University of Central Florida Top Questions

Tick, Tock, Tick.... I leaped from my seat the second the clock hit 2:30 and ran out into the hallway as quickly as possible to avoid the mass of teenage bodies. As I ran down the hall I saw what I thought was my reflection, usually I would keep going but something else caught my eye. My reflection wasn?t a reflection at all, it was me! I followed myself into an abandoned room in the back of the building. I faced myself, shocked at how much older and more confident I looked. Was I going insane? The questions waved through my mind so quickly I almost didn?t hear myself speak. ?I?m from the future I came to tell you what you need to hear before you waste the rest of your High School months wishing you were some place else, just enjoy it, relax, and stop rushing.? And with that she was gone, I was gone. I must be dreaming, I stumbled out of the room and into the hallway where I was suffocated with the smell of high school students, but didn't mind anymore. I remembered to stop rushing, I remembered to enjoy it.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I doubt that the senior version of me would even listen. But in the chance event that I would listen, I would tell myself that I should try harder and push myself. I would tell myself that the best is yet to come and that the friends I would have for the rest of my life, I hadn't met yet. I would tell myself to consider all of my options and be optimistic about the future. Having had my parents get divorced my senior year, made things a little difficult. I was focusing on the wrong things... So I would also tell myself to go to that SAT test on that lovely, early, Saturday morning. But most importantly, I would tell myself that those people who stuck though the hard times would be the ones that would make my college life the best time of my life.

The best academic advice I could give myself would be to try as many intoductory classes as possible. It's okay not to know what one wants to be upon entering college but, in order to find out ,one should take a variety of different classes and participate in as many internships/career researching opportunities as possible. In a social aspect, I would also tell myself that the people who try to bring you down as you are attending college and social events are the ones who will forget about you the next day. Do not accept the opinions of the people who do not care about you as important. Only those close to you and who care for you are the ones that matter. On a third, career driven note, i would advise myelf to build apersonal relationship with my professors. As a junior, I am finding that many things I am applying for ask for reccommendations from an academic advisor, counselor or teacher. With my classes being so big I wish that I had taken more time to get to know my professors personally in order to have that additional letter of reccommendation.

Plan ahead and be prepared. Dont be lazy.

Spend less, plan more. I would tell myself to stay focused on school and stay with it. Don't find reasons to begin other life endeavors. I would also tell myself to plan for the future. Don't spend money now on things that you can enjoy later in life, as that will only serve to make the journey more difficult by limiting your options to attend school. Don't face yourself with deciding between work and school. ALWAYS choose school. People make it work all the time, and so can you. Keep your head down and get your degree.

If I could go back in time and speak to myself about college I would simply tell myself not to be in such a rush to leave home. Enjoy the time with your family and friends while you're still in high school. The time will come for you to be on your own and make your own decisions. However, remember that when that time comes greater responsibilities will aslo follow with it. So, simply relax and remember what it's like to be a kid because once you're in college school takes priority along with work. Bills have to be paid and mom and dad are not always there to help. Don't worry though college has its set of responsibilities, but the new interesting people you will meet will make it worth its while.

Relax! and stop hyperventilating. College life is a welcome relief compared to the workload IB presented. The people are amazing, truly caring, genuine people that will make friends for life. The classes are engaging and challenging, the professors jocular and accessible. The campus like a walk through the park after a trying day. It is not an end to life as you've known it, but rather the beginning to the life you've always dreamed! The freedom to go out with friends, the momentary stress of preparing for finals only to be relieved by the A you've recieved in the course, pushing your body to its limit at the gym, and the feeling of elation for managing to live on your own. Take chances, try new things, become involved in the plethra of clubs and organizations UCF places at your feet. Above all else, HAVE FUN!

I would tell myself to study harder to obtain a higher GPA (in order to obtain more financial aid and avoid loans) and to get ready for the experience of a lifetime.

By the time my high school education was coming to a close, I was over the public education system due to its poor time management and lack of student and faculty engagement. I unfortunately wasted the latter half of my senior year taking classes that were not only easy but were a significant waste of valuable time. Taking AP courses in high school would have been so much more beneficial to me, saving me time and money in the long run and putting me a step ahead of students in my class. Furthermore, I would have gone directly to a state university, as opposed to pursuing an A.A. degree and subsequently transfering then to a state sponsored college to finish my B.A. degree. In summation, the changes that I would have made were in relation to the enhanced use of my time, and would have allowed me to achieve more during my college experience.

Hi Daniel!- how you doing in your last year? - Well just hanging in there, cannot seem to understand that algebra class. You know Daniel mathematics is really important, especially if you are planning on attending a major University or College, you cannot expect to just slide by the class and doing good in a University level mathematic. - I know man but how can I get better? - Daniel you have tutors that would work with you after school. - Wow, now that you say that my friend Billy has tried to talk me into going but iI have ignored every invitation, and look at him now his the best in algebra. - Just be dedicated and study hard because this is the last year to impress. I already know how bright you are, you just have to focus on that particular course, therefore you would be garanteed a smooth transition to the University. -Okai friend iI will follow your advice and study hard so I wont have a problem on the transition to a University. - Alright stay focused on the books man! - kool ,thanks for the advice.

If I had the opportunity to go back in time there are many words of advice I would offer. Out of every piece of knowledge I could pass on, though, the most important one would be to get involved on campus as soon as possible. It was the best choice I ever made and now have the greatest friends I could ask for. Your college experience isn't just fulfilled by going to class, although that is the reason you are there. It is created through the organizations you join, the services you volunteer for, and the friends you make. It comes from looking back after you graduate and reminiscing about your first football game or staying up till two in the morning laughing with your roommates. This is what you will remember in the years to come. Learning to balance school and activities will be challenging, but once you conquer that challenge there will be no greater reward. My final advice would be to cherish every day you have. Four years seem like forever but they will pass faster than you can imagine and you'll wish there was time to go back and tell yourself to slow down.

I would have selected the correct major for myself and not tried to take the one that would be easier. In the end, it is taking much longer to get my degree since I spent three semesters working in the wrong major.

From what I now know from college life and making the transistion, and if I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior this is what I would say. I would first tell myself to be prepared and organized for anything to happen during the transition and also to not be afraid of moving ahed by taking dual enrollment classes while still in high school. I would make sure to also explain to my high school senior self that you need to be very focused and to stay determinate about the future. And that with the hard effort you put into the time to make the transistion will pay off in the end and don't just simply give up. The last thing I would tell myself is that the college life may get very difficult at times and frustrating, but to not take everything so seriously because the other part of the college life apart from the school is also the lasting memories you will make from meeting many new people of different diversity's.

Please! Please! Please! Set aside more time to work on material for your classes; you cannot continue to ace tests without doing the work! College life is an experience and you should get involved in all the campus has to offer; take dance classes, go to the gym, join a club or group, volunteer for campus charity events. All of this you will need to be successful well-rounded student; yes, grades are important , however anyone can sit in front of a book and study all day. Employers, family, and friends want to see you CHANGE in college, preferable for the better. Don't be afraid to get out there and demonstrate your thirst for life and knowledge! The next four years will be only a snapshot of your life, but will be filled with double the arms length of experience you will need to interact with the world.

My advice to myself would be to research every major that may catch my interest. Do not be confined to what other people may suggest. Go out and do your own research, and dig into each field by asking people that are already in that field of study.

READ READ READ. If you get into the habit of reading and studying on time ias opposed to waiting until the last minute, it becomes a second nature task and you are left with so much more free time to enjoy. Learn to ask questions , even if you are afraid of being dubbed the "dumb question queen" it does not matter. What matters is YOU as a student and paying for classes means you want to get everything you paid for, including a proper understanding of all coursework. The biggest lesson I could ever relay to myself is this "You reap what you sow". YOU choose your own destiny and only YOU. Friends and fitting in is not everything because an education will always take you further than any amount of popularity. Work hard now, play even harder later as you reap the benefits. High school is only the beginning of a beautiful transition into the adult world and it gets so much better from there.

TAKE YOUR TIME!! I am almost 23 years old and have yet to finish a bachelor's degree cause I went into school already wanting to be done. I didn't take the time to figure out what I really wanted for my future and jumped into a degree without thinking if it was right for me or not. This decision took a whole year off my life, since in the end the degree I was seeking was not right for me, and had to change in the middle of my college career. In the last two years, I have been through alot, losing a parent, having a personal medical emeergency, and all that put school on hold. I would tell myself in highschool that all the life obstacles are not the end of the world, and life can be everything and anything you want it to be! You just have to know what is best for YOU and everything will fall into place. It is hard to realize life without hard times, but its what you make of it that makes your character grow!

I have recently been struggling with this exact question. If I could go back to my senior year of high school, I would tell myself that college is nothing like high school. I would tell myself, to be prepared for a different type of schooling, and to prepare to work harder than you ever have before. I would tell myself, that it is not going to be easy, but with the right motivation and self determination, college can not only be completed, but completed well. I would tell myself, that I am not always going to be perfect, whether in the classroom or not. However, I would also tell myself, that I should never be discouraged, and always keep the bright future in mind! I would tell myself to prepared to meet new people with new attitudes and opinions, and to always keep an open mind towards them. Lastly, I would tell myself, that as you continue to move on and progress with your own life, never forget where you come from!

I would advise myself to focus no matter how I feel. It was hard being a first time in college student and adjusting to moving away from home. So hard that I didn't do well my freshmen year in college. I wish I would have had the necessary sources available so that I would have still focused and gotten good grades my first semster. I would also advise myself to live on campus my freshmen year. Being on campus helps individuals cope with their depression and home sickness.

Choose your school wisely. Don't get caught up in what exact major you need to choose. Going to college is not a race or a competition. If you're unsure, ask questions! High School is not the best time of your life, college is. It's where you find yourself and have fun!

Hey Michael, You've finally made it to your last year of high school! Congrats! Although you probably have doubts of actually making it into a University as a full-time student, just know that you will make it. It'll be hard to get adjusted to the college lifestyle, but you'll like it a lot. The main thing I think you need to know is that you need to listen to what your heart says about your future career. Friends and family will have their opinions about what you should pursue as you enter this new chapter of ife (with good intentions), but ultimately it is your decision. You know what you are good at and that you are a motivated person that will do whatever it takes to achieve his dreams, but discovering that "dream" may be harder than you think. Be open to all options as you start college and keep your spirits high. It may get tough and confusing at times, but you'll always have those same friends and family members to support you. The sky is the limit, so dream big and have fun! :D

"Get yourself organized from day one and do NOT forget to write EVERYTHING down. Keep to a schedule, make lists, find a quiet space to study and don't forget to eat and sleep!" And then I would repeat it over and over until it sank in. I had heard it all before but never thought I would repeat the same words my mother told me over and over. I should have listened better. Now i know. I would sit myself down and start with the importance of time management. I have found that to be my weakest area so far. Although I thought I had it under control and knew what I needed to do, I was so wrong. It was so much harder than I thought. It took me two months to catch on that i needed to change. Now i have everything in place and am looking forward to challenging myself even more.

If i could go back in time to give myself any advice as a high school senior I would tell myself to let go once I arrived to school and embrace all the opportunities that are in front of you. I would tell myself to get involved on campus sooner rather than later and to stay focused and determined. I would tell myself that it is important to interact with your professors and creat meaningful relationships with your classmates.

Focus on maintaining a solid GPA

I would go back and tell myself that it is not all about the social scene. Academics are extremely important and college is a huge part of the future of your life. I was in AP and honors classes in high school and I was able to balance my social and academic life, but in college it is all different. I would tell myself that the success in the classes that I would be taking in college was not based on what university I would go to, but how I would spend the rest of my life.

Make sure you are not only happy with the University of your chice, but also the surrounding area(s)

The hardest task in college is time management. Everything is about preparing and organizing your daily tasks into a maintainable schedule in which you are able to follow. Although class time takes up a fraction of the day, study time should take up at least 2-3 times the length of the class. On top of that, routine activities such as, doing laundry, going to the gym, cooking meals, and taking naps all take up time and time is something you won't have enough of. Prioritizing is of the utmost importance when in college. Self discipline is another important part of college. No one is their to babysit you and make you go to class or make you do your homework. But by staying disciplined and going to class and completing your work, it prepares you for your test so you don't have to cram. Just stay ahead of the game and be discplined about it. Four to twelve years of hard work is well worth the effort to come out a better educated person ready to take on the reality of the workforce.

Life is about choices. If we want to succeed in life, we must visualize what we really want. College is just a tool to pursue our dreams; however, it also helps us to clarify who we want to be. I spend 10 years of my life away from school wondering what I really wanted to do with my life and I felt empty. Suddenly, I got back to school and the knowledge that I acquired was incredible. I can happily say that I finally found my path and I thank God for giving me the strength to open my mind and my heart to a new journey, a journey that just began and will be the most incredible adventure for the rest of my life. Somebody told me once that "life is luck, but you make your own luck,? so do not be afraid of life and go make your own luck. Go to college and enjoy your journey.

I would tell myself to not let outside distractions deter me from what I came to college to do, receive a degree in Psychology. I would have also made sure I took advantage of all the opportunities that the university offers. Since I was the first in my family to go away to college I came into the experience somewhat dumbfounded. Coming in as a freshman, I did not know about the various forms of financial aid offered or what other programs were available to enhance my major. If I had explored these different opportunities I could have avoided several hardships. I was naive coming out of high school thinking that after I got accepted to the college of my choice and selecting my major I was done making decisions and exploring my options. Once you get to school is when you have to be motivated to go out and find the hidden opportunities and beneficial experiences. In the end a university can only provide assistance, it is up to the student to seek it.

College has been a second chance for me; as a highschool senior I had just taken on my third job with no intentions of ever going to college. If I could talk to myself as a highschool senior, I would have told myself to prepare for the future. I would have told myself that working 3 jobs just to live was not going to cut it! I wish someone would have told me back then "you need college despite what you think!" "And by the way, college is fun...it challenges your mind, body and soul and helps you discover the hidden potential you have inside!"

Since I am older than most students I would tell myself to pass the classes that I was in and get the education back then. Like most younger adults when I went away to college I did not know what to do. I was away from home on this big campus and alone. I did not realize what was at stake until it was to late. Now I am almost finish with my education and I really appreciate my education in a program that will benefit me as a person.

College is not as easy as people painted it. Start thinking about all your options, and search for the carrier that in your best interest. The earlier you start the transition to college, the smoother it will go through. Look for information about financial aid, and what you need to qualify. Remember that college is not like in the movie ?party all the time?. You need to concentrate in what are your goals, and don?t matter what happens, don?t forget that if you really want it you can make it there.

The best advice I could give myself is pre-planning. I wish I could go back and think more towards the future and what needs to be done to complete my Bachlor's degree in only four years. I would definatly tell myself to work on my studies more instead of everything else. Pre-planning is the key to sucess and the path to stay on track with school.

Well, my story is different. I was not a high school senior. I dropped out halfway through my junior year. The advice I would give myself to stay in school and keep on going until I graduated college. But, being 43 and experiencing life as I have I probably wouldn't change the way I did things as I have grown tremendously through life experiences and am now attending college and am loving every minute of it. I don't know if I would have succeeded in college had I attended after high school.

Number one be prepared to be on your own! I adjusted to being on my own very well and thats the best advice i could give you and also to just be mature and know that your growing up and will have to make almost all decisions on your own. You don't want to feel lonely when moving away from home so i advise you take up something extracurricular immediately! Whether it be a Greek organizations, or sports club something because it is imperative that you meet knew people and make new friends quickly.

In high school I was a very shy individual who was scared to go to a University right out of highschool; instead I went to a community college. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not be so shy and take a leap. The University of Central Florida is a very warm welcoming community and there is no reason to be shy.

I have learned the hard way of the importance of good study habits and finding a necessary balance between fun and work. It is important to keep in mind that you may have to work hard everyday for school but you need to take time for yourself as well.

I would tell myself to get more involved in school and to not take things for granted. School is more than just academics and rushing through. It is a place to make long-lasting relationships, and it is those relationships (with fellow students, teachers, and staff) that will, in turn, help drive you to finish school. School is as much a place to learn as it is a place to grow. The time you spend in college is fundamental to the learning process, not just because of the book knowledge you gain, but also because of the social connections you foster. In the end, I would tell myself to enjoy school and not try to rush through it as just another task to get done as quickly as possible. If I had taken my advice, I probably would have finished the first time through.

First and foremost, "don't sweat the small stuff," would be the most important piece of advice. There is a bigger, brighter world outside the walls of highschool, that provides immense opportunities. There will be obstacles, such as not getting into your first college of choice. However, things have a way of working out for the best. There was a reason for going to UCF instead of your first choice, and that was to be closer to family during a very somber and grief-stricken time. College will teach you that life may not always go your way. You might have to struggle to pay bills and tuition. But college also provides you with the goals and motivation to overcome small obstacles and continue to look at the bigger picture. This includes you and a happy, more fullfilling life, because of your college experience.

I would tell myself to prepare for the real world and to actually work harder my senior year. I regret not taking any AP classes or dual enrolling at the community college. I feel like if I had done those things, I would have been mentally & emotionally prepared for college life and the heavier work load that caught me by surprise. I would also tell myself not to get too caught up with my social life and to focus more on school because my social life will always be there. Going to a major university like UCF has really made me change for the bad and the good and I wish that I had been better prepared for the college life. I would have made more trips out to UCF and would have told myself to make a better effort in getting involved with the many organizations UCF had. Right now I feel so far behind and that if I had just prepared myself better and not had been so care free my senior year, things wouldn't be as hard as they seem now. One major thing college taught me was to keep your head up no matter what.

Going through a Community college I should have known to take classes that transfered. I ended up taking classes that did not which wasted time and money.

In high school I was very overwhelmed with the thought of going to college. I had so much stress built up trying to decide a major, picking my first classes, and moving out of my house. I would go back and tell myself that the college experience is going to be enjoyable and to calm down. I'd say that moving out would be one of the best things for me and that it is going to make me more motivated and have good responsibility. As for deciding my major, I would tell myself that I don't have to decide right away. There is a great percentage of students that are also undeclared and even more that change their major. Also, classes may be harder at first but don't stress about getting a 4.0 but just try your hardest. Think positively about college it will make things so much easier and you will enjoy it. Join clubs or teams that you enjoy and go to events that interest you, this will allow you to meet many people and those friends can benefit your college experience. Most importantly have fun.

Life as a college student is a dream that dances in my head, in my heart, and in my spirit as I contemplate this potential journey of my new destiny. I listen to that little voice inside of me that lets me know that I have the power to reach goals that I never could have possibly imagined for my life; all by just one simple choice. I decide to let my heart win and go with my instinct of making a choice that will make me who I will ultimately become in life. I see my family and friends elated and preparing me mentally for this new journey. My advice that I give myself, is to make the best out of my strengths and dig deep in my mind to think about my strengths, my passions, and what would really make my family proud of me. I decide that the best decision for me is to make a list of the pro's and cons of majors that I may actually enjoy as a career path. I narrow the decision to one choice. I follow that dream that I know deep down inside will one day be a reality.

I would tell myself to focus, study, get good grades and figure things out NOW rather than have fun your senior year only to have spent the best years of life struggling only to return in your late 20's as a non-traditional student working full-time and going to school full-time in order to make up for all of the time you've lost and struggle to make ends meet and find ways to pay for tuition. Basically, I would have told myself that I was 17 and not 25...to wait til i'm 25 to BE 25 so that when I actually AM 25, I wouldn't have to go back and do the things that I should have done when I was 17. This is my only regret and it is a very big one. I would give anything to go back knowing what I know now and do things all over again the right way.

The choices you make today will affect the rest of your academic life. Make sure you make the grades in order to ensure that you align yourself to the career path of your choice. Everyday counts and every decision is vital. Stick to it, you will get through it.

Know what career path to chose, because it will be something you will be doing to keep food in your belly and a roof over your head without any worry.

If i could go back to being a high school senior and talk to myself knowing what i know now i think i would have taken more time to look for scholarships and financial aid because of what i have been through being that last minute i was switched to being considered an out of state student. I would also would of put more focus on my studying although i did well and i tried hard i believe that i could of put more time and effort into it and i would also advice myself to be more active around campus.

The advice I would give myself is to stay strong, keep my head in the books, and concentrate on finishing school. After I finish school, I will have the rest of my life to party and have fun. After all, the fun is not going anywhere. I will always be able to have fun , take vacations, and travel the world; especially when I get my degree and I'm making the money to do everything I would like to do.

If I could go back in time to "senior year me" I would have a couple things to warn myself about. I'd tell myself the freshman 15 really is true, and to watch out for it because it will sneak up on you whether you like it or not. I would also advise myself that taking a 7:30 a.m. class in your first semester in college is going to be more difficult than you think, but to stick with it. I would tell myself to appreciate the value of a dollar and not waste my money on things I don't need. I would say that things like coupons and bicycles are cool again and if a club is giving out free food, join it. I'd say that going to every football game is a must and that I will meet my best friends when I join the sorority Alpha Delta Pi. The main advice I would give myself is to not worry and that I am going to do great in college. I would tell myself not to be scared to meet new people and make the most out of my college experience.

The advice that I would give to myself is to stay focused and remember what you are going to school for and that is to learn skills that will help you be successful in the workplace. Theres no time to waste by slacking off and I should try my hardiest while in school because alot of people dont get the opportunity to go to college so I shouldnt take that for granted. I would also tell myself to be open to meeting new people and trying different things such as joining different clubs because that would make the transition alot more smoother. All in all I would tell myself to enjoy college and get the most out of it because after that its off to the real world!