University of Florida Top Questions

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

Leslie

College is completely different from high school! You have to be focused in college because no one is going to remind you of your responsibilities. You are basically depending on yourself. Only you and you alone can hold yourself back. There are plenty of distractions to break your focus. Some happen to include partying , dating and your social life. Just remember if you aren't going to do anything else, you are going to complete your academic requirements. Campus organizations are essential to college life. In organizations, you can meet new friends and potential study partners. Networking is a great way to expand your variety of friends and to share common interest with others. There are plenty of different organizations on campus for just about every interest. Don't be afraid to get off your butt and meet new people! Remember to financially savvy. Very very very crucial. You do not want to waste money on things you don't really need. College is expensive and every dime counts. College students don't complain about being broke for no reason. There's nothing wrong with rewarding yourself but be smart about it. College teaches you be to responsible for yourself.

Jeremy

I struggled in high school to fit in with my peers. I saw myself as an advanced student who took their studies seriously, something that was non-existent in a high school like mine. At one point in my life (dead center of my high school life), I suffered grave depression due to a friendless existence. If I could return to the past and speak with myself, my high school self, I would tell him to calm down, relax your studies, and stop being so intolerant. I was very close-minded. I did not know this at the time, obviously, for I would have corrected this and made another attempt to create lasting friendships. I was also obsessive compulsive about my studies; I have never received a "C" in my life, and I got straight "A's" from 6th grade till high school graduation. Basically, I would tell my former self to ease up. Life isn't about one grade on one test. Life is about working on yourself, to love yourself, and to become a better person so that one day you will be able to help others. I learned this at the University of Florida.

Jonny

Don't rush into college, take your time to come into your own. You will know when you're ready to make the leap. The college experience will be one the greatest times of your life and you will meet people that you never thought you would associate with. College will change your perception on reality for the better. Stay focused when you get there, and don't get too involved with the social life so much that it degrades your academic performance. There is always a time and place to have fun, and while college is a great time for that, you have to keep your eye on the goal of graduating.

Andrea

Hey, little senior! I know you think you know everything, but you don't. STOP. Take a deep breath and figure out why you're choosing college. This is a huge transition for you. Your parents want the best for you, so make yourself a priority. Be selfish because for the next 4 years, there will be many distractions. Friends and family, extra curriculars and having a social life will all fit into the mix, but you MUST do your SCHOOL WORK. It's so essential. The pain of discipline weighs less on the heart than the pain of regret. Times will be so tough that at some point, you'll cry while standing in line for salad. Girl, when you're knocked down to your knees, remember that you're in the perfect position to PRAY. The will of God will never take you where His grace can't protect you. Always stay optimistic and if you find yourself at crossroads listen to your heart and the advice of elders. College is the transition into your future, so laugh with until you cry, fall in love with the right person and live every day to prepare for tomorrow.

justin

College will be all about your education but while getting it you will have the best time of your life.

Franklin

Academic exploits are well and good, but there are other aspects of the college experience that you should try to explore. Getting involved in school organizations are not only fulfilling experiences but amount to great additions to resumes for prospective job and internship opportunities. Doing well in school will open the door to financial aid opportunities, but it is also important to search them out and actively apply in order to provide for college expenses. If you play your cards properly, you can get away with little to no cost to go to school. At the same time, keep up with your work and studies and make sure that you get the most out of your education. It is only in balancing both the fulfillment of extracirricular activities and the seemingly incessant amount of schoolwork that you can mature and make something out of yourself. Most importantly, do not ever give up, go after what you enjoy and eventually you can make it happen. Do not get dissauaded by feeling lost or not knowing your way, just work hard and stay active in the community, everything will unfold as it should. Good luck!

Courtney

I would tell myself to not be afraid to get involved early, and not to spend all of my time thinking about what I could be doing. Talk to classmates, professors, and grad students and learn about what you think you might want to do before deciding your major. Each day is a new day, don't let less-than-perfect grades or a bad professor get in the way of getting the best education the school has to offer you. Read into things before jumping into them, and make sure you're completely happy with everyone involved and can see yourself enjoying all that a certain organization may have to offer you. Grades are important, but they aren't everything. Keep up with everything and don't let yourself fall behind.

Janine

As I sat in my high school desk my senior year I constantly constiplated on what it would be like when I got into college. Not listening to what the teacher is saying at all, I would find myself in a daze. It's funny how life works because as I sat in a Anthropology class of 650 people I was knocked into a daze again, this time I am thinking about how much of a difference it would have made if I actually listened to my teachers in high school and pushed myself more. I was so focused on getting into college I didn't think about what it took to stay in college. Stay dedicated Janine, push yourself to read those chapters, stay awake, and put effort in your papers are statements I sometimes wish I could tell myself in high school, but it's pointless to dread about should've and could'ves, there's only time to prepare for the future which is what I have learned to do now. I look at it as a life learned experience and I preach to my 9th grade sister so that she doesnt make the same mistakes.

Natasha

As I look back on myself as a high school senior, I remember everyone knew which college they were going to. They were so excited to become a Gator or Seminole and finally being free from their parents and their rules. When I was a senior, I just moved to Florida and I had no idea what I wanted to study, where I wanted to go to college, and I was not ready to leave the nest just yet. Back then, my future was a blur and it frustrated me so much because I like to know where my future was heading. Knowing what I know, such as still maintaining high grades and becoming a Florida Gator, I would tell my senior self "If you don't know, that is okay. The unexpected is sometimes more sweeter than the unexpected. You are an awesome student who tries harder than most others. People will see your achievements and reward you. You are and still going to be special and proud in your future. Don't worry. You are going to be fine." These past years, I have done just that and I am more than fine. I am special and proud.

Bertan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to try a bit harder then I did. At the end of high school, I felt sick and tired of the routine task of going to school and getting good grades while trying to study for SAT and ACT exams and apply for colleges. I felt that the stress was too much and, because I kept hearing the same thing from guidance counselors and teachers and parents, I started getting irritated with the phrase "Keep it up, you are almost done". However, in hindsight, I realize how true these words were. Now that I am in college, my schedule is way less crowded then it was in high school. I still did okay in high school, and even though I didn't do as well as I may have been able to, I still reaped plenty of benefits. I got a total of 24 credits out of my high school experience. Maybe if I had tried a bit harder, I would have gotten even more credits or scholarships and such. I would defeinately advise myself to push try my hardest.

Jessica

I know that it has been hard getting through IB these past four years, all the classes and work load that teachers have given you when you could have just flew through school if you had taken regular classes. Good job!! You got into a great college and you can finally relax! NOT. I know that you've had tons of pressure on you these years and it's always been work work work so you can get into college. Well now it's work work work so you can find a great career! I know this is daunting and a little disappointing. But the best thing I can tell you is that the friends you will make in college will be the ones that last forever, some may even be from high school. Whenever you are feeling down, think about all the other people who couldn't afford college and get into a good college and look where you are. Most of all, even if it feels like you will be working for the rest of your life...never stop studying and learning about the world, it will come in handy. Work towards something you love, and never quit.

Jenna

I would advise myself to take high school seriously right from the start. I would also advise myself to take lots of AP courses to start with more credits under my belt. Finally I would advise myself to save all the money from my summer jobs instead of needlessly spending the money on Chik-Fil-E, when I will need it for college!

Chantelle

Knowing what I know now bout college, I would be more motivated to enter more scholarships considering the great expense associated with college. I would also take more community level classes that would lay an additional foundation to prepare me for classes taken at a university level.

Carrington

[Speaking in second-person p.o.v.] Life can present itself in many forms. Depending on how you adapt is what will determine your success at UF. The classes that you are currently taking are beneficial to you because of your desired major: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. Make sure that, in the event, you decide to transition to a new major, that new major is akin to your interests and, somewhat, your skillset. You would not want to take more classes than required or become burdened financially because of those excess classes. Speaking of your financial situation, take into consideration the amount of money the school is allotting you and the amount of scholarships you are receiving because there will come a time where you may need to designate that money for an emergency. Refrain from joining a fraternity too early in your college career because you are trying to make a simple transition into UF and the financial stipulation requires money that you just don't have at the moment. Look to join one or two clubs/sports either now or in the future to simply become involved around campus. The more people you know, the easier the transition.

Rebecca

In high school, I felt socially unacceptable not because I didn't wan to make friends, but because I was not confident with my physical appearance. I was very conscious of my food intake and participated in a plethora of sports from cross country to water polo. Depression came over me my senior year of high school, which is supposed to be an exciting time for a young adult. Unfortunately, it wasn't for me. Looking back, I would tell myself to take it easy and that there is more to life than just physical appearance. Having a slim body doesn't get you the career you want and it certainly doesn't get you accepted to the University of Florida. Balancing your education and social life are essentials to leading a healthy and happy life, and not counting calories. Fortunately, with the help of my family, I overcame my eating disorder and am now I am a healthy Sophomore at the University of Florida. I am more appreciative of my education and am better aware of the important things in life, such as volunteering at my local hospital and American Cancer Society house. I LOVE LIFE!

mona

Have a plan set up now. Learn every single pre req for medical and nursing school and take a max of 2 summer classes per A or B. Also, unless you dont mind little to non existent privacy space, go straight to Lakeside housing where you get your own tiny (prison cell) room, but at least its your own single room.

Brittany

No one can underestimate the importance of self-confidence. Not only concerning your esteem but in your morals and decisions. I had a strong understanding of my identity during my last year of high school. It's scary how college can force you into cracking that seemingly unshakable faith you had in yourself. So many temptations and hurdles are thrown at you during your first year in college: academically, emotionally, socially. Every aspect of your life has been uprooted and made portable. It's a completely new environment. You don't have your community at your beck and call; you don't have your parents to orchestrate what you should do. I would have told myself not to doubt my ability. I feel that I have lost so much valuable time due to worrying that assuring my younger self of my dedication to achievement would have been so helpful. I would have said, "Focus on what you know is right, and your heart will lead you to your goals, even if you don't know what they are." It's astounding how a strong person can crumble under the pressures of college life, but it won't happen to me.

Jamie

I would tell myself to "finnish High School" and not get a ged. I would want that because it would have given me the skills I needed to succede in College that I am trying to learn now.

Amanda

I would tell myself to take a few college level classes over the summer at the community college. The adjustment from high school to college was pretty difficult especially with having a summer off. I would also tell myself to learn the proper way to focus on school work and to relax when necessary. I also would tell myself to try harder in dance and to keep up with it through school. And most importantly I would tell myself to never change my plans for a boyfriend and definitely not let myself be tied down when I wasn't happy. I would also make sure to stay in touch with people who meant alot to me in high school and not let myself drift away from good friends just because I wasn't physically close to them.

Jamie

Lightning crashed and lit up the room, as the recent high school graduate began packing her belongings. Suddenly, she heard a rumbling coming from outside her window. It grew so loud the room began shaking when an old beat up Delorean crashed through her room wall. The door fell upon, "Jamie, I'm you, four years into the future! There's no time for questions....I've come to tell you how to make the most of your college career. Explore! Channel your inner Louis and Clark and fearlessly navigate the adventure ahead! College is whatever you make of it and there are endless amounts of opportunities to discover. Say hi to everyone you meet; you never know what they may teach you. Speak up in class; you learn by making mistakes. And do everything with gusto! I must leave you but remember these words as you drive tomorrow to the University of Florida. Go Gators!" The young graduate sat stunned on her bed. She whispered to herself, "Go Gators." And with that she went to bed ready to begin her adventure into the new world.

Jason

I would tell myself to prepare more financially and apply for as many scholarships i could find to cut tuition cost and to keep myself from being in debt after graduation. It's not wise to depend on loans while in college, you have to work hard for what you want in life because in reality good things don't come easy, what may be easy for someone else may not be as easy for you so plan ahead. You don't plan to fail you fail to plan, and mapping out goals early will be the key to your success in the future, another very important thing is knowing that high school is not forever, it's your senior year, so don't be distracted by anything that doesn't line up with you getting into college and furthering your education. High school prepares you for college and college will prepare you for life, so use this time wisely. Know what career field you want to go into before you graduate so you won't waste time and money at an institute not geared to what you want to do. Last but not least, actions speak louder than words.

Erwin

erwer

Laura

A scary time for many, the transition from high school to college can be exciting and easy with a few simple tips. It's okay if you don't know who you are, or even if you think you do; either way a new place, people, and opportunities will allow you to grow in ways and that are rewarding and exhilarating--embrace the new you. Enjoy being who you are. And share your beautiful spirit with others. You will experience an amalgamation of emotions: happiness, pain, hardship, love, moments of glory, and opportunities to rebuild. Don't worry, whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. The primary objective is to gain insight into yourself and graduate with an advanced education and a passion to pursue your life goals. Networking definitely doesn't hurt either. Sometimes it's not what you know, but who you know. Don't be afriad of new experiences or new challenges. They help you grow as a person. You will never forget the memories and friends you make throughout these four years. So... LIVE it up, LAUGH it off, take CHANCES and never have REGRETS...because at one point that is exactly what you wanted.

Nicole

I would tell myself to be prepared. It is a different world, and you have to be responsible for yourself. The work is hard, but very rewarding. College is fun, despoite the emphasis on grades. You can have time to have a social life and still get good grades. It is a place where you need motivation to do well, so if you are not motivated, do not waste your money and time on it. Enjoy it because it will be over before you know it and you will miss it. Take every opportunity you are given and have fun. Do not take yourself too seriously. Find a balance and stick with it. Stand up for yourself, no matter what. Stay up all night at least once having fun, not studying.

Paolo

If i were given the ability to talk to myself as a senior, one thing I would tell myself is to not slack of from the stereotypical "senioritis." When you transition to college, you must as they say, "hit the ground running," and you are thrown right into the fire. Personally, I was not ready for the academic aspect of college because I had fooled around so much in my final year of High School. The four month layoff did nothing but make matters worse in the ever difficult task of adapting to college life. One other piece of advice I would give to myself is to enjoy your final year! Senior year in high school was definitely one of the best years of my life, and i understand now that you are never guaranteed another day in this world. Live everyday as if it were your last, and be thankful for all that you have! One last word of advice I would give to myself, not only for my college tenure, but throughout the rest of my life, is to never ever give up. Anything is possible with strong will and God by your side.

Michelle

Looking back, I realize how much is true that college is truly an experience one can only understand by being there. Back in high school, I felt I was completely prepared for what I was about to partake in. However, I was terribly wrong. Moving away from home, becoming independent, meeting new people, and in a sense starting over is much harder than it sounds. I wish I could have told myself it will be difficult at first, I never expected to have trouble adjusting. Then I could have better prepared myself, and even started to live independent from my parents and friends. However, I quickly found myself alone in a dorm room, miles from home. I never wanted to be alone walking to class or across campus. Nevertheless, I found myself learning that I am an individual, and I must find how to be self-supporting. College is about taking chances and seizing opportunity, students should eagerly seek knowledge and discovery. Each student should go out of their comfort zone in order to join organizations and meet new people. These new people will ultimately teach you numerous new ideas and life lessons.

Shaun

If there was anything I wish that I could have said to the me back in high school, it would be to work hard and not follow after the dream of engineering. I found that my joy for academics was in Politics, I would urge myself to join political groups like the Model United Nations and the SGA so that I could avoid wasting an entire semester and damaging my GPA in the process. It would also be extremely important that I eliminated the laziness I had back then, I would want myself to push forward and fill out the paperwork necessary for college aid months before,instead of waiting until the last minute. There are just so many things about my lifestyle I would want to change, it was thanks to so many people, Professors, friends, employers. With their aid I have become what I am today and would simply wish to teach myself based on these wonderful experiences that have shaped my mind and body in adulthood.

Michael

The most useful piece of advice I could give myself as a senior in high school is to stop living for yourself. It is the most harmful and painful thing to experience with ramifications that go beyond the point where you discover your errors. A person cannot make it on his own, nor can he simply use people as a means to accomplish his will. A man or woman will always fall - it is the people around them that can lift them back onto their feet and urge them forward. A person living for himself has no one to which to reach - he is nothing more than floating driftwood being thrown from one wave to the next. I would tell myself that if I could, but knowing myself in high school, I would not have listened. It would be easy for me to avoid looking at that fact, but it is important to realize that people are always put into a certain momentum of events that frame their thinking. Such a thing cannot be changed overnight; but God willing, they can begin to change once they realize the harm they have done. They and I can only hope for forgiveness.

Irene

First and foremost, you will still get the "full college experience" regardless if you live in a dorm or not your freshman year. Think about it, if you live in an apartment, you will still be surrounded by neighbors that you can mingle with. Plus, you could get the luxury of having a room and in most cases, a bathroom to yourself. This leads me to another point, which is: don't give into peer pressure. As cliche as it sounds, you'll be grateful for it later. For instance, my friends told me to live in a dorm my first year and now I'm stuck in a "temporary triple": a room made for two people to (barely) live in but with another room mate. And did i mention I share a bathroom with 48 other girls? In essence, living in a dorm is equivalent to living in a jail cell. You should also brush up on your study habits. Highschool might have been a breeze, but college is a rude awakening into the real world. If you decide not to listen to those words of wisdom, at least SAVE YOUR MONEY! Good luck and don't slack off!

Damarise

I would tell myself to study hard, but also spend time with friends. Because you need to have friends in order to help you enjoy your college experience. I would also tell myself that I should restudy, on the weekends, what I learned the past week. That way it sticks better in my brain.

Jeremy

Enjoy the time you have. High school is one of the greatest times of your life, and you need to enjoy it. College may seem stressful and scary, but in reality it isn't. It is the next step in your life, just another obstacle to face and overcome. You will make a lot of new friends in college, have great times, and of course, learn a vast amount. Take your work seriously, but don't focus on making it IN to college. Instead, start to think of what you want OUT of college; what do you want to study, and looking ahead of college, what do you want college to allow you to do in life? Take into consideration these suggestions, and I can promise you you will have the greatest time of your life in college.

Cristina

Be yourself, because, you may find some pretty strange people. You will meet a guy with Fidel Castro style beard at the beginning of the semester, don't ignore him. He's a pretty cool guy, and he will be a great friend. Don't let the sketchiness of the beard scare you. You will also meet an incredibly loud and funny girl. You definetely shouldn't ignore her. Not only will she bring out your social side, but she will give you life-changing advice. Listen to her, even if you think you're right. You will be blessed with a respectful roommate, just as messy as you are. Don't leave online lectures till last minute. That passed in high school, but now it's going to kick you in the butt. And staying up till 3 a.m. studying will not help your grade. Remember how you had that great body during soccer season? Haha, look in the mirror now. And that kid you thought you were going to marry- well it's over. Don't worry, he really wasn't that nice to you. So get over it fast and start living your college experience!

Haviland

When applying to college, I knew that I was ready for the academic pursuits of college, but I had no idea how diffucult other portions of the transition would be. If I could go back and advise myself on the trasition into college, I would give myself a peice of advice a professor gave me my second semester. Her mantra was: "obstacles as creative opportunities." Knowing that now puts me at ease. I don't worry so much about not getting things that I was used to receiving in high school, whether it be money, prestige, or acceptance. A persevering attitude is what you need to survive in college. I would have liked to have known that bit of information prior to college.

Jennifer

Relax. That one simple word would do wonders for my high-school self. That is the key to making an easy transition, or at least with hindsight I can say that about myself. As a high school student going into college I worried, oh did I worry. There was nothing to worry about though. College is about finding yourself and learning about what you enjoy. College offers the chance to mold your own life in your own way. My younger self didn't understand that and worried about classes and time and money and acceptance. The truth is that classes are those you enjoy; time can always be made; money is important, but not everything; and acceptance is found in every niche. The younger me would get the simple word "relax". To me it would mean the world, it would show me that everything will be ok if I were to take a breath going into college and just find me. Once you've found yourself everything falls into place.

Andrew

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would urge my younger self to change several aspects of my life, but one of them stands out above the others. More than anything else, I would encourage the high school me to structure and organize time. In high school I often found myself procrastinating, because it wasn't extremely detremental to do a homework assignment late here and there. At the college level, however, grades are often based on just a few grades. Having only a test every several weeks naturally provides much more opportunity for procrastination, but the negative consequences of putting off studying for three weeks are far more intense than those of putting off a homework assignment for a day or two. I have been able to adjust to this new learning style, but the transition would have been much easier had I made a habit in high school of budgeting my time wisely and doing my schoolwork in a timely and regular fashion.

Jennifer

Going back in time, I would remind myself how important my high school grades will be in the future. These grades and my SAT scores will follow me around for the rest of my educational experience. Everytime I apply for a scholarship, this information will be used to determine my eligibility. I would give myself an example of what the average day of a pre-veterinary college student is like. I would explain how when not in school or at work, all of my time will be spent studying. In fact, there will be times when the dishes will pile high in the sink, the cat's litter box will stink, and the fridge will be bare due to my need to study. I will tell of the sleepless nights and the random tears that accompany this stressful schedule. And then I'd look myself deep in the eye and say, "There will be times when it doesn't seem worth it, but your hard work will pay off. It's about more than just a degree. It's about discipline, hard work, determination, and making a dream reality. There is nothing you can't do. I believe in you."

Wendy

" Real leaders are normal people with extraordinary determination." If I were to go back to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to have better study habits and to prepare myself more for the drastic change that was about to happen in my life. As a senior I did not think about what was about to happen and as a result, my college transition was harder than most. Coming from a low income family, I was always there to help my mom so to move away and to not be able to be there all the time, it was very emotional. I would tell myself to learn more study habits and that college is alot different than highschool. Also, as a senior I heard that college was alot different but I was very ignorant to actually believe it and now I wish I would have payed a little more attention to older people telling me it. If I was more determined coming into college, my transition would have been easier. Now that I know that I am working to help seniors this year in their transition to college.

Wenyan

Although college life is fun, something very important to me was left behind. If I have the chance to relive my senior year, I will spend more time with my family and possibly travel with them to some places they have never been to. Since my college locates pretty far from my hometown, I hardly get to see my parents once in several months. I was very confident living by myself before I left for college, but I did not realize the situation my parents might be trapped into. As immigrants, my parents do not have any relative here in the States besides me. When their only daughter left, the loneliness and nostalgia could sometimes be overwhelming. And that is certainly something I did not expect before I went to college. Recall my senior year?busy checking out colleges and saying goodbye to friends, I never really spent much time with my parents. I was used to them being there. Slowly, I forgot them. People often say, ?Treasure what you have, else you may regret.? It is true. I hope it is not too late to realize that I love my parents; I want to live and laugh with them.

Brandon

I would advise myself to prepare for a totally different atmosphere than in high school. Do not expect the professors to hold your hand and tell you when things are due all the time. Make sure you read the syllabus for each class and find out when assignments are due Also do not expect to get extra credit. You will get the grade that you deserve. I would also tell myself to beware of the friends you make. When you are in college your friends influence you a lot more than in high school because your parents are not around. A good group of friends will help you excel in school and in life but the wrong group can lead you to do things that you will regret later. Also I would tell my younger self to try and get involved in clubs and organizations. The University of Florida is a very big campus and sometimes you will feel that you are just a number. When you join clubs they make the university feel a little smaller and that you are somebody and not just a number.

Amanda

I should have taken AP Bio rather than physics. Being away from home is harder than it seems. It is very depressing if you don't find friends so people who aren't very friendly and are shy end up alone. I am too proud and have worked to hard to go to a community college but it really would have made a financial difference - worrying about money is so stressful and it seems that no matter how much I work its not enough

nikki

I believe that I would tell myself to remember to pace myself. Don't overload your class schedule every semester and remember that college will be one of the best times of your life. The freindships that will be made can last a lifetime and so will the lessons learned in the classroom. Study hard and make the most of every opportunity given to you.

Micah

I would tell myself that high school was more academically challenging and stressful. College is harder only in the sense that you have to make life-style choices and that there are more social pressures in college than in high school.

Robert

If I could give myself advice when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to make sure I finish what I begin. College life can be both fun and enjoyable, but in order to succeed you need to set your goals and have self-discipline and self-motivation to achieve them. Many students start college believing it to be like the movies, but you need to be able to distiguish between what you hope it to be and what you should expect it to be. To be able to achieve a goal, such as a degree from a University, you need to be able to tell yourself that I must finish what I started. Too many students forget why they are in college and loose the drive that had gotten them there in the first place. Never loose focus, college life and the transition to it is not easy and it shouldn't be; but in order to create a successful future, you must work hard through the tough times to come out a better person in the end.

Jamee

If I could give advice to myself back when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to do some research about the major I was going to persue in college, and print out a listing of all the college classes I would need to take in that major. That way I would have known which AP classes would have been beneficial to take and which ones wouldn't have offered any useful credits (also which AP classes to definitely pass in high school because the college equivalents are much harder) . Also, I would tell myself to find alternative majors that I may be interested in, in case the first choice turned out to be the wrong one. I would then tell myself to start thinking about doing volunteer work or internships that would apply to my major of choice, which would, in the long run, help me get the job I want. Finally, I would tell my previous self to stay positive and study hard when I get to college because it is a lot harder than high school, and it requires a lot of independent studying to keep up the great grades I've always had.

Allison

Don?t be so stressed out, relax. All of the other freshmen are nervous too, and the upperclassmen remember what it feels like to be in your shoes. You certainly won?t be the only one who is lost or lonely. Your classes may be intimidating, but you can handle them. Once you?ve taken a few you?ll realize that they?re not as bad as they seem. Don?t be afraid to ask for help, from your classmates or your professors, they will all be glad to help. Go out and have fun! I know it?s weird not living with mom and dad, but trust me, it?s much better! Just don?t forget to keep your head on your shoulders and be careful. You don?t have to make everyone like you; sometimes it?s better to think for yourself. Good luck and GO GATORS!

Jaclynn

Keep an open mind and dont take life so seriously!

Alex

First of all don't gain twenty-five pounds your freshmen year. Secondly, you need to learn time management skills and stop procrastinating, because while you can definitely get by, your work will not be as good. Stop panicing and learn to complete a task. Save your money in school, and if it fits into your schedule perhaps work even when Mom and Dad tell you not to get a job. You're going to work at two internships , do your best and never ever cut corners on a film project because you never know when somebody is going to see it and want to hire you. It's very important you learn to network. Finally, while you hate the dorms they are extremely convenient so don't leave campus. When Pugh hall is built they will have clean bathrooms that you like, but for now use the FL gym ones.

Andrew

I would tell myself to start off strong. Build a strong base for my GPA by greatly applying myself and making sure that my GPA is solid. Your GPA isn't the most important thing about finding a job, but inorder to get into graduate school, it is pretty important. I am having a little big of a hard time getting into grad school with my GPA but lucky for me I was able to finish very strong and pull it up. I would share with my past self that the hard work and determination should have been funneled earlier in my collegate career in order to insure myself that grad school acceptance is certain.

Tristan

I would tell myself that I am going to be just fine. There is no need to be nervous and that there are others here who feel the same way. Dive in head first and drink in the experience because your time here is limited and don?t let a minute slip past.

Danielle

If I could go back, I woul not have rushed myself. I would have taken my time and that way I could have done better in the deginning. I also would have gotten involed in my school more and volunteered, joined groups, and participated in research.