University of Central Florida Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior and give advice on making the transition to college life, I would advise myself to look into as much financial aid as possible. I had to make the transition from living at home with my mother, to living by myself at college. All of my financial decisions were now up to me. College can get to be expensive with all of a student's needs; including tuition, housing, books, everyday living supplies, and food. Food is the most underestimated factor coming into my new college life. In college you have the options of purchasing a high priced meal plan or acquire your own groceries, which have also proven to be dreadfully expensive. Food is an essential necessity to provide energy to focus in class as well as to study. Without this, a student?s life may feel incredibly weary. Living by yourself takes responsible choices on finances that involve many factors while in college. This is something I wish I had known while I was a senior in high school. Without the proper funds, decisions on how to survive are even harder to make.

get the classes picked out now! don't change degrees, get this done! don't let dad get drunk every day.

I would have taken the time to be better prepared with my academics and financial situation. I would have compromised more of my free time to utilize it into achieving higher academic scores and researched more ways to finance my higher educational goals. I would have also taken a course in time management to better apply my time towards long-term goals instead of short-term or instant pleasure goals. Furthermore, I would have been more active in the community as leader and a role model and devised more time to the community instead of leaching off it. Finally I would have read more books before my senior year to better develop my language skills to develop a greater vocabulary and be more effective in my communications. Thank you for taking the time to read my response and God bless you.

I would definetly tell myself to GET GOOD GRADES and to only concentrate on that and not all the issues that comes along with high school. For starters I would have told myself to think long term and forget about the dum things that wont help me succede in my future such as girls and the festivities. Basically it will be easier if you start now to do well.

Don't think that because you are smart and involved in high school that it's going to be just as easy in college. Learn study techniques now because you will need to actually study in college.

I would tell myself to make memories because those are one of the only things you can keep with you throught the many years of your life. Also, I would tell myself to live life to my fullest, never having regrets. And lastly, I would tell myself to serve God with my whole heart because he is the only one that truly matters!

Advice: Education is key...while college is fun and exciting it is most important to get your education first. Take advantage of free tutors and study groups because they are very helpful when it comes to studying for that big final exam. Always attend on campus job fairs because employers always have their eye out for new up and coming employees fresh out of college. Select classes wisely and apply for all the financial aid that you can. College is one of the greatest experiences a young individual can experience and always make the best of it.

I would tell myself to take my adcademics more seriously. College is very different from high school. Although I never had to study in high school or work very hard for an A, college will make sure that you are doing the best you can. I would just make sure that I was striving for the best and was better prepared for having to focus on school more than having a social life.

UCF is going to cut your major right after you get there, those bastards!!!!

My senior year of high school I was overweight, self-conscious and lacked the motivation to take control of my life and make the change that was so desperately necessary. As a college junior if given the chance to go back and give myself advice I can honestly say that I wouldn?t. The unexpected, the new and unknown are what shocked me into change. I need a constant flux and challenge to keep me engaged and on my toes. The way my life unfolded from senior year up until this point is because of spontaneity and uncertainty. While the option to advise myself in the past would undoubtedly save some heartache, it?s that very heartache and confusion that shaped me into the woman I am today.

I would advise myself to plan out everything as much as possible. I would also encourage myself to study hard and do well in all of my high school classes, especially the math because it would be very beneficial to me in the future at the university level. School can be stressful and overwhelming at times so I would also tell myself to make sure that I am involved with an organization or at least have a close group of friends that I can talk to or just hang out with to help relieve stress. Lastly I would say that there is an abundant amount of opportunity in college but you have to go and get it. "Grab life by the horns"....and then ride it!

Life as a senior in highschool seemed so easy and carefree. If I could go back in time I would definitely make sure to plan out my life and fill out as many scholarships as possible. I would research different occupations that I am interested in and make sure to know the requirements needed to accomplish it. As for scholarships, I would try to at least fill out a scholarship a day and I would look into scholarships for the particular college that I plan on attending. While in highschool, I was a lot more interested in my social life than in academics and I would certaintly change that, as academics are very important as well.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to keep my job and continue to work and make money. I found out that college is a lot more expensive than I expected. However I feel that it is worth every penny. The experience one gets at a university is unforgettable and the memories created last a lifetime. Hence, I would also warn myself to never take anything for granted because attending this university is a priviledge. So enjoy life, never loose site of my goals and continue to work for what I want because in the end it will all work out for the better. I would look back at my past and at my family and see the struggle we have been through and always remember that I am not only getting an education for myself but also for my family. I want to be able to set a good example for my sister and show her that when you work hard you can accomplish anything. Getting my degree would be like icing on the cake for the sweet life I plan for myself.

I would say to myself, to believe in yourself and don't let others manipulate you. No one knows you better than yourself and its only you can trust. The people who you thought you could trust completely will be the first ones to betray you, so be aware of others. Trust your instincts and be confident in yourself.

I would tell myself not to give up, to embrace change and though it all seems overwhelming you will get used to the lifestyle and achieve your goals.

I would remind myself that without a motivation to get things done they will not get done. If you are not going to happy about the decisions that you make, do not make them. At the end of the day it is you that is going to live your life no one else, so do whatever it is that makes YOU happy. The transition between college and high school is a big change. You will have a lot more freedom and your life is no longer on a set high school schedule. What you do with your time is up to you, but you will receive what it is your put your efforts into. There must be a balance between life and books. If you do not find that balance college will just be a big party or stressful years. The balance between life and books will help you clear your mind, but also focus when it is necessary. College is what you make it. College can be the most amazing learning experience or just another dreadful step in life. Life is your empty canvas; your mind is the painter. What your mind paints can only appear on that canvas.

Given the opportunity, I would have told my younger self to "Apply to University of Central Florida"; I would have save my self the time the squandered.

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school student the first thing i would say is college is not as hard as you think it is, so dont get intimadated and distraught because its not what it seems. College isnt easy but if you are determined and focused then you will be sure to do just fine. Enter college with a freash startt, postive attitude, and a brighter outlook on the future.

I would encourage myself to get involved from the very first day. I would suggest joining a sorority, going to club meetings, and playing intramural sports. I would also suggest living on campus in a traditional dorm, because I now regret not making that decision my first year. It's an important way for first-year students to meet other people in their same situations and learning to live with others and get to know diverse people. I would suggest enrolling in many different types of classes in order to figure out what I would most likely be interested in. There are so many options: business, marketing, psychology, hospitality. The possibilities are endless and it is much easier to explore in the very beginning than once you have earned most of your credits. Most of all, I would tell myself to venture in to college with open eyes and accept all the new changes as opportunities for growth that I will experience nowhere else in my life.

Start early and stay early. Many high school graduates see the upcoming Fall term as the beginning of college and the rest of their lives -but it's not! College can easily start the summer before! Why do this? Starting the semester with extra credit hours not only gets you ahead in your coursework, but allows you to start out the academic year with a grade point average. Having good grades is impressive. Being able to say, as a freshman, that you have high grades in college courses is even more impressive. This looks good to your professors and teaching assistants, advisors, and potential employers (especially on-campus ones!). It's another way to stand out. And we can't understate the jump-start on coursework. Even if it's only completing the general education requirements, taking a few summer classes can be a great preview to the college course: how it's run, what's expected of you. Plus, now there's extra space for classes you're interested in. Unless you want to graduate early? Or be uber competitive by taking your upper levels earlier? Let this be a habit. Early coursework, early studying, early preparation. Good luck!

I must stress how very important it is to study and allow sufficient time to do so, especially for major exams. I must also note that you need to be prepared to work together with other people for group projects and you must understand that the work has to be done regardless of who does it. Just do it to get the good grades and learn to work with people that you may not want to work with. This will help you with later jobs and you may end up becoming a favorable employee because of your develpoed ability to work with anyone. To sum it up, make sure you are always prepared, take notes, repeatedly read over them, do all the coursework, turn assignments in on time, go to each and every class, and try to be a bit early to class to get ready to learn. Also, don't be afraid to sit in the front row, that way you can actually pay attention.

Talk to a counselor as soon an possible and as much as possible. Advisors love to advise so don't feel like you are asking too many questions. Your first year at the university will be smoother and less stressful if you have all of the information you need. Also, don't be afraid if you don't like one of your classes and don't feel like you are wasting your time. If all you learn is that you hate journalism or don't want to be what you always thought you wanted to be, then that is a huge and important lesson. Get all of your hold taken care of the moment you know about them, if not before. They will make signing up for classes a real hassel that you don't need going into finals week. Try and have more fun because these are the times where you figure out who you are. So, take it a day at a time and learn as much about yourself as you learn about each subject.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to study harder and learn more in language class. I would have taken more spanish classes and learn to be more outgoing.

Don't get too worried. By taking the process one step at a time, there is nothing that can't be achieved and by having a defeated attitude is when you admit to defeat.

Don't have a baby in highschool this time!

Try to acquire the best study sckills now because you're going to need them in college.

I would tell myself to work harder in high school to help build up a stonger study habbit. I would also tell myself not to worry to much about being popular in high school because that really doesn't matter much when you graduate and go to college. I would tell myself enjoy college but take it seriously. College is full of distractions and it is so easy to get off track. I would tell myself not to worry about trying to have a lot of friends in college because for the most part people keep to themselves and popularity is not a big deal. I would also tell myself to keep my head up when times get tough, because they will, and keep going no matter what.

The biggest thing I would tell myself is too savor every moment. It goes by way too fast, and you find yourself missing out on so many opportunities. Study abroad, take a course on golf, join as many clubs as you can. That is what college is for. However, I would also tell myself which major I ultimately decided on, in order to save myself some time and frustration. Another piece of advice I wish I had gotten is not to skip class, no matter what. Once you skip class, you realize that it is easy to get away with in college, and you are likely to do it again and get behind. In summary, I would tell myself to work hard but not to lose sight of all of the fun and opportunities there are around me.

If I had to go back in time, a year ago to be exact, and speak to the high school version of myself, I would tell myself to learn how to manage my time better. Time management is the key to success in college. Balancing between going to class, homework, school events, and friends is extremely difficult. Procrastinating in college will hurt you. I would also tell myself to really cherish the year that I have left living at home. Being on your own is tough. Not having my mom do my laundry anymore is a real bummer. Lastly, I would tell myself to just have fun as a senior and enjoy being top dog at your school. All of it will go by quick!

Wow a truly wonderful thought. If such an amazing feat were possible, without hesitation i would accept it. The knowledge, wisdom and life experience i have gained till date would truly be a boon. Have a college education, spending time in the military and traveling abroad has helped me to grow and mature into a humbly speaking,wise person that my fellow collegaues can turn to in almost any situtation. Growing up I had not been fortunate to aquire government assistance so i could not take my education very far and, with a myriad of opportunites missed, I dare not squander this chance. So in summation if i could go an talk to my self as a high school student, life would be perfect always on the right path, never a missed opportunity and success all around.

Having a dream is good, but not enough. Consistency is the key. No matter what tragedy you might have in your life, do not quit dreaming and putting down the necessary effort towards that dream. Most importantly, do not get married at such an early age just to keep your tradition and make your parents happy.

I would tell myself not to procrastinate. I know that may be hard to do, especially for a high school senior, but it's not worth it to wait. When it comes to college it is always best to be prepared and be organized. Even if you are just going to a community college at first, you need to plan for your transfer as well. Also, I would tell myself not to be afraid, and apply to my dream colleges even if I know I could never pay for them. Just knowing you tried, or even got accepted, will be beneficial to your self-esteem.

One of the most important things I would tell myself is to acquire and maintain good study habits now, because they are absolutely crucial in college. Also, I would tell myself to start practicing good time management. With the freedom of creating your own schedule comes the temptation to have fun during the hours you have off. This is fatal to one's academics. Do not take advantage of the new freedoms you gain in college, but maintain self discipline and force yourself to study, even when you don't want to. Get involved in as much as you can, because gaining a good friend base (of the right friends, mind you) is extremely important to maximizing the enjoyment of your college life. It is also very important to make the RIGHT friends. You can avoid getting caught in bad situations by making good friends and surrounding yourself with them. This brings me to my final point. You've spent the last 18 years developing your beliefs and values. Don't throw it away when you get to college. Stay true to your values and do what you believe in. These things will ensure a successfull and enjoyable college experience.

I would advise myself to enjoy my final year of high school because things will only get more challenging from there. In high school, we take so much for granted. We think we know everything; that we're adults; that the world is easy. We're just so ready to get out of there that we don't give conscious thought to what lies ahead. Once you're out, there's no turning back; a whole new world awaits. One of possibility, responsibility, excitement, and maybe even a little anxiety. Though I love college, and certainly prefer it to high school, I wish I would have known how difficult it would be; how much discipline is required to succeed. Despite all of that, the greatest advice I could give would be to enjoy the journey and make the most of it because, like high school, it will be over in a flash.

I would tell myself to enjoy college life a little more. I would tell myself to join any extra curricular activity that perks your interest or that has to do with your major. I would tell myself to form life long friendships with other students at school. I would tell myself to not be scared of the unfamiliar but to embrace it.

The advice i would give myself is to be ready to challenge yourself. Coming in to college i knew i would have to do work, projects, and study. College is really what you make it, a cliche but the truth if you want to go far and be competitive you really have to not apply yourself but push your self sky high. I mean you can do the work and get good grades like highschool but theres no report card theres no rewards or punishments its just how far do you want to go and how hard are you going to push past average to get there. I dont think i had a problem with time managment becuase i was good at organizing and managing time for pleasure and work very well. I would warn myself about taking advantage of seminars, free stuff, and watching your spending. Another thing i would work on is really networking and being confindent and comfortable with networking with not only faculty who can help further my career but my peers and professors .

I would tell myself to duel enroll. That way I would be a lot further and pushing myself to go farther. I would also tell myself to pay a little more attention to the details. That would have helped a lot.

For the sake of your sanity, research your desired major. Figure out what field within your major you want to pursue and how to achieve it. Take tests, do research, talk to people, what ever it takes to figure this out by your sophomore year of college. This will save you a year or two of taking classes for nothing. This way your financial aid will actually cover all of your bachelor degree.

Definitely enroll in college and attend after high school. It's much easier than waiting as an adult to complete your education. Don't feel as if you need to know exactly what you are doing in life. It's more important to learn what you love and what you are passionate about. When you discover these, you will know what you want to do and can pursue a career in those fields. Don't be afraid to experience new and different things and be sure to embrace diversity and change. Higher education is an amazing experience. Constantly challenge yourself to do the best you can. Aim high and avoid being standard. Take advantage of the learning opportunities present to you and maxmimize your efforts for overall success.

I would not get myself mixed up in a relationship. I would also not have made the mistakes I have when it comes to losing my first job here in Orlando and failing miserably at school.

I was a very studious and successful student in high school. However, once I enrolled in college, I lost focus and foolishly avoided studying. I only cared about being super involved in extracurricular activities, which led to the decline of my GPA. I also lost merit-based scholarships that funded my education and I was not eligible for certain internship because of my GPA. Therefore, if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would warn myself to not get overly involved in extracurriculars, but to focus on starting off my college career academically strong. After all, the opportunities to get involved on campus are abundant, but the chances to improve a declining GPA are slim to none. Although I cannot change the past to tell myself this information, I am now doing all that I can to change my present situation and the future. I am now focused on my education more than ever and my grades have drastically improved. My success even caught the attention of one of my professors. I am certainly happy to say that second chances do exist even if I cannot go back in time!

The advice I would give myself is be patient, study hard, do not get involved with the wrong crowd and buckle up because it is a long and hard four years.

If I were a high school senior again, I would definitely change a few of my habits. In high school, I was very high stressed and completely academically focused. Don't get me wrong, this was a great characteristic for when it came to applying to colleges and doing well in classes, but I don't this I fully experienced high school life. I was a great student, a member of the marching band, and a participant in a few extracurricular activities, but I did not get really involved. From college life, I have learned to incorporate both my social and academic life while still thriving. I have gotten deeply involved in my university's marching band, I joined a service sorority, and I am doing many extra programs such as honors, and a leadership develop class. I feel more successful here than I ever did in high school. I wish I could go back and instill these thoughts into my immature high school senior head.

To absorb everything I can to avoid being taught the same thing twice. I would remind myself that hard word begins in the begining, and make myself enroll in the dual enrollment program at the community college. I'm already head strong, but I would constantly remind myself that anybody can be ordinary but it takes a special person to be extraordinary.

I would tell myself to take in everything I learned in high school, and not just there for the grade. I'd also tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as I could so that way I wouldn't have to work as much now and I could enjoy my college experience more. I'd tell myself to not be afraid to meet people and go do things that I originally maybe wouldn't have done in college.

Most important I would tell myself that although I did not get into my first choice school UCF is the right university for me and I will fall in love with it. On ther other hand, I would advise myself to choose my major I have and love now rather than stressing about picking the "right" or most impressive and challenging major. There is too much stress on picking a major as a freshman but the first couple of semesters oyu should find what classes interest you.

I would love to go back in time and tell myself not to listen to the people araound me and to follow my heart. I would convice myself that what people have to say about where I should study is sometimes not the best advice because only you know your self and you know your limits. Probably a big school would not have been the greatest choice, but it ia an option that would teach me a lot about my life, I would say to my high school senior-self. Really making the RIGHT decision would be the one thing I would want high school senior-self to focus on. Also feeling pressued into something is not the right way to go. Even though I would focus on these things, I would also say that any decision I make will teach me a lot about myself and maybe that is the thing I need the most. That way I can succeed more in life because I have grown to be a strong confident woman.

Bring your own fridge.

i would tell myself to increase the number of honors classes i enrolled in. also i think i would say to myself that another extracurricular activity would be a good idea.

I would only have to give myself one piece of advice. It would be that I should research majors and talk to people in different carrers before going to college. I was all set to have one major, but after taking a course pertaining to that major, I knew it was not for me. I would recommend figuring out what courses are required to complete certain majors prior to attending a college. It would have saved me a year and a half of trying to figure out what I wanted to do.