University of California-Merced Top Questions

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to enjoy the last year of high school more. I would tell myself to find new hobbies to try out and to play guitar more. Also, I would suggest to myself to find a summer job so that I would have some more money in my checking account.

If I could go back in time and advise myself, I would stress the importance of not stressing over things out of my control. I would also emphasize the fact that tests like SAT do not accurately reflect a person. There are many other factors that reflect a person, like activities, personality, lifestyle, hardships, and achievements. One factor alone can not represent you, all of these factors represent you. So worrying about hardships, acceptances, and tests will not help you be better. Striving to be a better person in all aspects; personality, studies, health, and life, will more beneficial. Also keep in mind that perfection does not exist so do the best you can do, push yourself just a little, and learn from the results.

Stop! Pace yourself. These are the words I would tell my senior self. Next, I would tell myself that all the challenges I face in high school should be utilized to make me stronger and smarter as I make the transition into college. Then I would speak about the good prospects college will bring such as clubs, community service, and research opportunities. Another good piece of advice I would impart to myself is to socialize and make connections. There is nothing more important than to socialize and make connection because the people I meet can write letters of recommendation or form a study group to help me learn concepts from a class. The possibilities are endless. The final piece of wisdom I would impart to myself would be to let myself know that I am special and I can do whatever I put my mind to. I should never let myself feel like I am worth nothing because I am valuable. The people around me firmly believe I am worth everything and I can achieve anything. It is up to me to accomplish what I want and that is getting a college education. So go reach for it senior self.

Don't be scared. School in Merced is fun and exciting. Rooming with a stranger is not as bad at it seems.

One of the biggest points I would make to myself is that i need to apply for scholarships. Unfortunately college is very costly and the fees are increasing, so getting an early start on scholarships is a good idea. Apart from the financial situation, I would advise myself to get a head start on good studying habits. That also includes not being distracted by things not directly related to school. After I had covered financial and school concerns, I would move on to the social aspect. Specifically, I would tell myself about living in the dorms with other students. I would say that I must learn to be understanding of others people's habits no matter how odd they seem to you. I would also put an emphasis being social. Meeting people and making friends is one of the biggest parts of college, almost as important as the education. It would have been nice for someone to tell me these things, but there are always aspects of college life that you just have to learn for yourself.

Don't slack off and keep studying. You will need to use what you learn now in college.

List of things my future self would tell my past senior self: ?Try to strike up as many conversations with your classmates as possible. You?ll be surprised at what you find out about them. ?You know that boy you had a crush on for the past 3 years but haven?t had the nerve to talk to yet? Do it now. There?s no time to waste. The worst that could happen is that he ignores you. Just think about it this way, next year you won?t have the opportunity to say, ?Hey (insert name here), what was the homework assignment for (insert class here)?? ?Don?t take naps. You are burning daylight, daylight that you can use to a) go out with friends b) watch TV c) research colleges d) research jobs e) have some ?me time? and f) relax, de-stress, and prepare for tomorrow ?Pay attention in your classes. Believe me; you?ll miss their slow paced lessons. ?Take every opportunity to bond with friends. Once you go off to college, everybody will suddenly become busy. The fights you pick aren?t worth the time lost in which you could have bonded.

I'd tell myself to spend more time with my parents and my friends. To work harder when the time comes and to start the year doing all the assignments on time; don't slack off! To try to be friendlier or more approachable during the first few days because those are pretty much the ones that determine whether you make any friends or not. Don't be afraid to try things out. And to get a haircut before leaving!

The advice I would give myself would be to spend money wisely. This would include saving some money because expenditures in college life are plentiful from books to food. There also needs to be a balance between fun and school. Study all day and your mind will become mush, have fun all day and you will fail in your classes. Balance your money and education well enough to go out on the weekends and still have a few hours of studying time. One final note do not forget to go to campus events since they are a good method of making new friends. Friends are vital for study groups, and having fun but they can also help with any work your having a difficult time with. Overall college life can be quite fun just balance your money wisely, but make time for some fun or else life can be dull.

I am a returning student, and given the chance to speak with myself then is something that crosses my mind almost daily. If I had the chance to speak with myself as a high school student the advice I would give would be to not give up. I would tell myself to pursue any dream I wished, emphasizing the unique gifts that are brought to the surface during the college years. I would say that university level learning has the ability to help a person define their goals in life as well as their purpose. I would say that it is important to look, not for the easy answer to every problem, but to pursue diligence and dedication. These things have the ability to bring up self-esteem in any individual, because they require daily goal-setting and discipline. I would make sure to tell that timid high schooler that each goal that is reached should also be celebrated with rewards. Rewards could be as small as a movie outing or a new bike. Most of all, I would make sure to enourage that person to pursue volunteerism, in the spirit of giving back -- this world needs great people.

It was very hard for me to make the transition from high school to college because the college that I selected to attend was very new and only one other person from my school elected to attend there. When I first started college, I was scared because I went from knowing all of my classmates to not knowing any. I learned though, that it is not the amount of people that I know but the relationships that I am able to make with those that I chose to spend my time with. Due to my situation I was forced to meet and make new friends and that was possibly the best thing that has ever happened to me because I was forced to interact with those that if I had my other friends I wouldn't have. It was an enlightening experience and one that has changed my life forever. College is a time for new discovery and experiences and I have found that in the college that I attend. I would tell myself to stop worrying about what may happen and let things come naturaly because life is unpredicatable and college exemplifies this fact.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advice myself to brace from the rigorous coursework next year because doing homework is entirely different in college, however with these challenges comes opportunity for you to prove that your well on your way in completing your goal in becoming a chemist. In addition, such opportunity as internship or research in your area of study will help obtain more opportunities to reach your goal and you will have a wonderful experience in college because college is the gateway to adulthood.

To work harder in high school even though it was easy for me, then I would have a better work ethic now.

I would tell myself to choose the school that would benefit me the most and to go with no strings attached. I think going to a school with a fresh start is very important to help you succeed and it gives you the opportunity to figure yourself out. I would also say that going to school away from home is important as you learn how to be independent and rely only on yourself. Study hard but also keep in mind that a social life is important becasue it keeps you sane when you are having a rough week. Definitley be involved on campus and go to the gym regularly as it also keeps you sane and your mind fresh.

Study for your AP so you can get ahead instead of going with the flow. You don't want to retake a class that bored you to tears and wish you were in a more challenging class. You also don't want to be the person to tutor people who don't understand the materials.

Probably to have more fun with the college application process, and to not take everything too seriously. Many people don't get into the school they want and it can be devastating at first, but everything happens for a reason. You receive the card you are dealt, and now it's just how you play it.

The most important thing is to keep your education along with your aspirations for the future at the top of your priorities. It is easy for students to deviate from their values, and goals, during their first year of college, in particular. In the first week of school you will meet some of the most influential people that will change your world and become your lifelong friends. Undoubetdly, this blend of a newly encountered freedom social and academic freedom can provide an incentive for you to delve deeper into your particular areas of interest in studies, but you should embrace it with caution. College is a time that you will encounter some of wildest parties and meet the most interesting people, but do me a favor, when there is an event going on that you feel is imperative for your social success the night before a midterm- please, stay home. Study groups of more than 3 people and/ or tv, radio, and facebook are not condusive to seriously studying. Striving for excellence rather then perfection is a great philosophy to adopt, but just remember that you are not defined by your mistakes, but by your ability to overcome them.

i would say to figure out what type of commuity you want to live in

Allow the students to choose. Do not force them to major in some thing that they do not enjoy. Always support them.

Visit colleges early on in your high school career and talk to students who attend a school you think you may be interested in as that is the only way you can get a real clear, unadulterated picture of campus life and resources.

pick what is right for you, don't rely on rankings or newspapers

It's really up to the students to what campus suites their interests. Students should ask themselves whether they prefer small campuses or bigger campuses and whether they prefer the city life or a rural environment. In order to havbe a great time at college, students should get out of their comfort zones and meet new people. Students should get involved an attend campus events!

Find a place where you know you will have fun and be able to get a good education. Do not go to a school purely for social or educational reasons. You need a good balance of both.

The advice I would give parents and students would be to sit down and make a list of what they would like to see at the college. For example in my case my main concern was the class size and for it to be a UC and that is why I chose UC Merced. Once the list is made finding the right college is just a few searches away. The internet is a very helpful tool both parent and student can look at what some colleges offer and from there they can choose colleges they would like to visit. Visiting colleges is a very important step that way the student can see what the college life atmosphere feels which minimizes the shock or disappointment that most students feel when they arrive at the college they have enrolled because they only went on what they heard from other students or saw on the schools websites. To enjoy college the student should be envolved in a variety of clubs not only those focused in their education. At the end it is up to the student to choose what college will better prepare them for their career, though still have that college experience.

As a college student I am regretting not visting campuses and meeting college students in the campuses I had chosen to apply to. My vision of the "right" school was merely based on how academically challenging it was and how "big of a name" the school had. I did not bother to consider the environment and culture of each campus. Such aspects can may directly effect your focus and interests in your schoolwork. It is with that in mind that I advise all students who leave home to consider their environment at the campus they choose to attend. Choosing the right environment will raise ones interests and spirits about school therefore causing him, or her, to be bright and stimulated. This will easily transcend into the classroom and study hours resulting in a very rewarding college experience. In a way, your school is not only place for your classes and teachers but also a home that you will return to every Fall.

Make sure that the student feels comfortable with the campus they choose. Visiting the campus is a great way to find out but make sure you see the campus during the week where you can see how the students interact with each other, try to sit in on a class. Make sure that the school shares your ideas about what school should be like. If you expect students to be active in class and interested in their studies, find a campus where that is the general feeling of the school. If you are looking for an active social life and a strong Greek community, then do some research. But equally important, make sure that your school has the academic opportunities and programs that most interest you. You may not have decided on a major but make sure your school has the avenues of study, and offer, what you are interested in be it pre-law, pre-med, social sciences, or undergraduate research. Find a school that aligns with your path, because everyone is different. Once there branch out and get involved in a club that shares an interest, make friends, once you have friends you will never want to leave.

I think modern society places too much importance on prestige. Everyone wants to go to Harvard or Yale because other people will be impressed when they hear those names, but every school caters to different types of people. After college, you will have about the same education as anyone else who works in the same field as you, regardless what school you went to, but the environment and experiences during the college time frame are what affect the kind of person you are, which is what really matters and distinguishes you from anyone else. You will never learn much about the world by being surrounded by the same kinds of people your whole life, the kind of people you think that you should be around. Try something new, learn something about yourself that you never knew before, meet someone who has the best laugh that you've ever heard in your life.

What should really be the determining factor in choosing a school is they feel that they can see themselves being at that school and whether the school actually offers what they want. Someone really can't enjoy the college experience if they don't feel like they can make it at the school or if they don't feel like they are a part of the school. So when choosing a college there shouldn't be any doubt in mind or any embarassment when the student tells people where they attend school and why they chose that school. One of the best ways to go about this is to go visit the school and maybe even attend the over night stays that the school may offer. This really lets the student get a feel for where they could possibly be next year. College is about new experiences and doing this before choosing a school can potentially make or break a decision. So keeping an open mind with the future in sight choosing a school should all together be an enjoyable and exciting experience.

My advice for fiinding the right school is plain and simple: love the school you go to. Unless you're happy and proud to call your school a second home then you probably will spend less time succeeding in school and more time hating it. College is about growth. You do learn a lot and get a piece of paper that shows you've passed all your classes but college is really about growing as a person. For some its about strengthening your strengths and fixing your weaknesses, for others it's about finding themselves. Trying new things, and discovering their true identity. Why do you think colleges want students to be well rounded? Well rounded people grow and progress from college students to community leaders. College is a journey. It's about walking in as a label whether it be jock, geek, or emo and walking out knowing that you no longer need a label to identify who you are because you know who you are. College isnt the best four years of your life because of all the parties. It's the best four years of your life because you discover who you were always meant to be.

To parents, I say guide them and support them. Let them know what they can do, and allow them to chose. It is not your decision, it's theirs. Students, let your parents guide you, but it's your decision. Find something that makes you happy and comfortable. It's the same as choosing where you step. Step in the wrong place, and you'll slip or fall. Then, find something to be proud of, including yourself. There's nobody like you, and you can contribute something to this world. Be proud of that, in the very least. You may be shoved to the bottom of the heap yet again as a freshman, but you're not alone, and there's always a top to that heap. After that, go for it. Find things you enjoy, and know why you like them, and why you dislike things. Finding out who you are, and growing on that knowledge is what college is about. Work towards who you will become, but never forget who where you came from. Other than that, keep your eyes open. Opportunities come in strange packages, and come and go very quickly. Don't be afraid to try.

When you're looking for a college, you'll want to look for a place where you can feel at home with. You're going to be spending a lot of time there, so you might as well pick somewhere you'll feel at home with. Think of this as the beginning of the rest of your life. You're going to be away from your parents now, so it's time to grow your wings. Try new activities, do things differently. College isn't just about getting an education, it's also about growing to achieve your potential. If you don't already know what you're going to do five years from now, college is the place where you'll find out. Even if you think you know what you're going to do five years from now, college might be the place that changes your mind. No matter where you choose to go though, college can give you the tools to get whatever you want. Just be sure to take them and use them wisely.

Honestly, going on campus tours would help out a lot. Many people might presume that the campus will not affect the student, but that is completly wrong. The environment, atmostphere, and setting has a lot to do with how the student will feel. Make sure the student's major is offered, and class sizes are appropriate.

The best advice I can give is to be flexible. UC Merced was definitely not my first choice but I adapted and I am glad I made the choice to attend this University. There is much competition today, with standards rising and expectations becoming unreal. The more known schools around the country are beginning to fill up and become overcrowded. This being the case, students who are more than qualified for their first choice school are being rejected. By being flexible you can give less known places a chance, and they could end up being the best place for mind to grow. There is no way to tell where a road goes until you take it, and it may be tough and bumpy but that only makes you a stronger person. Your college experience is only what you make it, so if you have a positive attitude and try your hardest, you will thrive no matter where you end up. The college experience will grant you much more than a simple degree, it is full of friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Finding the right college is all about what captures one's heart when they set foot on campus. When it comes to a student picking their ideal college, they should select a campus that is in an ideal location and most importantly, a campus that the student feels they can really connect to. I would tell parents to tell their children to make sure they could see themselves there for the next few years. Making the most of your college experience all comes down to making the best of situations that are thrown at you. I would advise students to have fun, study hard, seek out opportunities relating to their career, and most importantly of all, to discover who they really are. College is a time for intellectual, spiritual, and mental development. Valuable friendships that last a lifetime are also made during college. Lastly, I would advise parents and students to relax and enjoy the ride of their life.

Make sure that you visit the school while it is open and speak to several students about the school. Do not rely on the tour guides to give you an accurate picture of the school because it is their job to make the school seem more attractive than it actually is. Also, put a lot of thought into who you're roommates will be because that choice may be one of the most important ones that you make.

The key part of success in college and after is to know what you want before everyone else does. That means make a plan before you enter college and stick on that track. That way you always know classes to take in advance you will be ahead of others in the same field. If you realize that it is not the right choice for you, you should have plenty of time to explore other options. But most importantly, other then studying hard, is make friends! Be social! Have fun.

Dont go to UC Merced

Visit them, and know what you want your major to be if you go to a small school because if you dont they might not have your major when you figure it out.

Honestly, it is all about personality. It depends on where the potential student feels comfortable, and also if the school serves there goals and needs for their study of interest. For parents I think it is important for them to be supportative of thier children and not over bearing, allowing their child to be free and knowlegdable about the decision of school they want attend. Overall, students and parents need to be informative to each other, and willing to do as much research as possible about what the student is interested in when it comes to thier education, and all the benefits and down sides of an academic institution.

GO VISIT THE COLLEGE BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO STAY!!!! Take summer courses the summer before to get an idea of what the campus is like.

Do not pick a college because it is simplely presidigous. Ask yourself, will this university really get me to where I want to go in life?

Choose a major that interests you most. Large campuses have many options available, but small ones have tremendous opportunities for you to obtain good expereince and leadership that will dramatically help you in any field of work you go to. Small insitutions teach you instantly how to respect each others opinion and communicate in an appropriate manner because there is a small population which you see throughout the span you attend, so the term, "its not like I'm going to ever see them again," does not apply.

depends on what does student wants ..more fun or more focus

Parents: I would advise them to follow their instincts (after visiting the prospective colleges for their child's choice), but let the overall decision be made by your child. Hear what they have to say and listen for reasons that you feel would be the most benefical for them in life. Remember the campus and if it is safe for your child in terms of walking around or what is near-by. Besides knowing what is best for your child, you have to learn how to trust them, especially if they feel like a certain school is right for them. Students: talk to students at each campus and ask them what they think about the school. My main concern would be if the school was able to hold a high acedemic standard and my time there would not be wasted. Visit the schools you want to go to and see if you can picture yourself there. Compare statistics and if you would be able to receive more attention from professors than at other schools or if you feel you can add something to the campus. College is what you make of it and how much effort you CHOOSE to contribute.

By researching and visiting the school in interest months and possible a year before applying.

For me, i grew up in Merced, and attending UC Merced has really gave me a different outlook on my hometown and the way it is going to develope. My advise would be to find an academically proficient school that will allow you to look at life differently and allow you to grow not only academically, but as a person as well.

When choosing colleges, there often is a struggle between the wishes of the parents, and the wants of the perspective student. While parents generally see college as an institution for learning, the student sees it as a place for learning about themselves, life, as well as their coursework. The right college is the college that the student can mix all aspects equally. While there is always a time for work, social interaction becomes imperative to understanding how the "real world" works. I did not have the luxury of seeing my campus as I was the first class admitted, however I would tell others to find a friend, or visit a college prior to acceptance. An unpleasant college experience can outweigh anything taught in the classroom. To the student: work hard and learn, but remember to mix in a little fun. As for the parents: at this age, your child probably knows what's right for them, don't force them into a college based on your dreams for them. Give them support and encouragement and watch them flourish!

Ask students who are at the school about things your are thinking of doing. Also talk to the teachers of the classes and the researchers to see what their view ares.

My advice for students is to follow their own path in order to achieve their dreams in life. I think students should choose the college that they, personally, know will help them achieve success. I recommend that if the student already has in mind what he/she wants to do, then he or she should find that college which offers their seeking career. Once, one as a student, has found the right college then one should try to be as friendly as possible with other students since this can help you adjust and get along with the college community. One won't have to feel lonesome or lost because other students or friends will help guide you and support you throughout the years in college. I hope my advice helps in finding the right college for you and making the most of your college experience.

Visit different colleges before you apply to them.