University of Connecticut-Stamford Top Questions

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

Christopher

The first advice I would give myself would be to study really hard for my AP exams and pass them because they will be important for college. Another advice would be to sign up to hundreds of scholarships that are available for college. I know it would be difficult to write all the essays and submit my references and applications, but it would be worth it in the long run. In addition, I should warn myself to sign up for my classes early and get my books in advance since it is important to be ready ahead of time. Finally, I would tell myself to enjoy my last year in high school since it will be the last time that I will be with my friends since middle school. Obviously, I would not skip every class and fail, but I should be more involved in school and hang out with my friends more often since many of them have gone to far away schools.

Paola

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself not worry and to take a deep breath and relax. When you hear the word college, don't be afraid. The only thing you have to worry about now is buying books and paying for school, which is the only negative side to college. Sometimes I wish there was someone to warn me that financial aid doesn't always cover all the fees for the school years. On a positive note, it's not an enormous school with gigantic classes. Size wise it's just right, and you don't feel crowded when going to class because everyone has a different schedule.

Ngoc

I had a hard time adjusting to this my first year of college and dropped out of my intended major. Only now do I have the experience and knowledge to succeed academically and have been admitted to pharmacy school. If I can give my 17-year old self advice, it would be to plan things out ahead of time. This isn't like high school where you have a whole academic year to bring your grades up. You only have a short few months to prove yourself. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand something. No one will think you're dumb if you do so. The smartest people are the ones who do ask those questions. It is okay to make mistakes from time to time. What matters is that you learn from them and never make that mistake again. Experience is the key to success.

Angela

I would tell myself that because I am skating by, doesn't mean a thing. I would tell myself that had I applied myself immmediately after high school and actually stuck with college I could actually have a successful career and being a single divorced mother providing for her and her son would be easier than it is now and that I might be able to have a house and a yard for my son to play in. That I would have more oppurtunities for my son and that paying more attention and applying myself in high school more would have been so worth being able to give the best thing that happened to me, everything he ever wanted. I would tell myself that I need to stop being shy, buck up and assert myself because in high school I doubted myself continuously. I would tell myself I am smart, beautiful, funny and capable of anything and that it's not just a cheesy line, I really can do anything. I would tell myself that I need to get it in gear because my life, the one I dreamed of isn't here yet. But it could've been.

Natalie

College life is different from high school in varies ways. In college, they take the class environment seriously compared to high school. There isn't much extra credit in college so it's good to do well on all your tests and complete all the assignments on time. Most of your grade is based your exams and projects. Homework is good to do also but it doesn't count for much of your grade as compared to the tests. It's a good idea to study ahead of time than last minute because it may be on a lot of material. Make sure to study in quiet places, the library will be best. The tests will be on more than one chapter even though, that's what you were accustomed to in high school. Just do your very best and work hard. It will pay off in the end and you will be very satisfied with the results. Stay focused on task because there will be distractions around, so make wise decisions. Go with your wisdom and knowledge that you've learned up to this point. Take care of yourself and you'll accomplish great things coming your way.

Magnus

I would try to convince myself that there is plenty of time in the future to work and it will be important to complete as much college education as early in life as possible for employment opportunity purposes. When negotiating with employers for your initial position make sure to make educational provisions with the employer for not only tuition payment or reimbursement but allowance for extra time and flexibility to attend courses that may conflict with work responsibilities. Look for employers that appreciate and support life long learners. Finally I would work to be a life long learner.

Nichole

I would have try harder.

Yasmarie

The advise I would give myself would be to focus more on school than on your relationship with others because they don't make your grade and they are not the ones recieving the grade. I would also advice myself that time management is the key to sucess. If you manage your time wisely then you are capable of completing multiple tasks and for the date in which they are due.

Marilyn

The most important thing that I've gotten out of my college experience is independence. I would say independece because leaving high school you rely on everyone (friends, family, teachers) to help you get through life. When you get to college you realize that you need to do things for yourself and if you don't learn how to do that fast the world won't stop and wait for you, it will just keep going and you will fall behind. I believe that my college experience has taught me that I indepedently will make all of the choices that will result in the outcome of my life. I believe that it has been valuable to attend this school because it taught me the responsibilities that I need to learn in order to have a successfull future.

Kimberly

While making the transition into college can be stressful, I would assure myself that I would do well academically my first year. Much of the stress and anxiety during that first year came not from classes, but from friends and work, and a heads up on how to cope would have been most helpful. Although it can be fun and exciting to have roommates sans a parental mediator, living with several other girls has its disadvantages. I would strongly encourage myself to invest in a vacuum cleaner, some dish soap and a good pair of earplugs. In consequence of working a part time job as a college freshman, it would be imperative to advise myself against working too many hours, otherwise my grades might be affected. I remember all too well having to stay up ungodly hours to finish assignments after returning from work. The fatigue and excessive amounts of caffeine could have been avoided if I knew ahead of time to request less hours. All in all, the advice I would give myself would be on how to manage my new life more efficiently in addition to making the dean?s list.

Carine

I would have told myself to start planning my college plans earlier in the year so that i would be more prepared and focused for my new transition in life. I would have also made sure that i applied for more scholarships to help assist with paying for college. Because i can not go back in time i have decided to put my full focus in school, and attempt to apply for scholarships from now and through out the rest of college years.

Stephanie

One of the first things I would tell myself is to take things more seriously. College could be a fun experience but that is only if you are able to balance school work, friends and any part-time jobs that may come up. I would also remind myself that going to college brings many more responsibilities, it is not all fun and games. College classes aren't free, you have to be responsible enough to attend each class and make sure you take in as much information as you can. Take advantage of everything that is offered is another thing I would tell myself. Don't be scared to use the resources offered to you, no one is going to push you to do anything, everything ultimately depends on you. Going to college has made me realize just how much closer you are to entering adulthood, college is what helps you achieve your dream in becoming anything you wish. In the end it is hardwork and determination that will help you in the long run, never give up and stay focused until you get what you want.

Angela

Stay focused in your classes. Do your homework, not for the teacher but for yourself because you'll need all the practice you can get before exams. Imagine deadlines are the last day you have in class and the work you hand in that day will decide if you pass or fail the class. Met every deadline and you will progress smoothly and trully. Do NOT, EVER cheat or copy a paper, report, or exam. Most likely you'll get in trouble, but even if you don't, you will surely hurt yourself. You will use your college/university education in your job; but if you cheat or copy another, how will you realize your job honestly? You can't. Don't be led astray, everything you do will have consequences, be them bad or good depends on your actions. Study, do your work, do your homework because on a test, if you don't have any information stored in your head, what will you write on your exam? Nothing. Do your work, no one will do it for you. And when you need help, ask for it, people can't read minds. Conclusion: Be prepared and do your BEST!

Andres

If I could do it all again I would place more emphasis on the SAT?s and concentrate on the core classes that matter most.

Karina

I would advise myself to brace myself. The party is OVER! I would recommend a planner for academic deadlines and to do all of my future assignments in a timely fashion. I would also recommend to prepare study guides for each test versus reviewing notes and reading chapters discussed in class (it's more time friendly and much more helpful). I would also advise to keep the extracurriculars to a minumum.

Nicole

If I could go back to my high school years in Germany, I would tell myself this: "You've done well so far. However, you are too sick of school and immature to go right to college. Don't waste your time on an apprenticeship either. Just because everybody's doing it doesn't mean you need to. Unless you know what you want (which you don't), don't waste 3 years of boredom for crappy pay. Go travel the world. It's the best way to learn and the fastest way to grow up. Don't worry about the money. You'll figure it out when you're there. Going to Australia for a year is one of the best ideas you'll ever have, so go for it and don't let others talk you out of it. It will show you what life's really like. You'll see how tough it can be, but you'll also learn that you can do WHATEVER YOU WANT. Then go study in the U.S. You'll get an excellent education minus the military style of German schools. Embrace your freedom, but don't forget about your roots".

Lisa

Don't go to college right away. You are several years out from knowing what you want to do, and take advantage of this economic climate to try a lot of different jobs. Then you can go back and get a degree without having to work so hard, and you'll appreciate college more. Also, it's much easier once youhave some real-world knowledge under your belt.

Corey

College feels like a natural progression from high school, while there is an increase in what is expected of your work quality, you are given more than ample time to do it well. Besides class work, the flexible scheduling of classes enables you to lead your life, you will become independent; do not even consider taking a year off from school. Students on the campus are just as insecure as you with getting lost in a sea of people, but through that anxiousness you will find your identity and create friendships to last a lifetime. Do not be afraid of participating in social activities, no matter where you go that campus participation will be a necessity. If you still want to become a businessman like you wanted, you will have to become more outgoing. You may be thinking that going to a commuter campus will stall that growth. However you will find that it pushes you to become more confident in your independence. Do not worry, your high school friends will still be around, winter and summer breaks come around quickly and you will have good stories to share from your own experiences, which YOU have created, on campus.

Joseph

Assuming I could even get the attention of the child I was as a highschool senior is almost as big a leap as the idea of time travel. However, given that opportunity, my advice would be centered on humility & trust, traits that have taken years of struggle & hard times to gain on my own. I'd stress being humble enough to understand that as an 18 year old boy, or a 30 year old man, I might not know all there is about this world & how to be succesful in it. My stubbornness as a child didn't allow me to take advantage of all the great family, friends, teachers, coaches & advisors that were more than willing to help, if I had only been able to ask. Being humble enough to seek out that help would have only been the start, I would have to convey the importance of trusting in their experience & understanding that history should not be ignored, but used as an important tool for building a bright future. These two qualities have allowed me the success that I've had in my recent professional career & will be the foundation of my success while continuing my education.

Patty

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself many things. To start off, I would let myself know that once the college experience starts I will not feel like I have as much time to decide what I want to do as the counselors in high school make it seem like. Freshmen year of college will go by fast, especially since every college year is split up into two semesters, so you have approximately four months to learn about 4-5 courses and it will be a lot of material. The second thing I would like to let myself know is that college is a huge step from high school. The coursework, the teachers, the classes, the people, and especially the environment. Perhaps the only thing that will not change is the social life, but that all depends on what college you go to. The social life will either improve or detriorate unfortunately, because whether you like it or not, either you will change to adjust to college life, or your social circle will change itself, so just be prepared for anything and everything.

Samantha

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to do everything the same way that I did it the first time. As a senior in high school, I applied to culinary schools; I attended one until I had a severe allergic reaction that led to me transferring home to UConn Stamford. Though I would not like to relive the allergic reaction, I think that this experience has changed me and helped shape me to become who I am today. I have met many great people who have helped me along the way, and who I have had the opportunity to learn a lot from. I was faced with the hardest decision of my life, and forced to adapt to cope with that decision. I managed to keep a high GPA, get all of my work done, and be a member of various clubs. So if I had the chance to go back in time, I would tell myself to continue down the path that I chose to set out on- because it only made me a stronger person in the long run.

Elvis

There are several pieces of advice that I would have given myself looking back now. One of them would be to be more focused and consistent with my school work. One problem that I would often run into was that when I wasn't interested by a subject, I wasn't really driven to do my best. Sometimes I would hate it because I would only do enough to get by knowing that I could have done much better. This wasn't an accurate example of my work ethic. Another thing that I would tell myself is to better manage my time. I procrastinated so many times in highschool, and one thing that I have learned in college now is that procrastination can really hurt your grade. If I had allowed myself ample time to complete my assignments then I wouldn't have to rush through the assignments. One thing I find now that I don't procrastinate is that I don't feel that pressure of time. By taking my time I get a lot more done and better quality work results from it.

DaMonique

If I could go back in time and talk with my high school senior self, I would tell myself about how different the adjustment into college life is. In high school I was driven to school or walked with friends, but now I've learned how to use the train and take a shuttle bus to the campus by myself for transportation. I would tell myself about how independent I've become due to of having to be in charge of keeping up with my own work and planning out my meals for long days on campus. Also about the changes to my sleep schedule because of staying up at night to finish papers in time. However, the most important thing I;d tell my high school self is to keep a good strong focus on classes because it is easy to get left behind with a single absence from a class. Sometimes it is better to drag yourself to school rather than stay home if you?re fine enough to make the commute. My high school senior self wouldn?t recognize me as much as I?ve changed since then, which I?m fine with because I've grown.

Tenzing

I would say to myself, "Enjoy the high school life because in college, the teachers and parents are not going to be there to help you and guide. Even though, you have many freedom, it does come with more responsibility."

Bryttany

If I could go back and talk to my high school self I would say relax. although an evciting transtion it is also very stressful and scary. What I have learned is that collge life is the best experience of my life. I enjoy the classes, the people and the school. Worring about the transition was a waste of time.

Dawn

It would be in your best interest to attend college immediately after school. Some people decide to take some time off, for whatever reason, and plan to go to college in a few years. This would be alright but, can you just imagine attending a college campus with high-school seniors, and now you are an adult. The transition into college would be much more difficult. Take my advice and go to college now!

Neasa

Embrace college life and be open to new experiences, new points of view, and new subjects. There is so much choice ... 120 credits is a lot of class time. Be open to advice from both fellow students and professors. Spend time getting to know who you are and what challanges grab you. Be true to yourself, as college is a gift that you should be forever grateful for. So many Americans and other nationalities around the world do not have the luxury of such a gift, so always keep this in mind. Education is a blessing to be cherished.

Maria

Stay focused and always keep in mind to study subjects that really interest you, because it makes college life so much more enjoyable.

Erica

I would tell myself toallow my faith to grow in God. I would tell myself that college is about making firends that will last a lifetime. College is fun if you do hte right thing, but as long as you are focused and know what you want then college will be great. College most often determines your future so make sure you make positive friends and have a positive outlook to life. Also i would tell myself to be ready for challenge courses, but that doesn't mean i should give up college all together.

Kazi

Work very hard in achieving your goals. Be positive and prepare yourself because obstacles will come and you will have to overcome them.

Tanveer

Choose a path for yourself and and shoot for the stars. I have seen many students flounder becuase they lack courage of conviction in what they choose to do. If you have the proper mindset, you truly have the ability excel at whatever you desire. Find a career choice at least by the end of your sophomore year and devote yourself to it. With focus and hard work, your achievements will not go unrecognized.

Alyssa

If I could go back to speak with myself as a senior in high school, the main point I would try to get across is to not be anxious. My entire life everyone's always told me how important a decision going to college is, and how much it matters which school you go to and what you get a degree in. They forget to mention to you that college isn't just about getting the best education so you can go onto the best job and the best future; college is where you figure out who you are. In the first four months of school, I've found qualities in myself that would never have surfaced had I not moved onto college. I would be sure to tell myself not to be intimidated by the concept of becoming an adult. I would reassure myself that all I really need to be successful are a few wonderful friends who will support me when I'm unsure and help guide me when I stumble. College is the greatest time of growth in our lives, and I would make sure that my senior-year-self always remembered that.

Viktoriya

The best advice could had been given in High School was to study more. It would be very helpful if read more books and newspapers outside of school. What makes the studing in the University more interesting, is the ability to think out of the box. It would make I life much more easier if I developed conseptual skills in High School, as oppose memorizing and repetition of material. The material that was covered in High School is partial comes back in the university, except it is more involved, but if I retained more information from High School I would done much better in college. Another advice that I was not given in High School, or maybe it was not emphasized enough, was on the financial assistance that i could have recived it in the begining in my college career. I was not told that I am eligiable for any.

Jennifer

I would tell myself as a senior to buckle down, although senior year is one of the best, its a great opportunity to put final touches on your study abilities, learn how to research correctly and quickly and to make sure you take the highlest level of classes availiable to you (AP/ECE). I did take them, and they were a great preparation for college, I dont feel too overwhelmed or out of place. Highschool is a great time to practice being organized and to make mistakes, there arent time for mistakes in college. I would also encourage myself to get my assignments done immediately after they are assigned and to plan accordingly. You are given much more time for assignments in high school but not in college and its valuable to get into the correct habits. I would also put more emphasis on tests and quizes, they dont matter as much in highschool but in college one or two tests may be your only grades. I would also tell myself that dedication is one of the most important things in college and put a ton on emphasis on aquiring indivudual study habits.

Susan

I would have advised myself to worry less about expensive private institutions and more about value. As somebody who hopes to go to graduate school, I can't justify accruing huge amounts of debt for undergraduate education.

John

Dear John, Life in college is not as daunting or as ominious as you might have assumed. Although it may seem like a big step and a frightening one at that, as long as you try hard and patiently work towards the goals you have in mind, you will succeed. Even though you may not understand, nor desire the future at this present time - it will come regardless. Therefore, don't fret and allow doubt to enter your mind, it is a most unnecessary emotion to have, especially at this point in you life. College will be an excellent experience and, as compared to high school, an excellent way to get to know people who have similar interests and kind hearts. Unlike high school, you will learn about a multitude of information, spanning a wide variety of eras and times that will not only interest you, but benifit and suppliment your understanding of the world around you. In addition, you will meet some people who are most certainly best-friend material. They come from a much higher stock of people than those from high-school; in all, let time be your guide in this new unique, exciting adventure of yours.

Joseph

I would say, "Listen idiot, stop slacking off. I know that high school seemed like a breeze, but it is a totally different story in college. Trust me, work hard and make sure you get good grades, that way you can get better scholarships and you will not have to go to a satellite branch and miss out on a real college experience. It will suck to do now and work hard, but it will get you in the habit and better prepare you for the next year. Once you are in college, that work habit is going to help so much because it is a lot more work. Right now, you are in the minors, but college is the big leagues. Everything is harder, tests are more so difficult and studying for exams is rough. And listen, the professors could not care less, if you are failing then it is your fault, there is none of this extra credit crap anymore. Plus, you are all on your own when it comes to your work. Mommy and Daddy are not going to be there to check on your grades and hold your hand, so man up and get to work."

Jessica

If I were able to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to prioritize my responsibilities and have a clear plan as to what I want to accomplish during, and beyond, college. With a plan in mind, even the unexpected events of life are more manageable! I would also make sure to remind myself to take the time to enjoy the process, as we only get to experience it once, so why not make it the most worthwhile? Furthermore, I would tell myself to take advantage of all the opportunities that come my way, and be thankful and appreciate of all the people who have helped me to achieve my goals. Without these friends, family members, teachers, and others, the experiences I have been able to enjoy would never be the same, and it is important to let these people know how they have influenced your life. Lastly, I would remind myself of the importance of giving back and helping others whenever possible, as an active and empathetic community-member.

Jessica

Dear Jessica, PAY ATTENTION IN CLASS! i know that it is your senior year, and the most important things on your mind right now are prom and graduation, but the information you are learning in your classes will only help you in college. Had i known that rational numbers were going to haunt me for a whole semster, i would have spent more time on it so i would not have to feel so dumb. Also do NOT worry about your friends. You will survive without them, trust me. My two best friends moved to Boston, and i started the first day of school without knowing a single soul. By the end of the day i was in the gameroom chatting up a storm with at least a dozen peers. Oh, and learn how to manage your time! College is very different from high school, you will have tons of time out of class, however most of it should be spent on homework if you plan on graduating. Also dont stress about failing out, high school teachers make college seem so hard, in my opinion it is no harder than high school it's just ALOT more work. Goodluck, Jessica

Jocelyn

In the begining as freshman student in college I was very shy and quiet. I felt like this because I was in a new environment and my friends from high school did not attend the same college it took a little more time to start making friends, now I have new friends. It's a great feeling to become more sociolize . That is one thing I would change .. to not to be shy, interact with other, join clubs you meet new students. I joined student goverment my freshman year and made lots of friends, learned new concepts and now I'm chair of the activities commettie. Meaning everyday I interact with students and faculty. =) One last thing I would change would be work a little more harder giving 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} to assigments and classes in general. Clases will be more challenging but you have to step it up more and if you need help there will always be someone to assist you. You have to take your education serious because it's not highschool it's a new stage in your life and you take the path you want to take to achieve your goals. =)

Jamie

To anser this question I can honestly saw I always regret not being more involved in school, not socializing more, working harder. I would advise myself to volunteer a more and to save more money. However I wouldnt wait to tell myself senior self, I would go as far back to my freshman self and mak her do sports and take better classes and explain how important it is to do the best you can or if not better. To do every extra credit assignment and bonus question and to pull allnighters for even the easiest tests. I would also tell myself to fill in all applications on time and fill out more schoarship forms. Also not to take the time you have so lightly, to take advantage of every minute you have to study or even be ahead in reading assignments, basically managing time better. Also to read more to expand your vocabulary and knowledge.