University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

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

Kevin

I wouldn't give myself any advice. I made the best judgements I could at the time, and though my life isn't perfect, and my experience at college wasn't perfect, I'm happy with it, and I'm happy with all the choices I made, many of which were hard, and many of which puzzled my family and friends. The choice to go to UCSB instead of Berkeley, the choice to major in liberal arts instead of science—I wouldn't want to say anything that would change the process through which I transitioned from the person I was in high school to the person I am now. I'm happy with the person I am now. I'd let my high school self run his course, learn from his mistakes, and do the best he could. If I saw myself in high school, all I'd do is smile and nod, maybe give him a thumbs-up, maybe say, "Kevin, everything's going to be okay. You're going to be okay."

Ann

There will be times where friends are abundant. Cherish those moments... responsibly. There will be times where you feel alone. Let it clear your mind. There will be times where it is easy to do what is right. Know it wont always be. There will be times where your faith and integrity will be tested. You can ace the test. There will be times where your family and friends help and encourage you to pursue your dreams. Thank them. There will be times when no one believes in your aspirations. People told Ghandi he was crazy. Most importantly, there will be times where you are presented with spectacular, but extremely daugnting opportunities. Fear not, take them.

Katelynn

Dear Katelynn (high school senior Katelynn), When you go to college remember to stay true to yourself. In college you will be faced with different difficulties, and being the forgiving person you are, always remember to do what YOU feel is right. There are tons of people at the university you will attend so, if you don't hit it off with one group of people there is always another; making friends is the easy part. If you are having a hard time...Mom is always just a call away. As far as academics, well it's not going to be easy so, stay focused and remember why you are there; you are in school to better your future! Up to high school graduation you have been smart with your decision-making and judgments, so don't let that change (it won't). When you are faced with those tough moral decisions, stand by what you believe and you will come to the right one. And last, but not least...Have Fun! Whatever you do God is always looking over you and keep in mind that there are many people who love you. Good Luck,Katelynn (from the future)

Nareg

Now that I have experienced being a first year at a presidigious university, I would tell myself , if I went back in time and conversed with myself as a high school senior, to put all my effort every single day. I would tell myself to push forward, to prepare a very strict work ethic, to come back and give all my time and attention towards my studies. I should also not be shy to raise my hand and ask questions to the professor because it helps me grasp concepts I am unclear about. The most crucial information I can provide to myself is to go and get help when needed. There are many services available on campus to help and I should go get help whenever I need it. I should go talk to my professor and teacher assistant consistently and ask how to prepare for upcoming exams and assignments.

Adriana

I went to high school with the people I went to elementary with and took this for granted. When I arrived, I struggled socializing. If someone would have prepared me to get into the mindset of joining groups and clubs to make the transition easier, I would have had a better social life experience. Some key points I wish someone had told me was that entering college would be the start of my career. Everything that I did since then, would begin to affect my future. I would advise myself to get into a research team that attends conferences and presents posters or papers, and involved with the faculty as soon as you enter. I would advise myself to build a strong relationship with the faculty as soon as possible for networking purposes and future letters of recommendation. The most valuable advice I try to teach high school girls now is to not get emotionally attached to someone from back home before leaving to college, and learn about birth control. I had my first boyfriend during my first year of college and almost dropped out due to a pregnancy. No matter how unimaginable the situation, you can still succeed.

Katherine

I would tell myself to participate in internships and truly find out what I want to do as a career. I knew I wanted to be in the medical field in high school, but when I went to college there was so many options and you need to get started right away in a program. I thought I would have at least two years to figure out what I wanted to do. I would advise myself to think about all the medical career opportunities we have here in the United States and research the ones that interest me. It is also important to see what jobs are growing. I would advise myself to only consider medical careers that are growing. I think as a high school senior there was not much emphasis put on me to figure out my career path right then and there. I would advise myself to figure it out that year, so I could have gone straight into college pursuing my career.

Dyllan

The college life is not as easy as you once thought it was. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and determination to be able to pass the classes. The teachers are not there to hold your hand, or to sit there and just help you through everything - it's all you. It's up to you and you alone to be able to pass your classes and to come out on top. What studying you did in high school, and how little you actually payed attention to things, that won't cut it in college. In college, you need to study hard, and read the required material(s) the teachers give to you whenever given. Without studying you won't make it far in the college world, and you will ultimately doom yourself. When it comes to deadlines, keep up with getting things in on time, because teachers are not as lenient about late assignments as your high school teachers were. If you're late with assignments, those are grades you can't get back. Studying, hard work, and the strive to succeed are the three key things which will help you tremendously when you get to college.

Rebecca

I wouldn't doubt that most college students now would love to go back to talk to themselves as a high school senior. To start off, I would go back and tell my high school self to get ahead as much as possible to have some wiggle room in college. Those AP/IB classes will really pay off when you get to college so they are definitely worth the grueling hours of studying required to pass the exams. My results for my exams weren't what I would've wanted but my roommate came into college as a sophomore because of her exam scores. Pass the tests--trust me! Also, in college I discovered a bunch of websites where I could make flashcards and they are amazing. I wish I knew I could make online flash cards to study for exams. Lastly, apply for loads ofscholarships. Education for some strange reason is ridiculously expensive. So, just do it.

isabell

To my high school self, be excited! Life is just beginning and you have the world at your fingertips! Don't be intimidated, it may seem like everyone else is better prepared than you are but they are in the same position as you. Don't be afraid to speak up in class or any other situation. In class, answer the questions, make sure the professor knows your name and knows that you are prepared, engaged, and working hard for your grades. Speak up outside of the classroom too, if you are in an uncomfortable position or situation, say so or remove yourself. Your comfort and safety are a million times more important than being one of the cool kids because at the end of the day, you're the only person you have to answer to. Remember to keep your eyes, mind, and heart open. Absorb as much as you can because the next four years of your life will be a roller coaster but it will be worth it, there is nothing else like it. Have fun! It will be difficult, you will stress out, but the work will be rewarding. And be proud of yourself!

Adrian

I would simply tell myself to study more for the ACT's math section. "Beware the math 90 classes, beware." Is what I would say. Also to get into better studying habits. I hardly studied at all in highschool. I made decent grades, but I could have gotten more A's if I applied myself more.

Michelle

I would advise myself to leave my country at an earlier age than I did in order to get away from the tragedies that were to come during my high school years. That way I would have been able to start a better education somewhere else like the United States. I would advise myself not to give up and be persistent because no one will necessarily help you if you don’t make your efforts count. I would advise myself to become closer to my family while they lasted and to learn faster that your environment will make you who you are and therefore you should find the environment and people you admire and go there.

Kendal

The first thing that I would advise myself, would be to get connected as soon as possible. People are wonderful, friends make your college experience so much better. You must go out of your comfort zone and reach out to others. In college, its okay to talk to a stranger, unlike in highschool. Also, you must want to learn. It is not difficult to get in study mode once you have been to a lecture with an amazing teacher, but it is always better to walk into a classroom prepared and wanting to learn. School is not supposed to be a burden, but rather an enancing opportunity to grow as an individual and student. Learning about different disciplines is one of the most important thing to do, it will help you in the future and years to come. Last of all, enjoy life! work hard! and never give up!

Claire

Take a deep breath. Look at yourself. You can do anything. You can be anything. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Do not dwell on things you can’t control. Cry when you need to and then let go when it’s time. Don’t hang onto painful memories just because you’re afraid to let go of the past. Open yourself up to new opportunities; meet new people and step outside of your comfort zone. Take whatever classes sound interesting to you. Stop taking life for granted. Stop living for other people and start living for yourself. Dream. Create. Imagine. Love. Fall down and pick yourself back up. Figure out what you’re passionate about and go for it. Forget about the boy that broke your heart, the best friend that betrayed you, your bad relationship with your father and live life to its full potential. Let go of the past, forget the people that forgot you, and move on. Learn to put yourself and your needs first. Cleanse yourself of the bad and welcome in the good. Laugh at your mistakes and live without regrets.

Jane

I have no regrets, but it would be easier to communicate and socialize with people of different ethnicities if I had practiced and done so in high school. But besides the social factor, I would advise my past self to keep on living. As Adele once (or more than once) said, "regrets and mistakes, they're memories made."

Bianca

In high school, I took myself too seriously and felt like I needed to know exactly what it was that I was going to do with my life. Looking back at the last four years, I am nothing like the person I imagined I would be my senior year of college. I have a different major, different friends, different interests. I have learned that college is a place to grow and flourish. I think that the best advice I could give my highschool self is to take a deep breath and jump in. Time flies so fast, there is no room for second guessing and worring whether I am doing college the right way.

Crystal

Enjoy your high school years. This is the time to discover who you are and to experience new things and make new friends. You will have pleny of time to worry and feel anxiety through the rest of your academic career.

Cole

Quit worrying about your college resume and enjoy a balanced life. You will be happier than you can ever imagine and the college-thing works itself out perfectly. Choose a short list of colleges to apply to and be very realistic about where you will be accepted. Have a hobby as that is a great way to relax and to meet people like you.

Evan

College will provide. You will come into freshman year alone, skeptical, and anxious, but fear not. You will make friends to give you company, you will be inspired to strengthen your resolve, and you will not fail, so calm your nerves. College will provide almost every opportunity you imagined coming into it. It is up to you to know which of those to pursue and which to forego. In this way you will mold your own experience, navigating the triumphs and perils of campus life, unassisted for the first time. At this point you don't know what your field of study will be, so use this as your compass: let your strengths fuel your passions. Your intuition is a virtue so go with it every time. Let your work ethic do the rest, because it is remarkable. Be tireless in finding your passion, and when you find it, be tireless in exploring it. Never miss an opportunity, because it may hold a clue. If you heed these words, you will excel. In times of worry remember, college will provide.

Sarah

I would tell myself not to stress out over what colleges accept and don't accept you. Things happen for a reason and you can't change what you have no control over. Let things happen the way they're going to.

Jason

Jason, you have two paths to achieve success as a doctor. I recommend attending University of California, Irvine. You will be very academically successful at Santa Barbara, and you will lose weight biking between classes, but there are some classes you will have to take at community college. Also, the atmosphere there is too much set on partying, and you will not be able to escape it your first year because of your roommates at the dorm. At Irvine, there will surely be some partying which you will enjoy, but not in excess, and you will probably not be pressured constantly to try various drugs. You will still get the UC education to succeed as an optometrist later on down the road. Do not change attending Western University of Health Sciences for your O.D. Everything else you will succeed at, for you will thrive academically either way. Oh, by the way, watch for that fender-bender at grandma’s parking structure. Mega million lottery numbers July 27th 2012 2, 3, 4, 8, 43, 26.

Chloe

Don't lose sight of who you are. Don't give trust away too easily. Friends over boys. Keep focused in school and don't let the social life suck you in. Be a biology major RIGHT away so you don't get behind. Go into teacher's office hours, it's not as scary as it may seem. Boys here don't want relationships. It's not always necessary to buy books when you can share with friends or get them on reserve at the library, because books are really expensive.

Dania

If I could go back in time and talk to myself in highschool as a senior, I would advice myself to look forward to the next four years and embrace every moment and emotion. I would advice myself to not be so sad over leaving home, because you'll come to learn that home will always be there. Most of all, I would advice myself to not be so hard on myself in the next four years, and that there's no need to worry about everything. Things will work out exactly how they are supposed to.

Carly

Although UCSB has fantastic resources, no amount of advice can prepare you for what remains in store for you after you graduate. You will question yourself constantly and wonder what you could have done different, when the ultimate irony is you did and continue to do everything perfectly. Your dipolma doesn't light your path, it's just a badge you'll wear as you walk it, and you will get wherever you're going as long as you keep walking. You will get lost, but when you believe in your choices, you'll find your way. And you know what? People will say your career will have nothing to do with what you studied for your degree, but they are wrong. All those hours spent alone in the oncology lab weren't for naught--they showed you that you don't want to work alone. Embrace those times you cried over circumstances out of your control--now you're stronger. Love all the molecularchemical mechanisms you ingrained into your memory--they will always be there. All these experiences will forever be with you, because they are you. Now lift your head, shoulders back, and breathe. Don't stop breathing.

Aubrey

To my highschool self: At this time in your life you are happy, determined and loved. You are also scared, self conscious and embarrassed about issues that may be out of your control. Please know that whatever trials come your way does not mean the end of the world. They are the stepping stones to your journey of life. Learn from your mistakes, and do not regret everything. Every heartbreak and every tear are simply beautiful gifts that will make you stronger. Know that everything will be okay in the end, and if it is not okay, then it is not the end. Dear highschool self do not take anything for granted. Life is precious, beautiful, and temporary. Please do not take everything so seriously. Enjoy yourself and enjoy life, and above all enjoy the company and the love that surrounds you. Embrace the gifts you have been given and treat every day as if it is the most precious of all.

Marina

Buy a bike! And make sure if you are ever walking around campus, bikers have the right of way so always stop for a biker, they won't stop for you!

Erika

If I was able to go back int ime and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would change my study habits and focus more in my test and school work. I would not procasinate on my homework or projects. I would join more clubs at school, such as student government. I could of been in Florida State Univeristy right now if I didn't slack. We all make mistakes and now that I am in college, I now know what mistakes not to make.

Noelle

I would go back and tell myself as a high school senior not to take everything so seriously, and that it is okay to have a little fun once in a while. I used to take school, tests and sports so seriously that it took the fun out of everything. At UCSB, I know now that it is okay to relax a little bit and not take life so seriously. I do not have to be perfect at everything, and I can follow what interests me. Stress is not as much as an issue anymore, and I don't let the little things bother me. I would explain that everything happens for a reason, and that I should be very happy with my life because not everybody gets the oppertunity to go to college in the most beautiful place in the world.

marissa

This is future Marissa saying that you need a reality check. You are not the smartest person and you need to start studying for real. You need to overcome your procrastinating ways and do homework as it is assigned, even if you don't need to turn it in! Stop being nervous about finding friends and worry more about the workload. And I'll say it again, you need to STUDY! College is not like the movies where everything happens perfectly; you need to put an effort to see results. You need to be more outgoing and be willing to risk saying a wrong answer. There are influences in college but focus on your studies and joining clubs to help in the community rather than going out and partying. Most of all believe in yourself and STUDY!

Flor

As a high school senior I was very uninformed about what college really meant. Being part of the first generation in my family to attend a university I did not understand the transition to college. As a result, if I had the opportunity to go back in time, I would have reached out more to my teachers and counselors for guidance. Also, I would have contemplated more on my future goal and what I really wanted to focus on in college. In addition, I would ask myself why I didn't look more into scholarships that could have assisted me in my goal of earning a college degree.

Lisa

I would tell myself to take honor couses and seek career couseling.

Amy

Take easy classes in the beginning of college until you have a feel of what college life is like. Make sure you ask for advice before picking your classes, you don't know how much of a difference it makes in your GPA. Don't give into peer pressure, some people are smarter than others, do what you feel comfortable with and when you are ready you will be able to take more advanced classes. Do not procrastinate, keep up with all of your homework.

Lauren

If I were to go back and have a conversation with my high school senior self I would tell her to get her act together and apply for 4 year universities immediately as opposed to going to community college. College is a time to figure yourself out and while many people go back you only get one chance to be in your late teens/early twenties to truly have the '4 year college experience' even though pulling an 'all nighter' to study may not sound appealing now, you will look back and smile thinking about it one day. I would tell her she's going to have had a wonderful 2 years at UCSB, however I wish it would have been more and just because you're not positive you know what you want to do with your life yet, it WILL come to you in the next couple of years. The lessons you learn and the people you meet have an impact on you for the rest of your life. It was at UCSB I decided I wanted to become a special educator and it is at UCSB where I made some of my greatest memories and dearest friends.

Barbi

This is an easy question for me. I am always telling my 2 teenage boys that I regret not pursuing a CAREER after high school. While I did attend college and earn my Bachelor's Degree immediately after high school, I graduated with a degree in business. Please do not misunderstand; it's not that I think there is anything wrong with a business degree, but it is extremely general. I had no direction after graduating college. I did not know what I wanted to do with my "business" degree. Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself to attend law school, or medical school or anything that would have better prepared me for the world ahead of me. I am proud that I went to college and graduated with high honors; BUT because I did not pursue an actual "career", I am now going back to school as a 43 year old mother of 2. I am fulfilling my dream of being an RN. I am excited, but do wish I had done this right after high school!

Melissa

Plan out your schedule ahead of time, look at all the requirements needed for your intended major. Research, Research, Research! Knowing what classes you need to take ahead of time is utterly important. Besides that everything really falls into place. Take advantage of the resources online and don't worry, everything is going to be just great!

Brooke

I would tell myself not to be scared to go to a junior college. Going to a junior college really eased the transition.

Brigit

I would tell myself to enjoy and cherish every moment you have with your family. Being a teenager and in high school you take for granted what your parents do for you. I would always tell myself, "I can't wait to move far away...i'm not going to miss my family." But as I soon came to realize it was a lie. The first couple weeks of college I was so homesick, and it was hard for me to focus in my classes because my heart and mind weren't in the right place. Also in college you have to do everything by youself, no one holding your hand. You have so much responsibilty and can't expect anyone to take on your problems. In high school your parents still do everything for you, and if you have a problem they fix it right away.

Stephanie

My family finds joy with academics and I am no exception. I found myself torn between two loves, history and biology and it was difficult to decide at the beginning. There were countless conversations concerning my future and my goals and I had few answers. I would tell myself, as a high school senior, to explore more of options I had at school. There was so much pressure in high school from the counselors about fulfilling the "A-G requirements" that now everything felt very forced. I would tell myself to enjoy the year more than I did. In high school, I was an officer of several clubs and stress about all the events was a daily part of my life. If I could, I would tell myself that the events all turned out great and a lot of the stress was uneeded. As a high school senior, the time felt like it lasted a long time but in reality it did not. I wish I knew that there is plenty of time to figure out what I want to do, enjoy the moment, and get excited about the school I would be going to next year.

Arielle

College is a major priority all through out your life. It is very important and is almost a necessity to go through in this generation. If I had the opportunity to to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told my self to buckle down and keep studying because it's not going to stop after highschool. I would also advise myself to join clubs and be very active in the college community. Even in highschool other seniors would tell incoming freshman to be focused on school work, join clubs and play sports. The same is carried through into college. It doesn't stop, you're going to be making friends everywhere you go. But the best advice that I would give to myself would be to always study! Don't stop until you know your material so when you test on it you know you're going to do well. I mean, nobody knows exactly whats going on in college when they first start, the whole environment, the feel is different. You have to adjust the best you can and show everyone who you really are!

Clarissa

Dear Clarissa, Trust your gut when you walk on campus for the first time. It feels right because it is right. You got accepted into this school because you are smart and because you will belong here. Do not fear the acedemics, or your fellow classmates- you will not be overwelmed. You will thrive with new ideas and be driven by the motivation of the students around you. You will thank yourself for the smalltown experience you had growing up. It makes you unique because of the perspective you have on the world and the values you place in community. Don't run away so fast from your small town, but instead take it in so you may eventually return and contribute. UCSB will become your home, the people you will meet here will impact you mentally and emotionally. Lasting friendships, and valuable lessons will help expand your desire to learn and the asist the world you live in. Remember, you don't have to meet everyone at once, experience everything at once...you have four amazing years to do everything. The transition is easy-work hard, expand your horizons, and please enjoy UCSB to the fullest. Love, Clarissa

MARISOL

I come from an agricultural and hard-working family background. As a high school student, I learned English as a second language. Therefore, I thought that I would never be able to attend a university and pay for my education. However, if I had the opportunity to go back in time, I would encourage myself to continue my hard work. I would tell myself that there is financial, academic and emotional assistant for students in colleges. There are transitional programs at the beginning of every school year that assist new students feel more comfortable with the new environment. Academic and emotional counseling is also available to students that have difficult time adapting into the atmosphere. Help for academic work is always free and available to help students improve their writing, reading, and research skills. Financial issues might seem the most difficult challenge, especially for low-income students, but financial aid is available to help students reach their dreams of higher education; there is also a wide variety of scholarships available that can help pay for college. Higher education might seem a distant and impossible dream for some students, but with determination and motivation anyone can achieve and discover their potential.

Will

If I were able to go back and talk to my high school self I would tell myself to relax and stay calm. All of the worries that incoming freshman have are very minute things that turn out to be far less of a problem when you get there. Also, make sure to talk to a lot of people and make lots of friends when you first get there. Never say no to an outing or adventure and only hang out with people that you think are fun to hang around with, don't waste your time with people that you don't enjoy being with. Most importantly, just relax and have a good time, because you perform and work the best when you are not stressed out.

Jillianna

I would tell myself to get a better study habit. High school prepares you for college in some ways but in others you are completely thrown for a loop. I would also tell myself to stop worrying so much about what people think and stand up for myself so I'm not dealing with any major drama and I'm only worrying about what is most important and that's school. Also, I would tell myself to think before I act. Don't act impulsively because your on your own and you have to take care of yourself before you can begin to think about others.

Josephine

Choose the school you can find yourself most comfortable in. Even though academics are important, your social life is too. You should be able to work hard and have fun at the same time.

Jiwon

I would give myself an advise that I should definitely go to UCSB. People in UCSB are very friendly and laid back. I can never forget the days we had barbeque party at the beach with my friends. Both academic and social life suits my life. Most people have stereotypes that all the students in UCSB are party monsters, but UCSB is not only active in party, but also academically strong. Even on fridays there are a lot of people studying in 24 hour study room. We are also famous for our dining commons. I think food here is very healthy and delicious. I would give an advise that you'll never regret going to UCSB. Can you imagine living right by the beach?

Jamie

In high school I got very good grades, but I wish I had challenged myself more. I didn't take any advanced placement classes and in not doing so, I feel that I didn't get as much out of high school academically as I could have. If I could go back in time I would urge my high school self to challenge herself more and not just do the bare minimum in order to see good grades, but to actually work hard in more difficult classes in order to feel more satisfaction when looking at report cards. I would assure my high school self that she is smart enough and that in reaching for higher education goals, those grades would have been far more worth it.

Carol

Keep up with your studies; it might be amazing to finally be free from your parents, but do not let it get out of hand, you will go to college for a reason, and do not stray away from that. Really think about what you want to do with your life, what will make you happy? what are you willing to do to achieve that happiness? is it worth it? Remember you live life once and you must live it to its fullest but you must also live it inteligently. You have the determination and the strength to never give up - whenever you feel down, find help, there will be plenty of it around you. Live it up - live it smart, and you will have that happiness.

Saralyn

Dear Saralyn Crossen, high school senior: In preparation for your next educational journey as a college student, I am going to give you a little advise on making the transition from high school to college. Right now you are surrounded by people you have known for years, or your entire life, you live at home and in the home town you have grown up in. You are very comfortable in your surroundings which makes you obtaining you current education feel safe and doable. Transitioning to college where everything is new, your teachers, the expectations, the environment, your living environment, you will feel overwhelmed, intimidated and thus at times have a hard time absorbing your education. Sit back, relax, take deep breaths, familiarize yourself with your new life, don't rush; if you feel overwhelmed, reach out to others, teachers, administrators, counselors, they are all there to provide you support, reach out to your peers, have faith and enjoy the richness and newness. Find a sacred place to study, take your time to read and to learn the new materials you are studying. Enjoy the journey, the end will arrive before you know it. ~Saralyn Crossen, 34 years old.

YANELY

I would simply say that college is your door to a better future and that a High school diploma cannot pay the bills.

Celyse

I would advise myself to get more involved in campus activites and clubs as well as dedicate more time to my studies and less time towards work. I would advise myself go to office hours every week regardless of if I had questions or not about the material in order to get to know the faculty better. Asking for help when you need it is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength, I would ask for help more often whether it was asking my parents for money, other students for help with assignments or professors or TAs for help with papers.

Jennifer

I would of tried hard in high school. I thought I pushed myself to do the best but I wish I could of done better. I wanted to go to college so bad I rushed through high school and I didn't enjoy or do my best. I wish I could go back and do my senior year over.