University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Jessica

I have learned a great deal about myself, such as what I want to do with my life and attending is endlessly inspiring, for myself, and others because I recieved a college experience.

Emma

I have attended a community college. In the time that I have spent there, I have realized what I want to do with my life and have realized how different college is from high school. I have realized that I need to work much harder than I did in high school. The grades are not going to come as easily in college as they did in high school. It is a completely different experience than high school. I did not realize how different it would be until now.

Phillip

Out of my college experience so far. I have learned responsibilty. I know longer have my mom to wake me up and tell me to get ready for school. My study habits are different. It has give me the oppurtunity to display my independence. And also has provided me with an avenue which I can travel and reach my goals. I am young, diligent, and determined to be successful in life. I believe that success is measured not by the size of a persons bank account but by the lesson learned on a journey to achieve ones goal. Although my journey has just started. I have already learned that they may be obstacle along the way. My finances is the first I have to cross. I hope that you can provide a bridge to help me get over this first obstacle.

Spencer

The most valuble thing I have learned in college is the value that I have as an individual, and that a group of people with a worthy cause can make a difference. I have learned that the world's opportunities are endless if you are willing to work hard for what you want, you can make a difference. The best things in life don't always go to the swift and the lucky, but to those who persevere for what they believe in.

Sandra

My college experience has made me open my eyes and heart to the world around me. Instead of isolating myself, I have now become more involved in the different activities around me. I love to volunteer, hike, bike ride, and read. I interact with people around me and I have gained confidence in my opinions. I have learned more about life. I am more willing to try new things because I have discovered how much fun it can be.

Kendall

My Name is Kendall C. Elam , I am 18 years of age and I am a recent student attending Lansing Community College. I wanted to attend a 4 year college but my grades are not the best (I have a learning disability, GPA 2.5) and I can not afford the tution. My mother is a single woman who is raising 2 children, doing a great job may I add, but does not have the money to send me off to school. I want to attend Ferris State University because of it's awesome curriculm in Fashion Design/Art and their Music program. I will be the 1st to attend college and out of my entire family - I have 6 Aunts and 9 Uncles with approximately 42 cousins. I don't want to become a statistic like most of my cousins or my friends have become, African American males with little-to no education and with a criminal past. I keep moving forward but each step I take, I'm reminded that money makes the world go around and this is something that neither me nor my mother has. I ask that you please consider me for this scholarship. Thanks

Jessica

I have personally gotten a lot out of my college experience and plan to further that experience as long as I can afford to keep going. I have just recently graduated from Eastfield Community College in Mesquite, TX and received my Associates in Arts. I now am attending the University of North Texas in Dallas, TX and plan to obtain my Masters. My educational experience up to this point has been a life changing experience. It has allowed me to get involved in social clubs and community service opportunities, as well as, learn new information to advance my area of study. The most valuable reason for going to college and continuing my education is due to the success I want to become and because I am the first in my family to achieve this goal. Other valuable reasons of education that have been life changing was the fact that it has allowed me to overcome fears in my life such as public speaking and shyness. I begin college wanting to become a teacher but the classes and training directed me to choose the sociology as my major. I am greatful and blessed to that I have the opportunity of education.

Victoria

I will just be starting in the fall.

Tim

I'm not sure yet I don't attend until this fall.

vicki

I learned a great deal about people, myself and where I want to go in the world.

Rachel

My college experince has giving me the knowlede to excel as the smartest dive instructor on most islands. And now after 5 years away I am ready to go back to school for social work and put my education to good work.

Kelly

I appreciate my college experience. I have gotten a wonderful education. I have made some close friends, and experienced college life. Mainly, out of my college experience I have learned a lot about diversity. Growing up in the same place and same environment my whole life, I moved to Denver rather close-minded. After meeting people, attending college for 2 years, and working at an off-campus job in downtown Denver, I have opened up to different lifestyles, cultures, enviorments, and views on life politically and socially. I can easily say the best quality I have gotten through my college experience would be how much it has made me grown as a person. It has been valuable to attend this college to teach me these objectives through a variety of courses and through the people I have met. Another reason I feel this college is valuable, is because the classes are no more then 30 students per class, which helps the teachers have more of a hands on relationship with their students. This also helps students feel more comfortable in their learning environment.

Sarah

My college experience has brought me an understanding of different cultures and communities, along with a unique, non-traditional view of a university education. The University of Colorado at Denver is an accredited university located in the heart of downtown Denver that is home to many students of different ages and backgrounds. As mostly a commuter school, many students, including myself, opt to use public transportation to travel to and from school daily. CU Denver shares a campus with two other Colorado universities, creating a large student base with an incredibly diverse community. Because of this student body, I have gotten to know many people that I may not have encountered elsewhere. This has broadened my views and created a desire in me to interact with all kinds of people. My hopes are that this experience will encourage me to practice an inclusive worldview after college. In my field of education, this will mean involving every student no matter of their background to help them learn all that they can to develop into a future leader of this country, someone who can appreciate a diverse setting the same way that CU has helped me to do.

Danielle

Dear Danielle, I want you to understand that although you are moving away from home--away from parents and rules--in the middle of a new, exciting city, your number one focus needs to be school. Rather then missing classes your first semester because you are under the ignorant belief that you deserve your "beauty rest," get up and go, classes are only an hour and fifteen minutes long. Going shopping to buy a great new outfit to wear to that party you were invited to or go to class? Not even a question, go to class. The party was not that great and the class you missed brought you a letter grade down. Those text books that you spent over two-hundred dollars on? Use them. Despite what you want to believe, just because you are out of your parent?s house, the conflict has not stopped and your brother and sister still need your support. Rather than neglecting to keep in touch and conveniently forgetting to call your mom, sister and brother back, call them--they need you. No boy, party or shopping trip is more important than school. Love, Danielle

CamLinh

Assume that I can go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, there are 3 things I would tell myself. First of all, take advantage of the challenging course that the school have and take advantage of your time while in high school. For example, I should take AP classes, colleges course if available in school; and know how to manage your time to study, relax, and for my other activities . The second advice would be that involve with the school and the community. Involve here means that join the clubs and participate in school activities, help and tutor my classmates if it possible because I learn while I teach; volunteer in the community to make it a better place to live and I can learn more experience for my life later on. The last but not least advice I would tell myself is that do not wait to the last minute to do the work. I should have in mind the college I want to attend and what career I see myself as in the future. Choose the path for my future wisely from what I best at.

Chelsea

If I could go back in time and give advice to my senior-self, I would tell myself to choose my college more carefully. Right now, I am not happy at the college I am at. It has not provided me with the educational or social experiences I wanted when I came to Denver. Because of that, I am transferring schools in the summer, and I have to take summer courses in order to catch up with the rest of my class at my new college. I looked carefully when I was looking for colleges with the degree program I wanted, but I did not look at the community closely. Now I am going to be majorly set back in my college career, and have to work overtime in order to graduate in four years.

jon

the advice i would give myself would be to choose classes i would know i would enjoy, start early in scholarship and financial aid work, and dont underestimate college because it is nothing like high school.

Brandon

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and the transition, I would have definitely set my priorities better. I would've told myself to not procrastinate as much, as in college, procrastination really ends up in disaster. I would also give myself, the advice of being a more confident person in high school, so I could thus, in college be a more outgoing person and be able to fulfill all the success that I can whether it is in the classes that I'm in or socializing with my classmates that I see everyday. Everything else about college life and the transition, I already knew about from my constant research of the school.

Amanda

First of all, the International Baccalaureate Program is definitely worth the effort. Make sure to do your research on the colleges that you are applying to so that you can see how many credits you can get from your AP and IB test scores. Oh and I can't emphasize enough that you should apply for as many scholarships as you possibly can. Once you receive your acceptance letters, visit the colleges and make sure you like the atmosphere, programs, places, and people that are there before making your final decision. Before registering for classes first semester, make sure to talk to your advisor(s) so that you can plan out when you will take certain classes to satisfy your major requirements. You really do not want to get behind without realizing it. Make sure to look into how credit hours work and how your GPA is calculated ahead if time, so you know what to expect when setting goals for yourself. Although your world is getting bigger and it may seem intimidating at first, do your best to get to know your teachers and your classmates. Take advantage of the opportunities and tools available to you, and have fun!

Sonny

I was worried about making money when I was a senior. I would tell myself to take AP classes and take he SAT and ACT for an academic scholaship. Lord knows I had the wits to acomplish it. I would say that working now isn't as important as investing into your future. Once you catch the dream you will be paying out of your pocket to attain it. So, take your talents and use them wisely. Focus on what you want to be. Pick a career that you will love and enjoy. An old saying I use when I mentor youth... "Find a job you love and you will never work another day in your life."

Melissa

I would tell myself to take advantage of the opportunities and resources given by my school. The University of Colorado at Denver offers a great deal of help when it comes to things like financial aid, choosing the right major, and finding the right career. To explain further, the website offers various scholarships both within and outside of the school as well as tips for completing applications and writing essays. I would tell myself as a high school senior to read and apply those tips right away. And when it comes to choosing the right major, I would meet with an academic advisor to help with this decision and continue to meet with him/her regarding my progress each semester. Finally, I would better utilize the Career Center at my school to find a job/internship that best fits my skills and career goals because this is a great resource when it comes to creating resumes, conducting interviews, and searching for a job/internship.

Kristina

Don't freak out! Half the people there are in the same boat you are. Some of them don't even know what they want to do with their degrees. Some haven't even chosen a degree. Just stay calm, study whenever and whereever you can. Don't be afraid to ask for help, a lot of people are there if you need them, you just need to ask.

Alyssa

If I could back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself some advice about time management. I think that time management is a an important task to have in school and in life. College is filled with many more experineces than high school and a time in my life where i'm finding out more about the person that I am. Having good time management skills in college will help out in all areas of my life. For example, making a calendar of all the events and times that are happening in school and out of school will help to organize my own thoughts and stress levels will also be reduced. Time management skills would be the only advice that I would give myself because I would want myself to experience the challenges and experiences that lay ahead. This will help me to be stronger and I would also learn new life lessons.

James

Dear High School Self - College is a REQUIREMENT for life! Your sex life and dating opportunities are at their worst after high-school, however fulfilling they seem right now. Your future is always changing, and the path you want to take will change. Wih a college degree, more paths remain open to you, however without a degree, many paths will close. Put your ego aside - re-inventing the wheel and creating a new world is NOT possible with out a degree. Take time to appreciate your youth, your niavite, your lust for life, but get your degree ASAP - there are many in the un-degreed workforce who will rob you of all those things without a single remorseful thought. Be smart - SIncerely,Your future self

Gale

You get to be the parent now, so if you didn't like decisions your parents, teachers, or coaches thought were the best, now these next choices are all on you. If you think it is gonna be easy sailing through college while skipping classes, not doing your homework and not even cracking a book you shouldn't be going to college. Stay home and make the bad decisions its cheaper. I'd remind myself I don't need to go out every night with friends, to the pizza parlour, bar or just over to a friends apartment. Remember your parents aren't there to set curfew you get to set your own curfew. If you don't know what you want to be when you grow up that's okay. Just start to get a degree for now, you will grow up times 100 just being in college. You'll change your mind several times before graduation, and don't choose the field your best friend chooses, she'll be off enjoying her good decision to "crack the books" everynight, not just when she had nothing better to do. BE INTENTIONAL! MAKE EACH AND EVERY DECISION INTENTIONAL.

Joseph

I would enroll in a Community College and finish my pre-requisites before transfering to a Four-Year College. That would make it chaeper and more focused. I would spend more time looking for scholarships to help me cut down cost.

Leslie

If I had a chance to go back to high school with what I know now, I would be sure to try to learn as much as possible in that setting in my classes. I would try to discover all of the reasons why I might want to be empowered by the information that I have available to me, and try to discover my passions early in my life. This way I would be one step closer to a rich learning experience in college, and would be more clear on what I love to learn the most.

Jacqueline

Don't take time off! It is so hard to get back into the swing of things when you take time off. Take as many classes as you can and get done with it as soon as you can. You will feel much better about life when you get your undergrad degree. Also, study abroad!

Elese

Given the high school that I came from, which I feel prepared me very well for college, I would tell myself not to worry too much about the transition from high school to college. I was very nervous about the transition and not sure how I would be able to handle college life. But once I realized how much help was avaliable for classes and how great the campus was, I was not as anxious anymore about my success in college. Of course making such a large transition can be scary, especially for someone like me who is not really used to change and does not know what to expect. But I have learned that you have to learn how to adapt to such changes becuase that is a major part of life. I would also tell myself to take everything one day at a time (so as not to get too overwhelmed), stay positive, keep praying and everything will be just fine. That is what I would tell myself, had I been given the opportunity to go back.

Mari

I am a non-traditional student who will graduate in two weeks with a 4.0, summa cum laude, and with distinction. I've attended classes and been involved on campus with many younger students and many students with considerably lower GPAs. When comparing my decisions about school to theirs, some trends--and a formula--appeared, "The Steps to a Permanent 4.0." 1. Always go to class. Allow yourself 1/3 of the absences allowed by the prof. 2. Always ask questions in your classes; ask more outside class if you are really interested. 3. Always do your homework. If it is late, or you won't get credit for it, do it anyway. 4. Always go to office hours at least twice per semester. Find reasons. 5. Always get a tutor at the first sign of trouble. Figure out how to get tutoring--and other resources for students--for free on your campus, but be willing (and able) to pay another student to help. 6. Always start research as soon as you know about a paper. Start writing at least a week ahead of the due date.

Kimberly

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I'd try to mentally prepare myself for the challenges ahead. I would give myself the advice to sign up for as many clubs or outside activities as I could. I never realized how big college could be when you don't know anyone there. I, sadly, wasn't able to afford to live in a dorm, therefore I haven't had the chance to get close to my peers. Therefore, I'd advise my younger self to begin signing up for clubs in order to meet new people and make some friends. I would also advise myself to start putting aside a food budget now because I certainly had no idea how going out to eat would add up! I had never had to worry about my own expenses before I started college and I wish it was something I would have taken into consdieration. Other than that, I would like to mentally prepare myself for the workload to come; I'd had homework before, but never like this! I think with this advise, I would've been better prepared for college.

Sean

Work hard and balance your life. Sometimes it seems like there are a million things going on and those million things are traveling at a million miles per hour. Take your time, relax, and take things one thing at a time, step by step. If there is school,work and dance to balance out, remember that school is the priority. You are here to do well, so you can succeed in the future. Prioritize and take your time. Know what is best for you in the long run and follow your heart. It is possible to do everything and as cheesy as it sounds, "if there's a will, there's a way". Also, remember not to live in "have, do, be". Live instead in "be, do, have". Don't think , "if I have a lots of money, I can do this, and be that". Live your life being what you want, and do what you want because then you can have what you want. Don't stress. As long as you stay positive and follow your heart, the things you want will come to you.

Mary

Take more time to look at the schools you apply to. If possible go visit the campus and get a feel for it. Remeber you have to go here for 4 years.

Michael

The one peice of advice I would give myslef is to make as many connections as possible with faculty and to get to know your professors and make sure your in good standing with them. Your professors are the people you will be going to later in college career to ask for help with internships and research opportunities. Be ingaged with your professor, do not just sit in class and make your A and never talk to your professor. Stop by your professor's office and speak to him or her let them know what your dreams and ambitions are for your career. There has been times where a professor of mine has forward me an email or stopped me in the hall to tell me about a internship or research opportunites, just because they knew what I was interested in.

Hannah

I would advise students and parents to work together to find a university that is the right choice for the student. Students need to be able to express their dreams and aspirations to their parents and in return parents can voice practical concerns. If students and parents are able to help each other in the process of finding a university, then both will have a more enjoyable experience over the next four years. Having open communication about ambitions, finances and career goals will make the process of finding a university much more effective. The most important thing you can do to make the most of your college experience is to be intentional. You should be intentional about your area of study and your life outside the classroom. By committing yourself to not only your studies, but also to friendships, volunteering and a job you are able to have a full college experience. With this advice I would also urge caution not to over commit yourself; invest in the causes that are really important to you and take time to keep yourself healthy and relaxed. Make your time in college enjoyable by seeking a balanced life.

James

It's extremely important to determine why you are going to school. The University of Colorado at Denver its mostly a commuter school that focuses on learning for your career. Often times you will meet people on campus that live over an hour drive from you making it sometimes hard to find friends are a date. However it does have access to downtown Denver. Other schools like Boulder focus more on a closed community and making friends and tends to have much larger class sizes. This is why almost every year there is a huge number of students who switch from Boulder to Denver and vise versa. They didn't determine what kind of college experience they were looking for beforer just saying yes to an acceptance application. Take time to explore the campuses you are considering going to, even if they are out of state. The last thing you want to do is arrive at a college you've never been to and hate it within the first week.

Erin

Choosing: Don't just choose based on finances. College is a big deal, and can change your life, so make sure you choose a school where you can grow and feel safe and happy. Making the Most: Try to be involved in something, and don't be shy or feel intimidated because if you let those feelings dominate in school, they will be hard to overcome later in life and you will miss out so much.

Tim

Start looking at colleges early on in your high school years and look at the many majors offered at these schools. Find out what you like doing or what you want to do early on so you can get a good start to your future. Going to college fairs is also a good idea. To make the most of your college experience work hard, have fun, and never give up. I believe in learning from failure. There are going to be times when your classes are going to be extremly hard and your going to want to give up, but don't. Keep moving forward.

Courtney

Explore all of your options, but keep your financial situation in mind.

James

Most of the people who finish college seem to be more jaded and less prepared for the real world after. It is important for parents to wane the children properly and make them fend for themselves in college. This will allow their kids a better opportunity to rely on themselves to make a better future.

Jasmine

You should always visit schools you're thinking of attending, that way you'll feel comfortable when you have to move there. Also, think and plan about finances before the summer before you go away. Expenses besides tuition and board add up quickly. Learn how to balance work and fun, you don't want to regret bad grades from partying too much, but you don't want to not have any great experiences either.

Christina

Make plenty of time to look an prepare for college!

harrison

College, like many things in the 'real world', will only give you what you put into it. When choosing a college, do what feels right. Don't pick a school just because it's got a name or a reputation- pick the one where you feel best. And if you do decide to go with an Ivy or something like that, remember that a school with a 'name 'doesn't mean anything if you don't go to class and do the work. Plenty of really successful people worked really hard in a community college and learned everything they could, while plenty of incompent morons half-heartedly slacked their way through Harvard. It's all what you make of it.

Susan

No response

Nikki

You don't have to be locked in to a school for all 4 years! Change schools if you want but make sure your credits can transfer easily.

Susan

I'm 52 years old. I went to a non-traditional undergraduate program. I was just happy to be able to go to college. Making the most of a college experience? Take classes that interest you in addition to the ones required for your degree. It may be the only time you have the opportunity to learn about medieval history or foil fencing or english saddle horse back riding. Look at the whole catalogue and read course offerings. If something interests you, try your best to take the class. Have some fun in college, while you are learning something you may never get a chance to learn again.

Tuan

I would recommend exploring the campus and attend some classes to see if the environment is suitable.

Sara

Choose a university based on what you want out of an education; don't go to a school just because your peers are or because your relatives went there. Make friends and acquaintances because you never know when you'll run into them again. Befriend your professors; they are the best people to help you get ahead in life. Ask questions. Enjoy your learning experience. Never give up. Create structure in your life, so that everything receives equal attention. Find out what you excel in, and focus your attention on that subject. Join clubs or sports to have an active social life. Work hard. Put forth your best effort. Don't forget the individuals who are helping mold you. Gain experiences. Remember that life is a journey, and a college education is the best way to succeed in the real-world.

Sara

I would suggest finding a school that fits your personality. Some schools are big on athletics, some are liberal, some conservative, etc. Pick what works for you. Look at the credentials of professors, read reviews, and if you know what you want to major in then find a school that has a strong program for that major. Also, affordable housing becomes a big issue as well. You want to find a school with either good on campus housing, or, in my case, an urban campus with an abundance of off campus housing right around the school. Join clubs, expand your horizons, and, most importantly, break out of your comfort zone.

Jessica

Find some place that you are most comfortable.