University of Central Oklahoma Top Questions

My college experience has been unbelievable, meeting a whole new group of friends after leaving my high school friends after 10 years so it was really hard, but moving to UCO was the best decision i have ever made and i wouldnt take anything back for the life of me.

I have made lifelong friends, as well as my husband, at UCO. I feel as though all of my professors would be willing to help me out in any ways that they could, even after I graduate. The class sizes are small, so you really get to know the professors and the other students. I attended another state university before transferring to UCO. My experience at the other university did not seem personal; it seemed much more lonely. My experience at UCO has been truly priceless. I would have begun my college career at UCO if I had known the differences between the two schools beforehand.

I SPENT EIGHT YEARS IN THE MILITARY BEFORE COMING TO COLLEGE, AND HAVE FOUND MUCH OF THE SAME COMRADESHIP AMONG, AT LEAST OTHER HISTORY MAJORS, AT THE SCHOOL AS I DID IN THE MARINE CORPS. EVERYONE IS WILLING TO GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO HELP EACH OTHER. I WILL BE ABLE TO EARN MY BACHELORS DEGREE AFTER ONLY ABOUT THREE YEARS, AND WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER THE WORKFORCE AS A TEACHER SOON THEREAFTER.

I strongly believe that college is necessary to succeed in today?s society. The job market is very competitive and if you are not prepared for the real world you will struggle to stay ahead. My first year of college has really opened my eyes and shown me how fast I am expected to learn. Classes are very well organized and everyday is something new to discover. Although it is challenging to stay on top of my classes and maintain a 3.5 GPA, I know I can strive in my classes as long as I am enjoying what I am learning and know I am enhancing my knowledge. I plan on getting a four year degree in criminal justice and becoming a police officer. I am now enrolled in a criminal justice class at my college. It's a class I look forward to every week. I am able to thoroughly understand the curriculum because I am able to stay focused and I enjoy what I am learning. The fact that what I am learning is crucial information I will be using when I am a police officer motivates me even more to succeed and do my very best.

My college experience is an amazing journey that has helped me stick my foot in the door of life. From relevant classes to flexible schedules, college has truly changed the way I view education. College has made me more outspoken and determined in every aspect of my life, including work, family, and decision-making. I have learned that school expenses remain a constant variable in any career path, but being able to strive for excellence is a quality that not many individuals retain. College has enriched my mind with information about the world, allowing me to set goals for myself and recognize the necessary steps in order to obtain them. As a young Hispanic woman, attending college is emotionally and financially rewarding. Seeing my parent's eyes as I reached for my diploma was enough to make me want to succeed for the rest of my life. Not only am I concerned about my future, but for the underprivileged minorities in the United States as well. For them, college education seems as if it were on another planet. My goal as a woman is to educate others so that they may accomplish their dreams and create a more peaceful world.

I have received quite a lot from my college experience. My time in college has taught me to be an individual and to really come out of your shell. Many other factors contribute to my college experience, however these are the most prevalent. Once I entered college my freshman year, it was obvious that everyone had their own way of doing things. Everyone either had his or her own friends or just kept to themselves. Whichever path taken, everybody in my college is unique. My college is also very accomidating to each individual's personality or hobbies. No matter what your background, there is a place for you. In highschool I had trouble coming out of my shell because I knew everyone and I never had to introduce myself to someone new everyday an engage on my own will into a conversation with someone who I had never met before. The university also requires a public speaking class, which at first scared me to death. I am now taking the class and look forward to my next speech. I can't wait to find who I'm truly meant to be through my college experience.

What I learned about attending college? Well first off I am very happy about being enrolled in college if betters my self esteem? Helps me with understanding the carrer i am trying to achive in the next couple of year. The teachers and students are all very help full and help you cope with all your problems and homework. I like the fact that are campus is open to all people trying to achive a degree. I am most greatfull for the help from all of the staff when i was enrolled for my first semester they helped me out with all of my home work and had a tutor on site everyday to acoomedate me. I like the fact that i can take night classes and still be able to work at night. Also that there are many campuses around town that i can easily get too when i have to work late and want to study for my upcoming tests.

I have obtained the necessary skills and knowledge needed to graduate a four year degree. Thomas Nelson Community College has also introduced me to the social aspect of college life and how to interact with adults my age. With these various skills I will be able to transfer to a four year college, gain even more knowledge and wisdom, then impact the world I live in.

There are many things that I have gotten out of my college experience. I have made life long friendships, discovered exactly what a higher level of learning offers and have become masterful in meeting deadlines. With all the memorable experiences in which I have encountered, the most important one to me is experiencing significant achievement.

College has taught me that you have to be responsible for yourself. Your parents will only do so much, but it's up to you to make sure your work gets done on time and the overall quality of your work is the best it can be. College is preparing me to be responsible later on in life at my job too. It is helping me meet deadlines with my best work ready.

As a student at the beginning of my second semester of college, I do wish I could go back and talk to my high-school-senior self. First and foremost, I would encourage myself to look around more for a university; I have to admit I settled with UCO and there are regrets there. Also, as much as I hated it then, I would emphasize the importance of getting scholarships, and uge myself to do more in that area. Beyond those two items, there is not much else I can say; if I had excelled more there I would be in a different place now. I must admit, this is truly difficult. I was recently not accepted into an internship program I wanted to be a part of very dearly. So in all honestly, I would tell myself what I believe I did wrong when applying and change the outcome. This may not be the "right" answer, but when I take the time to really imagine what I would say, it is that. If I could change anything within the past year, it would be the results of that interview, as they truly broke my heart.

There are two extremes on a college campus. There are the people that sit back and do nothing but study and go to class; they don?t socialize, they don?t go to games, they don?t join clubs or organizations. Then there are the people that do everything but study and go to class; they are the social butterflies, they are at all the games and in all the clubs. I was the latter, however doing so spread me too thin and hurt my GPA in the long run. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to get involved in clubs and organizations, but not to get too involved. Joining things is definitely a great part of college, but you don?t want to do so at the expense of your grades. To be successful, you need to make a balance between schoolwork and fun. I would tell myself to be neither extreme, but instead be in the middle; enjoying college life and making good grades.

If I could go back in time and reconsider again going to college and choosing a major, I would think about what jobs would be most in demand in the future. Certainly, with the experience that I have now at 26, it is quite obvious that Science related jobs are more in demand than any other cause the business field is quite saturated. If I could make a new start I would probably have chosen a degree in Computer Science or Engineering rahter than Business Administration or Accounting. To land at a good business job, aside from the education, you need to have connections and a good community network so candidates who come from other states or countries have that disadvantage of not knowing as many people as local folks. On the other hand if you are a good programmer or an engineer your skills are more likely to be appreciated by employers cause connections and word of mouth cannot substitute the high technical knowledge that one acquires pursuing such degree. So I would definitely go for a Science degree rather than a Business one. That's of course just my personal point of view.

Going back in time to my high school years knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to take in all the education and skills that I have aquired from the vocational program that I was enrolled in. Back then, I didn't think that college was necessary and a full-time factory job would be just fine to get me through the years. Knowing now that I got pregnant and skipped out on college and worked in a factory, I regret it, and I would most definately tell myself to take the college route when I should have (after high school). Education is important as well as the grades that you acquire. Grades and a college education make your future, not a factory paycheck. Having two kids now and living off of government assistance, I really do regret not taking the advice and lessons that were given to me. Now, 6 years after graduating high school, I am now a college student with two kids and no job, and a husband that drives fifty miles a day to and from work. If I was smart back then, I should have gone to college and kept my grades up.

When I was growing up the value of education was never emphasized. It took me several years coupled with several unfulfilling low paying jobs to understand the importance of a college degree. If I could travel back in time and give myself advice I would say this: College is a must not a choice. It is one of the single most important decisions you will make in life and it is important to obtain a college degree before you do anything else in life. It will afford you options you would not otherwise be afforded. Find a major you're interested in; one that is in demand and specialized. Surround youself with likeminded friends. Make good grades in high school, participate in different school clubs, and volunteer in the community. Take AP courses, and if available take a few college level courses. Visit colleges you are interested in going to and once you graduate from high school either move to a college dorm or join the Greek system. But either way and above all do the full college experience and have fun!

Dear Juanita *May 2006, Wow! Congratulations on your graduation. I know that you are proud, but this is just the beginning of your life. You will soon be headed off to college and I wanted to give a few tips; but before you just shrug off what I have to say, just know that I've been there and I really hope you take my advice. Be sure you have an idea of what you want to do, it'll be less stressful later on if you don't have to keep switching your degree choices. Be careful to budget your spending, I know you'll be living on campus for a couple of years, but keep your mind clear for the future-you'll need some money then. There are always unexpected expenses that spring up at the worst possible times. Study a little every day instead of cramming the night before the test. Not only will you retain more information, it's much less stressful. Stay close to your family, just because they live close, doesn't mean you can't drop by once a week, or call to say hi. Remember these, and you'll do fine.

College is a whole different world comapred to high school. As a senior in high school I would tell myself to fill out every scholarship I can. College is more expensive than I thought it was. Go to all the orientations your freshman year. The more you learn the more comfortable you will feel. Staying on campus is one of the best things you could ever do. You will meet some of your life long friends there, and these are the people that will keep you sane throughout college. Get to know all of your professors. Sit on the front row in class. Be the teachers pet. These all will help you out in the long run. Getting involved on campus is another thing I would mention. Joining different groups and organizations will help you deal with homesickness, meet new people, and get more connected with your school. College can be overwhelming, yes I know. However, it's a great experience you don't want to miss out on. One last thing: STAY FOCUSED!

If I could go back in time to my high school senior self, I would encourage myself to try and pratice new study habits. Since being in college I have had to adjust my study habits, for me each class requires a different way of processing information. Another thing I would tell my self is that change happens and I would just have to go with it; people change and people grow. Also I would tell myself to take each day as it is enjoy it and don't wait to long to try new things.

Life is strange sometimes. You might not find yourself where you thought you would be, but I think you'll find you're happy just the same. Still, know this: There is nothing wrong with taking a semester off if you need it. The time lost that semester will be far less costly than burning out mid-semester. Also, don't get too wrapped up in your studies. Take time to make friends and be with the ones you care about. Finding a healthy balance can be very hard sometimes, but don't stop trying to find it because having it will prove to be invaluable. Lastly, (and this may sound strange) don't be afraid to be selfish sometimes. This is your life, and, while it might not seem like it now, you know what you want from it. Be honest with yourself and others about your wishes. That may mean making uncomfortable changes in your life at times, but when you emerge from those strange times, you'll find that you're a much better person than you probably ever imagined you could be. Stay true to yourself. You're a good person.

If I could go back and talk to myself my senior year about college there would be a long drawn out talk. My younger self probably wouldn't listen, but I would keep talking to him until he understood he needs to do all his homework to get a little higher gpa. Then I would tell him to focus on studying habits and time management skills. I would tell him that paying for college isn't impossible, and if he would just sit down and talk to dad he wouldn't have to join the US Navy. I would then tell him that he needs to join the US Navy because its going to turn him into the man he is going to become and give him an edge when it comes to college. Then some other things I would tell him would be spend more time with Crystal, she turns out being a really cool girl. Don't sell your guitar to buy the girl the dress for prom, she will just leave you two weeks later. Then I would tell him to keep his chin up, because life might be hard right now, but it gets better.

The advice that I would give myself is to be self motivated and show up to class everyday. While attending the University of Central Oklahoma I have notice that being self motivated and showing up to class can lead to success as a student here.

If I had the opportunity to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to follow my instincts and follow my original dreams. The transition to college life really is not that scary and there are far more frightening and difficult things out in the work world. Having a bachelor's degree while looking for a job would open more doors of opportunity in the working world. A college degree offers a whole other level of respect in the workplace and leadership positions might possibly arise quicker than without a degree. The opportunity to fully experience college life is wonderful. I would tell myself, "Experience Greek Life, get involved with campus events, join an organization, study hard, and have fun. It really is the best times of your life and enjoy them."

The most importnat thing I could tell myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now, is my academic achievements in high school in no way predict my academic achievements in collage. Once in collage, I can be as successful as I want to be because I am in charge of my life and coursework and the pace at which I chose to complete my education. In high school I made good grades, but never had the opportunity to excel because my home life was consumed with raising my two baby brothers. When I entered collage I did not consider myself an intelligent person, but to my surprise, with dedication to my studies, I found I could master any course I took! Now, as a junior, I am considering applying to medical school to become a doctor. In high school I never would have dreamed of a medical career as a possibility! High school success should not dictate your success in collage, nor should it be used to measure your true potential.

I would tell myself to look ahead farther than just the next semester and see the big picture and what all was required for my chosen career goals, not just my degree. I would also want to tell myself to look at more colleges before choosing one and that it was more than just a school, but a preparation for life and a home away from home, pick a place you can live and learn.

I will work harder and be more involved in in my school.I will also be more enviromental friendly as my college has thought me to be.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior. I would tell myself that drugs and alcohol are not the right decion to make. You need to apply youself and go to callege cause it is a very tough would without an education. The world will not give you what you need and you have to go out and earn what you want in life not just have things givin to you. I would also tell myself that i know what is going to happen if you keep doing what you are doing and it is not very healthy and you can die from what you are doing to yourself. i would also tell myself to study hard and go to college not to go to work it is not worth it. If you want to make the big bucks finish and get the job you want and deserve. So you can provide for your future family. It will make life a lot easier to understand and get through if you have the right education. If i did not listen i would beat myself up till i understood. Thank you for listining to me.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have a lot to say. It would probably come in form of a song because that is what I tend to respond best to. I would tell myself to never give up. A lot of people will say a lot of things but just because they say it does not mean it is true. I would also tell myself to never compromise my standards. It doesn't matter if it is to further a relationship or to further school, stick to what you believe and you will have a lot less regret. Another important thing would be to tell myself to always make time for my family, having that stability will be crucial through your next few years. Savor what you have, those relationships will not always last. Most importantly I would tell myself to be who God created you to be, don't change for anyone or for any reason! You are beautiful, and you have the love of an everlasting Savior, never ever forget that!

I would tell myself that I need to toughen up and become less dependent on my family and more dependent on myself, because in college I am going to live in a dorm room and have to do things for myself, there will be no mommy there to save or help me. I would also tell myself that I need to get out of my shell, and really learn how to open up to others and get many new friends that have all different kinds of backgrounds and are from all parts of the school-whether they be from band, preps, orchestra, jocks, druggies, gothic?s, or whatever. I need to learn how to know people and let them know me. That way I can have more friends, and not be so lonely in college. I would remind myself that not everything is always going to turn out the way I want it to and I just need to let things go, and go with the flow, and not get so worked up over things.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would advise takeing as many concurrent classes as I could, and I would also tell myself to apply for every scholarship that is available to help alleviate the pain of paying for higher education. In the end my biggest problem was finding a college I really felt comfortable applying to, and to solve this I would tell my past self to talk an advisor and see if they would be able to recommend any schools for me to apply to.

I would go back and tell myself not to slack off my senior year. That truly hurts your education. You forget a lot and college that first year was a big review. I would tell myself to take more concurrent enrollment classes or advanced placement classes. If you are good at tests then this is the way to go because it is way cheaper than college. I would also tell myself to save up money. Not only is college expensive but being around friends and all the places and things to do around college is expensive.

study, study, study, study,study, study. And when you're tired of studying, study more. watch out for the boys, noooo football or soccer players. Please stay away from junk food and alcohol so you don't get a gut. have a great group of girlfriends, because if he breaks your heart, they'll put it back together. Try and save money so that when you get those random shopping urges you won't overdraft your checking account. Stay close to God, everything is easier with him. Don't fight with your mom, she's been where you are and she is only trying to help. Talk to your twin brother, you have more in common with him then you think. he's under the same peer pressure as you. plus, he already knows all the bad stuff you did- ty told him. most of all, love yourelf deeply, and know you are a bright girl and you deserve the world.

?In transitioning to college, take advantage of studying different careers now. It will save you from a lot of stress in making decisions later. But remember that what you do does not define who you are. Who you are defines what you do. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the ?future? that we often miss out on enjoying where we are right NOW. Never stay complacent. If you stay in the same place for too long, whether it is in your same ?clique? of friends, job, or even geographically, it is easy to get so comfortable that you don?t accept change. Just as trees go through seasons, so do we as people. Change is a part of growth. NEVER underestimate your true potential. God has given you the gift of leadership. Do not be afraid of it, but instead, embrace it. It will be used in big ways not only on your campus, but wherever you go. Lastly, remember that life is a roller coaster, filled with both high and low points. Continue to do everything to the best of your ability, keep God first, and you will succeed, not only in college, but in life.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would be sure and tell myself how important connections were. Staying connected to friends, family and teachers is a vital part of survival in college. As a senior I am not sure I fully grasped that importance and it cost me quite a bit in the first semester of college. I would stress the importance of making sure to stay in touch, and making sure not to burn too many bridges.

by not going to college i have had to learn things the hard way.. i tried to take the easy way out and thought by not going straight to college i could go out and get a job and make fast cash.. now all i am is a waitress and i have 2 children.. going to college now is going to be more challenging now that it ever would have been if i would have went sooner.. i make less than 10k A year and i could never pay the bills on my own.. by going to college i can be something one day..something im proud of

Hey Cari, I am here to tell you a few things you need to know about college. Take the time to study for that test. Good grades are very impressive to those scholarships committees. Participate in extra-curricular activities and give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in the sports that you try out for. Colleges like students who are involved in activities. You will also have some great memories from doing all these things. Ask your high school teachers for advice on what they felt like they wished they would have know when they went to college. They will have some good ideas. The main thing is just keep on what you are doing. You probably don't need to change a thing. Good luck and keep on learning.

If i was able to go back an talk to myself as a senior. I would tell my self to work even harder for the things you want the most, and never take no for a answer, and always keep your head up, never let anyone get you down. do the best you can, and never take life as a game, because it real!

Dear Angelika, I am going to give you some advice about your future. For starters, I know you have your goals written out and your putting a check mark by each one you complete but DO NOT go through the respiratory program. You CAN NOT handle being in the hospital with all the code blues and trips to the ER. You will just be wasting a year and money on a degree that months later you have yet to use. Moving on, you need to be more open to meeting people. You are so quiet that its been almost three years and you still do not have any real friends. It's a little sad. You need to try to connect with some people, join some clubs PLEASE! One good thing is that college is not as scary as it seems so don't worry you will be OK! Anyways have a wonderful senior year. Love, Your Future you

My first piece of advice would be to go to an out-of-state college. The security of having mom and dad right there is nice, but the chance to get out on your own and learn how to truly take care of yourself is invaluable. The adventure is worth the risk. The other piece of advice I would give is to get a degree in a field you really love. Think about your favorite thing to do, what you would be happy to do all day, every day and find a way to make a career revolving around that. In my case, I love to read. Look into the publishing industry. Do your research about what you need to do to get into that industry. Call or email people in that industry and get their advice. No matter where you go or where you end up, do what you love to do.

Gabby, Man oh man, where do I start? Well, I'm a freshman at UCO and today was my first day of classes for this semester. They went pretty well, but then again, pretty much every first day goes by pretty smoothly. Go to class, discuss the syllabus, leave. Seeing as how you are still in your senior year of high school, I am aware that you are a pretty lazy student. All your high school teachers cut you a lot of slack, and they let you slide by and turn things in late. It's a pretty fun year and so much happens during it. But, I'm here as a friend to tell you to not get too accustomed to this way of living. You may think high school is difficult, but next year you will find yourself in a mess of trouble if you think you can procrastinate on every assignment and barely get by. No, college is much different. I encourage you to try your hardest, to study as much as you can, and to never lose hope. You may struggle a little your first semester next year, but I have faith in you! Love, Yourself.

I would tell myself to not try pre-med first go straight to computers.

As a high school senior most students have the majority of their requirements completed and slack off in their studies for their last year of high school. The problem with this is that you are not ready to get back into your classes when you get to college. I would tell myself to keep going strong and challenging myself in all aspects of education and that will help me to be a successfull college student. I would also tell myself to keep applying for college scholarships and don't give up, because anything that you get is very appriciated and needed.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself when I was a senior in high school. I would have told myself "GET A JOB!" Because college is very expensive for my budget, I can?t keep up with the billing payments. Growing up in foster care I didn't have a dime to my name and knowing now that I don?t have a cent to my name to pay for my extra school expenses is very hard to get by with school officials. Everyone in school we?re able to balance a job and the extracurricular activities. While I just happen to focus on just my academic requirements. The transition to college from high school has been an overwhelming experience in all different aspects. In a good way I have a support system with professors. Where I can ask for advice, but the bad thing about college is financial outcome in the end. I?m constantly paying some kind of hidden fee to the school of my choice and that?s no fun.

to go to school for what you really want to not what you think will get you more money that way you don't end up giving the school more money because you end up changing your major to what it should have been in the first place.

You have to be rensponsible with your studies and not slack. Success in college is unlike success in high school, in the sense that intelligence alone does not cut it. You have to do your homework and study, or you may become a waste of talent.

I would tell myself to stop worrying about everything. That it is not as scary as I thought it was going to be . College is a very fun thing to do with. It's a great atmosphere and you meet tons of cool people. With a little hard work and dedication it will create a new outlook of yourself just stay confident.

Get involved in a church small group right away. The friends and support you find there will help you so much. It's nice to see people around campus you know and it's fun to get together throughout the week to hang out.

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I would tell myself to take the ACT again and try to improve my score to be able to get more scholarships. I would also tell myself to stay in shape through that last summer before college. It would also be a good idea to take more math classes in high school to get ready for college math classes. Have fun and don't stress out!

Take the ACT more often! Even if you have a high score, the higher you recieve the more money you recieve and it is worth it. Choose a school that you feel a good vibe from and try to have an idea of what you what. The campus I choses is beautiful and a small student oriented campus which made the transistion much easier. Once you are on campus check out the activities they offer, there's something for everyone and it's a great way to meet new people. Make new friends, you need to branch out and not just stick with the friends you have always had, the relationships you form in college are phenomenol and on a whole different level. It may be scary to go out and meet people, but find someone who looks interesting or is alone as well and buddy up, it will be worth it!

Get involved as much as you can in things that interest you so you can get to know people that you're going to school with!