University of Central Florida Top Questions

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to have fun but also stay on top of your school work. It can be so easy to get behind in college level classes. One week you're only a little behind, thinking you can catch up, and the next week, you're in so deep that you can't pull yourself out. I would tell myself to understand the responsibility that you have to yourself to do well and succeed. College is no joke and it can either make or break your future. Make the best of your experience while you're still young and have the option to go to college and make a great life for yourself.

I am a non-traditional student in my thirty's who would love the opportunity to tell myself as a teenager what I now know. I had pretty good grades in high school, but I passed on all classes that could have been used toward college credit. I opted to by-pass college out of school. Furthering my education sounded like too much work when I was 17 years old. Had I been able to give myself a list of all of the low-paying, ego surpessing jobs that I have had to endure since I graduated, I feel certain that I could have convinced myself to follow a different direction. Going back to school at my age and with my responsibilities is not easy. I am a single mother of a 3 year old. Trying to go to school, pay for daycare and keep a roof over our heads is my everyday struggle. Given the opportunity to make the transition again right out of high school would be an answer to all my problems that I have now. I am sure I would do things differently given a second chance.

I would tell myself, ?Olivia, get your head on your shoulders, life is tough and everything you worry about today will mean nothing to you tomorrow. There is so much opportunity in this world that you are just letting slip right through your hands and you do not even realize it. I understand that you want to have a social life as well, and I agree it is important, but you need to set your priorities straight. Life will come and hit you square on the forehead, and if you are no prepared, you will fall flat on the ground. You will be able to pick yourself back up but the journey will be only be harder. Have more determination and make your life easier. The more you sacrifice now, the more you give up later. Give up some hours at work so you can spend them studying, helping yourself in the long run. Prove to your family that school is important. When you are older you will want to be proud of yourself and not have any regrets of what you should have done, what you could have done.?

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would take the opportunity to give myself some advice. I would tell myself that it is imperative that I study hard, meet all high school and college deadlines, and apply to every single school I was interested in. Unfortunately, I did not apply to hardly any schools, and while I do love my school, I would have loved to know if I could be accepted to the school of my dreams.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior with the knowledge I have now, I would definitely stress the idea of saving money and becoming more active towards school and community activities. Being more prepared finically would make my college experience a lot less stressful. Taking advantage of the opportunities that my community and school offered would also prepare me for college activities and broaden my ideas of my future. Being aware of such diverse opportunities that life has to offer I would in my own way have experienced college in less stressful and more enjoyable way.

If I had the chance to go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advice myself to learn to trust my own self and purse what I love. I would advice myself to not let other people decide for me, and simply allow myself to speak up. Back then, I recall myself to be very doubtful about each and every single one of my decisions, especially about college life. I was always shy and too scared to decide what course to take becasue I was afraid to choose wrongly and regret in the future. I was so unsure during the whole transition process, and for the most part, I believe that this was because of me not trusting myself. I always listened to what other people dictated me to be and I let them make decisions for me. I wish I can go back in time and encourage myself to have my own mind and opinion, especially about my course in college. Now that I know how college is like, I wish I would have researched more the course that I am taking and not be afraid to ask questions about this path.

I would tell myself to save every penny that I had. I would also say to practice superb studying habits, perhaps even read textbooks which are required for classes now; for enjoyment of course. I would inform myself that money is sparse when you're on your own, and paying for an education is extremely consuming. I would have also liked to push my high school to consider offering more AP classes, because free education is wonderful. I would have pressed all of my teachers for advice and tips for success with my career path, as well as explore temporary summer jobs in laboratories similar to those that I am interested working in. I would have reccommended taking up a cooking class; one with great nutritional value. And did I mention I would have saved as much money as possible? I would save all the money which I had ever recieved, and sew my own clothing.

A flower is first a stem, and then a bud appears at the top of the stem. The bud then gradually opens, and over time it is what we know today as a flower. When considering life, one may compare themselves to the evolving of a flower. About 19 years ago, a young infant girl was sent to Jamaica. She was raised by her grandmother ,and like a flower, she was given all the qualities she needed to grow and succeed. Even though her mom couldn't be physically their the first several years of her life, she as well as her Grandmother, taught her all the qualities she needed to make all the major transitions in life . As time passed, she adjusted to her original home in the U.S., but got sidetrack in school. Today, like the obstacles of a growing flower, she passed through all the dark times, and regained her true values and purpose in life. When looking back at this young girl as an overly excited high school senior, one advice would be to remember your true purpose and values in life; your dreams may only come true if you pursue them.

Don't worry about being forced to go to a community college before moving to a four year school; it is not the end of the world. You will end up profiting from it profusely. Also, learn how to manage your money so that you can stay in school. If you don't learn that eating out is extremely expensive, you will be forced to take a year off to earn money for school. It is disgusting when I look back at the way I spent my money before going to school. On the same track, learn to use Amazon when buying textbooks during your time at community college, it will save you a couple hundred dollars. Lastly, find a church and stick with it. None of that church hopping business that will leave you feeling like you have no connections outside of the school campus. You would do well to latch onto Moody Church and get involved quickly so that you have a place to belong.

Their are a lot that I wish I could go back and tell myself. The number one thing that I would of told myself is to take school more seriously. I would actually have played high school football because of the talent that I have on the field. I would of told myself to work harder and never give up on anything. Settling for the less would not be part of who I was in high school. My goals would have been higher and the fooling around would of stop. I can honeslty say that I cant turn things around, but I can do better for myself since I am in college. I also want to tell my kids this once I have some. I would like them to stay focus in high school and not fool around.

Do not sign up for the meal plan. It isn't worth it.

I WOULD TELL MYSELF THAT IS HOULD HAVE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF ALL THE SCHOLARSHIPS SO I COULD BE MAKING AN EXAMPLE FOR MY DAUGHTER

If I could return to the days when everything made sense, when life was a book that wrote itself as it went... I would tell myself one thing. I would look myself in the eye, block out the entire world, and I would say, "Prepare to let go." "Prepare to let go, because you?re going to lose everything you know. Your home, your comfort, your habits, your leisure?even yourself. You're going to become a different person, and it's going to be painful. From here on, life isn't a book to be read. It's a book you have to write, word by word, choice by choice, and there are no easy ways out. It's a book written in hardship, in pain, in sorrow, and to write it, you have to let go, and hope that someday you?ll find your way back. You have to be willing to face the future, no matter what it brings, and you have to be strong, even when you feel like you aren?t. No one can carry you. Life is your burden to bear, your book to write... and this next chapter is going to be hard."

I would tell myself that the most important thing is to expect more from yourself than anyone else, because in the end, when you walk across the graduation stage, your place in line and the colors you are decorated with are an expression of how hard you worked. College life is so different than the comfort and shelter of home. But the good thing about it is that it becomes a home in no time and when the time comes to leave, you are going to miss it, so make the most of your experience there, learn as much as you can and take advantage of the resources the University has to offer you.

Don't become lazy now! Make sure you talk to your advisor at the university, you wouldn't want to take the wrong program or courses and waste money taking them. I've done so already. Look at me, I'm a junior and I still haven't gotten my two year degree. Please, please, pleease study for the courses. The rooms may be bigger, but that doesn't mean it will be any easier as it is as a senior in high school. Take all your GED courses first. Make sure you don't forget the 9 hours of summer classes as well, or else you won't a degree by your second year. As a matter of fact, maybe you should go to a community college instead first. Your scholarship would pay for all the tuitioin if you do that, and you'll probably see more of your friends there as well, unlike at the university.

The advice I would tell myself would be that to remain focus in school. There are many things outside of the college that may easily distract one from doing well. Try to diversify one self through involvement in clubs, fraternity, or volunteering. Do more networking in school. There are many great faculty staffs that are willing to assist one to being successful in school and in life. Staying positive can be hard, especially condering the economic turmoil our country is going through. However, one day something good will come out of what one will learn that going to make it all worthwhile.

If I could go back in time i would tell myself to wark as hard as i can in high school so i wouldn't have to take as many courses in college. I would also tell myself to have big dreams and set extremely high goals because those are the people that are successful in life. My final statment to myself would also be no matter what happens if u mess up or do bad don't get discouraged just pick you head up and try harder.

Dear Matt, I know that right now all you want to do is go out into the world and suck the marrow out of life. You just want to get away from home and you are ready for change. But before you rush into picking a school, really think about your goals in life. You have the talent to do what you want but you need to choose what will make you content. When choosing colleges think about what will inspire you. Think also about what will make you unhappy in the long run; as four years at a university seems mediocre to a lifetime of troubles. I promise you that if you really search within yourself you will find an appropriate place to begin your journey. So much awaits you in the world and all you have to do is reach out and take it. Find a school that will allow you to pursue avenues of your interest and don't be apprehensive of the everything. Sometimes you have to give some to get some but it will be well worth it in the end. Sincerely, A Wiser You

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to be so stressed about college. Yes it is much more difficult than high school and will need to study alot more. I would also tell myself that "you can do it" and that you have been preparing for college for many years and are fully capable of living on your own and taking care of yourself. I would also tell myself to not take my family for granted because you will miss them alot when you do not see them and talk to them on a daily basis.

The transition to the college life life was great and overwhelming. There were many differences in the high school curriculum and the university's. If I could back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to not give up any opportunities that are given to me in high school such as the chance to be part of the extracurricular activities that were given. I would also tell myself to cahllenge myself more by taking more AP classes than what I had taken so far, because this challenge could have helped make my transition to the college life much easier. Also, to study outside the classroom because sometimes the best learning is done by one's self. This would have gotten me much more motivated to start college, in order to build on the knowledge that I would have had if i had done some researching onn my own time. There are many things that I could have fixed to make my transition to college simpler but as I understand now that is the past and it cannot be changed so I have to work hard in this present.

As a senior in high school there were not many people I knew that were going to the same college as me. Therefore, I was very nervous of meeting new people and how different the classes were going to be. Therefore, if I were to go back in time I would tell myself, that college classes are nothing like high school classes. Many times in high school I was able to get away with studying for a test the night before, skimming through the book instead of reading the chapters and still managing to get an A in the classes. In college I have discovered I can not do that. Also, in college I am part of the cheerleading team and that has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. So, in addition, I would tell myself to get involved in sports or a club of some sort because especially when you don't know alot of people from your high school going to the same college it is important to meet new people. I definately have with my team and my study groups and they are friendships that will last a lifetime.

I took many AP classes while I was in high school but they were often stressful and in order to get college credit I needed to pass the AP exams, which required a ton of studying. I'm glad I took those classes because they helped me get ahead, but if I could go back I would probably dual-enroll in classes at the local community college instead of taking so many AP's. I feel that if I had taken the classes at the college then I would've had an earlier preview of how college classes work without all the pressure of being in college itself. That would've also saved me the stress of studying for AP exams.

If I could talk to myself when I was in high school I would tell myself to be more prepared because this transition is not only one from high school to college but from being an adolescent to becoming an adult. In high school I was nervous about the workload change but I never thought about the emotional change that would take place. During my first semester I had no trouble with the workload because I had prepared myself, however the emotional changes that were happening I was not even paying attention to. If I could have a conversation with myself as a senior I would tell myself that it's ok to be nervous; college is a place not only for learning through the classroom but learning about yourself. It's a unique opportunity to learn who you truly are as a person and how you can best fit who you are and what you love doing with a fulfilling career.

That there is no need to stress out despite having numerous classes at different times during the day. It is not that hard to get into the rhythm of college life and it is actually very enjoyable and stress free as long as you keep up with the work. You will get into the pace of your classes soon as long as you give yourself a week to adjust to the semester and new classes. Through some trial and error along with proper planning, you will see that it is easy to balance school work with social life. To properly study, go over notes that you did in class during the afternoon/ evening for half an hour. Make notecards because it helps you memorize details and concepts and you will remember more for not only the test but also for the final. As you keep up with your studies and work, you will find out that you will actually have a lot of free time during the weekend. Keeping off that "Freshman 15" is not impossible either as long as you watch what you eat and go to the gym every so often.

If I would be able to talk to myself as a high senior, I would say "Don't be afraid of change and get involved". Change was a big deal for me in my transition to college, but once I started to get involved, most specifically with becoming an Orientation Leader, the change did not seem as horrifying as I thought it would. UCF is a great school, with a stong sense of community. I would not trade the decision I made to come here because it truly is my home away from home.

Talk to more than one advisor and more than one teacher about choosing the right college to best tailor your needs. Senioritis is the worst sickness a student can catch while still in school, and it will negatively effect you in the long run, so time must be spent wisely. Chasing deadlines are the worst thing to do, and you can end up making a rushed choice you may regret down the line. Also use University financial aid links to get the most scholarships to help pay for tuition if need be. Having transferred between three schools to date, although I enjoyed my experience at my previous two, the university I currently attend fits me the best, and it took me 3 years after wasting precious time to find it.

Prepare for a lot of work that's a head of you. You will have an amazing time while you're at college, but make sure you study daily and try you're best when it comes to you're important engineering classes because these classes are far too important to mess up in. Make sure you get out, too, so you can enjoy your college life more and learn things about yourself. You will figure out things that you thought you liked you don't really enjoy but it will make you a better person. Do not take everything as is, but look deeper into the meaning of everything around you. Jarrett, you will enjoy college to an n-th degree, but make sure school comes first because this is the main reason why you are going to college in the first place.

I would tell myself to take some more classes while in the Military. To get a job in the Marines that would of benefited me more in the civilian world. I should of done better in the classes I did take while in the Marines also. I should of continued school after my AA and to watch out for girls along the way.

I think that there are only two things that I would want to warn myself about if given the chance. The first thing that I would tell myself is to no freak out. College is about having fun as well as preparation for what the future holds, and it is not about the difficult attainment of perfection as all of my high school teachers constantly preached. Secondly, I would make myself take time to slow down and enjoy each and every day of my senior year, no matter how many seemingly unimportant tasks that day held for me. Doing that would have allowed me to get a better understanding of the concept of time. Managing it becomes a priority in college, especially in the first year, but cherishing it is the priority of high school, particularly for senior year. With the rest, I would rather just take the chance with, however right or wrong I may be. Experience has proven to be one of the best learning tools in my life and I feel that it is truely priceless and irreplaceable, no matter how many extra chances are given.

I would tell myself to take high school less seriously and relax more because college life is way too busy to be stressing yourself out in high school. I would also tell myself to spend more time with my family and appreciate them more because it is harder than you think to find the time to go home (even if it is only a two hour drive) to see them. It's also not the most convenient to call them as often as I should. I would have definitely told myself not to be as concerned with friends and relationships during this time period, because most people go separate ways. And even if you do end up at the same university, diverging interests make it hard to stay in touch. College has a wealth of people looking for others to befriend, so don't be so upset to leave your high school friends behind.

Forget any preconceived notions that you may have about college. Think of it as a story and you are the author. The experience is what you make it. The story becomes better with the more research you put into it. Always remember that your work is your own and it is not meant to be shared. While you might have been able to copy off someone else in high school that will not work in college. There are severe consquences for plagiarism, so trust in your own ability. College is basically the same as high school, but on a larger scale. The teachers and fellow students are still the same. One advantage that college has is that you get to pick your teachers, what classes you wish to take, and when you wish to take them. You can make your schedule fit your life. Just do not take on too much in the beginning. I would recommend a smaller class load the first semester, so that you allow yourself time to adjust to college life. I have seen many try to juggle 4+ classes and a job, but in the end they were exhausted and overwhelmed. Keep it simple.

Going to college is a big step, and going to a school out of state is an even bigger and scarier step, but it's an adventure that everyone should have the opportunity to do if they want it. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to definitely attend the University of Central Florida because I would love every minute of it. I would also advise my past-self to fill out as many scholarships as possible because college is expensive and there are many scholarships available, you just have too look for them. You should get involved in everything and use the all the resources that UCF has to offer because they are very helpful, especially their academic advisors. The last and final piece of advice I would give myself is cherish every moment and every friend I make because they are in the same situation you are with their school work, and together, you can all help eachother out in some way.

Dear High School Jamie, Having now experienced a year of college I have some advice for you. When coming to college you think that its going to be a fun adventure with parties and extra-curricular activities and you don't really think about the actual classes until you show up on the first day. My advice to you is to focus on classes. Get it in your head now that that is what you are coming to college for. If that is your first priority then you will flourish. Always know that you can do what you put your mind to. It is important to believe in yourself and have confidence. You can do anything. Best of Luck, College Jamie

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to stop spending money on stuff and start saving. This would have helped me put a higher down payment on my car. Also, I would not have to worry about tuition because I would be able to pay for everything myself. I hate relying on my parents for anything. They have their own financial setbacks. If I had known to save money I would not have such high credit card debt. The bottom line is if you have money reserved for education, you can focus on your education. This is important because working full time and going to school is not easy. Hopefully someone reads this advice and takes it to heart.

Do not settle in any of your decisions. Go out and visit different colleges, and get advice about choosing a major. It is a bad idea to enter in to college without a general idea of what you want to major in. You do not need to know exactly what you want to do, but figure out a broad idea. You will waste so much time and money taking the random general education courses that do not apply to you. Do not put off asking for help with that! Set yourself up for success, and do what scares you. You have to take risks in life, so don't be afraid to take different opportunities. You never know where they might lead.

If I were to go back in time i would tell myself multiple things. The first is to apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible. I underestimated the overall cost of college and did not realize how much books, meal plan, and basic living costs. Second I would say to be ready to change. Going to college and living on your own definatly is wonderful and has it's perks, but it causes you to grow up very fast. Just from the first 2 weeks of my fall semester I was an extremely better person inside and out. Living on your own and not having anybody tell you what can and can't be done really tests your morals and self restriction. So if your not sure who you are or want to be, you will find out very quickly from experience. The last piece of advice i would give is to learn some time management skills. It is the single most important thing in becoming successful t the next level. You hve so much free time in college that if you, don't manage your time you will find yourself doing a whole lot of nothing!!!

I would tell myself a few things to try to make the transition easier. The most important one being - take advantage of every possible oppurtonity to further your education while your in high school with out so many responsiblties. It makes it much easier when you get to college to have cleps or college credits already

The first advice I would provide about college life and making the transition easier is to do research early. Before transferring to the University of Central Florida (UCF), I attended Brevard Community College were I received my A.A. degree in Spring 2008. I primarily focused on courses and did not participate in on-campus activities. I should have researched which clubs were offered at the UCF so I would be able to join those clubs at the community college in order to network at an earlier stage. By joining similar clubs offered at various campuses, it provides students the necessary resources for them to be successful in their educational career. Campus clubs are a vital part in making the most out of a students time in college because it exposes them to the community and allows opportunities for the students to network with potential employers. Researching early is key to make the college years the best memories of a person's life and to help create the solid foundation for the future. It is through our interactions with others that allow us to have a better understanding of what we would like to do in our professional careers.

If I could go back in time and have a conversation with the younger, na?ve version of myself, I would have so much to say. I would say, commit to your passion, and don?t give up so easily. Keep your eyes on your goal, and even when things are tough, seek out resources, and help, rather than letting things slip by the wayside. Find a professor who is willing to be a mentor, which is something I never did the first the first time I was in school. Get involved in volunteer activities, because not only is it a good way to meet friends, but it gives you a chance to give back to the community and discover passions that you did not even know existed. And last, find time for fun, because four years will be over before you know it, but don?t forget why you are there, for an education. Be diligent in studying, and learn everything you can, so that you are a well rounded and prepared adult, when you walk across that stage and accept your degree.

Always speak to your professors and develop a good relationship with them. Always take advantage of all campus event and help centers. Read everything multiple times to understand concepts. Don't ever be discouraged.

I wish I could build a time machine and go back in time to my senior year of high school. There is so much I could have learned and been prepared to do before I started my college life. I would tell myself to calm down and relax, not everyone in college is the typical fraternity boy you see on movies. I would tell myself to join a club my first semester and participate in extracurricular activities. I would also participate in more volunteer activities. The more I go through college the more I learn that if you help others; others will help you. I would tell myself to not only make time for studying and making good grades, but to make time for friends and meeting people. My last advice would be to just be myself and not to forget about the things that matter most.

I would give myself the warning that college is not as easy as everyone makes it our to be. Yes, it does depend on the major you choose, but you do have to work to get good grades. i would also give myself the advice to look into volunteering more and be involved in my community more in highschool, so that it would be easier to do in college.

Never forget who you are and what you want out of life. It's so easy to be consumed by what other students or professors think is the right path for you, but only you know what makes you happiest. The allure of a major that earns you the most money or status isn't worth it if isn't what makes you want to spend every day in class learning about it or the rest of your life working within it. Take college life in stride and with confidence. It's easy to become scared of integrating yourself into a community that seems intimidating, but it is full of so many wonderful opportunities! Talk to your professors, ask questions, open up pathways for yourself to help you evolve and grow in your identity. Don't be afraid of changing opinions, ideas, or interests; it's all part of making you the person you are supposed to become. Never give up. Leaving an old stage of your life for a new one can be terrifying and confusing, but perseverance is key. And most importantly, enjoy every second of your college experience. It?s over before you know it.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the important thing I would tell myself is to not stress out. Yes, classes are going to be hard, and going into being a Forensic Science major I knew that. But specifically telling myself not to stress out about fincancial crises because not only does it take a toll on the body, but also the mind; and it contributes to not being as focused as I could have been. Worrying about issues that are beyond my control are not worth my time, and I am in college for one reason and one reason only: to recieve a higer education and to succeed in life with a degree in something I have a passion for. I would also tell myself to "test the waters" and not stay in attached to one specifc thing. College is about experiencing the new and unknown, whether it be changing majors to Criminal Justice or joining a club that seems interesting. It's amazing how much someone could miss out on while in college, and I want to be as well rounded as possible when I exit my undergraduate career.

I would go back in time and advise myself to go to a different university. UCF is a great school and I love it, but due to budget cuts UCF cut my major and I now am forced to transfer schools. Transferring is going to cost a lot of money and set me farther back on my course work then I should be. I will also have to leave all the friends and clubs that I have joined and start new at a different school.

Study hard, do homework, and apply for the Honor's College.

If I could speak to myself as a high school senior, I would reassure myself that all my worries were for naught. I would take myself by the hand and promise that I would find a great place to live and a great place to learn, as well as a great opportunity to experience all the potential for life before me. I would pledge that I would still have plenty of opportunities to laugh and love as I made my way through the world while I bettered myself through my studies and higher capabilities to understand the world around me. As a final statement, I would simply say that I will make it through, that God always provides, and that life is a ride of joys, thrills, tears, and laughs to experience to the fullest extreme, especially on the road to self-discovery that is every day of college.

Enjoy life. Stop focusing so much on the future, on planning, on living up to everyone's expectations. Love yourself, love the people around you, and love life where you are right now. Know that not all of your most ideal plans will come true just as you thought, and that's ok! No, that's good. Because as those plans change and life takes you in a direction you didn't expect, you find yourself, you find your passion, you find your peace and your piece of happiness. Don't get me wrong, pursue your dreams and don't give up as soon as things get rough. But don't be afraid of change. Enjoy it. Find something to be happy about in everything, in each course assignment and readings, in each job, in every organization, in every person you meet. I promise it will make your future brighter.

If I had a second chance as a senior in high school there are a few words of advice I would give myself. First and foremost do not procrastinate-ever! Procrastinating causes an immense amount of unnessessary stress that is easily avoided if work is completed when assigned. If two weeks are given to write a paper, why wait until the night before to complete it when there were originally fourteen days to complete it? Another piece of advice I would give myself is to study, study, study. From my personal experience with exams in college, I have found that they are cumulative, so subjects learned in the first few weeks of class seem to pop up again in final exams. With proper studying, cramming does not occur and information is remembered much easier and A's are always earned. If someone offered this advice to me as a senior in high school, my first semester of college would have been more of a success.

When I was a Senior in High School, I had no idea what I wanted to do. The idea of more school was scary, and I felt like college was only something that I had to get done because my parents wanted me to. I never considered going for myself, which I think is what a lot of young students don?t realize. If I could go back, I would tell myself that college is more than just school, it?s an opportunity. It will give you the opportunity to discover yourself, to find out who you are and where you want to go. College will push you to be more independent, and allow you to make decisions based on what you really want. You?ll make new friends, and learn about things you never knew existed. I would tell myself not to be scared of the unknown, but to embrace it.