University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

I have learned so much about who I am and who I want to be. I have discovered that I love philosophy, and I hate biology. I have discovered that if I work hard, I can surprise even myself. I have also been able to learn from my mistakes. For example, writing a paper the night before its due is a sure way to get a low grade. I have discovered that the party scene is not for me. I have found lifelong friends who support me in my decisions, good or bad, and help me out when my decisions are bad ones. Everything I know about myself, I learned in college.

I feel like I am on my way to the rest of my life and college is how I am getting there. So far, I have already learned knowledge that I truly value and will never forget. I do not exactly know what I am going to become but in college, I am discovering more and more about what I want to do in my life. Every day I find myself drawn to global studies, international affairs, and foreign languages. Being able to learn about topics in those fields has made me eager to learn and enthusiastic about my school work and where my life is going. It has been valuable to me to attend college because every day I am surrounded by people who love learning just as much as I do and they are serious about their lives. Not only the fellow students make college rewarding but my countless brilliant proffessors with doctorates do! Their passion amazes and inspires me to continue on my journey for knowledge and hopefully happiness and security in life.

By attending the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) as a graphic design major, I have gained more knowledge, self esteem, and the passion to strive. The classes here at FIDM have not just taught me the basic information on my major, but has given me experience in how the industry works and prepairing me for how life is after college. Their goal is to help you have a career and with all the resources they give you, this is very easy. When entering college, I did not believe in myself and did not think I could succeed. FIDM changed my views and has turned me into a new person. I express myself with my creativity and never doubt myself anymore. FIDM has taught me to never quit and to strive for your what you want. I have achieved so many goals while attending FIDM and has enlarged my passion for graphic design. FIDM has been the best thing for me in my life and I wouldn't be the person I am today without it. I have gotten so many positive attributes from FIDM experience and cannot wait for what the future holds for me.

I have been able to see the world without actual traveling. UCSB offers many programs to enrich global education as well as interactive communities with students from all backgrounds. Classes stress the universal impact of the world, which is how to make the world better, whether it is through acceptance, respect and appreciate. In that way, my sense of global knowledge as expanded since being at this school.

Although I have gotten many things out of my personal college experience, the most important has been the sense of being an adult. This current year in college has helped me realize no one is holding my hand throught my education experience, and it's all up to me to bring the best out of it. I learned the choices I make now will refelct on me in the future, and with that learn from my mistakes. The fact that I decide my own path, has turned me into a far more responsible and mature young man, and I have college to thank for it.

my college experience had been very good i have learn a lot from this school and i can to wait to get out in the world and show other people.

Besides the academics at UCSB, I have gotten to deal with tons of people. Because everyone is so social and everyone lives within two miles of eachother everyone is very close, and you get to meet tons of new people all the time. This has helped me to make very good first impressions, especially with things like interviews. College in general has been good, and I have gotten a lot out of it because I am actually on my own and taking care of myself. This means doing my own dishes and laundry, making and keeping my own appointments, and just general responsibility.

I am currently pursing my third college degree, and every college experience I have had has been unique and valuable in developing and preparing myself to eventually obtain my long term goal of becoming a hospital Chief Nursing Officer. In my first college experience, I was exposed to various career fields, and learned which area was right for me. I was also active in Greek life and the women?s club soccer team, which strengthened my time management and social skills, which helped me get to my next step in life; graduate school. In my second college experience, I obtained a Masters of Health Administration. This experience refined my career ?real world? skills; specifically in networking and learning to be able to create methods and processes to solve problems. At present, as I am working my way through my third degree, I am learning nursing technical skills, and am absorbing important concepts to carry into my career (Healthcare Hospital Administration), such as barriers nurses face which impede upon providing quality patient care. All of my past and current college experiences have shaped me into who I am today, and the influential healthcare leader I plan to be in the future.

Starting my last year in high school I was unaware and uninterested of going to college or not. The economy crisis was making me look for other options. However, with the help of some of my family members and close friends I decided to apply to the University of California, Santa Barbara. I have gone through both wonderful and not so good experiences in college. Wonderful because I have met many people and I have fit socially. Who would imagine that back in high school I was going to make so many friends and have so much fun in college? College life has given me so many opportunities to stand out as a person and have my own thoughts. It is so valuable for me because I am a first generation college student in my family and becoming successful would be of so much pride to my family. I have learned that is not easy and free. I know that everything depends on me. My success, my achievements, my parents? pride, my money that I am spending is now all on me. Everyone is counting on me and that is why it is all these experiences are so valuable.

I have met so many fantastic people here. My friends who i like to go out with are the same friends who I go to the library with. It is so nice to meet people who are so goal oriented. It is such a transition from the high school I attended. I came from a high school with a fifty percent drop out rate. Plenty of them were good friends of mine. It is nice to see all different people have so much movitation and so many people striving to succeed. I believe that being around this type of atmosphere makes me a better student and makes me try harder to be the best of best. It was easy to be the best of my high school; this is more of a challenge. I will come out of college more motivated then ever before and I am going to be the proudest, most successful person at my high school reunion. Santa Barbara is a great place and I plan on continuing to do great things as long as I still have money in my pocket... wink, wink. Thanks for your consideration.

I would encourage myself to take more time considering the decision to go to a university, perhaps taking more time off to save money. I would also strongly encourage myself to take into consideration the cost of living in the area that the school is in-- I didn't realize how expensive Santa Barbara was. I also didn't realize how difficult it would be to be queer here. Though there are some queer student organizations, they're not especially inclusive. Lastly, I would avoid living in the dorms. It was certainly convenient, but not being able to cook for myself and being surrounded by so many people I had nothing in common with on a campus that is somewhat geographically isolated from the rest of the city was a thoroughly miserable experience. Overall, however, I think I was somewhat thoughtful in making my plans to go to college and in finding a community for myself that is separate from the university. I knew from the beginning that I did not want to be a stereotypical irresponsible college student, and that I wanted to take advantages of the resources the university offers, and I think I have done this well.

Many say high school is nothing compared to college, but they're wrong. Just like you needed extracurricular involvement in high school, you need that as well in college. Whether you're planning to go to graduate school or not, having extracurricular involvement helps you build a portfolio--you gain experience and build a good reputation. But of course, remember to keep up your academic consistency. College isn't mandatory like high school; you chose to take that step to better yourself, so be responsible and keep your grades up. Remember, that now it's up to you. You're an adult as scary as it sounds, it's all going to be alright. And my friend, believe in yourself because if you don't have the self-esteem and determination to prove the world wrong about who you are then it's going to be hard for someone to do it for you. Lastly, forget any possible advice I gave, live it up! College is for you to live it up and learn as you go. No advice is going to have you better prepared than the actual experience :)

Knowing what I know now, I would tell that high school senior I used to know so well to live his lfe to the fullest with his friends, which happen to also to be his family. They are the ones who mean the most to you in life, and they are the ones who make it. Fear not though my friend, do not despair for although they may be everything to you at the time you will learn to live without them. They will always be in youre heart and you will always be in there's. With that in mind, look forward to the life ahead of you even though it may be hard, as I can attest to because I am still struggling without them. Furthermore, do not let your pain blind you. You have expectations to live up to, many of them from the very ones you love and miss. They will always support you in what you do, and even though they are not at your side they are always with you in your mind. You are never alone.

I would tell myself to relax and not worry so much. While I was making my decision of which school to attend, I should contact people who go to those schools and ask about their experiences. Once I made my decision to attend UCSB, I should have researched the online class schedule and sign-up system. I would tell myself not to be scared to admit to myself and my family that I was nervous and not as confident in my success as I had been during high school. During the first months of school, I should be more like myself ? friendlier and outgoing, instead of dwelling on how much I missed home and my family. I wish I had been more sociable and confident, and realized that college was just as new and scary to me as it was to everyone else. Making an appointment with an academic advisor during my first quarter would have made the transition and planning my college career easier. I should join all the clubs I was interested in, and later decided on which ones I really wanted to dedicate myself to, and in the process meeting new people with similar interests.

High school self-- chillax a bit. Enjoy your last year before university. You have many wonderful friends in high school, a lot of whom you will continue to talk to after you move on, but, also many whom you will probably never see again. Take advantage of this time you have together, get to know people, learn everything that you can before you leave. College isn't a huge, impossible step. It's exciting. When you get onto campus, smile, and talk to everyone. Expose yourself to all sorts of new people; learn where they come from and what they love. Don't worry too much about those you left at home; call them when needed, but aside from that, focus on building new relationships. As far as classes go, you're going to get out whatever you put into them. Professors aren't going to check to make sure that you read or took notes. Do the work that's beneficial. Do extra work if it helps. Don't be afraid to miss a class here or there if you have something more productive to do. Just remember, you're paying for this time to learn; learn from everything.

I would tell myself to listen to my heart when it came to choosing schools because the consequences can be painful if things don't go as planned. Especially with the economy in today's world, you need to know that everything can work out despite your financial situation. If you want to go to that private school but can't afford it, do your research because there's plenty of free money out there! You know what you want in a school, so don't go against your better judgement and decide to pick the school that others think would be the best for you. This is the start of your life being out on your own: you want to make sure you're comfortable with yourself and yet at the same time comfortably being a bit out of your comfort zone. There's nothing you cannot do; as long as you're optimistic about it you will strive!

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would definitely have to scream out to myself ?Go to the summer program?. Knowing what I know now that summer program could have helped me out significantly. Now that I am in college I am looking for any way possible to get the classes that I want. With the economy that the country is currently classes are being cut and I find it getting more difficult as each quarter passes to obtain the classes that I want. If I would have attended that summer program I could have took two of the classes that I desperately want to get out of the way right now. During the first two weeks of college I was so unhappy because I had never been away from home and I found myself very homesick. I realize now that these two weeks of hell could have either been avoided or not have been so extreme if I would have gone to the summer program.

Chris, do everything that you feel is right in college.. you made great decisions and ended up where you wanted to be in life so far. Just a couple of suggestions though, start investing earlier. Also, getting an internship or part-time job in the financial industry earlier could have saved you a little bit of time and energy. Don't spend so much time caring about partying or girl drama situations. Those will pass, and in the long run were definitely not your time. Get to know your professors and TA's earlier than senior year, they really are helpful and make the difference between an A- and B+. Live up that year on the beach, that house was expesive (like all of Isla Vista) but it sure went by too fast. Buy a camera, take too many pictures. Take chances, have fun, and get that diploma.

If I could go back in time to warn myself about what the transition to college wouyld be like, I would urge myself niot to take things so lightly because the transition is not simple. I would tell myself to apply for scholarships and grants so that I won't have take out so many loans. I would also prepare myself during the summer so that when classes start I am prepared for the rigorous classes that await me when I start school. I would tell myself to take more college courses in high school so that I have the extra credits so that I can be ahead on my credits if something were to go wrong. So mainly I would just tell myself to expect the unexpected because collige is not a matter to be taken lightly.

I know it easy to fel as if College is a choice that you do not have to make right away. "I'll go one day" or "when I can afford it". I have to admit, you don't HAVE to go to college, it not a requirement. You might even find a very high paying job with no secondary education but what happens when you loose that job after having a baby? Then you go apply to other job similar in the industry with tons of experiance but no degree. It gives every one else the upper hand. I knew I wanted to go to college to accomplish my goals I just didn't know when. I wish I would have gone sooner so that I wouldn't be starting over when it is the most impartant time in my life to provide for my child. You think school is hard? Imagine changing diapers and trying to study while listening to a crying baby. DO NOT WAIT... participate!

Firstly, I would tell myself that procrastination will never get anywhere. As a high school student, I really didn?t realize how much time I allocated to doing absolutely nothing. In college though, as an adult, there is no one there to ?whip you into shape?. Therefore, if I were there to order myself around, I would make sure that I was up and on top of my schedule on my own volition. Secondly, I would tell myself to think outside the box more often. As opposed to high school (memorize, memorize, memorize!), the material presented to me in college, to date, has been incredibly thought provoking. Almost every preconceived notion I have had about the world has been altered through what I have learned so far. The material begs the student to reevaluate the world they live in; which came to me as quite a shock. I personally was not quite prepared to have my comfort zone invaded and my limits pushed. But now, after the fact, I wish I would have indulged in such activities earlier so that I would have been more prepared for the enlightenment college has to offer.

If I could go back in time and offer advice to my high school senior self, I would tell myself to look into more scholarships and getting involved on campus more. I knew that I would be fine financially this year as a freshman, but now I am beginning to face the financial struggles as I look for a place to live next school year. I really wish I would have taken scholarship searching more seriously. Also, I would tell myself that the first week of college is the most important, so be ready. I was not as social as I now wish I would have been my first week here. This has caused me to see that if I had gotten more involved at the beginning of the year, things would be much more fun and enjoyable for me right now. I think I would also tellmyself to not stress over college acceptances because no matter the outcome, I will get into the school that is right for me.

Being an adult that did not go to college right out of high school, I have alot to tell myself. Knowing how hard it is to try to live my life on my own and try to pay for college is not an easy task to accomplish. All your money that you earn at your job goes for bills to live. And your job that is if you can even keep it and go to school is hard to make everything work out the way that you need it to work to be able to go to school. You are always tired because you wake up at 6:30 am and go to work, then you go to school as soon as you get out of work at 5 pm. Needless to say you don't get home from school and back into your house until 11 pm. You make time to do your homework before you go to bed and sleep so the next day can begin all the same as the day before. Going to college right out of high school is the best thing to do. You don't have most of these problems to deal with.

The best advice I could give would be to realize nothing is easy. There will be hardship, sadness and pain, but you'll also create memories that you can look back to. Just remember to call mom and dad often, keep in touch with those you treasure, and remember things happen for a reason. If connections with people around you or even back home aren't fixable and just cause you even more problems, you have to remember things DO happen for a reason and if it was meant to be that way then it will play out that way.

Open up your mind. When you're in high school you have this mentality that you know how the world works and you think you have it all figured out but there is so much more to life than you can begin to imagine. When you are in high school you live in a little world all on your own but once you step into college it's a burst of reality and you realize what the world is actually like. So go out and meet new people, people from all over the world that have different cultures, that have a completely different way of life even through all those differences it will surprise you how similar people can be. So my advice to you would be go into college with an open mind because with that you can gain so much knowledge and get the most of your college experience, don't be afriad to strike up a conversation with someone you barely know, keep in mind that most people are on the same page as you are.

As a high school senior, living at home and depending on your parents, all you have to focus on is school work and having fun. Although as a college student, you focus on the same things, but being on your own, away from home is a big reality check. If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I think I would just recommend being a little more independent. I would also bring up money management. Money plays a big part in being able to live on your own, be it in a dorm or an apartment. I would tell myself to save as much money as I could or just learn how manage it better. I would also tell myself to be more active in class and be more confident in all i do.

If time travel existed, I would catch the first flight back to my senior year, not to stop myself from making a catastrophic mistake, or warn myself about the hardships of going to college far from my home, but to give myself a pat on the back, and tell myself I made the right choice. Deciding to go to UCSB was a big step for me, my family was unsupportive, they knew the government wasn?t giving us any money and they didn?t have any to spare for my education. However, coming here was my dream, and I wasn?t about to let anything as trivial as money get in my way. I packed up, leaving family and friends and immersed myself fully into the college life with no regrets. Half way through the school year, I cannot imagine my life any different than it is now, every choice I have made has brought me here and I don?t regret a thing. I plan to graduate in 2013 and go to grad school for my Masters in Art Therapy. I want to give others strength, the strength to make their lives what they want them to be.

I would tell my senior self that he should choose the school that would ultimately allow him to get a job secured after graduation with the strong connections between the school and the firms. Also, I would tell myself that depending on my major, I should choose the proper school to be able to incorporate enough balance between education and leisure to be able to successfully finish my degree and pursue my career after graduation. Last but not least, I would tell my senior self to save up some money and take challenging classes in high school to be well prepared for the challenges of higher education.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, it would be to reassure myself that everything would turn out for the better in the end. I would also tell myself to challenge myself more academically during my senior year. That way, my mind would stay alert and I could have prepared myself for the rigor that college classes would soon bring. There is a significant difference in the studying habits of high school than college. Studying for high school meant studying for whatever material was on the test while studying in college meant a comprehensive understanding of the material that was given. Lastly, the most important advice I could give myself was to stop worrying for the future, but to plan for the future. Instead of stressing about what career path I was to choose, I realize now that stress does not help any situation. Careful planning and the ability to take advantage of my time is the most important thing in college, if not life. The worst thing to waste is time itself so take a deep breath and tackle the problem at hand one day at a time.

The first and most important piece of advice that I would give myself would be to commit myself to school more. To stop seeing homework as a chore and more as a learning experience and to learn to take every piece of information and enjoy it. I would tell myself to stop procrastinating and to look at the greater part of school. I would also tell myself that it is not important to be with the 'in' crowd. There are many more important things to worry about. There will always be people who accept you for who you are and who will love you for being exactly that.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would say is "your life away from home is what you make it to be." From experience, many college freshmen have a hard time transitioning from high school to a world where they are all on their own. If one stays true to who they are, focused on their goals, and has a little fun, college life away from home will be one of the best learning experiences of their life! Second, I would recommend exploring different types of courses the first year of college. Even when entering college with a decided major, there are SO many fields one can study about! When will you be able to take a sociology, environmental, and global studies class all in one semester? Third, I would remind myself to keep in touch with good high school friends. I found it is true that "college friends know who you are, but high school friends know why" and those high school friends will always be there when times get tough. Finally, "watch out for those dining commons!" The "Freshman 15" sneaks up on you- fast!

I would tell myself to stop using the credit card so much because those interest rates are terrible. I would also tell myself to develop better study habits now, because now that I just transferred, a 4-year university is no joke.

If I had an opportunity to go back to my senior year and give myself advice, it would be to apply to more scholarships and save up as much money as possible. Real life is really hard, I wish I would have listened to my family, counselor, and friends when they were telling me to apply to scholarships and grants. I've now realized that time goes by fast, and as soon as I know it, I will be out of school and demanded to pay back my loans that I had to apply for and recieve just to attend school for proper training in film production. My parents worked very hard for what they now recieve, and the last thing I would want to do is take more from them than what they've already given me. So if I could go back into time, that is what I would tell myself. But since I can't go back into time, I have to face the future, so I ask, would you make my future just a little bit better?

Dear Chailenn, I have lived your future and feel I could share some wisdom for your transition into college. While you are still in High School you might feel you have everything financially under control, but the two scholarships you receive at the end of the year only help you with your first quarter. You need to apply for scholarships as much as possible. When you get to the University you are only a number. One of the most important things I have learned is the importance of creating relationships with your professors. Really get to know your professors and their passion through office hours and research opportunities. In lecture, sit in the first two rows. It will help you pay attention, and it shows the professors you are serious about your education. Take advantage of the resources and opportunities the University has to offer. Do not hesitate to take classes in abstract subjects, expand your knowledge base. Finally Chailenn, always remember you are paying to attend this university for a purpose; to acquire the education and opportunities to reach your goals, and turn your aspirations into reality. There is nothing you cannot do or accomplish! Good Luck, Future You

If I could go back and give myself some advice to aid in the transition from high school to college, I would tell myself to be more organized. When I first got to school I tried to remember every little thing that I had to do, but I quickly learned that this was not the correct method for me. I continuously showed up to classes and ensembles late, I forgot meetings, I was late to work, and I was just generally unorganized. At the end of the quarter I decided that that needed to change. I now put everything that I have planned in my iTouch planner. All of my classes, work times, dinner meetings, and everything else that I have to do is in there. Ever since this revelation, I have not been late to anything! So my advice to self would be to not rely on memory for my hectic schedule because when you are taking maximum units, that does not work. Simplify things. Put everything in your iTouch and relax!

If it was at the beginning of senior year I would definitely tell myself to take trig/pre-cal instead of statistics because as a math major I had to come into college with that knowledge and I didn't have that. Since I did not have any trig background, then that made me struggle in my first college math class and I failed it.This is definitely a set back which could have been avoided if I had had the knowledge of trig that I needed. Another thing I would advice myself is to use the free resources that are provided here in campus; There are many ways to find help. Also, something very important is to manage my time very wisely. Having set times to study is very important in order to learn the material well and do very good in the midterms and finals.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself to be more proactive. I would tell myself that college is really hard and I have to be prepared for it. I would also tell myself to get more involved in the community and apply for all the scholarships I can. I would make sure to fill out all Financial Aid realted applications on time so I would be able to receive some aid. If I could go back in time I might even tell myself to go to a different UC or to community college so that I wouldn't have to deal with the financial difficulties I face right now. I would make sure I am well informed and ready to got to college so that I wouldn't have such a miserable experience like I am having presently. Basically I would tell myself how to prevent the mistakes I have made.

I would tell myself to study more and to not read to much into what people say. I would read more and try to be as diverse as possible. The people I go to school now did so much during high school I would like to be just like them. I would just make myself study and have better time mangagenent. I would also look for more financial aid so I don't get stuck paying back loans all my life.

The advice I would have given myself if I were able to go back to my senior self, would be to never give up. Things may look bad now but things will get better. Your education comes first. Don't slack off and don't get too caught up in trying to be social. Friends come and go. There are over 20 thousand students in this university. You're not the only one. Get as much advice as possible from other students who have already passed your grade level. Get more involved in school. Get a job as soon as you see the opportunity. Take your chances. Take a risk. Never let an opportunity pass you by. Figure out a schedule that works with you and follow it. Don't panic, don't stress, take a break when you can to get yourself back in focus. College is not a joke. You've got to pass and get ahead. Your goals are set. Now find that path and follow it. Distractions and obstacles are there. Don't let them bring you down. Don't give up because when you feel like all the doors are closing, a window is opening.

Live your high school and enjoy the times with your family. College is very different than high school in many ways. Do not procrastinate and always try to do things early. Sleep a lot while you can and lastly, learn how to take care of yourself.

College is going to be a huge transition for you. Separation from the familiar places and faces that have watched and helped you grow thus far in life will be strange and, at times, sad. But simultaneously, the separation allows for meeting new people and learning of new places. Your horizon will be broadened if you allow it to be. Don't settle for the familiar. Go out and learn about all that the world and this new place has to offer you.There are so many different people to meet, each with their own story and personality. Don't limit yourself to what seems comfortable. Break through the wall that separates you from all that is new and change the lens through which you view the world. In the process older relationships won't be forgotten, but will grow stronger and more dynamic with distance as wine does with age. Be thankful for the opportunity you've been given and worked for and take full advantage of this unique, wonderful time of your life.

As a transfer student to a four year university I feel I have gained quite a bit of wisdom over the past four years. Being in and graduating from high school is a milestone for most people and was for me. If I had the opportunity to go back and talk to myself when I was a high school senior there would be a few important things I would tell myself. First off, I would let myself know that college is not that easy. You have to work for your grade and the competition is very stiff. Being said, it is a great way to discover yourself and become independent. College may be one of the greatest things you will experience in your life, and to cherish every second of it. I would also tell myself to make sure to embrace and love your friends. Over the past four years I have had an enormous amount of support and guidance from my friends and would not be where I am today without them. Lastly, I would tell myself to just be yourself! People enjoy your company and want to be around you when you are just that, yourself.

College can be a difficult transition expect things to be completely different from home. But remember that you are not alone. You are not the only student that is homesick and scared about all that college has in store. Talking to students around you and making friends can help you in ways you wouldn't expect. Analyize a situation before involving yourself because you are now on our own and will have to live with your decisions. If you don't know about something research and don't be afraid to ask for help. Procasination is the down fall to many college students. Once you receive an assignment get started on it as soon as possible. The more you wait the more you have to do on the deadline and the less you retain. Time management is hard to become accustom to if your not use to it but it would eliminate your stress and allow more time to get help if you need it. If you are going to be involved with Greek Life you must be on top of time mangament or you will fall behind. While in college remember to have fun and be smart.

If I had the chance to go back in time and give myself some advice, I would have a few things to say. I would tell myself to not be so uptight, and be able to adapt to different situations more. Flexibility is crucial to having a success college experience. I would advise myself to take some time to myself everyday to keep my sanity, but not isolate myself from people like I did at first because I felt like being alone. In college, especially the dorm life, managing time is key. I would tell myself to keep time for myself, but to spend more time with other people. It's the only way to meet new friends, which are important in a new place where literally everything is unfamiliar.

Before coming to college, everyone else' advice was always "manage your time" or "they don't care if you come to class or do your homework". I think it's obvious for all students to be independent and do their homework, otherwise they wouldn't be coming to college. The real advice I would give myself if I were a high school senior is to never underestimate myself. During the college application process, I didn't apply to the schools I truly desired because I wasn't confident enough to do so. I now regret not applying because even a simple "no." from them would have been way better than skiping an opportunity, or even worse, wondering. I now love where I'm at, and, the "college life" is what you make of it, and everyone ends up in the college they should be, therefore, don't hold yourself back from anywhere or limit yourself to certain places. My best advice would be to do what I want to do and not be pressured by it. In college, always be responsible because there will be strong consequences for irresponsibility, and more than manage your time well, manage your money better.

Looking back i would tell myself that on entering college life would speed up and events with consequences will find you sooner than before. Procrastination will not disappear unless you start from the very beginning and commit to your tasks. You will thanks yourself at the end when you have studied with time for an exam. High school is definietly not the same and learning better study habits will increase your scores dramatically. A very important detail is to have a voice. If you wait for tomorrow or worse not say anything at all people will keep you silent and it will follow you until you have courage to change. Your academics and social life will benefit from this and will help form the person you want to be early on. Part of growing up and going to college is putting yourself out there, it will change your perspectives and develop your mind.

I would tell myself to take advantage of every single opportunity and service the college has to offer. The years fly by and I wish I would have known just how fast it begins to pass. I would make sure I knew how to manage my time efficiently and how to balance between school and a social life. There is so much to do, see and experience in college that the most important advice I would give myself is to just have fun. Enjoy it, take it all in, and don't let a single moment pass you by.

The advise that I would give myself in high school would be to appreciate everyone that helps you there. Do all your homework and readings because they help you with your homework in college. Always pay attention to the teachers and their advice. High school is much easier than college so dont complain when you have a two page paper and do no procrastinate.

It's difficult to see beyond graduation day when you are in the excitement of your senior year, but I don't know that I would want to change that. I feel that living in the moment is something that gets lost in the shuffle of preparing for life, and while it is necessary to prepare, it is also necessary to savor the moments and make memories with your family and friends. I would tell myself to get involved in as much as possible when I got to college. I have joined a few clubs as well as the Greek community, all of which I feel has helped me find my place here and keep me motivated and happy. I would say to keep up with work and studying more than anything. I wouldn't tell myself too much else about college life--my character has been shaped by the experiences I have had and the choices I have made forging my way through this new life and I don't think I'd want it to happen any other way. I would remind myself to enjoy the days left at home and look forward to an incredible ride ahead.

If I could go back to talk to myself as a high school senior I would probably tell myself not to get bummed out by the outcome of my college acceptance letters. I would tell myself that UCSB is a gorgeous and fun school with a great diversity of subjects, teachers, and students. I would also tell myself that I should not have slacked off in my middle high school years, because of that I was unable to get into CAL or UCLA. And most importantly I would tell myself to work extra hard in calculus and try to avoid dropping it. But even if I dropped it once more I would tell myself to take the AP test for it because I could easily achieve a 3 or higher.