University of Central Florida Top Questions

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that transitioning to college is not as difficult as I thought it would be. I would tell myself everything will work out fine. I would tell myself to major in the field that feels right for me and not to let fears of the unknown keep me from acheiving my dreams. I would tell myself that buying textbooks online is cheaper than buying them directly from bookstores and used books are not as bad as I thought. I would tell myself that living in an apartment is not as scary as I thought it would be. I would tell myself I have actually had a lot of fun and made new friends while living in a college apartment.

You need to enjoy your Senior Year and spend as much time with your friends as possible as many will be going to other colleges. Start also a time to keep in touch even if it is just a get together at Christmas Break. You also need to make sure you keep your grades up and apply like crazy for scholarships. Plan on spending more for school supplies than you think and also go out and see what you may need for a small apartment. Remember to take a lot of pictures of your friends and store them for later. Research your college to see what kinds of fun things you can do both on campus and off before you decide on your school. It doesn't do any good to go to a school where everyone goes home on the weekend and you are stuck. See if they have any clubs beforehand that sound good and find out how to hook up with them. You should try to attend 2 orientations if they let you. One to get a feel for the school and another to really actually learn what you need to do.

As a college student, the one thing that I wish I would have prepared a bit more for in the hefty price tag that comes with an education. I did my best to save up what money I could from part-time job. However, minimum wage doesn't exactly add up to meet the bills of a 4-year university. If I could go back in time and speak with my former high school self, I would suggest that I spend a little less money on prom, and apply for a job a bit earlier in the school year. Saving up every penny I could have, might have made a difference for my present financial situation. Asides from saving my earnings, I would advise my self to apply for more scholarships. With this advice, I hope that I would make the right decisions in regards to my future education.

I would tell myself to get off to a better start in college, that way you don't need to repair your GPA, just maintain it. Also, to be more open to making friends in the beginning. And lastly, that there is a lot of extra time outside of class in college so monitor it and spend it wisely.

I would tell myself that procrastination is not an option. Time is much more valuable in college and you would need every second of it because it goes by so fast. I would tell myself that all the complaining I did about homework in high school is nothing compared to the hours upon hours I would spend for just one course at UCF. I would remind myself that I must remain responsible because it is not easy to transition from having everything given to you and then having to do everything for yourself. I would remind myself to stay dedicated; that if there is any point where things feel like they are too hard , just remember how hard you worked to get here and that you are invincible.

I would tell myself to pace myself. I could have done alot better in highschool if i took more time for myself and school then to be social. Being social is an important aspect of life, however, school should come first. I've learned that since starting college 4 years ago. I needed to learn how to balance my time between friends, school work and any other activities I was involved in. If you can have a happy balance, college will be no problem and you'll have a better experience. Nobody likes to be stressed all the time.

Plan ahead and make alternative plans just in case you have to make some changes. Be open and honest, with what you want to do. Do it for you and not your parents, siblings, or anyone else. You may change your major 2-3 times, which does okay, just don?t become a career college student. Your career should be something you passionate about, if that passion starts to fade ask yourself why and what can you do fan the flames. If that passion has changed don't be afraid to change with it, it?s okay to change your mind as long as it is for growth and understanding of how you want to live your life. Failure is not Final, Delay is not Denial.

To be more assertive in everything I do.

Transitioning from high school to college can be a fun experience but it can also be overwhelming. It is a new campus with new people and an entirely new atmosphere. College is a time for you to grow and learn about yourself. It is a time when you find your passion and with the tools and resources college can offer, you can find a successful career. Time management is important if you want to be involved with campus activities in addition to your studies. When looking for career jobs after graduation, prospective employers look for a person who is well-rounded, in terms of staying active in the community and earning good grades. That shows the employer that you have time management skills, as well as the ability to multi-task. Staying on track academically can be difficult when you're in a new environment and experiencing new freedom but in the end, it's all about graduating with that piece of paper called a diploma. As long as you keep your priorities in order and manage your time wisely, your college experience should be a memorable one!

During my college freshman and sophomore year, my focus was single minded: to do well in all my courses and to continue pursuing my passion for learning. I have experienced that over-studying provides the same negative stigma as a resistance to studying. Consequently, I seek to balance studying and social interactions. Without friends, my foundation invites loneliness; without academic focus, it invites failure. Armed with this mindset, balance will enable me to reveal more salient aspects of who I am. I am someone who is quick to give and love, and slow to anger and judge. I am someone who has the strength to be someone?s loyal and caring best friend. I have learned that I need to readily employ my gifts of focus, intent, and follow through. I can move forward into college and my future with a strong sense of balance between academics and friendship. As Stephen R. Covey once said, ?Wisdom is your perspective on life, your sense of balance, your understanding of how the various parts and principles apply, and relate to each other. It embraces judgment, discernment, and comprehension. It is a gestalt or oneness, and integrated wholeness.?

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior there would be lots of advice I would give myself. I would tell myself to have studied alittle harder in order to have higher SAT scores making me eligible for scholorships at that time. I would know how much tution costs and understand the benefit of having a scholorship to pay for tution costs. I would also have saved alittle more money in order to pay for textbooks and other small costs while in college. In addition, I would appreciate the smaller classes in high school and the one on one assistance from my teachers. Lastly, as I tell many younger students including my brother I would say to enjoy my young days because when you become an adult and have responsibilites you will appreciate the good times and easy life you had.

Thank goodness I stayed home and went to a community college for the first two years before transferring! You're not as dumb as you look! : P

Enjoy every moment because it flies by way too quickly!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to start thinking about subjects dealing with the academic community, that I could possibly see myself doing as a living. My first year as a College student made me learn a lot because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I had friends pursuing Majors that they had no interest in and it made me realize some people go to school for reasons other than passion. I would inform my high school self that a high-paying job would not be worth going to everyday if it doesn't make him happy. As for the college life and making the transition, the best advice I could give myself is to be patient and be on top of all pre-requisites in order to graduate.

Amanda, making this transition is not going to be easy. Although you are moving back home, you are going to get homesick. It is going to take a few weeks to get used to your freedom. Once you settle in, this is the most worthwhile experience you will have had so far. Your classes will not be too difficult first semester, but that does not mean you can slack off. You need to study. You will learn to manage your time, and rather well actually. Work hard, but always make sure there is time for you to relax. Be sure to keep up with your schedule. Use your calendar. Call mom often. Her phone calls will be the only thing keeping you sane. You will get closer than you think. Even though you feel alone sometimes, you aren't. It does not mean you have to go home for every event. The longer you stay away, the better. Just trust me. It will make your experience so much more stress free. Besides that, you do pretty good on your own. Do not worry about how things will turn out. You really grow up, and it doesn't take long.

To pick a program with a lot of jobs and stick with it right out of high school.

I would apply for more scholarships, live on campus, and secure my choice in major. If I had the tools I know now, I could rectify many of the mishaps I am dealing with now. First, I would encourage myself to apply for more scholarships. I did not realize how much school would cost when I first began, and like many high school seniors, I assumed Bright Futures would cover alot of my overall costs. Also, I would save every penny I earned in high school. I had three jobs at the time, and with my increasingly advanced classes now, I am almost uncapable of working and staying afloat with my studies. It is very appealing for an inspiring college student to want to live off-campus. I did not even think twice about my choices, I went with what my friends enstilled in me, saying that on-campus life is very discouraging. But when I got to college, I realized how many opportunities I had missed out on. There are events I miss out on, just for the simple fact that I live off campus. To save yourself time and energy, know what major you want to pursue.

Well, I am still currently a senior in high school, as I will be attending college next year. But from what I have heard from many people heeds great warning to me and gives me advice as to what I should do to prepare for college. Many people regret not saving enough money or getting a job their senior year. I currently have 2 jobs, so I'm saving as much money as I can for next year. Many people also regret not trying harder in high school and not getting the grades that they know they could have achieved. I have been doing extremely well this year and I am very happy with the work that I have accomplished.

The advice I would give myself would be to expect the unexpected. I have had many health and economic problems in my family since graduating high school, and as a high school senior I would not have expected them. In 2008, as a freshmen at Florida State University, my father had a debilitating stoke. As a result I was forced to leave the school and come back home to save money and take care of him. I attend a local community college (Brevard Community College) while I was home, and this is my first semester at my new school, the University of Central Florida. I never would have expected that this would be the path I would take two years ago, but despite the hardships associated with my situation as a caretaker, my life has been quite pleasant. I would tell myself that situations will always change and the only was to survive is to embrace those situations and maintain a positive outlook. Adapting to post-high school, or "adult-life," can be a scary thing that we tend to put off for as long a possible, but in the end the rewards are sweet.

Hey Self, It's Ashley. I know right now you're all caught up in the hustle of applying to colleges, keeping your grades and involvement up to par, but I wanted to give you a piece of advice: stop worrying. There will always be someone with more student involvement or a higher GPA than you; as long as you're doing your personal best, don't let their success affect yours. Paying for college will always be a concern, but there will be financial aid available to help. Don't let financial limitations determine where you attend school. You may think you can only afford to attend an in-state school, but if you search hard enough, there are resources to help you attend the school of your dreams. If you're not sure which school is the one of your dreams, don't worry about that either. You have the next two years before you have to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life. P.S. Avoid as many college-level math courses as possible; these are not your strong suit. Sincerely, Me, Three Years in the Future

If I were to go back and visit my high school self, I would tell myself not to worry and not to be afraid. I would say that everything happens for a reason and if I trust in God, everything will fall into place. I can handle independence and I can handle change. Sure it takes some adjusting, but I am about to make the most wonderful friends: the ones who will last; I am about to learn of the most interesting subjects; and I am about to do things that I never would have dreamed possible for me to do. I am about to grow up, learn, and transform more than I could have expected. I am about to discover that anything is possible if I want it badly enough. I am about to go on a most exciting adventure.

I don't know if I'd want to go back in time to tell myself anything. I think that part of the transition from high school to college is not knowing what to expect: being scared and excited at the same time, freaking out when you walk into your first college class. I wouldn't want to ruin this experience for myself. When I moved into my dorm, I was terrified of being late to my classes the next day. I was terrified of being in this huge school with only a few friends, but after that first day I realized it wasn't much different from highschool. Boys didn't magically become mature over the summer, and my mom was still there to talk to on the phone everyday if I wanted to, but I needed to figure that out on my own. Looking back now, I wouldn't have wanted to know exactly what college would be like before I got there: part of the fun, part of the experience, was not knowing.

Knowing what i know at the age of 23, i would have a serious convesation with the high school senior myself. I would give the advice of do not try to rush through the community college, taking 6 classes in one semester will not help me be where i thought i will be in 4 year. I would suggest to take only 4 classes in different fields, for example, art, humanities, business, biology. Community college is a great place to experiment. Once i know what out there and decide what area i want to work in should i really focus on my studies to achieve my goals, but fist i expore my opportunities.

This is something that I have personally thought about many, many times. If I could go back in time I would advise myself to pick my major much earlier that I did to get a better head start. Also, I would try harder to get a car earlier in college than I did. Another thing would be to start volunteering and looking for internships as soon as possible in my college career because the earlier the better. One of the most important things would be to not take the advice I was given by some school advisors to take my time and not rush these things until my junior year. If I had not trusted their advice, I could be in a much better position right now to guarantee a high chance of getting into the graduate schools of my choice.

If I could go back to high school, I would tell myself to keep in touch with the friends you have. In college, it is difficult to meet friends because many of the classes are so large that you may not even sit by the same person more than a couple of times. There are so many people around, yet you feel lonely. I would also tell myself to save money for on-campus housing. I do not feel that I am getting a true "college experience" by living with my parents. Although I am saving money, I am missing out on an experience to gain independence and make new friends. Also, I would tell myself to talk to an academic advisor at least once a semester, and set realistic goals. If the goal is to go to medical school, yet your GPA is barely 3.0, it is probably time to set a new goal for yourself.

If I was to go back in time to my high school senior year and talk to myself, I would greatly encourage myself to continue working hard for my education. Being at this university has allowed me to see the importance of a good education and being prepared for the various courses involved in my Computer Engineering major. I would encourage myself to make a life-plan for college in order to get an idea of what I will be doing as a college student, and pay close attention in my high school classses to be prepared for college courses. I would also advice myself to begin networking due to the fact that entering into college could be a bit stressful for a high school student; however, receiving the right aid will be of great benefit. Being a college student is a great priviledge, and I will make sure to let myself know that as long as I strive for higher education and overcome all obstacles, I will accomplish all my college and career goals.

The first thing I would say is not to "take a break" as so many people do, because this one year break ended up being three years and now it is even harder to finish with everthing else that has to be done as well. Second I would tell myself to be more active in seeking advice and assistance from the people that are available to help because there are so many of them and I ignored them all. All and all I suppose I would tell myself to just get up and do it instead of being a slacker like i was because without an education I will not be able to live a decent life.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely convince myself to attend college immediately after high school graduation. I would also advise myself to join clubs and become more involved in the community to build upon my team building skills. I have learned that a great college or university will try to emulate real world situations to reinforce what you have learned from text books, so it is extremely important to learn team building. I would also advise myself to prepare for college early on and learn about the university I was to attend. I would take personality and career placement tests before attending college to narrow down the career possibilities for which I would be best suited. Knowing what your major is before you attend college will ensure a better experience. I would also take a time management class prior to attending college. The transition from high school to college life can be difficult if you don't know how to manage your time effectively. Strong time management skills are extremely important to any student's success in college and in their future careers.

I think the most important thing to know as a college freshman, is to get involved as much as possible. I enjoyed the Freshmen programs at the University of Central Florida because they focused on getting you acquainted with campus, and meeting new people. It is through that learning process that I was able to make my transition easier from highschool to college. I think it is important for a highschool student to go to college prepared. It's a big change from highschool. Being in college is fun, and it's a great environment, but there is also a main reason why we are here. We are here to learn and to further our education. there are many distractions in college that can change the direction in which you are supposed to go. While it's okay to have fun, and enjoy the new experience, keep in mind the real reason why you are in college, and that is to study and to earn an education that will benefit you in the future.

The classes you took in high school effectively prepared you for your course load, so don't worry about that. Also, you'll meet great people and the first semester overall will be a blast. The school is great; it's never overcrowded and has all the amenities you'll need, and it's location couldn't be better. The only tough thing is managing your time effectively and staving off procrastination, which can be very hard. But you'll get the hang of it, and plan your classes into a manageable schedule. Also, go crazy. But not TOO crazy.

I would have advised myself to be more friendly and outgoing from the beginning. Unfortunatley, I did not start being outgoing and trying to make friends until the end of my freshman year.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would say would be to trust your instincts. You know what you want for yourself and for your future. Although it's good to have spent time exploring other options and expanding your boundaries, you shouldn't let others dictate the direction in which you set your life. In the end, you know what will ultimately make you the happiest. Another piece of advice I would tell myself would be to take everything in stride. Yes, this is your future you're talking about and it's good to have a head on your shoulders and focus/drive, but sometimes it might be best to step back and relax. You know how much time you need to dedicate to your studies, so spend the rest of your (free) time putting yourself out there in terms of making (more) new friends and joining clubs. College is a time to explore, and you don't want to graduate having regrets about how you spent (or didn't spend) your time there.

If I were to go back in time and talk to my self as a hight school senior, I would tell myself to strive for the best and never back down from my dreams because although college may be intimidating, it ' the best time of someone's life. Study hard and take class seriously, but make new friends and try new things.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible. I would also advise myself to go to adult school and make up the classes I didn't do so well in, so that I would have a better chance at being accepted to an university and receiving scholarships.

Knowing what I know now there are so many things that I would go back and tell myself as a high school senior. One of the most important things is that, college is NOT as easy as was portrayed all four years. I came from a "college preperatory" top 50 Catholic High School, and frankly I do not believe that i was prepared at all for this experience. I would also tell myself that going out and being just like everyone is not important, what is important is doing well in school and getting a degree that you can actually make something out of in the real world.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to play hard but work harder. College can be over whelming especially the first semester. It is easy to get caught up in everything and start slacking academically. I would remind myself that the choices I make today will affect my life tomorrow. I would also remind myself not to forget where I came from and appreciate the opportunity I have of attending the wonderful school I do and not take it for granted. Most importantly I would set my priorities straight with my education being number 1 because ultimately that is why I am coming to school.

I would of made myself more socialable instead of keeping to myself in high school, because at my university I have realized that you need to be out-going to meet people. I also, would of inspired my friends to do better in school so that i could have a great companion accompany me during this difficult transition i am facing. Most importantly, i learned that meeting people and gaining a friendship is harder to find .

The best advice I could give to myself is to come into the college experience focused. Before entering college it is good to learn time management and money management skills. It is also important that you also pick up good study habits.

If only I could go back in time. I would warn the high school version of me that balance is key. The workload can be overwhelming and the social life alluring but there needs to be a little of everything to make the college experience successful. Class time plus study time can amount to quite a few hours by the end of the week; it calls for a little kick-back time but it can be very easy to overdo. Partying ever night will get you nothing in life except a perpetual headache. All things in moderation. Just like the extracurriculars at school. It can be so easy to want to sign up for every senate position and join every school organization from Capoeira to Red Cross, but don't do it! You need to make time for the select and serious committments you can afford with your time. On the other hand, because there are such copious amounts of opportunities you can't let it overwhelm you to the point where you do nothing. Every thing you do, do wholeheartedly but do it in moderation to be successful in every aspect of your college experience.

As a senior in high school, I did not know much about college because I am the first person in my immediate family to go to a 4-year unversity. I really have no advice to give to myself because I have had a really smooth transition so far. I performed a great deal of research on the differences between high school and college, the different colleges I applied to, and I also discussed time management with my cousins who left home to attend college. My personal habits of being very prompt in completing all of my applications, never letting myself fall behind, and always being aware of upcoming deadlines, helped me with my transition. Both of my parents played a small role in my college application process because I wanted to take full responsibility for my future. Time management and personal responsibility is a crucial aspect of college life, especially without parental guidance. I feel that I had sufficiently prepared myself for the transition into college, and the only advice I would have given myself would be to stay aware of all assignments and due dates.

The greatest advice I could give myself at this stage would be to understand that being nervous is part of the process to adjusting to the beginning of what will define the rest of my life. Yet being worried should not keep me from pursuing those interests and relationships that have the power to create within me a sense of self-worth and confidence. I would tell myself to not hesitate in exploring any interest that may come to mind, for I am truly the only person who can understand that which I wish to become, and the lifestyle I hope to develop. Asking questions and becoming informed are also the greatest assets anyone can have and it can ensure the most positive college experience for anyone.

I would certainly convey to myself that college must be attacked head-on and with a strong sense of self-motivation and determination. High school is often an easy experience for most teenagers and the transition to college can be a time of great freedom. Students begin to be faced with making decisions solely on their own but still expected to perform as well or better as when in high school. College is a new world and I would make certain to remind myself to work hard and focus solely on completing school with excellence.

Be fearless. Be involved. Be a success. As a high school senior, still a child really, I constantly worried and was too timid to try new things and things I wasn't familiar with. Like many other students my age, I was too afraid to try and fail so I never ended up doing much of what I wanted. I did things and was involved in things that were safe and familiar. However, knowing what I know now about college life, I would waste no oppurtunity to tell my former self that life is about living it and college is no different. I would tell myself to take the leap and try new things, get involved in the clubs you were curious about and never give up or let anything (not even myself) get in the way of my success.

If I could go back to when I was a senior in high school and know what I know I would not to too many things different because I had great parents and a great counselor that really guided me on the right path for me. However something that I would pay more attention to would be essential and effective study habits and time management skills. I do posses these attributes but if I had sharpen them up then, I would be much more prepared and better of now at a state university.

Given the chance, I word tell myself to simply relax. I have vivid memories of how worried and frantic I became about the transition into college. From what I've learned, a vital part of college life is transition. The process forces one to become independent and self-sufficient. I moved away from my teachers and mother helping me out. I've become my own person and the process was natural. Everything else like new friends, jobs, and knowledge come on their own. I would let myself know that if I made it through high school; I'm more than capable of adjusting to college as long as I have faith in myself. Of course responsibility and will power play a role in everything, but these are characteristics that I have always felt I displayed. With that in mind, all the pre-college stress and worriment seems unnecessary. I think high school seniors, including my previous self, should just relax because the transition into college will happen all on its own.

Personally, I went through so much when I got to college. I had a good GPA in high school and when I got to college my GPA was not good at all. For the first time in my life I honestly failed. I failed when it came to my grades and I failed to myself because I was not prepared for what college was about. I did not know what I wanted to do as a career and I was under the pressure of making my parents proud. My parents wanted me to go into the medical field that is why my GPA went down that was not for me. I decided to do something I wanted to do which is Hospitality Mangement and is the best decision I have made. What I would say to myself as a high school senior is: explore majors and see what they can offer you. There is nothing in this life you cannot do. Stand up for what you believe in and follow your dreams. No one can make your dreams a reality only you can do that. Strive for the best! Be persistent and do not give up.

As a high school senior, I made many transitions as a new students in a public high school. On my own, I had to learn that not everyone was going to be my friend, even though there was no harm in trying. Eventually, I found my group of friends, but when I left for college, I had to start all over again. As a newbie in college, Ive learned to realized its okay to be alone sometimes. Being independent teaches you to makes youre own choices, and as a result you learn who you really are as a person, which ultimately can make youre experience in college, as well as life, more enjoyable and fulfilled.

Well, If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, the greatest advice that I would give myself would be to do as much as I can while I'm in high school and never turn down the opportunity of what seems like more work. For example, Dual enrollment courses and AP classes because they count a lot in college and gives a major head start. Plus the more work you do means the more disciplined you'll be once you start college. If I could give myself advice at that time I would have told myself not to just settle for minor honors courses every school year and to go above and beyond and enroll in some dual enrollment courses at the community college. Knowing what I know now, honors classes in high school only help for the moment that you're in high school, not for the long term. I would have definitely told myself to take challenges and the easy way out wasn't the best way out.

Keep working hard, even though you feel like slacking off. Believe me it pays off in the end to keep doing well in your classes and motivating yourself to stay involved. Apply for more scholarships, even the ones your don't think you have a chance at winning. Make a list of scholarships when you find them and note the deadline so that you don't keep putting it off and miss turning it in on time. Local scholarships win your priority and also scholarships specific to your major. Apply for awards as well, even ones that don't award money. They will help you look good on paper and allow you to win more scholarships. Don't be afraid to take hard classes your last semester. I know your tired, but it will help keep your brain in shape and ready for college classes. Apply for multiple colleges and then slowly narrow down to 1 or 2. Consider all aspects of each college; size, location, finances, and degrees offered. Choosing a college is a big decision, but don't put to much pressure on yourself. You will never be stuck if you accidentally choose the wrong college. Good Luck!

The most important thing I would tell myself is to save money!! I would also tell myself to learn how to cook.