University of Arizona Top Questions

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would explain to myself that it is a difficult process applying for college and getting everything ready for your freshman year and I just need to take a deep breath and know that it will be worth it in the end. I would tell myself to enjoy ever single moment of my senior year and attend everything that you can when it comes to my senior year. Also, to spend more time with my family because you won't see them as much when you head to the University. But most importantly I would tell myself to enjoy my last year of being a kid and being young. This should be one of the best years of your life and just to enjoy every single moment.

I would tell myself to always love me and remember that this is the time to put yourself first. Your knowledge is all you will have after you graduate, so make it count. Find your balance ,fast, between your social life and academics. Those who are truly your friends will understand when you say you have to stay in to study and those who call you "lame" or tell you "fine, go back to your cave" aren't worth your time and friendship. You will be terribly homesick, but that is OK. Remember that moving around as a child has prepared you for this moment, also mom and dad are only a phone call away--make sure to call mom and dad! Remember that these next four years, although they may be tough they will fly by so make the most of it. Enjoy, embrace, and welcome every moment and opportunity that comes your way. It will always work out for the best, rain or shine. The point is grow up, be the woman you are meant to be, and never give up on yourself. Go to the greatest University and accomplish your life goals.

I know that you are currently focused on a specific degree for college, but before you decide to finalize these goals, perhaps take a step back. I would hate for you to pay money, time, and work into a four-year degree without a guaranteed job after graduation. Some degrees are only meant to transition students into another four-year master or doctorate program and some sensible decisions now can save you thousands of dollars. Sometimes students must take gap years for tests, personal issues, and having a job during this time may prevent you from going too far into debt . Ask yourself these questions before school begins: Does this degree lead to a financially stable job that has a positive job market after four years? Can you support yourself independently with this job? Can you pay off your loans with this salary? I am not saying that you should not still graduate with a degree in creative writing to become the next J. K. Rowling, but double majoring will make you more competitive for your future career as well as guarantee a job following years of college. The decision is ultimately yours alone, along with their consequences. Good luck.

I would recommend living in the dorms your first year of college, because your first two semesters are the most important for success in the future, and living on campus will get you used to the lifestyle and is an easy way to meet lots of people. Get involved in any way that you can, whether its a club, a job, sports, volunteering, the best way to feel like you belong at the University is to get involved in programs that fit your interests. Help is given to all that ask, so there really is no reason you should not seek help. If I could go back, I would have gone to tutoring way earlier in the semester and probably would've saved me failing a class or two. Meeting people in your classes or degree program is helpful for forming study groups, which in the science field, are a huge help!

For me, the transition between high school and college was exciting and a bit scary. I think the worst part was being away from my family; I was very homesick. It’s very hard when you live with the same people for eighteen years, and then all of a sudden, you don’t get to see those people every day. However, the best part was the freedom. I got to eat whatever I wanted whenever I wanted and I could stay up as late as I wanted, there was no one to tell me what to do. It was pretty cool at first but I quickly learned responsibility. So if I could go back and give my younger self some advice, I would say: eat your vegetables, just because you can eat whatever you want whenever you want, doesn’t mean you should. Be outgoing; you can never have too many friends. I would tell myself that some things may be difficult but they will only make you stronger, and I promise that it will get better. And I would tell myself that I am strong, smart, beautiful, and I deserve the best, because sometimes that’s easy to forget.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior and high school I would tell myself to find out information earlier. I wish that before I had actually started college I was more aware about the different clubs and social activities that take place on campus that way i would be able to join them earlier and not be behind. Additionally, I would tell myself that it is vital to form study groups and good study habits so I can maintain all A's. Probably one of the most important pieces of advice I would give to myself is that college life is difficult, you have to stay focused on grades, but at the same time don't let a B on a test break you. College is going to be more difficult than highschool but it's important to maintain I good mental health and have fun and keep yourself healthy.

Going into college may seem scary but you should have no worries. Everyone is friendly and it will be easy to make friends. You will have a social life, even if you are meek and shy, these traits will not stop your classmates from talking to you and eventually creating a bond with you. Academically, you will succeed as long as you do your work, attend class and study. One thing you must do though is do a degree check with your academic advisor(s) before a new semester starts, just so you know for sure that you are on the right track. If you do not do so, you may end up staying an extra semester or two trying to complete all your credits. You should also go into your professor's office hours for help whenever possible. This is a great asset in college. And finally, just relax and have fun. Enjoy the experience of living away from home and being an adult.

Going back in time to my high school self in senior year would be the one thing I wish I could have done. If I had that opportunity I would have told myself to have done more research on college and how different it would be versus high school. Not to buy every book for every class just because the professor says you need it. The truth is many professors ask for books that aren't needed and some of them can be found at the library or be rented which saves you a whole lot of money. Lastly that college is a tough road and sometimes you second guess your decision because others tell you what you should be doing. When in reality its your future and you have to be happy with what career you decide. Don't let people make you second guess yourself because later on you will find out you made the right decision and you end up being happier than you have ever been that you listened to who you are rather than what others wanted you to be.

Dear High School Self,I want you to know that college will be tougher than you expected. Try not to waste time. There will be times when you want to go see a movie with your friends the night before your 8 am class. Don’t do it. You will regret the tired feeling you have the next morning as you try and drag your self out of bed. You need your sleep. Join activities and make new friends these people will help you and make you a better person. Don’t take failure lying down professors are there to help you go to as many office hours as you can. You will do fine. Good luck,Your Future self.

Be ambitious, inquisitive and self-motivated. Be passionate about your work and life and approach it all with a voracious appetite for knowledge and experience. At college you’re fortunate enough to learn amongst the brightest individuals in the country; you have endless opportunities at your disposition, you need only take the initiative to find them. In doing so remember learning isn’t exclusive to scholarly pursuits, without life experience education is meaningless. I met more people, tried more new things, and failed more times than I have in my entire life during one year of college. I loved it and can’t wait to do it again with like enthusiasm. We’ve all heard that mistakes are an important part of learning, but two mistakes you don’t want to make are (1) being lazy, and (2) being close minded. Opportunities appear in the most surprising places, but one place I would be surprised if they appeared would be on your couch in front of the TV. Put yourself out there and don’t be afraid of embarrassment or failure because it’s better to feel stupid for five minutes now than to remain ignorant for fifty years.

I would start out by saying don't be afraid to talk with people; that's how you make new friends. I would then say learn how to keep a good schedule and how to plan ahead. Do not procrastinate; keep on top of your work and don't lose heart in the middle of long papers. Plan thouroughly with enough wiggle room so that if something major happens the deadline can still be met. Set high goals, be determined, but don't forget to plan time with friends too. A good tip I wished someone told me is to take good notes, look for points of emphasis when a teacher is lecturing, it might reappear on a test. I would also tell myself to watch what your eating. Be sure your making wise choices as to what your putting in your body. I would tell myself to get plenty of sleep, because not enough sleep causes unraveling of plans, focus, and attention. Lack of sleep also leads to grumpiness, lack of attention in class and poor memerization. The Most improtant thing I would tell myself is to relax, soak it all up, and have fun!

Andrea, I know the beginning of senior year is overwhelming because of college applications and the challenging courses you are taking. Keep going; your efforts will be worth it in college. I just wanted to give you a little insight before you transition. The most important thing I have to tell you is this: focus more on yourself. Throughout high school, you’ve been very concerned about other people’s opinions. This is your last year, and I am going to challenge you to make a big push- please release. You compare your success and your abilities to your peers and that distracts you from your own goals. I know you know your true interests, so start to worry about only you. Stop listening to everyone around you and listen to yourself because that leader inside is trying to come out. You have a pretty great mind, kid! Pursue your passions and goals even if it scares you, and don’t think about what others may think. This is your time to make a change and it’s only a small step in getting to know Andrea. Just wait till college! It gets even better. Love, 19-year-old Andrea

Don't be embarrassed about the things you like, you're not as weird as you think you are. You will meet people like you, but only if you make the effort. DON'T STAY IN YOUR ROOM ALL DAY. I REPEAT, DO NOT STAY IN YOUR ROOM ALL DAY. I know you're going to be a broke college student, but go out and enjoy your time there! There's plenty of fun, free things to do at college. If you see a poster, sign, or note, check to see if there will be free food at the function it's advertising. I lived off the free food of those things. Please, please, please go check where your classes are and do a test run before classes start. I had ten minutes to run across campus in 110 degree weather, don't make the same mistake I did. Talk to people in your classes and make friends, there's nothing worse than finishing your homework at 6:00 and realizing you have no one to hang out with. Dear God apply for scholarships!! Money is the last thing you should be worrying about at this time in your life.

If I could go back in time l would reassure myself that everything I'm worried about will fall into place. The eager seventeen-year-old me would ask, "Did I get into Vanderbilt, did I decide to study Pre-Med, and do my boyfriend and I survive a long distance relationship?!" The present-day me would calmly reply, "the school you attend doesn't matter so much as your desire to succeed, forget Med school and find something you really love, and (spoiler alert!) you and your boyfriend are doing just fine." I'd also give myself a few tips that would have been helpful during my first two years of college. "Don't buy the brand new 175 dollar textbook; chances are you will only use it twice. Never schedule a class earlier than 9am; as much as you try, you're just not a morning person. Check your email before every class; don't be the girl that shows up to an empty lecture hall. And most importantly, coffee is your friend." Then I'd finish by saying, "don't worry, the best years of your life aren't ending, they are only just beginning."

This opportunity will only come once in a lifetime: being independent and able to find your own interests, while still dependent financially on others. You are able to explore outlets and facets that you may never again be able to. So, while academics is important, don't be scared to meet new people, try new things, join that salsa class, cheer with your fellow Wildcats, and study abroad! Write down all of the things you're interested in or would like to pursue, and at least TRY them out. Also, it helps to have a planner and write down what the homework is that day. Just trust me on that one...

Hey Mickey from my past, listen up! Now I know you are looking forward to attending the University of Arizona but some things you do not know. The math department in the university is a mess. I mean a total mess. A year before you came, they were on probation for successing with so many students with the failing grade of a D or an E. I honestly suggest for you to keep every piece of Precalculus the best that you can. At the school they supply foreign teachers that are hard to understand when they try to speak English. Another suggestion for yourself is to not buy candy from the candy machine. It is a waste of money. Get ready to graduate and good luck in the math department!

Enjoy life and finish school. Education is very important in life to get you where you want to be in the future. Be serious about it and always try and learn more to help in life's

Listen, kid, I have got some advice: Talk.“What? Talk? I can so talk!” I, hereafter referred to as ‘you’, am probably thinking. We both know what I mean. Remember that time Senior year of high school you went up to the kids you had been going to school with for the past three years and started a conversation? No? Exactly. That’s because it never happened. You let yourself become the ‘quiet guy’ and hated yourself for it. In your first year of college you will join some pretty sweet clubs. However, just like in high school, you aren’t going to talk to any of the wonderful folk in those clubs. You are going to remain cynical, assuming that everyone else is a baboon who hates you, and will go on doing the bare minimum in social interaction. This would be fine and dandy if it was not for the fact that you felt lonely. That you felt depressed. That you wanted to talk to them but could not bear the thought of rejection. The result? Here is your list of college friends: Good list? No. Do me a favor and make some friends in college. Talk.

If going to college is your plan, take honors or AP classes, maintain a high GPA and participate in a college readiness program. Universities offer summer bridge programs to help make a smooth transition from high school to college and understand the expectations of being a college student. College isn’t easy, and you must be willing and prepared to work hard at all costs. These steps, along with a dedication, motivation and “can do” attitude, will help you be successful at the university level. Participate in various extracurricular, work, community service and leadership activities. These experiences allow you to 1) learn about the values of commitment, responsibility and teamwork, 2) develop leadership qualities, and 3) gain a strong work ethic and communication skills. These are all qualities that will assist you in any situation – college, career, and life. You must also figure out how to pay for college. Complete the FAFSA annually because you may qualify for government and university financial aid. Secondly, apply for as many scholarships as you can, as early as sophomore year. Scholarships mean fewer student loans. Lastly, your family’s support in your endeavors will help you achieve your academic, career and personal goals.

Dear Anita, Collage is a whole new world. Here is some advice to help you prepare for the striking new adventure you're about to embark on. First off, don’t let anyone “borrow” your homework. Friends are great, but create boundaries to protect yourself and others. The relationships you make in college will stay with you forever, make sure they are healthy. As well, turning in your own work is always more satisfying. You have the potential to be magnificent, don’t miss out on discovering your talents by not taking the time to perfect your work. Most important, learn it NOW, not later. Study every chance you get, not just before the test; you can’t retake tests in collage, so prepare now. Don’t do something just to get it done, put all your heart, soul, and mind into the work that will have your name. You make your own name so don’t turn in work that implies you are inferior. In the end, just don’t forget to face the terrifying now; you never know what will happen tomorrow. Some of the most terrifying questions have the most brilliant, life fulfilling answers. Yours Faithfully,

Advise to Senior High School Self. reflecting on myself back in high Senior year, and remember with a heavy heart and but more pride for the way things have worked themselves out within my life, although I was a C average student, I often found myself second guessing myself within all areas of my life, caving into peer pressure, letting doubt deter me from pursuing my educational goals, and prevented me from taking the first steps towards my dreams. After I graduated high school, I enlisted in the military. Learning how to perceptive both success and failure, how to precise and evaluate situations, how to approach them with an open mind, and where I went wrong and where I went right, the feeling of regret having resurfaced recently while reflecting on this question, what I learned from failure and the joy completing a class. Increasing my knowledge while comprehend the material , enjoyment of learning with my peers and how to apply this to my life today, so the advice I would give my high school self; would be: “Don’t worry about failures, worrying about that first step and whether or not you take it in the first place.

When you start college, you are asked to pick a major and dedicate yourself to that major, and essentially to a future. I wasn't ready. During high school, I assumed that if I just followed everyone's advice and worked hard, I would end up happy and successful. What I did not realize is that, in order to work for what I want in life, I must first know what it is that I want. While I did receive lots of meaningful advice, I put too much weight on the opinions of others. I took what they said as 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} truth and never took the time for self-reflection and self-discovery. Advice is meant to help and guide, but only the individual can decide what is true for himself/herself. In high school, one must remember that there are many different types of learning, more than high school can offer. If I could, I would say to my high school self: Busy yourself with self-exploration: figure out who you are, what's important to you, what you enjoy doing. Shadow people in different careers, volunteer for different organizations, and remember to keep an open mind.

If I could go back into time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not let others influence my decision on my major and what college I attended. I chose to go to a state school because it was the cheapest option for me, but everyday I regret not looking into other colleges that could have been a better fit for me. Also, as a senior in high school I chose a major based on what I was good at in school because that what other people did. In deciding a major back then, I neglected myself by not choosing a major that would lead me to a career that I love doing. As I enter my fourth year of college, I have changed my major at least 5 times and it took me two full years to finally decided on a major that I actually want to study. In this process I have added an extra year onto the usual four years. Even if I had the chance to tell my past self this, I would not because the lessons that I have learned from this experience are invaluable.

After completing my first year at a large university if I could go back and speak to myself high school senior self I would recommend a few changes. The most important thing I would tell myself is to get more involved. Instead of only focusing on my grades and GPA I would become more involved in sports, clubs, and senior activities. This is something I consider to be extremely important because at such a large university I found it at first hard to become involved in such a high volume of students. I think this advice to myself would have helped me to enjoy high school more and in turn allowed me to learn more skills that would have transferred to the university level. I think while academics are the most important thing it is almost equally important to learn leadership, group, and people skills. Learning this on a smaller scale could have helped me with the big transition to college.

I would tell myself to work harder and not let other people promblems reflect my life, no matter how much i care about them. Also that i should apply 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of myself towards my dreams and just encourage myself that theres always going to be people who try tearing you down and belittle you, you just need to learn to let go of all the bad and put yourself first and remeber you are worth something. Even if things dont go the way you wanted them to , to NEVER stop trying.

Savannah, As you begin the application process to Universities across the country, know that you need to focus on the opportunities available to you on the campus. No one has told you this, but Universities offer different scholarships to different students. Take a chance, apply to the out of state colleges and the big ivy leagues. There is nothing you can not accomplish, and every school offers aid in various ways. When you finally make the transition to the university of your choice, you will miss the simplicity of home. However, everything is up to you now - your diet, your homework, your sleep schedule. It is important to balance your time. Don't be afraid to meet knew people, they will make or break your experience because being timid and holing up in your room will not be beneficial to your mental state. Also, having a job on campus and joining clubs will help you to find your niche and begin the path to your dreams. Get out there, make friends, go to office hours, go to class. Take a chance and make the most out of your experience. Forever yours, Futue Savannah.

I would suggest to live on campus for the first year. It is more expensive, but more academic resources are easy to access to if you live on campus. I would also suggest apply to a lot of scholarships. It is better to get a head start on saving money. Take advantage of the resources the college offers to you. Such as, tutoring, computers, study areas, etc. Take advantage of your professor’s office hours if you need help, or have questions. They took time out of their day to be available to their students. For textbooks, it's usually cheaper to rent them than to buy. Check your school email as often as you can for classes being cancelled, class updates, school events, and deadlines. Use a calendar or agenda to keep track of what is due and test dates. It’s really helpful to keep track of everything so you do not get overwhelmed. If your college is holding some events take part in them! Not everything is about schoolwork. It is a good idea to relieve some stress. Try to be involved with your campus by joining a club or participating in the events they hold.

Time management is key for going to college. Without time management you will fail two semesters and it will take you three semesters to make up the failed classes and raise your GPA to get into the College of Engineering. In your freshman year, your ezcema will affect how you look drastically. Make sure you see the dermatologist and read about the medications the doctor gives you. Some of these medications will help for a limited number of time but then it will give you rashes which you will think is your ezcema. Without you feeling good about your appearance, it is going to be hard to attend class and even go out for you will be ashamed of your skin especially around your face. So please take care of your body and manage your time carefully for time management and confidence is key to succeding not just in college but in anything you set your mind to.

I find this a tough question to answer because I know what advice I would gived myself but the real question is would I choose to? My advice would be to move up to Massachusetts with my mother and sister instead of staying in Tennessee. I believe with their support I would have continued school up North and have taken a very different path in life. I can imagin what my life may have been: Graduating in 2008 mostly likely in Pre-Veterinarian Sciences and continuing my education unitl I became a Veterinarian. Perhaps in this alternative life I would be ready to start a family in the home I bought with my husband. Over all it may have been an easier path (we will never know) but I would not want to go down it. Instand I choose not to give my past self any advice and still take the path where I quit school, get involved with my anit-dream guy, and travel the country essentially homeless. I choose this unconventional and difficult path because it is the one that lead me to my salvation and motivation: My two beautiful daughters.

The advice I would get myself in highschool to help with the transition to college is to always talk to the professor either before or after class whenever possible about the topic of that hour. It will help later when needing letters of recommendations and help in that class when the teacher knows your name and knows you're personality. In addition, I'd tell myself to develop study techniques to help with classes that are particularily difficult, such as the Econ 200 class taken this past spring along with the Russian class that was taken in addition to another language class. I'd also tell my past self to not take herself so seriously all the time. To let lose, and do what makes her happy. She shouldn't need to do anything that she doesn't want to, and the only way she's gonna succeed later on is if she finds something she's super passionate about, that causes her eyes to light up when she talks about it, and to never doubt herself about what she can do. I also advise her to find mentors in her profession because they'll help her in the longrun.

You’ve been told throughout school that you should pick a career you will love, not what will make you the most money. You will also be told early on what kind of person you are. I was always told I was a great writer. Arizona’s undergraduate writing program was ranked second in the nation, so I decided to attend. As an alumni, I somewhat regret my decision. Writing is a passion, not a career. Because of how I was pigeonholed, I always underachieved in anything besides the humanities, and it limited my career prospects. Don’t let anyone tell you who you are, even if they're parents or teachers. Right now, before you decide on a career, major, or school is the time to experiment with life. I know it's difficult between school and work, but find the time. Somehow in college, I realized I had a passion for genealogy, which led me to explore careers in archives. Next year, I'll be starting a library science program. Though I was scared at first about transferring fields, I can’t be more excited, because I know now what I truly want to do with my life.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell him to open up more. As a senior in high school, I was very shy and did not like talking to others, but this hurt my social skills and made me very depressed in the coming years, especially in college. Living in the dorm by myself with no one I know around, it made me really close in on myself and not open up to anyone, and thus fueled my depression. I am much better now and I wish that I could have been this way from the get go because remembering that first year is heartbreaking to me and my grades suffered from my mental heatlh. Anyone new to college should try to make friends quickly because one your in the middle of a semester it is hard to talk to people because they are mostly established in their cliques. Going through school alone is very challenging and depressing so try to put your best step forward and make an effort to intereact with people.

Don't worry too much about making friends because you are going to make them so easily. Remember to use your school's resources and programs that help with the transition, because there are quite a few. Everyone you meet is in the same boat as you. So if you want to make friends with someone, just be the one to reach out to them because they may be just as nervous about college as you are. Despite everyone telling you that you may hate your roommate in the end, they fail to mention that you may also become best friends instead. So be friendly, constantly put yourself out there and stop stressing about becoming lonely because there are thousands of potential friends that are going to be around you!

Don't slack off on what you need to do. Ask for help and don't wait for another day. Let your father know what you need to get done and if you need a place to use the internet let your father know and he will help you. He wants the best for you. Do not let your negativity of thingd being not being possible. If you do not try you will never go far. Being too poor to provide for your tuition is not a bad thing, there are scholarships that will help provide you of that. Just keep looking for ways to move forward. Transportation is not a problem either. Your fear to drive should not hold you back. Learn to drive now and you will be gratefull later in life. Things may look scary now but its neccessary to over look them for a better tomorrow. There can't always be someone there to hold your hand. It it your own path to walk through, and only you can really make your own future. Do not worry. Everything will be ok.

Hello Aleesha, I noticed that your about to graduate from high school with your two year old daughter by your side. I came here to tell you that you need to stay motivated in college. You have made many mistakes in the past and will make more in your life as you grow older. This time when you enter college, think about your child and the child you will have a few years from now. Think about the role model you want to be and the life you want to give them. Stay in school and work hard so that you don't have to struggle the next couple of years to get by. This is the best advice I can give you, and hope you will take it and make better choices this time around. Remember, do not let peers influence you. You can do this!

In high school, I was confident about college. I attended University High School and I thought I was extremely prepared for college. I was prepared, but not as much as I had thought. I honestly thought that I would go to college and it would be the same as high school, just bit harder. I was wrong. One piece of advice I would have told myself, as a senior in high school, is that I need to start studying for a test atleast a week in advance. As much as you don't want to, you need to. It will improve your grades greatly because seeing the information over and over again will help much more than studying the night before. In high school, you could get away with studying the night before, but trust me, not in college. The last piece of advice that I would give myself would be to branch out and make friends that I did not attend high school with. I attended a college that is located in the same town that I grew up in and I wish that I would've branched out more rather than sticking with only friends from high school.

After experiencing college for myself, I sometimes look back and wish I could have done things a little differently. For example I came into college as an undecided major and that right there is what is hurting me right now, only because I wish I would have right away jumped into my major once I entered college for the purpose of wanting to graduate with the class of 2014. Other than that the biggest advice I would have also probably given myself would be to get involved, get out and meet new people. Socialize, this school is all about networking and meeting new people to create new connections in life, so most deffinatly get out and join clubs, organizations, etc. Sometimes I wish I can go to my old High School and talk my experiences only so I can motivate students to attend college and also take the right path.

There would be many tips of advice I would inform myself of as a senior in high school regarding college life. I would have told myself about how many friends you make just by living in the dorms and that I shouldn't be nervous of a new environment because change is always good and there is nothing to be afraid of. I would also tell myself that studying and attending class is the most important aspect of earning good grades. Being a straight A student in high school I would have never expected to receive anything less in college. But if I could go back in time before I started my freshman year in college, I would have encouraged myself to keep trying and keep my head up no matter the grade I got in college. People aren't perfect and I think you really realized that in college and keeping an open mind helps when you are feeling down. I needed to keep in mind that just because I failed once doesn't mean that I'm going to fail forever. I just needed to keep my head up and work harder next time.

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to get my Gen Eds done at a Community College. Don't worry about your core classes until you transfer to a university. Jumping straight into your major costs you a lot of time and scholarship money that could've went to better use other than tuition for classes that are not going to count. That would be my advice, also... It's okay to go out on the weekends here and there, have some fun, find out who you really are, because college.... It goes by faster than high school. P.S. Don't date Megan... that was a BAAAAAAD idea, just FYI!

Do not fret about fitting in to the college lifestyle or trying to impress people. Just be who you want to be. You'll make new friends to replace the old ones and you'll keep some true old friends. Take a chance because if you don't, you'll regret it later on. Everything will okay in the end; if everything is not okay, then it's not the end. Prepare yourself to buddy up with your professors. I know you did not like your high school teachers, but it is almost a must to get to know your college professors. They're there to help you out. It's okay to stand out and be different. Help others and I guarantee that they will help you.

In truth, it all comes down to what we see. I see you sitting there at your desk, ignoring the medley of your peers' voices, as you scroll through the information section of your future University. You know that your time in high school is coming to a close - no matter how slow it feels - and that this too shall pass. You know that college will change everything. You are right. College does change everything. College changes the scenery you see and the people you ineract with every day. College changes how you see yourself and ultimately how you see the world. However, college does not wave its wand and vanish the problems you experienced in high school. Yes, college is the chance to build a fresh start but I wish that I had known better than to expect college to erase what I considered at the time to be my flaws. Be prepared to have your weaknesses surfaced and laid out to you several times throughout your first year of college. No, college does not make your problems disappear, but if you can learn to see them in a different light, you'll be just fine.

i dont really know because im going to be a college studen, probably to not slack off my junior year of high school because i know i could have done better.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self I would say do not wait. There are many things in life that seem much more exciting and much easier than going to college. You need to go. Do not wait until you are twenty eight years old and are working full time. This will make going to college much more challenging (although you can still maintain a 4.0). Do whatever you have to do out of high school to attend college immediately.

As a student talking to myself as a senior, I would have told myself to research more of what career I wanted to go into and come to school undecided. I started in a major that I thought I loved until I started it and found out it was the opposite. Starting out as an undecided student I could have just finished my general education classes while I researched a career and a major that I knew for sure I wanted to stick with. I have found that now, but it would have saved me a lot of trouble switching and worrying about what major to choose for the career that fit me best.

Kevin, there is so much you have to learn. This is why you are planning on going to college, isn't it? Because you want to learn. However, what you will actually learn in your first year of college will be nothing like what you expected. You expected to go to Arizona, do a lot of partying, enjoy a lot of sports games, and have meaningless "fun" with a number of girls just like you did in high school. But in reality, you will learn that you have always been living in fear. You have been afraid of your true self, and you have been afraid to love. Do not worry though, you will learn what love is and what your purpose in life is. You will learn to stand up for those who need you and you will learn that the simple acts you do every day become the important moments in life. By chasing your dreams, you will not find what you expected, but you will find what is meant for you. I do not have a list of college-prep tips for you. All I can tell you is don't ever be afraid. Dream. Believe. Live.

College is not as scary as it seems. As you begin college, let me tell you that it's okay to be walk unto the campus as an 'undeclared' major. You don't have to feel pressured to decide on a mjor. You'll meet people who seem to know what they want, like future architectects, physiology majors, psychology majors, and as you're asked, "what's your major?" It's okay to look at them and say, "Undecided. I'm still trying to figure myself out." So don't be afraid and foolishly pressure yourself to have a definite answer, we change and grow everyday, it'd be a miracle to have yourself completely figured out by 18. So as you prepare to walk unto that stage to receive your high school diploma, know that it's okay to be undecided about what your future four years hold. It'll all work out in the end.

You've made it far and you should be proud. At this point in your life, you have achieved everything that has been expected of you. You should be proud of that. In the coming years, you will truly learn what the meaning of 'Bear Down' means. At this point, you only recognize it on the football field, basketball court, and when UofA is on TV. However, before you embark on this journey toward your academic and social goals, heed this advice: Achievement requires discipline and work. You've had a little taste of it now, but you also have had a support system that has done some of the legwork for you. In college, it is up to you; you are the one who defines success and you are the one who makes your choices. Oftentimes you hear others complaining and delegating blame, and you will do this too. However, understand that your success (as defined by you) is a product of your decisions to work, explore, and take risks. You will fall, fail, and become discouraged. Know that success without failure does not exist; if you stay disciplined and do everything you can, you'll know 'Bear Down'.

1. Take what is good, what you love, and leave the rest behind. This means physical things, relationships, pieces of your own personality. You are starting a whole new life. Don't do yourself the injustice of dragging the old around. 2. Go to all the seemingly lame freshman events. You'll meet other people having just as much of an awkward time and you'll become friends. 3. Sign up for as many extracurriculars as you can. Everything that interests you sign up. 4. Don't kill yourself over grades. They don't define you. But also don't hesitate to pull an overnighter in the library to do what you need to do. 5. Excersize!! Don't forget to stay healthy. 6. Remember that this is the last time in your life you can be selfish, do whatever you want, make mistakes and get right back up. College is a freedom that you only have for four short years. Take advantage. 7. Thank your parents often. Whoever helped you get here, remember to thank them. 8. It goes by so much faster than you think. Don't ache for Friday, for summer, enjoy every single minute.

If I had the opportunity to go back and talk to my high school senior self, there are several things I would tell her. I would make sure she understood the importance of saving her extra money and not waste it on movies, nights out, and nonsenses. Now that I’m at the University of Arizona, and everything is at a high price I understand how important it is to have savings in case of an emergency. Correspondingly, that she will have more responsibilities and bills due as she goes on her own and has her own place. I would make sure to tell her to be excited, but also inform her how nostalgic she will feel. Excited to be on her own and meet new people and make great friends as these college years have given me, but be ready to miss high school, the friends she made there, and the experiences she had while she was a Douglas High School Bulldog. However, the most important advise would be to get ready to have the time of her life at the University, as I can’t wait for next year to start.

Dear Self: I want you to know that there is so much to look forward to in college! Leaving your family, friends, and the comforts of your hometown seems scary, but it is going to be okay! In order to be successful in your transition from high school to college, there are a few things to keep in mind. Number one: mom is actually usually right. When she pushes you to do your own laundry and learn how to feed yourself, it's for your own good. Take advantage of learning these simple tasks under the expertise of your mother's wisdom, and take note of all the seemingly weird tips and tricks that she has. Number two: be yourself! Although high school seems to be an endless cycle of trying to fit in and meet the standards of your peers, all of that is meaningless in college. Embrace who you are, love yourself, and love others. Lastly, remember to have fun! There is a fine line between focusing on your studies, and completely forgetting to take advantage of all the excitement and personal growth that college offers. Study hard, but get involved in campus-life too! Knock'em dead!