University of Georgia Top Questions

The advice I would give myself is that I have to work harder to earn better grades and become more responsible with the way I handle my academics. I would look at myself and say, " Elizabeth stop ditching and go to class! In order to be more strong, emotionally and financially I have to do the right thing to be success." The other advice I would give myself is that I have to stop hanging out with wrong type of crowd. I believe that hanging out with wrong people made me take the wrong path. If I would have chosen the right type of crowd I could of done better things during my high school senior year.

Coming into college, I had a confidence that was somewhat naive and foolish. I believed that, since I had made all A's in highschool with ease, I would be able to do the same in college with bad study habits and little drive to get focused on my studies. I came from a reputable highschool that was supposed to be good preparation for college. However, I feel that this just gave me the idea that I was going to take college by storm. This was not at all correct. I had a rough first semester. The temptation of the parties and hanging out late with friends outside of my parents eyes was a big obstacle that I had to overcome. I wish I would have had my priorities in order when I came to college the first day. I feel like I would have been able to get focused earlier and wouldn't have had to fight an uphill battle after my first semester to get my GPA back up. Last but not least, I wish I would have gone to freshman college that is offered the summer before school. That would have better prepared me for campus life.

I would tell myself not to ease up on my studying habits and work ethic just because I got accepted into college. I would also warn myself that college is a lot harder than high school, and that I would have put in more time into my studies. This the advice that I wish I follwed in my first year of college.

If I could go back and give my former self advice, the first thing I would tell myself is to truly come to college with an open heart and open mind. In comparison to others, I may have already been considered as an open person, but I definitely needed and still need improvement. I also would tell myself to not be so prideful and to be a lot more humble in my studies and with my relationships. Often, pride gets in the way of truly building those deep relationships. Overall, I feel like I have done my best in being open and willing, but I definitely would have changed a lot of my actions if I could do it over again. However, I have really learned from my mistakes and am continuing to learn from them.

If I could go back and be a high school senior, I would tell myself not to be overwhelmed by the new environment of college, but to set goals for myself going in, and to let my main focus be achieving those goals. I would tell myself not to get caught up in the distractions that plague first year college students, but to realize that my performance as a college student directly impacts the options I will have for a career. I would emphasize the importance of staying organized and being studious with my schoolwork. I would tell myself to not be intimidated by the professors, but to meet with them and use their advice outside of the classroom to improve my performance. I would tell myself to start from day one, but not to get burned out at the beginning of the semester. I'd say don't be afraid to have fun and try new things, but remember who you are and don't let your environment change that. Above all I would tell myself to cherish this time and don't waste a second of it, because before you know it graduation day will be here.

I would tell myself not to choose the roommate from high school that I did for my freshman year. I would have faith and just let the housing system choose one for me . They couldn't possibly do any worse than my choice. She never studied or helped clean the room. Her hair and body odor took over the common living area. It was horrible. She smelled like a dead, wet dog. I had to go to bed at night watching the flickering lights of Hannah Montana being watched by my roommate, who was 18. Also, I would probably not be on the same hall to have to deal with neighbors making loud romantic relationship noises that woke me up in the middle of the night either since I probably would not be on the same hall. Thus, to my dear high school self, I advise you to listen to your mother who told you to take a potluck roommate. As mothers tend to be, she was right.

Don't get easily distracted, there is soo much to do once you get to college. Balancing your social life with academics is hard but if you set aside time to study everyday you can balance extra-curriculars, social life, and academics.

After arriving on campus, college freshmen seem to think of parties first. Therefore, my first advice would be to play moderately and instead of partying every night. There will be many chances for going out so there is no need to do it all the first weeks of school. Also, take the opportunity to make new friends and create new bonds while keeping in touch with old friends. Making time for all this and studying is part of time management, which I learned is important in keeping up with college life. As I had not practiced this much while I was in high school, I had to adjust with some difficulty when I came to college. In college, we are not given schedules but we make them and these schedules greatly determine how we allot are time. I was excited about making my own schedule but I never realized how important thinking through the schedule and how it will impact my day was until I started school. With all that I went through, my greatest pieces of advice to high school students would be to remember to meet new people, to manage time wisely, and to study for your classes.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a highschool senior, the main piece of advice i would give myself would be, "Don't settle for something just because you are afraid of failure. Don't hold back on making decisions and take the easy way out. Go for what you want without hesitating!" My senior year of highschool, I got accepted to an amazing art school but i chose to go to school in-state instead. I thought it would be better for me to stay near my family and stay away from school loans. Im still glad to be near my family, but i always imagine how my life would be if i had gone to that school instead. Now, after taking this path, I want more than ever to experience going to an art school. This time, however, i feel i am much more driven than i was in highschool and I'm completely confident i would succeed in that environment. I would tell myself never to settle on something because of fear, but ironically, if it weren't for the choice i made, i couldn't fully appreciate the weight of my own advice.

Congragulations on making it this far. Don't give up now, life has alot more to offer after this. There will be alot of obsticles, trials, and tribulations, but this is the breaking process. I know you can stand the heat.

I would tell myself to develop a strong sense of personal accountability and self-esteem. In college, as in adult life, no one holds your hand and tells you how to navigate your life. It is up to you to decide what you want and to determine the best way to achieve your goals. Becoming mature means being able to accept responsibility for one's own decisions, mistakes, and choices. It is also important to recognize that every choice has consequences. Sometimes these consequences are negative or unintentional, but we must each accept responsibility for the outcome of our decisions. I would also tell myself to stop expecting other people to clean up my messes, and to learn how to stand on my own two feet. A confident, capable person is less likely to make bad decisions or to be taken advantage of. Particularly for a woman, a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in her own abilities are two very critical tools that will enable her to make good choices in college and in life.

Dear Ali, I know how stressful this senior year is with all the AP classes and trying to work your job. Just know all that you are doing is preparing you for next year. College is wonderful but the hardest part is trying to do it all on your own. With Mom and Dad 7 hours and one state away everything is up to you. At home students take advantage of hot meals and clean clothes. These things will be your responsibility along with classes and school work. The scheduling of your time will become the hardest task ahead. You already know you can do the coursework just know you have to prepare yourself for the LIFE work! Relax and enjoy your senior year but know college will be harder and more challenging. Also know it will be more rewarding because you have done this for yourself. Ali

The most important advice I could give myself would be that staying on top of reading and homework is necessary to do well. When I arrived to UGA I spent most of my time socializing with people in my dorm instead of doing work for my classes. There's plenty of time to do both, but I didn't understand that because in high school I never had to work hard to get good grades. College professors expect you to act and be responsible like adults, not high schoolers. They expect you to get yourself up in the morning and get to class on time and to turn in homework and other assignments on time. I would tell myself to take morning classes if you're a morning person and to take afternoon classes if you're not because being present in class is very important. I would also tell myself to take a slightly easier course load the first semester because the transition to college takes some time. You should take an easier course load so that you will have time to make friends, to find resources available to you and to do the work required of you.

I would never change the decision I made to go to the University of Georgia, but I am an out-of-state student so this decision was very intimidating. I would advise myself to relax and take the chance. By going to a school where I knew no one, I have been able to become more independent, open-minded, and involved. I would explain to myself that sometimes taking a risk like this is worth it because you must rely on yourself to grow and mature into the person you want to be with less outside pressure. When you go to a college like this, in a brand new place, you step into a whole new atmosphere, a whole new world where you get to challenge yourself to try new things that you never dreamed you were capable of in high school. Do whatever it takes to attend the school you want. If you find your dream school and are accepted, do whatever it takes to get there even if that means facing your fears and taking a chance. Do not sell yourself short or believe that you cannot take on a challenge. You may never have that opportunity again.

Looking back at all of my experiences and knowing how to handle certain situations, I would tell myself to take every opportunity that you come across while being in college. Throughout the years, many different opportunities such as campus activities and events have been given and I have not taken those opportunities. I would look into that senior's eyes and tell them to take everything that is being handed to them, because once their gone, you'll never get them back. Making the transition is not the hard part, it's knowing how to interact with people who you don't know and taking the time to get to know them and watching your time wisely. Spending too much time with your new friends can cause you to get distracted and lose focus of your studies, but too few time spent with people can cause you to feel isolated and you will not get the full enjoyment and college experience that most of your fellow peers received while at the university. This will be the time of your life, enjoy it and take every opportunity that comes your way. It's life's best 4 years, live it well.

College significantly increases the pressure and self reliance students have on themselves. Handling class schedules and timing can be extremely difficult. Also being knowledgeable about the school you are planning to attend and then also the major you will pursue is important. Sometimes just looking at a school's website is not enough; investigate the universities and the departments. You will be spending at least four years of your life at this school and it needs to be a good fit for you. If you can talk to current students at the school do that as well. Once at school, organize your schedule. Academics, extra curricular activities, athletics, and anything else can all coexist together. Your time is in your hands now and you decide what to do with it. Be excited about college life and look forward to the new freedom. This is a thrilling time in your life so enjoy it to the fullest.

Supposing I could go back in time to my senior year the one thing that I would tell myself is: determine now what it is that you truly want out of life (what you want to be, but primarily what do you want to achieve). Once you have done this create a road map or a chick list of the most crucial things you must do or achieve to get you where you want to go in the life that you create for youself. This would be my advice to myself because once you have a clearly defined achieveable goal along the way to achieveing it, you develope a zeal and drive like no other. Each time you check a milestone off of your list or you reach a checkpoint along your journey your passion to reach the finish only intensifys. Your attitude transforms from "I can" to "I will" and a that point you are an unstoppable force, because "your attitude always determines your alltitude."

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would recommend becoming more involved while in high school and continuing that into college, as well as to live on campus longer and diversify my friendships.

So you are ready for college? I have some advice before you make the transition from living under the parent's roof to living in a dormitory with over a thousand other students. Of course you are going to college to earn a degree, so classes should be your top priority. Signing up for classes as early as possible is extermely important. As a freshman, you have few hours which translates into being very low on the totem poll of signing up for classes. The earlier you register, the better chance you have of avoiding those horrible 8AM classes. Make sure you get involved early as well. This is a great way to meet new people and make a name for yourself on campus. Meet your teachers. Introduce yourself to them and have them remember your face (in a good way). This could help you if you ever need to meet later in the semester. The best advice I can give you is do not skip classes. I've seen many people regularly skip class and their grade always reflects their lack of effort. I hope these gems help you in furthering your education. Good luck less educated, younger me!

So much has happened in the past two years - so many changes, discoveries, and revelations about myself and the world. The things I would want to tell my senior self would be enough to write a book or two on. Giving the limited amount of words I'm allowed to type, I would say my biggest advice I would give myself would be to relax. My first year seemed to be entwined with anxiety - I was always worried about what my major would be, what career I would go into, would I get a job after college, why were people so different now? I spent so much time worrying and trying to stay in my comfort zone that I believed I missed out on some great memories and friends. So my major advice would be to relax, to get out of my comfort zone and do the things that made me nervous because that's what life is all about. Oh, and I would also tell myself to buy books online because the ones in the bookstore are extremely over priced.

The best advice that I can give anyone is to take your high school days serious, but have fun. Do the best in all of your classes and get involed in school functions. The things that you learn in your classes you will need for your higher education. Get the most out of all you classes. When you start college, do and try your best. Get involved in the different clubs that your college may offer. The more you are involved in outside activities, the more friends you can make and it can make the transition from high school to college a little easier.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to begin college with the end in mind. Knowing exactly where you want to go and how you are going to get there is the recipe for success. With so many distractions and academic choices to make, it is imperative to gain experiences early in one's college career to make a concrete decision. In college, it seems like there is so much time to figure out your major and what you need to do, but that is entirely false. I would encourage myself to really explore career options via shadowing, interning the first semester to give me a direction. I would tell myself to listen to my instincts and not change my career goals because of outside factors. I was accepted into UGA as a chemistry major, and then changed it four times because I was never satisfied. I would have told myself to pursue a degree in science, and to not get intimidated by horror stories of freshman chemistry. I should have listened to myself at the beginning, because now that I have graduated, I will be going back to school for the pre-medical sciences.

I would tell myself to study harder and make better decisions concerning my studies and academics. I would also tell myself not to stress so much about the transaction from high school to college because it really was not as bad as I thought.

Don't go into college and take the classes that your parents tell you to take or go for the major someone tells you to go for. Go to college and take the classes that you enjoy to end up with a major that interests you.

Don't delay your opportunity to go to school now.

If I were to go back in tim e as a high school senior I would tell myself a few things. First , I would say not to take for granted the first semester and to work as hard as you can because that first semester is crucial. I struggled my first semester at UGA and my GPA never recovered and now I am just to the point where I just want to graduate. I would tell myself that I really need to buckle down and focus so I would not get off to a bad start academically. Also I would tell myself not to get into any credit card debt. My parents have not been able to help me as much as they would of liked and I have turned to Credit cards for some of the things I need or want and that has put me in some debt that I will have to climb out of when I graduate. I would tell myself to make sure to not get a credit card so that I would not have to worry about having that debt when I graduate.

I would start off by telling myself the grades you make now do matter and more importantly what you learn now can and will help you in the future. I would then tell myself to stop being afraid of being yourself. Those around you will like you FOR YOU. I would participate more in school funtions, such as homecoming dances, prom, powederpuff games, football games, etc.. I was so afraid of opening up to people that I didn't get to enjoy my high school years. In fact, I think about this frequently. There are so many things I regret BUT that have helped me now in college. I would tell myself don't be ashamed of being a little dorky. So what I love to learn? ..I love to sit in the front row? I love being organized and I love NOT being late for class. These are all things I love but was afraid of being becasue of what others may have thought. One thing I belive every high school student should know is that they can be accepted as themselves. If they know this everything else would fall into place. It has for me.

I would have decided to apply only to instate colleges since if I maintain a 3.0 gpa I will have free instate tuition at public colleges.

Choose carefully, but allow for bad choices that provide extra learning opportunities. Be friendly to those you might be different from, but remember to follow your instincts when dealing with people. Don't apply for a credit card until graduation. Seek financial aid for graduate school before leaving as an undergrad. Collect the addresses and contact info of friends before leaving, to keep up with them later. Let fear be a safety net, not a cage. Exercise more, and with others. Avoid alcohol and mariguana, but not necessarily the people who use them. Do everything possible to be part of exchange or travel abroad experiences. Do more to connect with teachers and other sources of knowledge. Read all the assigned passages and book chapters, even the ones you predict will be boring. Lay off the comfort foods and find others who do the same. Home will be there whe you need a break, not an escape. Procrastination does add to the stress of a deadline, but can provide a incentive for focus at the last minute. Set priorities, but be willing to rearrange them later. Remember that school is for learning, of all kinds.

Everything I learned my senior year was extremely important. There was so much more I could have learned and experienced to help better prepare myself for college. All of the academic and social experiences and trying to organize everything is a lot like college will be. I need to plan out everything and learn time management skills. When I get to college that will be such a huge part of life that my senior high school year will be the perfect time to learn how to get everything done when it is due and still find time to sleep, eat, and maybe even have a little bit of fun. Studying is so important! My grades will be critically important my senior year. Spending time studying and learning to discipline myself will also help the transition to college go more smoothly. There is so much similar to college life and my senior year, juggling everything during my senior year in high school will be great preparation for college.

When make transition from high school to college life, I would say to the students make sure they are ready and focus for the challenge ahead.

Make sure you continue to work your hardest throughout high school, even when you get that acceptance letter. The more you sccomplish in high school, the better off you will be in college, because you will be prepared for the college world. Take the time to learn to study well and continusously have the desire to learn because it doesn't stop in high school. Don't lose sight of your dreams and keep pushing forward no matter what someone else tells you. You are your own worst enemy, so don't let yourself down. Have fun in college because you deserve to, but remember you're there for a reason- you have dreams to aspire to, and you can do it. Stay strong, study hard when you need to, and enjoy every minute of it.

Don't be shy! There are so many organizations on campus waiting to reach out to people that it is necessary to break out of that shell to make friends! Don't be afraid. If you are afraid to do something, do it. Don't want to dance? Dance. Hate football? Go to a game. Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and you will surprise yourself with how much you are able to do! Go all the way!

Continue to never give up on trying to discover who you are.

Don't be afraid to make new friends, even if you're living with friends from high school. New friends open up new opportunites and new interests that you may never discover otherwise. While school is very important, don't allow yourself to get too stressed out about your workload. It is necessary to give yourself time to relax and enjoy college (but know how to balance your study time and your free time). Don't be afraid to ask for help, and don't allow professors to intimidate you. If you feel you can't go to the professor directly, try getting in touch with a TA or finding a study group or tutor- someone on campus can help you. Courses in college will be very demanding, so if you've gotten comfortable with making straight A's in high school, be prepared to step up your game to keep those A's. I would say that, in college, grades in the B range would be equivalent to straight A's earned in high school.

As a high school senior, I remember looking on my high school experience and thinking "It was so great! Nothing can top it!" I was afraid of college: afraid of losing my friends, of starting over, of taking that first step into real life. I tried to prepare; I read all the books, researched my chosen school, bought the cutest dorm stuff I could find. But I still was stressed out. If I could go back in time to my high school, scared-stiff self, I would tell her not to worry-- college is going to better than you could possibly imagine. In reality, I had nothing really to fear. My roommate wasn't insane, my classes were actually interesting, and I didn't miss home that much. All of my worries and fears, while valid at the time, were mostly pointless. College isn't something to be feared: it is something to be embraced. There is no other time in life like college; it is a unique experience and opportunity that allows you to ask the questions "What will I be? What will I do? And how?" in a place that can provide the answer.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself, I would tell myself to be strong. Throughout college you will go through mental challenges, thinking that this is not worth it, and the work is to strenuious. Do not let the friends who are making money and not going to school bring you down, because what you are getting is more valuable. A solid education will help you through your entire life, and you will not be dissapointed to make the descision to go to college.

As a sixteen year-old highschool senior, I already had my mind set on going to college right away. I had always been ambitious about what I wanted to do with my life. The best advice I could give to myself at that point in time would be to stay focused and that all of my hard work would pay off once I get to a major university. I would tell myself that being a sixteen year-old college student is nothing to hide or be ashamed of. But most importantly, I would tell myself that one day I would be able to look back into my past and say, "That little girl--the first in her family to go to college and the girl who's family didn't have the money to send her to college and sacrificed everything for her education--that girl will be great one day and the whole world will know who Cyndyl Lynette McCutcheon is."

No matter how rough it gets, keep working hard. It'll be tough, but if you focus and work your hardest, try your best, you can get through it. There are those that think you're doing great things - even if you don't get all the best things. Take what they say and run with it.

College is very different from anything you have experienced so far. At times you may feel alone, like no one understands what you are up against--but don't worry, if you ask for help there are a lot of people out there to support you and answer your questions. Be sure to play close attention to important dates and deadlines, procrastination can have devastating consequences (like having to miss a WHOLE YEAR of school...)! Most of all have fun and take every opportunity to learn and discover new things...like grandma always said, you don't know you won't like it unless you try it. Oh and by the way...you want to major in engineering, even if that sounds weird now...just do it.

Dear Claire, I know that you have your mind set on coming to college and studying to become a doctor. I also know that you are coming to UGA with a crutch. Your boyfriend is already here. I would advise you, however, to explore the options and the abundance that UGA has to offer you. Think about your future and realize that in a few years you will not feel the exact same way that you feel right in this moment. You will join Gamma Sigma Sigma and meet many new friends and volunteer with the community but I hope that you will continue to explore your curiosity for the arts. See plays, listen to music and concerts you wouldn't normally listen to, speak French, study abroad, go to events and explore the unique culture that Athens, GA has to offer. Don't let a failed relationship or a status quo run your life for you. Always remember that you are the leading lady of your life and it is only you who can make the decisions that will impact your future. No one else can do it for you. Most of all don't lose your eternal optimism.

I would tell myself that going to the most expensive school is really not that important. I would have taken the scholarship to Mercer or applied to UGA then. Putting myself in $30,000 and being forced to take a semester off from school was not worth it.

Weigh the options/opportunities more and maybe even choosing another school with better sholarship/financial arrangements

Know who you are before you get to college. I went to a small private school, and although it was diverse in some ways, it could not prepare me for being in a student body of over 30,000. When you get in a group that large, without your family and your old friends, your habits, your morals, and the genuineness of your character are tested. Know what your goals are so that you have something to work toward in your head and motivate you when no one is there to get you up for your 8am class after you hit the snooze button. Know your personality and don't let yourself lose it! If you normally smile at everyone, make sure you keep smiling, even if few smile back. Know what your morals are so that you have peace of mind that you are doing the right thing and being yourself at all times, regardless of who you are with or the situation you are in. And know that it is ok to change as you learn from your experiences, as long as it's for the better and you stay true to yourself.

I would tell myself to enjoy freshman year a bit more than I did. I would also tell myself that I should prioritize better and make time for volunteer activities. Another thing that I would tell myself is that I should feel less homesick for I only live two hours away from my home. I would also encourage myself to be more decisive when I want to do something. I also need to learn how to say 'no' to some things.

Do well in college, but don't take yourself too seriously. Don't get too stressed out, but instead focus on the fun you're having, because college goes by way too fast. Don't procrastinate and you'll realize that while others are cramming for tests and hurriedly trying to finish projects, you can enjoy yourself and relax.

make sure my parents have money to help pay for college before i decide to apply senior year.

I would tell myself to spend more time with my family, and make the most of the time that I do spend with them. I would also tell myself to learn how to manage my time better, and become self-sufficient.

If I could go back in time and tell myself anything, it would be to believe in yourself. Going in to college, I did not realize how many tough situations I would be faced with. Being away from my family, who I realized later on that I leaned on for support tremendously, made everything tougher. Independence was forced upon me and with that came the realization that I need to suck it up and believe that I can do the best I can. People handle stress in different ways. As of right now I am still trying to figure out how to handle my huge workload and all other social dedications I have, but I am getting better and better. So as a Senior in high school, I would have given myself the advice to start preparing to be strong in any situation at hand and don't give up. Self confidence is a beautiful thing.

For the most part, I believe that I would do things the same way that I had in high school. Perhaps the only change I would make would be to take a few different AP classes from the ones that I ended up taking (I would pick a few others that fit more with what I want to do with my life). However, I found my transition from high school to college to be pretty smooth and I am happy to say that I would not change anything that I did.!