University of California-Merced Top Questions

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

Merari

Dear Mr. Cisneros Congratulations! You have won a new Xbox! Now that I have your attention I would like to begin by saying, (in old man voice) “Get of that darn machine it will rot your brain from the inside out.” If you have not figured it out yet I am you from the future who is currently in college. Our first semester into college went well. However since I know what our dream job is I can tell you that it only gets harder from there. In order to ensure a smoother transition into college I want you to appreciate what you have now, your friends, your teachers, and your parents. Pay attention to the words each has to offer and you will find that they all prove true in college. Combine their wisdom with the hope we have in our heart and no obstacle in college will be too difficult. Hence all you really need to do to prepare for college is to make the right kind of friends and have the right attitude for success. Sincerely, Future Merari Cisneros PS: Do not bring your Xbox to move in day, use Professor Office hours and tutoring.

Verenize

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to keep my eyes open for any and all scholarships out there. As a senior in high school, I applied for a few scholarships in my spare time and I never realized that I had more free time then I gave myself credit for. I would tell myself to use every minute of my time to my advantage. Looking back, I could have been more proactive in the college-readiness process. I would also tell myself to not stress out as much as I did over all the applications (scholarship and college) because thats one less stress that I needed in my life. I would tell myself to relax and take a breather and let myself know that in the end it all worked out for the best. I was prepared and I should not have had anxiety over the start of college. Lastly, I would tell myself that UC Merced was going to be the best choice I will have ever made.

Christopher

During my senior year in high school I had limited knowledge of the American schooling system. My high school was affected by budget cuts and had insufficient resources to provide to students. Throughout my time at University of California, Merced I have learned so many valuable things that if I had the opportunity to travel back to my senior year I would apply them there. I have learned to ask for assistance when struggling academically as well as how to study for an exam. Study groups are definitely something that has assisted me on receiving great scores on exams. Overall, high school was a unique and interesting experience, but college has made me grow as a person and will definitely benefit others because of it. One thing that has not changed from my senior year in high school until now is helping the community. As a psychology major, I have learned the value of helping others in my community. At the university, I joined the UC Merced’s Police Mentor program where I have the opportunity to assist elementary students academically and prevent students from joining gangs. I will continue to assist others because it is something I enjoy doing.

Erika

To my former, highschool self: Ignore trying to please your parents or your peers. Focus on what you can do to better yourself. Always try to better yourself and do not settle for the minimum--even if it means spending several more hours studying, or being more attentive towards homework assignments. Also, stay organized and stay on top of your work. AP should not stand for advanced procrastinator. Procrastinating on studying or homework assignments will not help you pass a much need class. In college, time is money. Do not waste time on naps or pleasures when there is work to be done. Start the habit of constantly keeping busy. You do not want to miss a single minute or opportunity. Those oreos and that episode of the Simpsons will always be around, but your GPA will not better itself. But most of all, continue to be yourself and ignore crowd. You will meet amazing people along the way with the same goals and interests in you. Keep those people around because they are there to help you. Do not keep around company that will only weigh you down from happiness or success.

Phillip

Most likely to not go to the college I'm currently in, the people as well as the quality of education is disproportionate to the amount of money I'm paying. On top of that, I would have had a higher chance of transferring to a better UC campus had I gone to a community college, despite being leagues ahead of community college course work.

Felix

As a freshman at University of California Merced I have come to the realization that college is completely different than high school. The amount of work you get is a lot heavier and you are given higher expectations. So if I could go back in time and give advice to my high school senior self, I would tell my past self that everything will work out in the end. The reason why I think that this advice is important is because every aspect of going to college was difficult. I had to mail in tons of documents to the school and I would always be nervous because I thought they might not get there and it would ruin my admission. Then once I started school I had to learn how life on campus worked, where my classes were, and how to turn in my homework online. So I would constantly worry about what was going to happen. There were dozens of times were I felt like to hardship was too much too handle, but if I knew that if everything would have worked out in the end I would not of been so stressed out about college.

Cheyenne

If i had the chance to go back in time as an high school senior, I would tell myself that time is very valuable and that there is no time for procrastination. I would also tell myself to always start off strong in my work and study and to finish strong in all my subjects. I would also tell myself to stay focus and always try my best in everything i do.

valerie

If I knew then what I know now that I am in college, I would have told myself that I am smarter than what people have said, and that hard work does pay off. I would’ve told myself that even when you’re feeling low and that you have no one to support your dreams, you can still succeed. I would’ve told myself to start college sooner rather than later; I don’t regret my choice to take time off, because I needed to help provide for my family, but I would’ve went to college sooner.

Giavonnie

People tell you that the most important years of high school are you’re junior and senior years. In actuality, it is all important to succeed in college and life in general. Most colleges want to see what separates you from the rest of the eager college bound high school seniors. Your grades are a huge indication of how you will cope with the stresses of college. Extracurricular activities are also very important, but it is not the number of clubs you join or how many sports teams you are on, it is how well you maintain your academia while participating in these many activities that truly matters. Although it would seem that being too involved in extracurricular actives would hurt your academic standing, I for one received my highest GPA playing three sports as well as being involved with many school clubs. Therefore, I feel if I had been more involved with my community and school my senior year I might have boosted my GPA, making me evening more appealing to colleges.

Madison

You dont need him, hes not worth it. Do you see these scars on my arm, those are from him. Use your head not your heart, you cant afford the emotional toll of the domstic violence.

Craig

Follow your instincts and do not second guess the decisions you make. Never forget that you can always trust your family, and apply to more scholarships.

Jennifer

To my high school senior self, you did pretty darn well considering you'd never been to a public school before. Honestly, I think you did everything right and wouldn't change I think that you did. But, here's some little bits of advice that could aid someone else like you with this transition. Live on campus the first year, it'll help you get used to the resources, student life, and professors becuase many times you'll forget to set your alarm, wake up late, and forget to eat. At least, you'll be close to everything you'd ever need (food, class, resources, students like you). Once you figure out what you want to do, immediatley talk to a career counselor. Let them help you figure out a 4 year plan, starting freshman year, about what job or career you want to pursue in the future. This is very important, and stick to your plan. It's hard to get a job outside college, so make sure you make the career connection as soon as you know what you want to do and use those resources to help you get where you want to go after graduation!

Matthan

If I could go back and talk to my previous self I'd tell him to be more patient. As a recent high school graduate, another four years of school seemed like an eternity to me and I had no concept of time management. Because of this I opted out of college for easy days spent playing online video games. Today, I feel much more patient and in control of my ability to resist instant gratification; so much so that I wouldn't mind another five, six, or however many years it would take for me to obtain a PhD. If I could go back in time I'd desperately try to convey what I know now to the person I was then. Part of me believes that it wouldn't take much, perhaps only a few stories of real life events and mention that I won't finish college college until my mid/late 20's.

Erick

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself to get more involved in school. That community service and joining groups and clubs is very crucial to help you out. It allows to put more on your plate so you can begin to balance your life out. You are able to make more friends and make school more enjoyable. I would also tell myself to take AP courses that were offered at my high school. It would be a great opportunity to begin to take college level courses and to get a taste and glimpse of how it would be in college. To take advantage of all the help that is available at high school and to talk to my guidance counselors so I can begin to map out the rest of my life with time and not at the last minute. That would be the crucial advice that I would want to tell myself if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school.

Karen

Sometimes I do think about that what I would tell myself if I could go back. The first thing I would tell myself is to breathe, relax, and to not excessively worry about the most trivial things. Also, there was a reason I was admitted to the universities I did that it wasn't a mistake that I should believe in myself more. I would also tell myself to not worry about what the other students would think of me I was afraid the students would think I was dumb. However, no one cares the people on campus are open to others they dont judge because we are all going through this new phase in our lives where we are trying to figure out who we are and pursuing an education. I would absoluetly tell myself to enjoy that last year of high school because after life changes but its for the better. That of course college will get difficult and that I will feel stressed probably throughout the semester and especially during finals but that is supposed to happen college is not easy. It is about the work I put into it that will pay off.

Maritza

Be more OUTSPOKEN. Talk to everyone you see because reality is they are just as nervous and scared as you! So smile introduce yourself and who knows maybe the person you meet will be one of your best buddies while in college, but you will never know unless you speak to people. So do not think twice and just go for things. Attend as many activates as you can. Talk to people. Smile and have fun. Enjoy every moment because eventually you will realize that it will slowly get more difficult but you will pull through. This new chapter in your in life will not be easy but whatever you do, never give up and believe in yourself. Do not doubt yourself or undermine your abilities because you are a smart girl, you have proved this to yourself several times but for some reason it has not sunk in. Thus, regardless of how we might feel I believe in you and we will make it through, but always remember do not let fear of failing or fear alone get in your way. You are better than that, no matter what you do ALWAYS stay positive and always do your best.

Rocio

You are your biggest obstacles. Prioritize what's important to you, this very moment and a month from now. Set goals for yourself and don't be afraid to reach for the sky because that's where you will find the greatest prize. Don't be afraid to fail and if you do pick yourself by up and dust yourself off. Learn from those mistakes and strive to do better. Don't lie to others, specially those who care about you because in the end your only hurting yourself. Make tons of friends but keep in mind that not all of them might best support system for you. Your only as strong as those around. Make strong relationships with those who have the similar goals and who root you on as much as you do for them. Take time out of your day to enjoy the place you are. This is college and something this great doesn't last forever. Make the most out of every experience while being there Those memories you'll cherish forever and when you think back on them you wont be able in these emotions that run through your body as you read this.

Alexander

I would tell my self this; live, have fun, don’t be doing things to look good for someone, or not do something becasue it looks weird. Do what you want, do what makes you happy and have fun doing it. Don’t worry what other people think, big deal. That changed my life for the better.Make sure you get a job so you have some money to spend, because college costs money. Try your hardest at whatever it is, it doesn’t matter if you succeed or not, just work your tail off. If I could go back I would study way harder than I did. Don’t slack off, because having bad grades and not going to a four year university sucks. All your friends go and come back and share all the fun times they had and you’re sitting their bumming out. You miss the ‘real’ college expierince and you still live with the parents which makes it feel like your still in high school. And don’t regret anything, just do it. Because in the end everything will turn out fine, doesn’t matter what it is, you can get through it.

Cristina

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to learn how to become organized as soon as possible. The more organized I become the easier college will be. It is important to always have homework organized to be able to keep up with coursework. Another thing I would highly suggest to myself would be to not be a procrastinator. The earlier an assignment is begun, the better the finishing product will be. The earlier studying happens the more confident I will be able to walk into the classroom on test day.

Ramiro

Enjoy your senior year, but keep yourself focused and on track. Make sure to look for as much financial aid and letters of recommendation as possible. Remember that although you are ending your high school journey, you will be embarking on a new and exciting one that will blow your high school experience away! I would recommend that you live on campus if possible your first year. You make most of your college friends in the dorms and it is very easy to network socially which will help you later on. Try to find a job on campus, they are convenient, flexible and will help you pay for rent, books, and to be able to maintain a social life. Make sure you go to your advisor and stay on track for your major from the beginning. Try out a variety of classes, they might change your mind about what it is you want to do. Make good connections with your professors because this will help you in the long run. Don’t just go to school and then home, involve yourself in something you enjoy, it will make your life a lot more interesting and help to de-stress.

Pa

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, this is what I would say. Decide what it is in life that you want to do now. It may be difficult to decide without exploring the options available, but being able to make every course/semester count towards your degree will be much more rewarding. When I entered as a freshman, I made the mistake of picking a major I did not enjoyed and my grades suffered the consequences. I waste away two semesters of courses that did not count towards my degree. My friends made the mistake of taking a major far too challenging for them just because they wanted to go to medical school. Now, they can’t get into medical school because of their GPA. The truth is, if you’re going to experiment with your options, talk to someone who is in that field and don’t take random courses. If you want to go to medical school, you do not have to graduate with a degree in Biology, you just need to take the required courses and you can major in any field you want.

Kei

One advice I would give myself would be, learn how to study. As a third year in college I have finally understood how to study and it has been a long and hard process. Throughout highschool I was able to get by with the minimal amount of "studying" to pass my classes and to pass all my exams, but that is not enough in college. There is no easy way out of studying, and starting early would make a difference. The second advice I would give myself would be, be involved with leadership roles more. Throughout college I have been a part of many clubs/organizations and have even picked up a few officer positions in my three years. With the leadership roles offered at my highschool were to all have been sought out, then my leadership roles in college could help whomever needed my assistance.

emily

Be yourself. Enjoy the first two weeks with all the new experiences, enjoy meeting new people that will soon become your friends. Do not be nervous when you walk up to your professor, (we dont call them teachers anymore) and introduce yourself. You will do very well academically, you will even make the dean's list. You will soon find out that the school is smaller that you once thought, you will come to know every inch of campus my the second semester. There will be lots to learn, many chalanges that seem impossible to overcome, maybe you will have to stay up to 3 am every night for a whole semester, but you will enjoy every minute of it looking back. Cherish those weekly calls back home! You will despretly need the sound of your parents, sisters, familys voice over the other end to keep you grounded to who you are. Home sickness is not a sickness at all, it is just a nessary transition phase that will let you know how much family truly means to you. ENJOY it! Do not be afraid to transfer, or change your major. . . your parents will still love you no matter what

Skye

I know you wanted to take a year off so you could figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life, but Don't. One year can change your entire feuture. You may be thinking how would you know, but im here to tell you ive seen your feuture after your one year of funn and it will change the corese of your life forever. You will love and embrace every change and chalenge but it will make your goals much hareder to acheave. So stop playing around and pay atention and in your free time start figuring out what it is your going to do with the rest of your life and jump on it there will be plenty of time in the feuture to take time off.

Adriana

The opportunity to go back and advise yourself is a chance to focus on what you could've done better. I'd refrain from limiting myself by listing everything I should'nt have done, and instead concentrate on what I know I'm capable of accomplishing. I'd advise myself, to be patient, the highschool/college transition isn't easy. You're miles from home surrounded by unfamiliar faces, you miss family and friends, the work load is more than you're accustomed to, and yet simultaneously, you feel you're independant and want to experience everything. However, there's no need to rush into experimenting, or trying to change who are to gain friends and fit in. You've always been a strong, confident female. Never change that. Don't let people intimidate you, or pressure you into being or doing something you aren't ready for. Also prioritizing and organizing, it'll make life much easier! Always remember, life is about experiences, don't be afraid to expand your horizons and try something new. There's more to intelligence than books, you learn from past experiences and apply that knowledge in making better choices in the future!

joey

I would advise my high school former self to attend college straight out of high school and earn her degree. I would encourage her to have fun, study hard and enjoy what college life has to offer. It can be difficult to get acclimated into a college environment and that it is okay to feel nervous. However, being pro-active and involved is a beneficial way to ease the stress of transition. I would encourage her to play sports, do theatre and join groups. I would tell her to be patient with herself and seek out support services at the campus. To use the resources available, such as counseling, study groups, the library and tutoring services. I would share with her that college can be one of the most amazing and rewarding times in her life. To embrace the challenges that often come with college life as an opportunity to grow and learn. I would give her a big hug and tell her that I think she will succeed at anything she puts her mind to. In closing, I would say that transitioning into college can be scary but we are giving ourselves the greatest gift we can, an education.

Samantha

Looking back on the decisions made regarding my future in college during senior year there are many things that i would go back and tell myself. First off, i would tell myself that as exciting as the idea of going far away to school is, in reality there is nothing easy about it. I would tell myself to look at schools that are far enough to be going away, yet close enough to also go home occasionally . I would say that one of the most important things to do in order to ease the transition would be to get very involved and meet a lot of people. Having friends and people you can count on who are going through the exact same thing as you in very important. Lastly, I would tell myself that going to class, paying attention, taking advantage of professor's office hours, and studying hard is very important. Keep up your grades, and even if it seems like it's ok to miss a class, go anyway! The first year of college is going to be a lot of fun and exciting but also scary, maybe a little lonley and a lot of hard work!

Azucena

I have always known that college was going to be an important asset for my future goals, however I never really knew how much of a life changing impact it would have on me. As a second year student at UC Merced, my college experience thus far has been unforgettable. From the annoying roommates to the college dorm food, and the many deadlines to the late-night studying , I see why college is and will be worthwhile in the end. So far I have learned the importance of time-management between social events and academic priorities. I have also learned the importance of tolerance and compromise with roommates and peers. But most importantly, my college experience has been valuable because I have met people that are willing to help me in times of need. Whether it be on a homework problem, or on tutoring me through a whole class course, there is always someone who is willing to extend a hand when it is needed. Because of college, I have learned the value of networking, and I know it will come in handy in the future.

Ashtin

Coming from a small school, I needed to go somwhere where I could gain a new perspective on life, yet not loose who I am and my values. Coming to UC Merced was a choice I do not regret because not only have I made friends that I can already tell will last a lifetime, but I have had experiences I will never forget. This includes leading the campus club softball team as we try to make it to the NAIA league next year, having a job as the Physical Fitness and Nutrition Group leader for a Students Wellness Program on campus so students can learn to lead healthier lives, and simply making friends from all different ethnic backgrounds has made me a better person.

Nereyda

I have really been able to live independently and really get to find out who I am and what I like to do. Living away from home made me realize who I am and I have really been able to grow as an adult. Attending college is very valuable for me because I am the frist person to attend college in my family and I take pride in anything that I do in school. It has taken a lot of hard work to get here, and it will take a lot of dedication to continue here, and I am really looking forward to it.

Samantha

Being a first generation college student, I wasn't sure what to expect at first. I was plagued with self-doubt, wondering if it was even worth my time. Too many people had told me that college would earn me nothing but a load of debt and a useless degree. "The job market is bad, even for college graduates," they said. So at first I didn't attend, but the need to learn and discover soon consumed me and I knew I had to go back to school, no matter what the cost. When I went back I truly learned the meaning of hard work. I pulled in 40 hours a week at my job and attended classes full-time. I rode the city bus at least three hours everyday to attend. I pay rent and tuition, with no scholarships or loans. I feel overwhelmed at times, but for each A on my transcript I feel closer to a future I never believed could be mine. I have learned a lot about my field of study and the world, but so much more about myself and my strengths. That's what makes it worth it.

Charley

I have really enjoyed the friendships I have made during my time so far. Also, the availability of classes, has helped me have a forseeable finish to my college career. Moreover, I feel like I am constantly bettering my overall knowledge of the world. In the case of value, my time at UC Merced has saved me a lot of money compared to other private schools I was accepted to.

Jensen

So far, college has been a learning experience, and not just in the classroom. I've learned a lot about myself and others, and while I might finish my formal education, I'll always be learning, and college has been a great way to prepare me for how to learn.

Amanda

College has been the experience of a lifetime for me. I have transformed from nervous college freshman to a poised and determined young woman about to obtain her Bachelor’s degree from U.C. Merced in political science. I never dreamed I’d be able to afford college, but with the help of financial aid and the dedication of working multiple part-time jobs while attending college full-time, I achieved what I never thought to be possible. College not only prepares you for a career, but arms you with a plethora of knowledge that will be yours forever. Knowledge is power, and it is what enables us to make responsible decisions in whatever field we choose to work in. The friendships I made in college will last a lifetime. I have learned to believe in myself through participating in activities such as the student body and mentoring high school students for college. Attending U.C. Merced has been an honor, and one of the greatest opportunities of my life. It is the encouragement of the friends and professors I’ve met there that helped me decide to apply to graduate school.

Juliane

Attending UC Merced has been one of the best decisions that I have made. The school is the newest UC, and with our class, it has just now reached a little over 5000 students. The small size of the college gives the students a family like atmosphere and the small class size allows the students to connect easily. UC Merced also has a strong math and science emphasis, which is exactly what I plan to make my career in. Their nanotechnology and bioengineering majors look very promising to me. The teachers at UC Merced are very dedicated and committed to teaching their students and are also willing to help them succeed by providing extra office hours and being available for personal one on one tutoring. Attending UC Merced has helped me develop my leadership skills to set the groundwork for the UC by creating clubs and participating in community service opportunities. UC Merced feels like a private school yet with public financial assistance. I have learned so much in just one semester there and I look forward to continuing my education at UC Merced.

asher

Through my time at the University of California, Merced I have achieved what I believe to be a measurable gain in my awareness of the motives and conditions that drive people, my ability to intelligently apply aspects of my education to practical decisions and communication, and in my general overall happiness in my relations with friends, family and people (as a result of my education). This is why, despite facing the challenges of being in a reletively isolated location with the limited resources that are perhaps typical of a new institution, I feel that I have gained a certain degree of increased knowledge that is representative of the effort I put into my education.

Katherine

My college experience has allowed me to not only an exceptional education but, also to grow as a person. I have found my passion in helping others through promoting recycling, feeding the homeless, fighting tuition increases, and fighting for human rights. My college experience has led me to become a representative on the Board of Directiors for NYPIRG (New York Public Interest Research Group) which helps teach students skills on how to fight for what the believe in, in a respectful manner.

Noemi-Rocio

My college experience has been a very nutritious growing experience. Through club activities and academic responsibilities, I have really discovered myself. I went from being very shy, not confident, and indecisive to a very confident, opinionated and sociable individual. Discovery of myself, through college, is one of the most valuable things I've gotten. I've also made lifetime friends while I've attended this University. I have friends I'm able to network for jobs and friends who are there to pick me up if I'm ever down. I know the years spent at this University are the stepping stone to have a very successful career and life in general.

edgar

College is college, everyone has to expierance it, since it is a wonderful expierance that i am currently going through. I think everyone should expierance it since it sort of gives us a taste of the real world without actually being in the real world i could say. Since there are no parents and we are on our own, but still some parents still support us financialy, but we are fully responsible for what happens since most of us are at least 18. College also shows you who the real you is since, it is not like high school were teachers do mostly everything for you, in college its your responsibilty for your homework and grade and how well you study or not. since it is recommended for every class you take. you have to study 2 hours for that class out of class each time you have it.

wing

I learn about that is not important that where you from or what langurage you speak. People in UCMerced are very nice and friendly. They don't care who are you. They will help you out even you didn't ask help.

Emery

I have learned to be more responsible, and have more time management. I have joined alot of clubs and sports, and have become more outgoing. I've learned to come out of my comfort zone and ask for help. UC Merced has alot of professors and tutors that are helpful.

Kimdy

My social networks and living experience have broadened my horizons for my future endeavors. This campus feels intertwined just like a huge family.

Alexander

My college experience has been amazing the time I have spent here at UC Merced. There are just so many opportunities that UC Merced has to offer since it is a new campus, setting its roots in, creating a foundation for itself here in the Central Valley. I have gain a new outlook at life and also new persepctives. The relationships that you build with your professors and also with your peers gives more meaning to learning. The professors here make is so that you have the chance to help them on their research project. Being a small campus, it is really easy to know everyone, including your professors. Unlike big campuses, the students here really don't find it hard fitting in here. Since I have been here, I have made many friends and have gotten a chance to participate in studies on campus. There is just so much to look forward to. Every year there is alway something new that is added to the campus, whether it be a club or more choices for classes, my college experience is a journey that I will not regret attending UC Merced.

Mee

Knowing what I know now about college, I would tell my senior self to relax. College is not hell. My senior year, I worried about failing my classes, and leaving my ?best? friends and family to a new city. It is not bad! College courses are just like high schools, the only difference is that I needed to buy my own books and the professors do not make sure I do my homework. The professors does not come to me if I am failing, I go to them for help. The whole ?Oh my gosh, I am leaving everything I know and love behind, how am I going to make new friends?? story is not as bad as it sounds. Making new friends is not hard, all you have to do is smile and say ?Hello my name is so and so? and that can be the start of a new friendship. Family and friends back at home will always be there. They are not going anywhere; they will be there when I go back home to visit.

Christiane

As a high school senior, I had a lot of fun. If I could go back, I would tell myself to have fun, but also to apply for more scholarships, so that I could pursue my dream of going to New York. I would tell myself to go no matter what, even if money stands in the way (which it did). Money matters a lot in college, so save every bit you can. Buy all the things you need first (including books) before shopping for anything else. Keep track of how much you can spend on food each day so you don't run out at the end of the semester. And most importantly, visit my father more, because now I am actually close enough to him to be able to spend time with him.

Myra

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself plenty of advice. First, I would tell myself to not wait until the last minute to apply to colleges and for scholarships. I would say, "Do your research and make the best choice." Second, I would have told myself to get more involved in school activities, so that I would have more to say on college and scholarship applications. I would also tell myself to get a job. When I was a senior, I didn't want to get a job, because I wanted school to be my top priority, and I didn't think that I could handle both. I should have at least tried to. I would educate myself about my college choices and the financial aid that could be offered to me. I graduated as a valedictorian, so I'm sure I could have gone to a school for free if I had done my research. I would also tell myself to appreciate my parents. Even though I wanted to move away from them, I realized that they have done a lot for me. I appreciate that.

Nikkole

If i could go back in time and talk to myself while i was a senior in high school the most important advice i think i could give myself was not to procrastinate and take everything i attained in school and turn it into things or skills that i can do in daily life. I also would recommend myself to learn about scholarships and grants because now that i have attended college it is hard financially and i now have a hard time looking for different funding in order to continue school to attain new knowledge. I would make sure i take my SAT test prep as well as the main test seriously and make sure i got all my work, applications and any other forms that has to deal with school in on time.

Sonja

If I had the ability to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would make sure that I understood the importance of reading. As a college junior, I have realized how much reading has benefited me. Not only does it help me develop a much stronger vocabulary, it helps me participate in class discussions on a more intimate level. These two benefits have resulted in much needed self confidence, which has helped me become a more successful individual.

Josh

When I was in high school, I was worried about College. I wondered if I'd be able to handle the workload, and if I'd be able to make friends. I would be living in a dorm, 6 hours from home. Would I be able to accept and handle my responsibilities if I was on my own? If I could talk to myself then with what I know now, I'd tell myself that the adjustment would take some time, but the overall experience at College is great. I had a few close friends in high school, but have become a leader of our community service fraternity in College. I am one of the founders of an Engineering Club on campus, and have mentored new students and volunteered at the Special Olympics. I also work on campus transcribing notes for disabled students. These are all experiences I wouldn't have dreamed I would have done. I guess, I would have told myself to relax, take a deep breath, study hard and get involved in Campus Life.

Erik

I would give myself the advice of being more open to trying new things, making new friends but to focus as hard as possible on learning every ounce and nuance of the educational material. I would also have told myself to take more initiative at finding research opportunities during the first year rather than waiting until sophomore year. These, I believe, are the only pieces of advice I would give. The rest should remain a surprise and be left the same.