University of Hartford Top Questions

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

Milijana

At present I am a graduate of Union County College and it has increased my knowledge in the Business aspect. I am a hard working student devoted to learning and continuing for a higher education. My experience at Union County College has been nothing but fantastic and a school I am proud to represent for the outstanding things I have learned throughout my two years there. I am looking forward to increasing my knowledge about Business at a four year institution and I am looking to graduate in two years with a Bachelors Degree in Business studies.

Erin

What I've gotten from my college experience is probably not that relevant to college, itself. I found love. The end of my first year in college, I found someone that means more to me than I could have ever imagined. I realize it sounds lame because I'm only 20 years old but I'm not a fool. I love this boy and we've been together for more than a year now. I also gained some new friends from a dance team that I started on campus. The team was ratified in January and we were all thrilled because we're one, large family.

Samantha

I have yet to attend college, but the preparation to attend college has been quite and experience. My mother and I have become closer by working together to find colleges and majors I like and don't like. I also attended an audition for dance which was one of the best things I could have done for myself. I am proud that I was able to do something with out my fellow dancers around me to support me; instead it was just me trying my best and supporting myself. I also realized that most colleges will fund you in different ways, but it is up to you to find the scholarships and grants.

Tiangelia

In my experience with college I have learned a lot of things. I have learned the most how to work with others. There is a class here at my college that a first year student have to attend its called College Life Skills. College Lifeskill is a class that helps you in college period. They teach you study skills, note taking, and the most for me is "how to work with others." College I thought would be scary because I didnt know anybody this class is to introduce you to your peers. You have to learn classmate name, get at least two numbers from every class you take as a assignment, just so your teacher knows you know them. They teach you many things about the college you are attending and places to go for certain help. Oh boy did that help me. My experience with college has taught me that I dont have to be scared of new surroundings for there are people around me that are feeling the same way, connect with them and other members and staff at your college.The mor people you get to know the more relaxed you will be.

Brittany

I have gotten so much out of my University so far. From metting professors who go out of there way to make sure you understand the curriculam to helping with registration and actually caring about what is next inn your path and how to get there. I have made freinds htat will loast a life time. The most important is knwoing I am at the right school for for the path of my caeer with sholders to lean on when i need assitance, from freinds teachers and even the Ladies and Gentlemen helping in offices all around the campus.

Lisa-marie

Believe that you can do it, and it will happen. Please do not worry that you may not get into the college of your choice because you will. You are a very good student that doesn't take an education for granted. A student that loves learning and networking with others. You are open to so many different ideas and you love meeting people from various social and racial backgrounds. Everything will come full circle for you and for the future. Dreams, goals and the way you would like to live will all come true. Jobs at school will happen and you will join in on many organizations and clubs. Relax and enjoy because you are a smart girl and everything will work out with the help of God and family.

Catherine

As I look back on my experience transitioning from high school to college, I can think of some advice that would have helped make the process easier at the time. One important thing to remember is to keep an open mind. If you have a rough couple of days in the beginning, don?t automatically assume that college is not going to get any better. It just takes some getting used to. Also, keep in mind that everyone is in the same position as you. So reach out, the people around you all want to meet others and make friends just as much as you do. For me, it was important to get to know the people in my classes because they helped me when I had questions and they eventually turned into the best friends I have made at college. If I could go back, I would tell myself to keep in touch with everyone at home because talking with old friends who really know you can help you when things get tough. Making and keeping connections is one of the most important things to have success at college, whether it is with new friends, old friends or teachers.

nicholas

I would not goof off in my senior year and make it so hard for myself...I should have studied more and kept up my grades which would have been a plus because some of the grades would have counted towards credits in college.

Yahshannah

I would have try harder to get a better GPA because it really does matter. Also i wold have started looking for scholarships and money opporutnities way sooner then i did.

Jahmal

I would advise my soon-to-be graduating self to first of all, believe in himself and his dreams; and to not be intimidated by people who are successful. I would want him to understand that in order to be successful, there are a great number of failures one has to experience. When making a choice for college to consider what he wants above the needs of those of friends and family. I would also encourage him to visit the college or university he chooses and make important contacts before school starts. I would also encourage him to study harder than he ever has before and try to find meaning in the subjects that bore him, because those boring subjects just might make sense someday. Finally, I would advise him to be himself and enjoy the good times and endure the bad ones, because each moment has a lesson that will throughly enrich his life.

Anthony

If I could go back in time to the point when I was beginning my high school senior year, I would tell myself to apply to all my colleges early so that there would be no complications during the application process so all of them would arrive on time. Due to this I could probably have been eligible for more financial aid. Secondly, I would push myself to do more scholarships than just a few. I know I probably could have gotten more scholarships if I had tried, but I was young and foolish. I procrastinated too much and it cost me. I would tell myself of the consequences I would face and convince myself to do more. Lastly, I would also tell myself to find a job before my senior year ended. This way I would have money saved up for the expensive books that I need each semester. There are many things I would fix if it was truly possible to go back in time, but unfortunately, it isn't possible. However, college is about learning and growing and that's what I intend to keep doing so I can go on with no further regrets.

Briana

If i could go back in time and talk to my self as a high school senoir my advice would be not to panic about going to college. Yes, college is different than high school, but it is not difficult. The only way that college can be difficult if the time and effort is not put in with your work; you will not succeed. High school and college are similar; they both have teachers, books, homework, tests, and projects. The experience is like going from your senior year in eighth grade to your freshman year in high school. Basically, just the buildings change.

Sara

I had been ready to experience college since I was a sophomore in high school. I had been mentally prepared by my brother's upcoming graduation, and all the fuss that came with completing scholarships and gathering work for an art portfolio. All throughout high school, I felt as if I needed the "college experience," which included living on campus, parting, and drinking in every moment of glory involved with being "away at college." I know now that there is no positive "college experience" that seniors talk about, but the experience associated with partying. Yes, living on your own is a liberating feeling, but it is important to keep control of yourself while you're feeling so free. I am able to look at those in my classes, my dorm building and my place of work, and see who will not make it through their first or second year of college. Partying is certainly not appropriate for every weekend's activities. A student goes to college to learn, not to just get a degree. What good is a degree when you can't remember any of your training from drinking or smoking too much?

Christopher

If I could go back in time to my senior high school year I would tell myself to manage my time more efficiently by making a Schedule so I will complete my work on time. Secondly, I would tell myself to practice speed reading so I can read more quickly and efficiently which would give me more time to finish work in other classes. Finally, I would teach myself how to study more efficiently by making sense out of the material that I learned in class or by relating it to myself or by comparing it to today?s society. For example, in philosophy if I wanted to remember and be able to explain the ideas of a philosopher than I would simplify it so I can make sense out of what their ideas are. Also, if I wanted to remember the material in my sociology class such as the concept of socialization (learning the values of society) than I would relate it to my life so it make sense and easy to remember.

Jason

If i could go back in time to tell my high school senior self something, it would be that I should take the A.P. Statistics class. My older brother had talked me out of it by saying that when he was a senior, he had taken it and dropped out because it was very challenging. I have since realized that I would have done fine in that class and I have come to regret not attempting it. I do not think that taking the class would have changed anything about my life at college or making the transition from high school to college. However, that is my biggest regret from my senior year and therefore, that is what I would change if I could.

Cody

I would tell my self that what I wanted to go into at that time had a great future and that I should stick to it, that the end result would be worth it.

Cheylin

If i could go back in time to advise myself when I was just a high school senior, there are only a few things I would encourage. College is completely different from high school in the fact that you are given all of the freedom you want. In high school, young adults feel as though they MUST go to high school because it is recommended. College on the other hand is a totally different place. College is not for people that do not want to be there. You take classes depending on what you like to do, and it is your responsibility to do nothing less than your best. Determination is something that you need when entering college for the first time. One should also be open-minded to other cultures and backgrounds because in college you meet all different kinds of people. College is an amazing experience and I suggest that everyone attend the college that fits them the best. It is impossible to be perfect, but you can always come close!

Maxwell

Always keep an open mind to the new experiences you will face. Get your homework done early so you can meet new people at night. Register for classes as soon as you possibly can so you can get the teachers you want.

Sherry

If I can go back to being a highschool senior right know, I would tell myself to work harder, so I can be prepared for what is coming. I would also try to persuade myself to read some more books, to more well rounded. Being an experienced college student I'd advise myself that I will be meeting different types of people and be open to them, because you won't know them until you talk to them, they can be one of your closest friends. You shouldn't be afraid to take some risks. Don't become the same shy girl you were in highschool. And work harder, it all comes through once you finish college and get a great job.

Victoria

" Vikki, it's Vikki from the future. WAKE UP ! you have to do really well in this last year of high school, your life is going to change alot once you get to college . STUDY all you can . Get you're G.P.A .up as high as possible this year, trust me you will need it for scholarships and other applications. Pick the right school and do not jump into a school you are unsure of it will be the greatest mistake of your life. You can still have fun no worries but you need to focous and not procrastinate. Get your head into school you will be proud of you when you are standing on the second graduation stage. oh and rememeber how you never really joined any groups ? well do it now they will be useful in your life as well as in college and networking. So study ,pick the right school and keep your head up high."

Ryan

If I could go back to my high school self for one piece of advice, it'd be to open up more to people. Back in high school I was very reserved, since everyone thought they knew me. In college, most people are very open to meeting new people, and several of my good friends up there I met just by talking to them as a random stranger. College is somewhat of a rebirth, a realization of who you are as an individual. I didn't know how drastic the change would be from high school to college life, but it's been for the best.

deja

Well my high school years went pretty well. I regret knowing how hard it was gonna be and taking it for granted. I would have work harder to get better grades. I would also have tryed in take back my friends death that affected me alot in high school. But my guidance counselor helped me prepare for college and I think I was ready. The advice I would have given myself would have been concentrate on ur dreams and goals and don't let anyone distract you.

Dana

My Senior Year self: "Should I actually go to the University of Hartford? I need to know what it will be like!" My present self: "It's going to be awesome. The Hartt School is great." SY: "What about the people? Are they stupid? The average accepted GPA is so low compared to mine...but the conservatory is what I want..." P: "Don't worry about that...it's about you. I know you've heard this a hundred times, but you'll get out of it what you put into it. And the Hartt people are generally very dedicated. " SY: "So will I make friends?...People who care about school? And I will learn, and be a good singer? And a good teacher?" P: "Yes. Stop worrying-- just don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Take the initiative. Be confident." SY: "That's scary." P: "You need to be comfortable with yourself, and work hard. Don't worry about what people think, and don't just wait and hope to achieve what you want--make it happen. I know you will feel like you're working harder than everyone else--often--but the frustration is worth it."

Jade

Going away for college and dorming is a great experience that everyone should try. It gives you a sense of responsibility, freedom, and a taste of adulthood. Depending on the person, the transition can be rough, but well worth it. Finding a good balance between work and play is imperative, but a challenge. If you focus too much on school work, studying, and getting enough sleep, you will be miserable. If you focus too much on having fun and partying, not only will your grades be at risk, but also your health. We need sleep! We are growing into adults and need proper rest. It may take a few tries but it has to happen. Lastly, talk to your teachers. Even though you're only with your teacher for a semester, it is good to form a relationship. Whether you're struggling, in fear of struggling, or just want to do better, let them know. It's never too soon to shoot them an email. Don't be a teachers pet, but let them know what's going on. You will greatly benefit from this. Oh, and while you are excersizing your brain, don't forget to excersize your body!

Shannon

Shannon, Stay focused. The best way to do this is too set goals for yourself. Know what you need and go for it. Then if the oppurtunity arises, go for what you want.

Franchesca

Knowing what i know now about the college transition and the college life; I would have told myself a few things if I had the chance to go back in time and talk to myself while i was still a high school senior. I would have told myself that time mangement and prioritizing is the key to succeeding in college. If you want to get your work done, go to the library. Thinking that you can "study" and "do" homework in your room, while your roommate is there with their friends, is not really possible. I would have also told myself, visiting your professor during "office hours" is very keen to you passing your courses. Its recommended that you visit your professors a few times during the week. If you don't have homework questions, make some up. Later on in the future you would need recommendation letters and you might want to ask your professors. These are the few things that i would have told myself if had the chance to go back in time while i was still a high school senior.

Karen

I would tell myself to go where I wanted to go and would be happiest. To consider the setting as well as the academics and reputation of the school. I would be less overwhelmed with a smaller campus.

Lisa-Marie

Always believe in yourself and start to look into internships and scholarships earlier than your junior year. Always take a chance and never regret anything you have done in life. Learn to balance yourself and pace yourself as well. People will come and go but you have yourself towards the end of the day. Try to stick with people that you feel safe with and don't take it personel if a friendships does not last. Always stay true tou yourself and your family and don't let stress take over your life.

Xing

If I was able to meet my past self during the high school years, I would have persuaded him to take a easier major and go to a state school instead of a private school. Being a Architecture major, I have come to the realization that with the effort and workload that is put into the major compared to others, it is not worth it in the long run. Also, by telling my younger self to not go to a private school, I would save myself a lot of money and not be in debt when I leave college.

Ishani

If I were to go back in time to tell myself some advice when I am a high school senior, I would tell myself that college is about having fun, but more importantly, it is to get a good education so to get the carrerr you want. It is important to keep your priorities straight and do the work you are assigned before letting loose and having fun. School should always come first, because it is the most important part of your life, but you should also make some time to make friends and have fun, especially since college is all about the experience.

Phillip

I would tell myself a few things if I could give myself some advice. For one, I would tell myself to budget my time better. Sometimes I can get bogged down in my schoolwork if I put it off. Another thing I would tell myself would be to meet as many people as I can. My first year here I didn't really like it because I wasn't very outgoing with people in my high school. Now I have a lot of friends who belong to many different social groups. The last thing I would tell myself would be to wake up in the morning. I used to be a morning person but I find it hard to wake up. I just need to give myself the motivation to get a good night's sleep and wake up in the morning for my classes.

Alyssa

Keep a good head on your shoulders. Take care of your body and treat it kindly because the Freshman 15 doesn't look great on you! Don't rush into anything with guys because you have all the time in the world to find who's right for you. You don't need to get yourself so preoccupied with finding the perfect guy right now! I know you're a social creature, but try your hardest to take your major seriously. I know the people surrounding you in your classes are a complete drag, but just take them in stride. Your first week at college, you're going to find the people that truly change your life. Let me just prepare you by telling you that, the minute your parents drop you off at campus, you're going to cry hysterically and plead with them to turn right back around on their 4 hour journey home and rescue you from the concept of independence. You know what? I'd hate to spoil the plot of the drama, but you survive! And even in those moments when things get to you, just remember: everything is going to actually be all right!

Catherine

If I were to go back and be a high school senior again I would tell myself to not to make friends with only one group of people, so that went we broke up I would not loose all my friends. I would also have tried to teach myself to be more relaxed about my school work becuase a lot of the time it interfears with a my ability to make friends.

Gabriela

Fill out more scholarships! Truly focus on what you want to study, enjoy what you have left of high school because college is an extremely different enviornment. You'll meet new people who have a lot of different opinions than your own and you have to understand to live with it and to continue your knowledge in and outside of the classroom. Do your best, your never gonna learn if you try to be perfect all the time, people make mistakes, learn from them and move on. You will learn alot from your peers but your more likely to learn about yourself from the decisions your going to make when you get to college, think it over wisely. Be yourself no matter what!

Janine

I believe I did the best I could have done in my college search. It is wise to take into account the factors that matter most to you--financial aid, academics, social life, location, etc, and this is what I did. Financial aid was incredibly important to me, so that came first. No matter how I am feeling now about my college, I believe that I truly did pick the best school that I could have. As a first-generation college student, I didn't have anyone to help me in my college search; additionally, my family can't afford to pay much for college, so financial aid was top priority. I would tell my senior-year self that I was heading in the right direction, but that perhaps I shouldn't pack so much stuff for my dorm room. I would tell myself to relax, to stop taking the process so incredibly seriously. It all works out in the end, and it usually works out for the better. The college search can be incredibly challenging, but with the right knowledge, it can be successful.

Aliza

Don't stress about college too much, because it all seems to work out in the end!

Spencer

Don't stress about which college or university to choose. Just step back and the right one will jump out at you. For some people, that choice happens right away, and for others, it takes time.

Lisa

think about what you want in a college, and look at what each school has to offer. Make sure to visit the school before you make a decision. Dont just cling to your roomate, Join extra curricular activities, and try to meet as many poeple as possible.

Matthew

Go with what your heart tells you. If you feel a strong vibe from a college or university go for it. You are the one who will be going there so you have to feel comfortable to. And no one can do that but yourself. Make sure to try to find where things are early in the semester, such as offices and administrative buildings, incase of an emergency. Don't be afraid to talk to people, esspecially upper classmen. Some of my good friends are in the upper class, and be cause of them I definatly was able to get my way around campus and know who i needed to talk to for problems, or just cool and intereresting teachers and students.

Claire

I would like parents especially to remember that it is their son or daughter who has to be happy at school. And please know that just because you are footing the bill, it does not mean you get to make the decisions for them. They need to make their own mistakes and develop their own sense of responsibility.

Lisa

Visit schools that meet your needs. Be realistic about what you want in a school. Consider its location and what you want out of college. Are you focused?

Krystal

Advice I would give to parents is "let go". Do not call your child every hour of the day, trust that you have instilled in them the difference between wrong and right an wrong. For students I would tell them not to be afraid to get involved socially if it is appropriate. Always put your school work first before the parties and social events no matter how much of a "square" your friends say you are. Lastly choose what makes you happy. Do not feel obligated to attend a school a parent is an alumni of or feel the need to join a sorority they have been. You are becoming older and along comes responsibilties and making the right ddecisions for yourself is one of them. You must live up to your expectations and not everyone else's.

Alicia

Make sure you visit the school and really love what you see. Choose the school that offers the most money towards tuition Be active-join organizations, club even a sorority or fraternity. Always stay active, it will look good on your resume!

Melanie

I would definitely advise parents and students to visit all the colleges they are interseted in and really go with where you feel most at home combinded with finding the major that most fits what you are looking for. I would also advise living on campus so you can get the most out of the full college expericence, yes that means your social life too. Also make sure the school you attend has opprotunities for you to get involved with sports, jobs, clubs, getting off campus and the community.

Kevin

Take into account everything little aspect from school size and surrounding stores to diversity and majors. Also, visit the college before you make it a final choice. If there's still trouble deciding make a list and compare all the likes to dislikes to give you a better look at your choices.

Kyle

Choose the size and type of college for you. Its importnat to determien what your looking for and what your personalty style is. You can choose the wrong school, and if you do, its ok to change schools. ITs ok to choos the wrong college. Its ok to do a lot of things, its a learning expriecne and college is vital to that process. You will hvae the opproutniy to learn about yourself and how you interact with other people and instutions. Its important to understand that people are at your school to help you. If you choose to find another school, they will even help youf find the otehr schools, (at least mine does) and will help you transfer, becuase they are more sconcerned with your furture and whats best for you then anything else. People are their to help you.

Sarah

make sure to visit every school you're considering, and speak to students there. it's helpful to go without your parents, because you get a more realistic experience that way. when in school, the most important thing is going to every class, studying for tests, and doing homework on time- once you've mastered that, the rest is easy!

Kevin

Visit all of the schools you are interested in. When visiting these schools pay close attention to the type of people you see, and talk to as many of them as possible. Don't be afraid, most students and faculty are more than happy to help (except for maybe during exams week, when everyone is chugging coffee and pulling their hair out). Also take a close look at the classrooms you will be studying in. That's where you will be spending most of your time, so you should want them to suite your style. If you can find the professors you will be studying with, get as much information out of them as you can (interrogate them). I don't think I can stress that enough. They will be your mentors, so you should enjoy their company and be interested in what they have to say. When you get to college, make the most of the first few days. You will meet some of your best friends on the first day of school. Learn time management quickly; between schoolwork, real work and friends, you don't have much "me" time. Relax and have fun. It's only four years.

Becc

Make sure to look at all of the factors of the school! The class size and courses offered may be perfect but if you don't fit in with the social scene (or the other way around, the parties look awesome but the classes are so-so) reconsider. People say they may transfer but transferring is really difficult in conjunction with classes during the semester (also often credits won't even transfer). So make the right decision the first time!

Kristin

Decide what is important to you in choosing a school, and then pick a school from there. If academics are the most important thing to you (and they should be, as that is what you will be paying for), then don't necessarily let the social aspects of the college or university turn you off. I honestly don't enjoy my campus at all and will probably keep in touch with less than ten of my college friends once we graduate, but that doesn't bother me because I know that the program I am a part of is the best in the nation for the degree I am going for. Sure the campus is a mess, but it is a small price to pay for the things that I am learning.