

Monique

Dont be intimated by the size of the campus. It can be overwhelming at first, especially during that first week when you are learning where everything is. As long as you keep yourself organized and plan ahead you will do fine. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your professors. They understand that you are new to the college environment. They are there to help and want you to be successful. Study hard, but also make sure that you take time for yourself to destress and relax. Try as much as you can to be involved in organizations on campus. That is where you will form relationships that can really improve your college experience.

Sheridan

I would advise myself to look closer at all the colleges in which I was interested. I thought I wanted certain things in a college (big, lots of spirit, good career prep) but I should have found out more about the school before I accepted. I don't like to drink or party, I'm much more academically oriented and it's been hard being a student at a school where students party hard, get drunk, and have so much casual sex. I also was homesick the first year and I should have considered a school in my home state.

Bailee

I would tell myself to look around, smile, and embrace the opportunities in front of me. Every open door in the dormitory is a new friend, every event flier, professor's office hours, or free food sample on the mall will be an experience that could help you to learn about onself and what pathway life is leading you toward. Don't be afriad to let loose, study hard, and truly enjoy the college spirit. University of Arizona will be an amazing time in your life. Enjoy every minute!

Elizabeth

I would say to myself many things. First I would say, Elizabeth go to college! Be someone in life! Be the first one in the family of all generations to go to and graduate from Collage! Look ahead for your future and be a role model for your kids. Not because mom and dad don't have any money doesn't mean your dream of becoming a nurse is over. Stand up for your self, and Never follow a man who doesn't want you to have any contact with the world including your parents! Believe in yourself, have confidence, and always be yourself! Always smile and make others proud of your work. Furthermore, no matter how much a person can try if you were illegally brought to the United States by your parents at a young age, myself being three, after high school your dreams are over. It is very sad specially when you consider this land your home. Now that I am a legal resident nobody or nothing will stop me from my dream of being the best Nurse in the world!

Amanda

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would have told myself that I should not wait around for my life to begin after high school was over because life was not going to wait on me. I would have and should have told myself that I did not have to go to college right after high school like many of my classmates were doing if I was unsure of what I wanted to pursue for a career. Instead of sitting around and doing nothing, I would then have made my high school senior self go out and get her drivers license and work on getting some references for when she goes out and tries to get a job after graduation. Once my high school senior self got a job, if she self was lucky enough to get one, I could have made her save up some money and give her time to think about what to do with the rest of my life before going through the process of entering college for the first time. That way, the transition from high school student to college student would have been less stressful.

grace

If I went back in time to my high school graduation I would give myself a lot of advice. Starting with don't take time off to "find yourself", you already know who you are. You always have known that you wanted to be a teacher, taking those three years off did nothing but stall your time to make a difference in the world by helping young minds to grow and learn. I would tell myself that all those parties weren't really the most exicting part of college, that it was about the actual campus and it's history. I would advise myself to apply to more colleges instead of opting for the community college approach. I learned so much more from the University of Arizona than I did at the community college, I should have started here earlier. I would tell my past self that no matter how hard an assignment is to get through it and to study. TO LEARN TO LOVE TO STUDY. That your social life it isn't going to exisit until after college so let's buckle down and do this!

Shirley

“If I could do it again, things would be so different", I never thought those words would come out of my mouth but as you age your perspective on life changes. I am currently thirty-one and going back to college to finally get my education. After I graduated high school I wasn't as focused or mature as I should have been. I enjoyed partying and working to make money. After being promoted at work and experiencing what I considered at the time to be "a real paycheck" I dropped out of college. I have held many jobs since then and I have made some pretty decent money, but now I know the truth, and that is that no money in the world can make up for your college education. What would I tell my high school self if I could? Stay in college. Focus and make the sacrifice now, be determined to follow through with what can arguably be one the most important and best decisions of your life and that is to get your college education.

Rochelle

The advice I probably would have given myself as a high school senior would be to make the most out of every oppurtunity. Do not be embarassed to join a club or go to an event alone. Everyone around you is in the same situation you are. College is all about making connections and learning. The only way you can do that is to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. The worst thing that could happen is that you do not like it. Also, try new things and do not be set on one occupation. People change their majors everyday and it is not the end of the world if you have no idea what to do for a living. Even if it does not seem like it, you have all the time in the world. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the college experience!

ruby

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to get involved in college and work on my time management skills. I would stress the importantance of finishing classes in a timely manner. Furthermore, I would tell myself to make a decision on what career I would like instead of taking my time to decide. I would remind myself procrastination is a students biggest enemy. Finally I would tell myself to make the best of college and milk it for all its worth because you can't get this time back.

Maria

Dear Senior HS Me, You are working and studying at this point in your life. Don't spend your money on things you don't need. Save it up, for college. At around October all the way through January start applying for colleges. DON'T WAIT UNTIL APRIL OR MARCH! Apply for scholarships, apply to plenty of scholarships. Don't spend so much money on prom or school events, at the end of the day it's a great memory, but not worth so much money. Go to your teachers for help and go to the counslers office for any college questions, that's what they are there, to help. Pay more attention in class and get off your phone! I promise that whatever is on that cellphone screen is not as important as your future and your GPA, so pay attention in class. Do more extracurrecular activites, join clubs, and do a sport. In other words be active around school. One last thing, don't be scared to ask questions, don't be scared to be you, and please stop following the crowd. Sincerely, Future College Me.

Luz

The advice that I would give my Senior High School self would be this, "Luz, study hard and focus. Don't let the distractions get to you, cause there will be a lot of them and they will all be very tempting. Give yourself time between every task, but make sure you do each task to the best of your ability and that they are not rushed or sloppy. To prepare for the transition from high school to college, go to your college, Pima Community College, and the University of Arizona, and see where all your classes are, where your advisors offices are, and look around the school to get an idea of where things are. In doing this, you won't be so overwhelmed and you wil have an idea of how to get around. Don't expore your college at the last minute, go a month or less before classes start, so that you have time to take it all in. Most importantly, don't stress out about the size of the college, or the classes you signed up for, just pace yourself and you will do fine." This is the adive I would give my Senior Self.

Robert

I would tell myslef to hang on for the ride because the ideal vision of college that i had percieved in my mind is far different than i had ever imagined. I would tell myself to prepare for some financial hurdles along the way, and to establish a savings now that will positively impact my quality of living in the future. I would tell myself about the importance of working hard now in order to pay off later. It is hard to say what exactly how i would convince myself, aside from the fact that i would know it was future me in whom i was speeking to. I would let myself know the importance of proper diet and excersise habits, and who and who not to associate whith at any given time. I would educate myself on the dangers of drinking and driving, as well as how to withstand peer pressure which could negatively impact my school studies. I would tell myself to be confident, brave, and cautious; to be organized, professional, and respectful. And finally, i would tell myself to relax and expect some detours along the way, but never to be afraid to be myself.

Mariana

For the first few weeks of college, you will lose complete control of your life, your future, and your desires. You will lose sense of who you are and you will begin to doubt your capabilities and success. You will wonder why you are where you are, and you will wonder about the places you are ultimately bound to go. Nevertheless, don't panic because you will recuperate from this. Although you will feel as though everyone has it all figured out while you're just floating around, not knowing your destination, that is not the case. Most of the people you meet do not have it figured out; you are not the only one who is lost inside your own mind. You have to find your inner-strength and think rationally about your future and desires. College opens new doors for you, but sadly, it also closes some. You will realize that hard work does not always pay off, and sometimes, that it is all about the people you meet and not about the things you learn. You will eventually realize that although life can be selfless and meaningful, there is also a harsh reality behind it.

Kevin

Be prepared. These four years will make or break your entire life. You will be faced with happiness, sadness, guilt, and regret. This rush of emotions will not stop until you walk across that stage May 2014. You will be faced with challenges that you feel you will won't overcome, care for people that you know will never care for you back, and the feeling of accomplishment knowing that you did something productive and are preparing yourself for what lies ahead. College is something else and what you have experienced in high school is nothing to what you will come across during your first semester. But understand that this is what is so great about your experience. You learn from your mistakes, you grow overtime, and you learn who you really are and what you want in life. And hey, you even meet a girl. Lastly, keep an open-mind. Love, live laugh every day that you are there because once it is over, you will only have the memories of what you did during those four years, NOT what you didn't do.

Alena

Simple, start scholarships earlier and get off the couch. My biggest problem in college is not having any money because I hardly get any money from federal financial aide and my parents have no money to help me with my tuition. So, I would keep reminding myself that scholarships are not just handed out like flyers, they have to be earned. Earning a scholarship can be easy by maintaining good greats and applying to as many as possible. I would have had such an easier transition into college if i had receieved more scholarships.

Corey

I would go back in time and tell my younger self to start reading. To throw away the TV and learn. After attending college and reading much more than I had in high school i began to enjoy learning about the world through the lens of other people. To start questioning what our brains are actually doing when neurons fire and how to read that and react. Reading keeps my mind at peace, and that is what i needed coming out of high school. The American college experience is all about novel experiences and novel problems, and understanding how my emotions worked in these situations would have saved me a vast amount of effort. I would have taught myself to try to find the blessings in the misfortunate, because even if we desperately want to believe there was meaning in an action, there probably was not.

Esperanza

If I were to go back to high school as a senior I would make sure to teach myself to not procrastinate because before I know it I will be stressed with the overload of work I left myself for one night. Discipline is key in order to become successful in all the courses. Discipline can be hard to get a hang of so I would start off my senior year by organizing my work and determining how to space out my work. The biggest advice I would give myself is,"No matter how easy a class or the material may be, always take the time to study for it because you are human, and it is common to forget the small details that can affect your test score". To feel less stressed out in college I would tell myself to apply to every scholarship that I am eligible so I do not have to worry about loans in the future. I would repeatedly remind myself that all the hard work will pay off in the long-run and remember to enjoy every second of the roller-coaster ride called college.

Kamarie

I would definitely tell my younger self to not be lazy and apply for as many scholarships that I could so that they could be more financially stable. I would tell them to make sure they apply for everything they could and to stay up on their classes. I would also probably tell them to wait to move into an apartment until after sophomore year, even though it is cheaper already it will not help with keeping grades up. I will also tell them to go to tutoring even though it seems like they won't help when they really do. Looking back, I did not realize that college would be so much more than I thought it was and I wish that someone would have prepared me more for it.

Lucinda

I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible all throughout summer and even during school because there are so many unexpected expenses that come up. I would also tell myself not to underestimate the importance of time management. Make time for sleep, laundry, and homework before going out. I think the best advice I could give myself is to not be afraid to join clubs and talk to other people because especially the first couple weeks, everyone is trying to find new friends. That's one thing I regret about my freshman year of college - not getting involved. I think I could have made so many more friends and even learned more things about myself but instead I felt shy and even a little insecure throughout the school year. The most important thing along with education is to discover new things and to grow as a person.

Aimee

I look back and even though I had an amazing for years of high school, I wish I couldve been involved in more. My senior year I had only two classes and part time job so it would've been really for me to join a couple extra clubs. I wish I would've done this one so I could've done everything my senior year and to build up my resume more. Yes, I went to a lot of school events but I wish I would've participated in creating them or going to more competitions for different clubs than the one I was in. I also didn't go to a lot of games because I went to so many throughout the years I thought I was tired of it, but I was wrong. I wish I went and spent the last few games hanging with friends and showing my spirit for our school.

Ausiana

The advice I would give myself is to try, try, try. I spent the first two years of high school just coasting on by. Which resulted in losing scholarships that I could have gained. I would tell myself to keep trying and to not take Geometry Honors or AP Economics. These classes will mess up your GPA. Also, start applying for scholarships. The earlier you apply, the better your chances. You don't want to wait until the last minute like I did. That's why I don't have any scholarships right now. That's why I'm worrying about how I will pay for college. Don't waste your potential. Use it to earn scholarships and to not worry about the debt you'll be in once you graduate. It's never to early to start preparing for college, but it can be too late.

Clarissa

I would tell myself to apply to more colleges sooner. I had missed a lot of deadlines because I was unaware of the college applications deadlines. I ended up spending a whole week in the computer lab at my school, missing class, just to finish as many college applications as I could and pay for all the transcipts I needed. I also would have myself apply for financial aid as soon as the application was available. I would also make myself apply for at least three scholarships a week. I wish I would've known what I wanted to study from the very beinning so I would be able to choose a college based on their degree programs. Not knowing how much the University of Arizona actually costs has me stressing about how I'm going to pay for my classes, but if I would've done more research my senior year, I could have better prepared myself. Although I always put school first, I would tell my senior self to make college applications and scholarships a main priority, too.

Katie

GPA matters. I approached undergrad as just a series of lectures where I could sit and listen and learn new material but never took grades that seriously. I lost my scholarship senior year and grad school was difficult to get into because my GPA was so low. Also, make sure that every summer you do a summer internship or outreach program. You need to continue to develop yourself and learn what it's like to be in 'the read world'. College will teach you a fair bit of knowledge, but you only learn how to apply that knowledge and apply yourself by having coroporate experiences.

Krystal

I would tell my self it doesnt matter how popular you are or what people think of you; it is what you do with your time, how you plan for a successful future and mostly importantly how you perceive yourself. Act with integrity, speak with dignity, and be remembered as a legacy. You only have one life but dont say YOLO, live everyday like it was your last because you never know what life has in store for you.

Alexandra

If I could go back in time, I would give myself advice on every little thing that I could. For starters, I would highly recommend to constantly be applying to scholarships because even a $50 scholarship can be a huge help, especially in an environment where a book can cost four times as much. I would also tell myself to improve on my time management skills because time is crucial. Getting better control of time can help in school and life overall, and it can help to clear up unnecessary stress. Then I would tell myself not to stress out so much. I think that a little stress is healthy, but there's no need to worry about everything. I would then advise myself to think about what I want to study in college very carefully. It is a difficult decision to make, so I would say to explore all my options carefully and to talk to advisors before getting to college, to get a better understanding of everything before starting classes. Finally, I would tell myself to enjoy every second left of high school because everything will change and it won't ever be the same again.

Cherie

If I had the power to go back in time to my senior year of high school, I would have some strong words of wisdom to give my young self. For intance, I would tell myself to seek out any and all tutoring and support that is allotted around the campus. Classes can be challenging but with the right support, it is possible to succeed. Following this, I would say to really reflect on the things that I enjoy doing. This includes sports, music, clubs, languages, and subjects and choose the major that YOU want as a career not what your family or friends want. And hey, it's OK if you do not know what you want to do yet, just dip your toes into the water and join some new clubs and and take some new unheard of coursework. Never heard of Sociology? Take a class on it ad find out! College is a time for discovery; don't rush it, you have all your life to worry and stress, enjoy it and learn things that interest you! When you do find something that intrigues you, make it your career- you wont regret it!

Pamela

As humans mature and grow older they use their knowledge from prior experiences that assist with future decisions. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior with the knowledge I have obtained now, I would offer several recommendations. First, I would tell myself to concentrate more on my academics in high school and less on my social life. Don’t get me wrong, I was a good student but I could have tried even harder in high school in order to apply for scholarships to assist with college tuition costs. Second, I would advise myself to pursue my college degree right after high school and not after starting my own family. I am a wife, a mother of three children, a full time student at the University of Arizona South campus, and I also work part-time as a receptionist for a local air conditioning company. It is much harder to attend school full-time while attending to the needs of my children, husband, and work responsibilities. Third, get involved! My college journey has been rewarding and worth every minute. However, I would have just approached college differently had I known then what I know now.

Kylie

I think the single most important piece of information I could give to myself would be to stay determined in my scholastic endeavors and be as much of a well rounded person as I can be. I used to think that higher education was only for "smart people", but being in college made me realize that hard work, more than anything, is the key to success. Failure is not an option when you're dedicating multiple hours of your day to understand the intensive information that is thrown your way. Take advantage of the education that you've been offered so continue to be grateful. Never stop reaching out to others for help and be polite to those who are patient enough to deal with your anxiety filled "night before the test and oh my goodness I'm going to get a C" paroxysm. Make a habit to radiate positivity, keep an open mind, accept criticism for your own personal growth and learn from your mistakes. Don't forget to ALWAYS be proud of the choice you made to go to the University of Arizona because up to this point, it's the best decision you've ever made!

Lizbeth

The transition between high school and college life is overwhelming, exciting, and rewarding. I would advise myself to exceed in high school courses because the university of my dreams could grant me scholarships, an invitation to the honors college, or reduce the tuition for my education. I would dedicate time for school, and studying, to invest in my future. The university expects students to have the scholastic potential, to be self-disciplined and devoted to learn. A large majority of learning will happen in studying for classes outside of the classroom, to remember the information. I should appreciate the aid available such as academic support services, tutors, and career advisors. I would also be more independent by pursuing help on my own. Ambition would have to come within myself instead by my parents and teachers. With all the freedom comes a lot of responsibility which includes self-motivation. There are more distractions in college than in high school. I would use time more effectively; time management is very important. Decisions include having enough time for studying, completing class work, eating nutritious meals, and getting a good amount of sleep. Leaving high school and starting college is the biggest adjustment.

Justine

Justine, college is tough. I know that you are used to being a straight-A student without trying too hard, but life at the university is completely different. You will have to learn how to learn material without your teacher holding your hand; there will be no “busy work” each night. You will have to create your own work. Moreover, and do not laugh because I am serious, you will need to start studying for your tests at least two weeks in advance. This may seem daunting, but you can do it. The work you will do and the challenging exams you take will be so much more rewarding. Do not be afraid to seek help – the tutoring centers and the professors are happy to help you as long as you are putting time into learning material on your own first. You will learn invaluable skills and information. Find friends along the way, which also may sound easy for an outgoing girl like you, but making friends can be difficult. Reach out to others because most of them need friends too. Stay involved in extracurricular activities because this is a great way to network and make lasting relationships. Good luck!

Kelcie

I would go back and tell my self to start scholarships asap. I would also tell myself to decide what I want to do and to go down that path, instead of being indecisive. Also, moving out to live on campus is not a bad thing, you will thank yourself later for doing it. To set up a system for taking notes and for remembering important dates and assignments. I would also tell myself that going away to college is not something to be afraid of. That there are so many thigns that you will miss out on by not going immediately. The relationships between family and friends would be diffrent then they are if you do not go. Also staying just because your boyfriend is not leaving is not worth. Basically deciding on your major and living on campus is worth being away from everyone. Oh, and dont eat the quiche befor prom, no good comes of it.

Alexis

I've always believed in the saying “everything happens for a reason” because more often than not, it is the only way to get through a tough time. Nobody wants to believe that having your heart broken or losing a best friend happened for some greater good, but the reality is that we learn best through experiences. As a senior in high school, it would be great to have some insight about the Chemistry final I was sure to fail next year; a warning about the Physics course I should drop because the professor can’t distinguish velocity from acceleration. Truthfully, if I hadn’t felt that disappointment after receiving a failing grade on my Chemistry exam, it isn’t likely I would have fixed my study habits for the following semesters. If I'd dropped my Physics course, I would have continued to run from all my challenges instead of facing them. Though it is not always easy to see, every experience in life has something to offer in helping us grow. I think knowing to look for that lesson in every scenario instead of dwelling on the difficulties is the best piece of advice I could receive.

Melanie

I wasn't sure how I was going to answer this question until I took the Campus Discovery survery minutes before typing my reply. The questionnaire asked if I could go back in time and select my school again, would I still attend the University of Arizona? The answer, unfortunately, is "no". If I could make my choice again I would have chosen a school for me, and not for anyone else. My parents urged me strongly to stay in-state; they couldn't afford a fifth of Cornell's tuition (my first choice university). After studying abroad in Italy this summer, I finally came to terms with the fact that sometimes it's acceptable and necessary to make decisions for you, and only you. My parents, as usual, urged me to stay home and save money, but I applied diligently for scholarships and managed to afford the trip. If I could rewind the clock I would have believed in my dream to attend Cornell. Because even when the rest of the world tells you that it's a long shot, it is always possible to find a means of achieving your goals.

Kimberly

I would tell myself that applying early is a must, especially for scholarships. I would also like to tell myself that to throw care to the wind and think not what people see me as but rather be assertive and not give into being the girl that can be pushed around. I learn later in life that by not caring what peole think of you, one is more able to grow and feel good about being oneself.

Jamie

Remember how our high school said that they were preparing us for college, that we had nothing to worry about? Well, they lied. We thought college was going to be a walk in the park, or at least as easy as high school had been. To my dismay, I must tell you that it’s not. The teachers don’t seem to care, nor do they really even teach, so ask lots of questions, regardless of how much time you think you’re taking up. Don't worry about the other students there. You are there for you to learn, don’t let anybody else take that away from you. Don’t expect all of the tests to reflect what you have actually been taught. For some reason, not all of the professors make their own tests. Sit in on lectures (with the professor’s permission), ask students about their homework load, what their experiences have been. They will be a more accurate source than our previous teachers. They went to college too, yes, but it changes so quickly. Get the most up-to-date information. Breathe slowly, don't rush, and know that it won’t last forever.

Mallary

I came to a realization a year or so ago that every experience, good or bad has created who I am. With this realization came my motto of, “Do not regret what you have done since what you’ve done has shaped who you are.” That being said the advice I would give myself the summer before senior year would be: do not sell yourself short and learn everything you can from every person you encounter. My senior year I had a tendency to doubt myself. I continually downplayed my strengths because I didn’t take pride in myself. This past year I discovered that I am a good person with many strengths and I hate that I had such low self-esteem for so long. I met many people this past year through volunteering. I met professors, scientists and politicians. While I always made small talk, looking back on it I realize that I missed opportunities to learn from them. I wish I hadn’t passed up that knowledge because everyone has wisdom to impart. But of course as my Dad always says, “Hindsight is 20/20.”

Monica

I won't lie: college is not always easy and the amount of money you will spend is overwhelming. However, you need not stress yourself out so much. The amount of stress you allowed yourself to experience your senior year of high school was not worth it. College is hard, and you will be much more independent and responsible for your own future. However, I promise you there will be a number of resources and people on your side to help see you through it. You made it through your first year with fierce determination to do well and you succeeded. So please, be kind to yourself and enjoy your high school life while you still can. Make lifelong friendships, go out and have fun, but most of all, just be happy. I promise you can do this, and I am so proud of you for all you have done and for all you will manage to do in the future.

Mariah

If I could go back in time, I would go back to high school and tell myself to make sure I continued to do volunteer work, participate in school activities, and most importantly kept my grades up. Grades are extremely important; without good grades colleges won’t give scholarships and then you’re stuck worrying about affording college rather than enjoying the experience. Volunteering and school activities are important because they help you get into great colleges and get scholarships, but also because then you will have more things to do on campus and getting involved helps make friends and makes leaving home easier and college a lot more fun! Many people gave me these tips, especially since I attended a college prep high school, and for the most part I listened but I could have done more, and I am absolutely positive that if I had been told these things by a slightly aged version of myself, I would have listened; because when you are listening to an aged version of yourself give you advise you listen, because they know what they are talking about as they are talking about their experience and your future.

Gabrielle

Simple. In two words I would tell myself to: try everything! This is going to be the only time in your life where you have this much freedom and opportunity at once. The University of Arizona has so many incredible outlets to take advantage of. Look back at your high school career. How many times did you go camping or rock climbing? The U of A Recreational Center can offer you the gear to go out and do all sorts of new and fun activities. How often did you culturally enrich your life? The U of A’s dance program is second to Juilliard, and their performances are discounted to students. You will be getting an education from some of the brightest minds in their field. Ask questions; get involved with the things that interest you. This is your chance to do all of this. You have so many great resources at your fingertips. It would be a crime to not take advantage of them. You never really know how you feel about something until you dive in and try it yourself. So go discover what you are passionate about. That is what college is about.

Lejla

Don't assume your first year will be the easiest. It won't be. It won't be the material and the classes that will be difficult. It will be the transition of becoming independant and truly formulating your own opinions and ideas. Try to create a structured schedule to keep you focused and consistant. The excitement of everything will not go away soon. Every experience in college will be foregin, tantalizing, and thrilling. Sleep is your best friend. Do not stay up late because you want to. Sleep helps your brain solidify the lessons taught. It is necessary. No matter what you hear, GPA is important. It shows future employers you are driven to success and are personally motivated. Go to class. You are paying for your education. Not going to class is wasting thousands of dollars. The more you go to class, the better relations you have with the professor, the better opportunities you will recieve both during your college career and after graduation. College is the time to develop. Allow yourself to do so.

Rebecca

If I could go back and recreate my high school years, I would. I wish I’d known then what college life was like in reality. High school was an experience I skated through with as little effort as possible. Yeah, I got good grades because I’m smart. I didn’t have to study much and my final grades weren’t important to me. College life is all about the grades. It starts way back in high school where students should strive to obtain the best grades possible. This opens up way more opportunities for scholarships. Every little penny helps toward paying for your tuition. If I had worked harder in high school, I may not have had to pay so much out of my own pocket. College courses are not necessarily more difficult, they just require a higher level of dedication. I decided in college to begin studying harder at my classes to maintain my GPA. What better feeling in the world than to say I graduated with high honors four years later? Work hard, it’s worth it!

Julia

Don't have such high expectations. I know you're looking forward to being surrounded by new friends, to find a boyfriend within the first month, and discover your true passion and be exceptionally successful in your schoolwork and extracurricular. Guess what? That doesn't happen. Transitioning into collage is difficult. You just left home to be thrown into a crowd of 40,000 other students. It'll take time to find where you belong, to find friends let alone a boyfriend and love. You aren't going to have parties to attend, you aren't going to be best friend with your roommate, and you are going to be lonely. And as for school? It's my senior year and I still don't know what I'm truly passionate about. I change my mind everyday. Though there is one thing I've learned in collage that has helped me through it all: Nothing is set in stone. You'll make and lose friends and boyfriends. You're major will change 4 times, and that's okay cause so will your career. It's all a rollercoaster of ups and downs, so just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Marcus

High school, like all school, is preparation for the next stage in life; do you feel prepared for that? I know this answer to be big no, so listen up! When we graduate from high school, most of us will legally be adults, but that does not mean we have completely matured mentally. The transition into college will be much easier if you are mentally prepared, and I am going to provide you with some advice to achieve that. First, do not spend all of your time studying because gaining and maintaining other interests is a major part of the maturing process; however, I am not saying do not study. Studying and learning is a crucial step towards maturing because when you learn you can use your knowledge to gain a political stance, make up a question worth answering, and even question authority; that is, within reason. When you learn, you gain your own interpretation which makes you more independent; independence is a momentous part of becoming an adult. If you listen and study, you will see how much you really enjoy learning, and your interests and passions will be uncovered. When you gain your interests, college will be fun.

Elliot

If I could go back in time and give my past self some advice, I would highly emphasize the following three tips for success in college: making time to relax, getting involved in clubs and organizations, and going to office hours and consulting professors. Being at the university level can be very stressful. While your studies are important, finding the time to take your mind off of school can be just as crucial. Making sure that you have time to yourself away from school can improve your mood during class time. Also, I would say that joining clubs on campus is essential. By connecting with one of these organizations, you are able to get experience in your interests, find volunteering opportunities, and possibly obtain a link for internships and employment. Finally, I would suggest getting to know the professors who teach your classes. By going to office hours, you are showing initiative to your instructor which, with enough perseverance, can get you a connection for a research position later in your academic career. With these three tips for success, I feel that I may have had less stress and more opportunity to succeed and branch out in my undergraduate career.

Natalie

Dear Senior Year Natalie, You have no idea how easy you have it. You complain about your AP classes and all of the homework that comes along with them, well guess what? Highschool.... especially your senior year... is a cinch. Do NOT get me wrong, your freshman year is going to be the best year of your life-but it's also going to be a huge wake up call. No more of the "start studying at midnight the night before a big test" stunts. No, you will one day have to start studying a WEEK or longer before those big tests. If you don't, well, your basically screwed. Take those AP classes seriously, as much as you still hate to admit it, they really did prepare you for big kid school. Another thing, cherish your friends and family. A lot changes after your first year of college, in fact, you yourself will change a lot. Those people have always been there to keep you grounded. They helped build the foundation you entered college with, and without it, you wouldn't be near as close to transforming into the amazing woman you are today. Be proud of yourself.

Celes

Looking back on my high school career, I come to realize that it was some of the best years of my life thus far. I also realize that I could learn a lot from my mistakes that I made throughout high school. I wish that I better prepared myself for the entire college process. I did not know what to expect and I was very intimidated to attend such a big school and not know a single person. Now after attending college, I know that there is nothing to be afraid of. Everyone is in the exact situation and wants to meet new people as much as I did. I also wish that I would have signed up for more clubs and involved myself. The main thing that I learned is to apply for scholarships. I barely made it by my first year of college financially and I learned that it is a necessity to have scholarships in order to continue with my college career. Making mistakes are not always a bad thing, they give you a chance to learn as you go and grow as a person. These are the type of things I would advise myself to change.

Sabina

Meeting people in college is different than meeting people in high school. It’s no longer knowing everyone in your year. Actually, if I knew the names of everyone in one of my college classes that was miraculous. I know I have heard it a million times by now, but college is huge and not just because the campus is ten times larger than my high school. There are so many different people—all from different places and with different direction they are going. But that doesn’t mean that I should be afraid of talking to the person sitting next to me in class. Maybe they’re not going to become a close friend or even an acquaintance, but I will have one interesting story to tell afterwards. Once I want to make friends rather than just small talk, finding clubs to join is the way to go. Though it might be scary to go to the first meeting, it will be tons of fun too. But joining clubs just to join them doesn’t work in the same way. I won’t click with the other members instantly and it will be harder to make friends.

Kristina

Don't worry too much about what people are going to think of you. In college, all of the social issues you worry about now will be petty. Just make sure that your first priority at the UofA is to make yourself happy. You really need to join or a club, preferably one that involves sports to stay in shape. You need to go out of your way to make as many friends as possible and as time goes on, make an effort to narrow them down and find the ones that you truly believe can be life long. Be yourself and don't pretend to be someone that you are not. Don't get involved with people who are not academically motivated and keep up with your work. It is not as hard as everyone tells you.

Ciera

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to always look at things from a positive outlook even when life gets difficult and seems impossible. I would tell myself that you create who you are and who you want to be. Furthermore, the day you stop learning is the day that you die. Overall, learning makes you smarter and happier than you can ever be. Lastly, you can do anything you want to do as long as you think before you act.

Nina

As a high school senior everyone told me how hard college was, however, no one ever told me what made it so complicated. I survived my first year of college