University of Colorado Colorado Springs Top Questions

Out of my college experience I have obtained responsibilities, friendships, and advanced knowledge that I otherwise would not have received. I feel I have "grown up" and now am excited to begin the rest of my life. Without school, I am not sure if I would have ever felt I've accomplished anything and probably would have remained miserable.

I believe that without college, I would not be developing necessary life skills that will make me grow as an individual as well as a leader. Participating with Phi Theta Kappa and other student groups broadens my horizons of many different people, backgrounds, and experiences. Not only does attending college build on what was started in my high school education, but it creates a sturdy foundation for me entering the workforce. I will be trained with many abilities that include technology, foreign language, and health information. By attending college and gaining a degree, I have a trade that will make me a functioning, useful member of society. There is no way I would be able to be well-rounded in life without my college experience. My communication skills are more developed, my thoughts are not as narrow as when I was simply fresh out of high school, and I have learned invaluable leadership skills that allow me to be a more competent team player. If I had to make the choice of attending college or starting in the workforce immediately, I would still choose college without hesitation.

Out of my college experience I have received the skills and education to help me pursue the career of my dreams. I have gained knowledge to reach my goals and understand my life at a different level. I have a dream to become a Radiologic Technologists and going to school has helped me to get to where I am today and happy with what I am accomplishing. School has not been easy so far and I find that good, I like a challenge in life, things have never been handed to me so I enjoy working for what I am obtaining in life.

My cumulative college experience has taught me the importance of completion and that there are consequences for your actions. My first two years of college, I did not take it very seriously. That has made my return to school that much more difficult through suspension, not just from school, but also my financial aid. I am now more driven than ever to complete my education and fully understand that not taking my responsibilities as a student seriously could permanently prohibit me from finishing. I am currently unemployed and have more bills than just a part-time job can pay. Without a college education, finding employment that will fund my existence will be very difficult. A college education is essentially priceless in that regard. To secure my future and make my life better not just for myself, but for a possible family. I cannot begin to place an amount on that.

College has given me confidence. In high school I did not do so well, I got mostly B's and A's were very rare. I had no motivation. I always told people I did not even want to go to college, that it was not for me. Now, not only did I decide to go to college but I picked a major that I completely love, Communications. and I have decided to graduate early! I have only been here for one semester but I have already proven that I can do well in school. I earned good grades last semester and got a GPA of 3.52. I realized that the only reason I did not want to go to college was because I did not think I would do well. Now I see that I can do anything as long as I put in a lot of effort. I have evolved into someone who enjoys going to class and enjoys learning. I owe all of this change to my decision to go to college, and my determination to do well.

I would say, "Relax. If you take things one day at a time and work steadily instead of procrastinating you can succeed without stressing out. Find good friends to study with so that studying can be fun instead of just work. Also, talk to older students to find out which teachers have the best teaching method, are the most fair graders, and are helping and kind. Look for a school that you fall in love with and connect with people whenever you get a chance. If you don't make an effort to make friends, you won't. College can be fun and will be fun. Don't worry about your whole life right now. One day at a time, one exam at a time, one semester at a time. You are responsible for your own success and it's not as overwhelming as it seems right now."

I would tell myself that college is important and to go right after you graduate. I would tell myself to make excellent grades because they will help you get into a good school and get scholarships. I would say you want to be a nurse.... so that it doesn't take me 8 years to figure out what I want to do.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would definitely tell myself to do several things different in making the transition to college life. First, I would tell myself to look at schools based more on academics and college life rather than solely on softball. I would tell myself to not even play softball in college and to instead have a job because money will be more of an issue than I thought. I would make sure I saved as much money as possible and apply for scholarships like crazy. I am not a fan of cold weather at all, and so I would be realistic and look at schools in warmer states. I would stay closer with certain friends but not worry about the ones who don't show care for me.

If I could go back and give my "high school" self advice, i would say two words, focus and develop. During high school, like so many others, all I wanted to do was make it to graduation day. I never understood that high school was actually my orientation to the beginning of my life. I always thought that it was too early to think about what I wanted to do when I grew up and that I had plenty of time to decide once I went to college. What I did not realize was that my senior year was the time for me to decide these things and my opportunity to prepare myself to take on these challenges. Instead of going on senior skip day to the beach, I should have gone and sat in a college lecture to get an understanding of what I would be experiencing for the next 4 years. Had I done so, I would have be able to develop the study habits and focus required to be successful in college courses. By doing this, I strongly believe that I would have had an easier transition to college life during my first year in school.

Focus more on your grades from the beginning of school, it's harder to dig yourself out of an academic rut. Find time to relax and enjoy the things you love to do. Don't forget who you are in the process, or where you came from.

If I could go back in time and be a high school senior again, I would like to give myself the advice of learn all that you can. Learn how to manage your own bank account and to pay for everything on your own. I would say to learn how to take out loans and how to just live on your own in a way. Be more prepared to live by yourself with out the help of your parents. I would advice starting to pull away from my parents sooner and trying to figure out what the real world is like.

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice, it would be to try harder in high school. I would tell myself to work hard in class to try to earn some scholarships to help pay the expenses of university. I would also tell myself to take Advanced Placement classes more seriously, and to take more of them. This is because they can greatly reduce the number of courses one needs to take at a university, and, consequently, will reduce the amount one needs to pay to a college in the long run. I would also tell meyself to get more involved in the clubs and teams offered in high school so that I could get a better feel for what I want to do after I graduate.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have many things to say. I would tell myself to continue to stay focused and study hard for every class. Classes will continue to get harder as I move forward through my schooling. The one thing I would stress to myself is that I should not stress out so much about every exam. Exams are always easier than you expect when you are fully prepared. I always study hard for exams and I make sure I am prepared for every possible question. My only problem is that I stress out even when I know I'm ready. Telling my high school self about this secret would relieve much stress in my final year of high school and my first year of college. Also, I would tell myself that the transiton to college is very simple. College is just like a big high school campus where you have a lot more freedom to do what you wish. In college, you are not concealed in a building until a certain time everyday. Overall, going back in time would help better my college years in many ways.

Manage your time well! This is the most essential part of the college life, and learning how to balance studying and friendships is essential to survival. You need to learn how much to study and what quality of studying you should do. Don?t simply study your notes, memorize everything, and then throw it up on the test. Make sure you?re actually learning the material, and remember what you learned. Don?t take anything for granted, and don?t ever assume that you already know everything. Be willing to expand your horizons, and always be open to learning more about a subject you already understand. Make sure you leave enough time to go out with friends, and never devote too much time to studying. Trust me, you will drive yourself insane if you don?t leave the house and enjoy yourself at least twice a week. Being with other people and having fun are the only ways in which you?ll be able to survive the collegiate life. Don?t ever be afraid to express your opinion, talk to people, or make a friendly gesture. If you do all these things, you'll be extraordinarily happy in college.

"You've worked so hard - don't slack off now." Yes, you've made it through the first three years of high school with your student record fairly untarnished, extracurriculars in place, and a GPA slightly higher than expected. Don't get complacent now that you have made it this far! Keep yourself in gear, at your academic fighting weight. Regardless of what you'll hear about "senioritis" and how "colleges don't even bother looking at your senior grades," you must stay focused and on target. Colleges DO check. I watched several friends lose their scholarships before they'd even finished high school. Don't let that happen to you!

I would go back and advise myself to not go away from home to a university right away. Going to a community college for the first year or two would have been a much better choice. I would also tell myself to get a list of available majors from my college and do my own research about each and every one listed, instead of choosing my major based on just my academic advisor's advice and information. I would tell myself to get a thicker mattress pad for my dormroom bed and to always have some breakfast foods available in my dorm, since breakfast ends before most college students are even awake. I would tell myself to never, ever buy textbooks from the campus bookstore without doing research about prices elsewhere. I would advise myself to ignore my academic adviser's suggestion to take 18 credit hours during the second semester of my freshman year, and to take more time instead to learn how to balance a course load with having friends and relationships.

Laura, Right now it's your senior year at Doherty, and you are having fun with friends, family, and a boyfriend. You've started to think about colleges and decided on UCCS. I know that you think UCCS is the safest bet for you because you can stay in Colorado Springs and live comfortably at home. But I want to stress to you that you do not have to be afraid of what comes next in life. You are about to limit yourself to living at home and cursing yourself to a boring freshman year of college. You are making a big mistake! Don't be afraid to make the leap to an out-of-town school! You will be so much happier if you consider all your options and don't limit yourself to what you think you are capable of. You are capable of so much more than you know, and you will make friends quickly. Don't worry about missing your family, you will see them often. Get rid of your fears, and you will be so much happier. Take some risks! Be proactive! It will pay off big in the end.

The advice I would give myself, if I went back in time, would be to work more on my studying skills. More specifically, studying math and physics in more detail. Granted, I didn't know at the time I was going to be a Physics major, but that's why you go back in time! At any rate, I would also have to tell my younger self, "self, you need to balance your schedule better. Otherwise you will fall into an internal pit of darkness." I truly believe these lessons could have made my transition much easier then it is for me today. However, this is my present, my past, and my future.

As a senior I developed a horribly debilitating disease known as "senior-itis." This common and unyielding disease has been known to cause lack of motivation, laziness, and short cut taking. I lost focus on my goals, and began to slack off in my classes, assuming I was home free. If I could travel back to that time and talk to myself I would give myself the only known antidote to "senior-itis," 300cc's of a reality check. I would inform me that I would not finish a 4-year degree, only a 2 year at a Community College, and that I would be working full time in retail. I would force myself to focus on my classes, look into majors that interest me, apply for scholarships, and use the many tools available to benefit myself to the fullest degree possible. I would advise against excessive social outings, and stress the importance of finishing strong as if I were running a race. I had great potential and have not lived up to it so far, I have anew outlook on life, new goals, and new determinations today, all of which would have benefited me greatly in the past.

If I were to go back in time and give myself advise about school, I would tell myself not to wait so long. Take your future into your own hands and keep your motivation high. School gets more exciting from here on. And there?s nowhere to go other then up from here. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Education is the golden tool to becoming a successful adult in life. Don?t waste this opportunity to build your future to unbelievable heights. Continuing your education from here should be your main goal. Now is the time to focus on the field of work you are most interested in. Take charge of where you want to go, don't give these years to anything other then your education. I promise you will not regret this.

Get out of your comfort zone, experience new things and enjoy the time that you have with the people around you. College gives you so many opportunities to go out and meet new people, try new things, learn new things but when you are too comfortable it can be absolutely shocking. Don't get comfortable. Give yourself a chance to breathe in between class, homework, scholarships, concerts, games, calling the family, etc. College is a busy time of life and if you dont know how to relax it may kill you. Be confident, you know what you are doing, and apparently the college that accepted you thinks so too. Make connections, get to know your professors and upper classmen, they have experience with all the things that are new to you. Most of all; make it fun. (I promise it can be done)

If I could give myself one piece of advice as a senior in high school, I would first and foremost tell myself to research all possible college options. Choosing what college to go to is a big deal. I had so many opportunities given to me from different schools, but I didn't research well and just went to the school everyone else told me to go to and that had the best academic curriculum for me. I ended up hating it there, and had to transfer after one semester. Before I transfered, though, I researched the schools I had in mind and chose the one I thought I would enjoy the best. If I would have looked at colleges before choosing the first time, I could have saved myself a lot of hardship and trials.

Dear Self as senior in high school, You are an honor roll student! Don't stress out so much about college and what you will do next. Taking a year off like you are planning to do will be a great idea and a year full of adventure and growth for you. And you really shouldn't be as terrified of your first day of college as you will be. You will do very well!!! College will be one of the most exciting things of your whole life! So hang in there, keep up the good grades, and you will succeed. There are so many good things in store for you that you don't know about yet. Sincerely, Myself as starting my second semester as a freshman in college

I would tell myself not to worry. College is really not as bad as most high schools make it out to be. It is fun because you are actually learning about what you want to do with the rest of your life.

I would first tell myself to think hard about where to go to school because it only happens once. I let people influence my decision as well as money. I should have followed my lifelong dream of attending KU. I have visited a few times and I absolutely love it there. When I think of a fun college and a good experience, that is the campus that I think of.

I would tell myself to learn how to say no to some of my friends or peer preasure because it doesn't help with school when you procrastinate on studying or doing the homework assigned. I would tell my self to study a little bit each day to get ready for college and to research and know about what my major is going to be in and the availability of the jobs that you can get with a degree in that major.

I would have worked harder at my academics in high school, because grades do matter. Because of my poor performance in my senior year in high school, I took a gap year before enrolling college. That year off really helped me to mature and I have now become more committed than ever to educating myself and I actually enjoy learning. I also would have prepared myself to be more organized and to be a better, more comprehensive note taker.

I would tell myself to keep working hard and not give up even if something is harder than expected. Also, to make good connections with my teachers and classmates because it is so helpful to have a good support system when moving into a different aspect of life. I would also tell myself to focus on school and not let small problems get in the way, because getting my degree and achieving my goals for my life are based a lot on the skills and knowledge that I gain in college, and nothing is worth as much as those experiences. Lastly, I would want myself to know how priviledged I am to be attending school after high school, because a lot of people are not able to have that opportunity, so it shouldn't be taken for granted.

I would tell myself to enjoy every second of my high school senior year and don't let things stand in the way in being yourself. Don't take advantage of all of the great things you have going for you. Give it your all in basketball and soccer and don't let anything stand in your way of being the best and playing the way you play. Don't let drama get in the way and effect who you are. Enjoy it all. Forget about those people who were awful to you, becuase you most likely will never see them again in your life. Just enjoy your friends and don't be afraid to risk some things to figure out who you really are. Have some fun. It doesn't hurt to have some every once in a while with your friends. Don't go into college being all serious. Some times it is okay to put yourself out there to meet people. Make sure school still comes first, but don't be afraid to go out and have some fun and try some new things in reason.

FINISH COLLEGE!!!!!! After 38 years, I will graduate with BS Senior Fitness and BA Psychology in May of 2010. I have applied to graduate school and will begin the summer of 2010. I wholeheartly believe that if I had finished my college degree in the early 70's, I would have had a great career in my field and my life would have followed a much different course. Obtaining a college degree while working full time and caring for aging parents is not an easy task, but it is one that thousands of adults do every year. I would also share how life doesn't end at 40 or 50 and that experience is as viable a teacher as any book. I would teach myself how to effectively learn and retain knowledge. Words of wisdom: "worry is the interest on a loan not yet taken out."

I would tell myself to stay away from certain Chat rooms and to study harder

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise that it is okay to go to college and follow my dreams. I thought that by going to college I had to do what was expected of me from my family. I didn't consider that I could use college as a means discovering my true interests and talents. I would explain that picking a major doesn't mean I am committed to that field for life, that it is okay to explore a field associated to a major and then change majors if I change my interests. I would also tell myself that it is expected that I take a variety of classes outside of my major so there are many opportunities to discover what my true interests and talents are. Finally, I would explain that graduating with a degree in a particular major doesn't condem me to being stuck working in one field my whole life. The skills that are learned during the process of graduating from college are applicable in most careers. College is an opportunity for self-exploration, not an anchor.

Stay off certain sites and chat rooms on the internet

Using your time wisely is the key to success. Form relationships with your professors, spend time getting to know other students in your classes and always read the chapters BEFORE attending lecture! If I could do it over again, I would take my time. I managed to cram four years of college into three and a half and will graduate early without a goal in mind yet. At 18, making a career decision is NOT the most important thing on the To Do list. It's forming friendships and learning about yourself that matter the most. Instead of spending most of your time sitting in class, volunteer in the community, take classes that interest you. But in the back of your mind, always make sure what you are doing is a means to an end. Don't become a professional student but take the time that you need to accomplish the general goal of graduating with a degree in something that you will be proud to talk about at your high school reunion. You have four years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with jobs. College will end some day so make the most out of it.

That college is not as hard as people make it out to be it is just like high school always a challenge for improvement. I think that you should not have started going to college and then giving up on yourself so easy because even if or when you have children they should not stand in your way. You should always remember that your chidren should be there to push you forward because you should be satting examples for them and you would not want them to give up on school so don't you do so either.

I would tell myself that I need to be true to myself and stick to my beliefs. I would advise me to follow my heart and stick to my goals because that is what makes a strong person.

I would recommend that students begin their college search in the ninth grade. They should start to think about their interests, their strengths, future career options, and schools that are strong in these areas. When it is time to apply for school, I think students should apply to some "safe" schools that they are pretty confident will accept them, but also shoot for the stars and try one or two schools that would stretch them academically. I was accepted into the music school at the University of Denver for freshman year, but my parents were doubtful that we could afford a private school. I attended the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs and enjoyed my theatre/drama classes, but took no music classes. For my sophomore year, my parents and I decided, as a family, to trust in my vocal music ability and go for it! It's a little scary, but I am excited at the chance to immerse myself in music and see what develops.

Look early into scholarship oppurtunities and ask for help from everyone you can.

I would say to explore all your options. Make a list of all that you are looking for in your college experience and compare all prospective schools against that list. Don't feel pressured to pick one right but realize that in order to avoid the pressure you need to start the process early.

Don't sell yourself short. If you can make it into a good university then you should jump at the opportunity. College is the best time of your life, so might as well make it happen at the best possible place.

Strong advice would to be search for any type of grants, scholarships, or financial aid online before enrolling in classes. Search early while you're still in high school and there are many ways that scholarships can help you financially get through school without paying an outrageous amount of money to get a higher eduacation which is needed in the cut throat demanding world we live in today. Talk to your financial aid at the school you want to attend and sometimes they can help you out more as well with some things you may not have known. Going to college is a must and many people would regret if they hadn't attended college. The college experience will always be with you for a lifetime.

I would make sure that as a student you visit the campus before you apply and make sure that it has the whole package. I mean everything you are looking for including majors, extracurriculars, and resources. Enjoy the local area and what it has to offer, studying is always beneficial but you need a break every now and then so go to concert venues, and school sponsored events.

In order to find the college that is right for you, you should know what career you want for yourself. You should also be patient and do your research because finding the right college can be very overwhelming. In order to make the most of your college experience, you should build strong relationships with your professors, academic advisors, and fellow classmates because they will be there to help guide you and to insure your success in life.

Don't let people take advantage and always read every document!

A lot of students choose a college because it is convenient - very affordable, near their home, and their friends are going there. I think it is essential to remember that college is an experience that will only happen once. Don't choose a college because it will be comfortable for you. Stretch yourself. Choose a school that will challenge you to not only follow your dreams, but succeed in them. Many students also look to college as a chance to party. There will definitely be chances to have a great time in school, but remember that your education is an investment. A lot of my friends spent too much time drinking, so their GPA's dropped. They spent a lot of money making up for classes that they failed out of. It's just not worth it. But I think the most important advice is to get involved. When you join on-campus activities, you meet awesome people who want a lot out of life and you really beef up your resume for that after-graduation job search. College can be a great experience if you make the right decisions. Make your college years count.

Parents and students should really consider finances above any other aspect. Make sure that you are spending the least amount you need for the education you want. It is not worth it to be hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt when another option was possible. Students should take advantage of any extracurricular activities they can to make the most of their time -- school-sponsored events, community service, study abroad opportunities, internships, etc. Another great tip is to take lots of extra classes that interest you if you can. Sometimes general requirement courses and a full course load of majors classes can get tedious, but a fun French course or golf class can make the semesters much more enjoyable. Plus, you're learning more! Most of all, be happy with your decision and make every effort to have fun and learn as much as your possibly can, that is what higher education is all about after all, right? Best of luck to all of you!

I would advise students or parents to tour the campus and become familiar with the available resourses for students. It is easy to be impressed by a list of resourses in a student catalog, but it can be very intimidating for a new student to approach the faculty or other students to ask for help. If parents accompany a new student to the campus tour, or prospective students go in a group, it is easier to ask questions and to feel confident and comfortable on the campus. After taking a guided tour, take time to roam parts of the campus the student will frequent, such as the library, book store, student activities and clubs, or buildings where most of their classes are likely to be held. Also get familiar with the administration offices. A new student needs to know where to go incase of trouble with financial aide, academic registration or counseling, the student health clinic, and campus security. A college campus is often the first community a student can be a part of while testing out individual independence. It is a place of growth and learning in academics and in life. Comfort and confidence are key to success.

I think the most important thing about choosing a college is the professors. If you find a college who has engaging and caring educators, it doesn't matter what college you are at, you will become invested in learning and ultimately, your future. No matter what career path you choose, you will succeed and believe in yourself when you have the support of your professors. The ones who go out of their way to make you learn. The ones who realize that life does get in the way sometimes and understands. As many friends as I made in college, the people I will always remember are my favorite professors. It's what their jobs all about.

As you are considering the many, many excellent colleges and universities in this country, never lose sight of what you are looking for in a school. If you dream of having a successful career, look for a career-oriented school with an emphasis on internships that will give you valuable experience as well as a degree. If you simply desire to learn, look for a school with a strong academic program that really stimulates your curiosity. You will find many schools with wonderful programs, but if the programs are not focused on the same things you are, they are probably not the right schools for you. Seriously consider what you value most, and make your decision based on those things - not just on the prestige or quality of the school, the location or appeal of the campus, how well you feel you fit in to the campus community, or the amount of scholarship money available to you there. All these things are important, but since you are attending college for a reason, the most important thing to consider is what will prepare you best for your future.

College marks the transition from child to adult. It is the transition in which the student discovers and solidifies his/her values. To Students: Take time to investigate the colleges and consider where education could take you! The college i attend was not my initial first choice, although it has been the best option for me. Consider all the implications and opportunities presented by each option. Work hard, but have fun also. Learning to balance your time is one of the biggest challenges presented. To Parents: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages in a rational fashion, it goes a long way. College is a way to help you accept your child has grown to be an adult. Respect and accept their decisions. Offer encuragement for being independent and help with financial aid (especially government or organizations like FAFSA or CollegeOpportunityFund).