University of Maryland-College Park Top Questions

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

Alexandria

College will be hard to adjust to as this is the first time you are living away from home. You may not get along with everyone you meet; for example, your first roommate. But try not to let this upset you too much because there are plenty more students that you will get along with, so do not be afraid to go out and meet new people. School sponsered clubs and activities are a perfect way to meet people who share the same interest as you. Also, the school work will be hard. After all, that is the main reason for going to college. Do not get discouraged, you will find the best way of studying that works for you and you can make study groups to learn from others. McKeldin library is probably one of the best places to go to get some hard core studying done. Even if you have four exams one day after another, you WILL get through it and I promise you will be able to breathe at the end. Oh, and as for love, it comes and it goes, so do not let it stop you from becoming who you are meant to be.

Kerrigan

If I could go back, I would tell my self not to stress so much. I spent nearly my entire senior year worrying about grades, money, social life--essentially everything that had to do with college. My stress, from my senior year to when I moved into the completely new world of college, prevented me from making the healthy and exciting transition that I had hoped for myself. The first weekend, I ended up going home because I was too overwhelmed and felt as though I couldn't make it in college, both academically and socially--or so my perfectionist self thought at the time. All the unneccessary stress leading up to college prevented me from enjoying myself the way an incoming college student should. College should be exciting, and if I could go back, I would tell myself that there is no need for the anxiety. Take a few breaths and enjoy yourself, because college doesn't last forever. I have learned now that I have to take one step at a time instead of taking a hundred at once. If I had known that back then, I perhaps would have had the college transition that every students deserves.

Elizabeth

If I could go back I would encourage myelf to visit more colleges and appy for more scholarships. I only visited one college and that was the University of Maryland College Park. I'm proud to be a Terp and I'm so glad I was addmited; but I think it would have been a good idea to explore other options. The most stressful thing about my college experience thus far, has been trying to pay for it. I was not very motivated to apply for scholarships during my senior year and that is something I'd like to go back and change. I'd also tell myself to not worry about leaving home. I remeber being incredibly stressed sbout leaving for college, but I'm so glad I live on campus. I love college life and I'm having so much fun. There are so many wonderful opportunities to make friends and to learn. There are so many clubs and organizations on campus, I would remind my past self that I will have countless opportunities to try new things.

Politimi

Knowing what I know now about college life I would tell myself two things: be YOU and cherish every moment you have. I believe it is difficult for college students to fully be able to be themselves because of pressures from their peers. Now, being 24 years old, I understand that it is okay to actually do what I want to do instead of doing what the group does. Additionally, I am now able to embrace who I am despite societal pressures, and it is extremely empowering. I wish I had known these things when I first began college, as it would have saved me many worries. My second pieces of advice, "cherish every moment you have", comes from the fact that my four years at UMD were amazing, and I didn't realize how wonderful they were until it was over and I could no longer enjoy all that college had to offer. I would strongly encourage incoming freshman to make the most out of their time, because four years slips by faster than you think. LOVE YOURSELF AND ENJOY LIFE!

Molly

Be aware that all the seemingly important things from high school such as the friends you have, who you date, and what you do on the weekends, are actually minute details in a much more important experience. Use high school and the things it offers to set yourself up for success in college. Take hard classes, such as AP classes, and learn good study techniques because if you have the ability to transfer credits into college you'll position yourself to be ahead of others, giving you more time to focus on other classes. And even if you are unable to get credit for these classes you'll bring to college something much more important, good study habits. Knowing how to study will facilitate you in being successful in all you classes because, unlike high school, the majority of your learning will happen outside the designated class time. If I was given the opportunity to speak with my past self before she went off to college I would plead with her to separate herself from the hype of high school in order to successfully prepare for college because by entering college prepared you’re much more likely to find success.

Jackie

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to pay more attention senior year. Like many other students facing their final year of high school I did not study as much as I usually did, and because of this my last semesters grades dropped, making me inelgible for many scholarships. Once I realized I did not have as competitive of a GPA as I once did, I stopped applying to scholarships because I just figured I wouldn't get them. I realize how much of a mistake this was now because as I apply for student loans I see the thousands of dollars of debt adding up before I have even obtained a job. This is scary because I do not know if these loans will affect my ability to get an apartment or get my life started after college. Scholarships are incredibly important, and I would make sure that my past self knew this. I would sit myself down, and make myself fill out scholarship applications until I fell asleep at my computer just so that I would not have to go through the difficulty that I have now of applying for so many student loans.

gina

Don't beat yourself up. It's a new experience in a new country, and a new environment. There's no shortage of opportunities for multiple things like making friends, being mentored, and finding an activity to be part of. Don't isolate yourself. Be more adventurous then you perceive yourself to be, and just jump in. What's the worst that could happen? Work hard on your studies, but make time for yourself, and remember to stop every now and then and see the entirety of the forest. Don't get so bogged down that you only see the one tree. Relax. The world is not falling down around you. Relax.

Olivia

Now that I am attending a 4-year University and have transitioned into college life, I have a few words of advice for my high school self. The first piece of advice I would give myself would be to study much harder in high school. High school is not a joke, and everything you do there will affect how you act in college. I feel as if I coasted through high school and didn't put in 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. My second piece of advice is to not worry about petty high school drama. The chances of you seeing anyone from high school is slim to none and after you graduate, nothing that you ever said or did to a peer will matter. College provides one with a fresh start. My last piece of advice would be to always read your textbook and develop a relationship with your teachers. This is great practice for when you are in college and are struggling with certain material. Your textbook will become your best friend and you also want your teacher to notice that you try hard and ask questions come exam time. Knowing this now, I work much harder than I ever did.

Diamond

If I could go back to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to work harder and push myself to break bad habits then so I would be accustomed to working hard now. As a senior I breezed by with easy classes because I didn't work to overload myself with difficult classes. Now that I'm in college I realize that those more difficult classes could have prepared me for what I'm experiencing now. I needed to learn how to manage my time, I needed to learn how to write papers and effectively express my thoughts in an essay. More importantly I needed to experience the level of intensity and rigor that a college course has. If I could go back in time I would tell my high school senior self that the "senior-itis" excuse won't help me in a few months. I would tell myself that I should take those essays I need to do serious and fill out those scholarship applications that my mom yells about. Although I did well in my senior year, the simplest things that I could have done then could change my college experience now.

Celena

Dear shy and timid girl, Get out there! Don't be afraid to talk to new people and do new things! College students don't bite I promise! Everyone that I have met is so open and friendly. Turst me, they want to make new friends and try new things just as much as you do! The friends you meet here will end up being your family away from home. Plus the more friends you make, the more people you have to "compare answers" with for homework. Don't be afriad of anything! Join clubs, start a conversation with a complete stranger, ask questions in class, and most importantly believe in yourself because when you push yourself you can do anything you want! Love, You

Catherine

I would tell myself to make sure I take the time to fill out all of my applications early and have them ready to submit. I would also say to make sure that I take only what I need to have with me during the initial check-in date. Anything else that I wish to have but do not urgently need can be collected when I visit home or shipped out by my family. Make sure not to hold off on any projects and start working on them as soon as possible even if you can only manage a little at a time. Remember school comes first, but don't become so wrapped up in your studies that you forget to make friends and participate in a club or two.

Kyle

I am going to write this as though I am not talking to myself, but to a universal -you-, if that's alright. Hey, it's your last year of high school, and you have a lot on your plate. Scholarships, homework, after-school stuff, applications, SATs, friends and family. They all seem to eat away at your time, your energy, and your interests. Quick, take a second, and think back to where you were junior year of high school. College is a year or more away, you have to take SATs and ACTs, and some AP or IB classes, but the sheer mass of moving out of one stage of your life hasn't hit you yet. Remember that feeling, and understand that it becomes the same way your first year of college. You aren't collapsing under the pressure of schoolwork yet, but there is still plenty of work to be done. You have to get yourself out there, and get to know people. The hardest part is getting comfortable with your new place and the people that surround it. After that, after you have a new home, care about the people around you, because they're family.

Sade

Money is extremely important. Do not think that just because you have won a few scholarships that school is paid for. Throughout your life you will come to understand that because of the cost of education, making a decision about where to attend post-secondary school is not a decision that you can make based only on your opinion. You have to bring your family and their financial situation into the equation. Make sure your family can afford for you to attend the school that you choose, whether that be through scholarships, grants or as a last resort, loans. Keeping in mind all of these things will save you a lot of stress and worry in the long run. You will not have to be forced to face the copious amounts of adult decisions that you have been forced to face due to the decision you made when you chose to attend this school that you have fallen in love with and refuse to leave regardless of the hardships that have come along as baggage.

Faozia

I would have told myself to take my academic life more seriously and to plan ahead for college. This is by taking the time to actually apply for scholarships so that every semester I would not have to struggle to pay off my tuition in order to register for classes for the following semester. I would tell my high school self to visit the career center starting my Junior year and get close with the financial aid advisor so that she could help me find scholarships that, at the time, did not require citizenship or permanent residence. This would pay out in the long run because in college I would just focus on school and not have to get a part-time job to pay for school.

Bria

The best thing you can do your freshman year is get involved. There is a whole world of new people and new experiences at UMD that are waiting for you. Do not be afraid. You will grow and learn so much as long as you push yourself to try harder, be better, and step outside of your comfort zone. Have fun! I know I don't need to tell you to be responsible, but remember that the schoolwork comes first and the adventure comes at a very close second. This is the best advice that I can give you because it will help you in so many ways. Follow this advice and you will build a network, make tons of friends, learn many new things, and truly get to know yourself. You can be great, just take the leap!

Michael

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now, there are many things I would tell myself. First, I would tell myself to take as many AP classes as possible. Coming in to college and seeing my peers who already had anywhere from 6-30 credits, I was shocked. It was clear that these students had taken advantage of an oppurtunity to put themselves ahead, and that is something I wish I had taken advantage of. The second piece of advice I would give myself would be to be as proactive and engaged with my professors as possible. One major aspect about being a college student is that you have to take the initiative when it comes to your success. I learned that it was imparitive to reach out to professors when I needed help, or even simply to introduce myself so that they could connect a name to a face. Wether it is turning in assignments a week early and asking for revisions, or asking for next week's syllabus, professors deeply appreciate students who take initiative and it shows when grades come out.

Kathy

Please do not be so tense all of the time about college. The people in your class are just like you. You got accepted for a reason. They will help you with the transition, they want you to succeed, they know you are nervous, just do not let it get to you and affect your GPA. Also, come out of your shell. I know you use it for protection, but taking risks is a part of college and its experience. Do not room with someone you know, you will only stick to them because that is within your comfort zone. Try rooming with someone random. This way you will be able to meet someone new, make a new possibly life long friend and gain new experiences. Remember to be open to campus activities. Being at such a large college, you should take advantage of all of the activities and organizations around you which will allow you to get a more well rounded experience and become a more open minded person. Do not worry about not knowing anyone at the event, they want you to come to their event they so hard planned on. Don't worry, eveything will be okay.

Rachel

I would tell myself to be open and be prepared to make new friends. I would tell myself to not be closed minded and that college kids arent supposed to have strict routines. I would have told myself to not be so reliant on my boyfriend so that I could have made more relationships with friends. I would have also told myself to be open to all new possibilities and say yes to any opportunity that comes my way. I would tell myself to get close and make relationships with professors and academic advisors and always go to office hours that professors hold. Getting to know the professors well could help out in the future with job oppurtunties or recommendations. Last, I would say to experience as many things as possible; keep schoolwork a priority but also allow yourself to have a social life and be able to enjoy this once in a lifetime educational oppurtunity.

Orlene

My advice to myself before starting college would be to take a break immediately after high school. After 12 years in school it would be refreshing to take a break for a year before committing to another 4 - 6 years of intense studying to pursue an undergraduate, and possibly masters degree. After high school many young people are burnt out. Some have no clue what they would like to study and need time to put thought into it; while others know exactly what they want, but need some time to rest and rejuvinate and experience new adventures. After high school, I would have loved the opportunity to travel throughout world or joined the Peace Corps. In the global workplace that we are currenty in, a world view would bring a fresh perspective to the classroom and share valuable insight. .

Laura

Laura, let go. Be a little more reckless with yourself, and a little less with other people. You’ll be fine – you always make the most of the situation. Whatever choice you make will be the right one, because you’ll mold it and change it and move it around until it is right. You are already closer to knowing yourself than many people will ever be, and while you might be patting yourself on the back for that, you should probably also go and thank mom and dad. They are more wonderful than you have the perspective to comprehend right now. Be nicer to mom. She’s about to spend a lot of years missing you, while you fly off on the wings she gave you to have all the adventures she never did. Call more often, and install Skype immediately. Work a little harder and play a little harder. Things are not that serious, and you are responsible for your own fulfillment. Right now, you spend way too much time trying not to look stupid. Go ahead and look stupid. Delete Facebook, and don’t compare your timeline to anyone else’s. "Comparison is the thief of happiness."

Shawn

The transition into college life is much easier than you fear, however, there are a few things you should prepare for. First, college life is expensive, in the first year of college forgo outings with your friends, study hard and maintain a 4.0 to make yourself eligible for scholarships and grants in the preceding years. Friendships are an important part of college life but they are not the reason you are attending school. Second, maintain an intensely focused determination to succeed in every class. If you really want to be the best, you must be willing to study harder than others, put in a sustained long-term effort, and forge mental toughness. Third, leadership will play a big role in your future, both on campus and off so take advantage of as many leadership opportunities as you can. During team activities, in the absence of clear leadership you must take charge, lead your teammates, and accomplish the teams goals. Remember that as a leader you will make a lot of decision, it's okay to be wrong, it's not okay to be indecisive. Last and most important, pay more attention to your girlfriend than your car.

Hyun Jung

The most important advice I would give to myself, as a high school senior, would be to have better time management and prioritization due to the greater weight each course assignment has on the overall course grade. College courses and the various amount of work load given are highly time sensitive, and therefore, demanding of full focus and effort to complete all assignments, with aim for the highest grade. Exposure to a new social life and discovery of interests outside of academic responsibilities, pose a greater challenge to focus on obtaining and maintaining the education each student needs to support the expansion of the knowledge, skill, and experience offered through college. All sorts of distractions unexpectedly come along with every responsibility, but there is no time or energy to lose when it comes to making college education matter.

Gina

Don't fret about the small things, or the things you have no control over. It's not worth the stress and distraction they cause. Don't be stubborn about your course selection. Try your darndest but don't be afraid to drop something and try something else. Go outside your comfort zone, explore, and find what you really sparks your interest. Don't drop into a fetal position and hide from what the campus has to offer. There are lots of opportunities to be had. You just have to find them and go after them. Don't let financial anxiety weigh you down. Focus, and keep pushing. Believe in yourself, in your work, and you'll accomplish at your highest potential.

Abriana

College is a business in America. Regardless of how hard you work in high school, you must make sure you can afford the university you are going to. Do not let these name brand, D-1 universities convince you that the lower D-2 schools that offered you full rides do not compare. I understand you believe in yourself and your abilities, but you have to be more than book smart to stay in college. I understand that you have your heart set on leaving Philadelphia because there is nothing there for you, but you will change the world some day, regardless of what university you intend. As much of a great fit, an out-of-state college may be for you, do not risk the financial stress on you and your mother because at the end of the day, it will distract you from your studies and your happiness. Then attending your dream school will not longer be worth it. Please put your pride aside for once, Abriana, and choose to apply to in-state schools.

Andrew

The best way to invest in my future is to have good luck. It may sound harsh, but it is sadly all too true. In today's supposedly merit-based society it is of utmost importance whom your aquaintances are. The "education is the great equalizer" age is deficient. Do children in Malibu have the same opportunities as children in Detroit? To be naive is to think everyone has an equal chance at success. America's business world should be based upon merit, but stands as a case study on social capital and the ability to network. The best way to invest in my future is to continue working hard at school, but spending less time reading textbooks; rather, meeting others in my career field, distributing business cards, and building the social capital that will not show up on the resume I circulate. My strong education and high GPA may show up on my resume, but my resume may never get in the door if I do not have the mentors and social network to get it into the door in the first place. The resume seals the deal, but the social capital and luck bring the deal to maturity.

Kurt

If I had the ability to go back in time to counsel myself as a high school senior I would simply tell myself to become as involved in college as I possibly could and to accumulate experience. I've found that the more I get involved in school, both in class and in my personal life, the more enriching the time seems. To transition from high school to college students should seek out the activities that have always interested them such as sports and hobbies and find clubs or teams at college. If there is something you have always been interested in but never tried, you should use college as a platform to try it for the first time. For example, Terrapin Trails Club at UMD which leads hikes and camping trips for students. Overall, I would say its most important at this time for young students leaving high school to focus on education od course but also to branch out. College is all about self discovery and improvement and it provides a lot of chances for both.

Shannon

High school achievement is about reaching for the moon, but college achievement is about counting the stars. It's an impossible task to reach your goal. In college, you will never be perfect. If you keep on staring at the moon, you'll go blind, and the hardest task is to learn to let go and pick a new dream--not because you aren't strong enough, but because you should never make yourself miserable to be happy. You don't have to make yourself miserable to be happy. Just because you can endure doesn't mean you should. Accepting that is hard. College is about hard decisions. It isn't about classes and tests. It's about making choices that affect your future. It's about trying to count the stars, knowing you'll never notice them all. College is about trying to do an impossible thing, which is to think of every outcome of every choice while simultaneously consuming enough knowledge to burn your throat. And the reward is all the little gold stars you've collected that you hold up on a string in the future and hope someone will pay you for it with your dreams.

Tu-Anh

Apply for financial aid and ask for help if you need it. Make sure to balance out work and play, but don't ever forget that you are in school to learn. You can play later, as long as you keep your grades up and make yourself proud. There will be a lot of temptations to compete superficially, but you need to compete academically. That is where it will benefit you the most in the long run.

Laurie

Don't be nervous about sticking around your high school friends and not meeting new people - the school is gigantic and amazing and you'll meet new people every day. Your high school friends will always be there for you, but you'll meet your new best friends outside of your old Baltimore group. School is incredibly hard and it will require a lot more study hours than you needed in high school, but the feeling of getting an A in college is so sweet. Joining a sorority is much more about always having an invitation to the coolest party - its about having true sisters that you can count on for anything. Take advantage of the on-campus math tutoring center. Don't be embarrassed about being homesick every once in a while. Finally, appreciate every professor you meet and truly listen to what they teach.

Hernan

I would tell myself to be more social towards other people like my floor mates and roommate. Also I would tell myself to make friends relativley quickly because then you can get to know more people by being with them. Time management is something that should not be played around with. It is very important to manage your time in a responsible way so time isn't wasted on nothing. The scholarship part of going to college is one the most important part aswell and should not be something to put off to a later date.

Thomas

When I began looking toward college life I had no idea what I was doing. I was the first person in my family that ever had the chacne to go college, so it was a complete learning experience for both my parents and I. I only applied to about two colleges and I didn't think to apply for any large scholarships. I thought my grades would be good enough in order to get a scholarship from one of the colleges I applied to, but that wasnt the case. My parents were forced to take out a second mortgage on our home just to keep from losing everything. Then, by something that seemed like miraculous chance, I was graced with the wonderful opportunity of having my name mentioned to Mr. Haines Holt through my high school counselor. Mr. Holt selflessly wrote me a personal check for $10,000 . If I could, I would tell myself that I need to sperad out my applications and apply to as many schools as I can in order to have the best chance possible. Most importantly, I would tell myself to work hard, never give up and never understimate the selflessness of others.

Alexandra

I open my eyes to see my 17 year old self slaving away at scholarship applications in our bedroom. As I climb over a mountain of clean clothes and textbooks to sit with her on our disheveled comforter, I see that Lexi has just finished typing 464 words for our Ohio State University Special Scholarship essay. Her brows are furrowed with worry as she continues to press the keys with her fingers. One concern that I knew weighed heavily was whether she would fit in somewhere in college because she often didn’t feel like she did in high school. I carried that worry into my freshman year and found myself trying to be friends with people I didn’t clique with and joining an organization I had reservations about. As a result, there were times I felt alone and thought my personality was the problem. After learning from that experience, my advice to Lexi would be this: “During your freshman year, don’t force yourself in to any friendship or organization because then you may never feel like you belong. Any lasting friendship will happen naturally, and the organizations you need to be part of will feel like home."

Kelly

My senior year of high school was filled with worry and anxiety. While I was very ready to leave high school, I was also fairly scared to leave. Who knows what college will be like? Will I find friends? Will I do well? Can I keep up at a college pace? These are questions I was constantly asking myself just seven months ago. Fast forward to the present and I'm having a great time in college and keeping up with my classes. If I could I would tell my high school self to relax and enjoy my last year in high school, my last year with my friends, my last year in the midwest, and my last year of accepted childhood and dependency. I would tell myself to look forward to college instead of fearing it. To be excited instead of worried. To experience the fun of high school and know that college will be even better.

Sandhya

You hear all the time that college is the best four years of your life, but no one tells you, there are moments that'll make it feel like it's also the worst four years. You feel like breaking down from the stress, and you find yourself worrying about things that you didn't have to worry about in high school. You will worry about your friends, and really fitting in with people. You will have dorm and roommate issues, but it's all part of the process. There is absolutely nothing wrong with commuting, in fact, it's great. You can save money and spend time at home, but living on campus isn't that bad either. It teaches you many different life skills and is necessary of part of growing up. Take classes that you want to take, really seize the moment. Live every day, and don't stress over the little stuff. It's much easier said than done, but, find the perfect balance between social, emotional, and physical well-being; it may take a while, but it's definitely worth it when you find it. I wish you the best of luck in everything!

Claire

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself that brand names do not matter. When I was applying to colleges, I put a big focus on applying to highly renowned prestigious universities like Georgetown, Tufts, and Davidson. The only schools I got into were Maryland--the only state school I applied to--and Tulane. I was afraid that people would think less of me and think I wasn't as smart for going to a state school, but I couldn't have been more wrong. I am now in my second semester at Maryland, I really cannot picture myself anywhere else. From the moment I moved in, I knew this was the place for me. Had I known this before, I would have been more open to applying to more state schools. In reality, if someone thinks less of you for going to a state school, they should reevaluate. I wish I were more open-minded as a senior because the University of Maryland should not have been a backup plan. I love being a Maryland Terrapin!

David

Dear senior high school me, I am going to lay down some advice to help you to survive your freshman year of college. I beg you to you to kill that procrastination habit and start reading for pleasure. It is the senior year of high school. You are on the top of scholar heirarchy and thus, you probably brush off most your assignments until the last minute. After all, you only see your high school time in the form of a countdown. Well, that kind of thought mentality is going to hit you in the face really hard in college. You only get one chance for assignments, and GPA has a much higher importance. Wherease GPA in high school is necessary for college applications, GPA in college is necessary for internships - which gets you jobs in the real world. Once you figure that out, start reading daily -- instead of solely for completing that literature class assignment. You will notice your vocabulary start to improve. This is normal; do not be alarmed. Also, because you started to read, you will notice your creativity to increase when you play piano and sketch in your notebook. Good luck. -David Lichaa

Makaela

I would tell myself that college is not as scary as I thought it was going to be. I have learned so much more than when I was in high school and I love being able to learn. I would also tell myself that what I had planned out before I attended college is nothing that I have planned now. I wanted to study abroad my senior year in high school and still plan to, but I never thought that after I graduated from college I would want to teach in Japan! I would also tell myself that what I was expecting in attending this school is far from the I thought. I love this school and have made some amazing friends who love what I love. I would also warn myself that teachers are always going to believe what I believe and that I'm not always going to get great grades on my papers that I had come to expect. Not only is college a giant leap in tearms of homework, it is also a big step in indepence that I really didn't embrace in high school. I would also warn that AP classes aren't college.

Timothy

When I was a senior in high school, I was excited but scared to graduate and move on to college. Having been homeschooled all my life, I felt sheltered, but also very comfortable. I was used to my routine in high school, but as graduation neared I started wanting to break out of my shell. Although I was excited, I started out college with many fears. I was scared that I would not make good friends or find clubs where I could fit in. As a result, I did not go to many events or initiate many friendships. I found later that most of my fears were foolish and I was able to enjoy college for the adventure that it really is. Your freshman year only comes once in a lifetime. Then again, sophomore year also only comes once in a lifetime. Junior year, senior year, and every other year of your life only come once too. So live out every year, every month, every day, every hour, and every second with no fear and as much gusto as you can gather. That would be my advice to my high school self.

Rachel

First, I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships than colleges. Money was always the biggest factor, but that was something I chose to ignore during the application process. I really relied on the idea that the schools I applied to would be generous in helping me out, which was not entirely false but not what I'd consider a Truth. I would have had more options if I had tried for more scholarships. Second, I would tell myself to edit my college essays. I'd gently, lovingly remind myself that even daily columnists go over their work and I'm not close to their level. I'd also kindly inform myself that it's okay to have other people read your college essays, however cheesy. My words were heartfelt and my ideas respectable. It's unfortunate to allow embarrassment to remove the possibility of improvement. In general, face the process with realism, self-acceptance, a self-promotional sense of pride, and a deep knowledge that this process is not a definition or demonstration of your worth. It is only another exciting beginning.

Brianne

Expect to fail. Better yet, prepare for it. As a high school senior, I was a perfectionist; I never once got a B. I thought I knew just how tough college would be. I told myself that I couldn't always get straight A's, and that I probably wouldn't in college. I thought I had prepared myself for failure, for the learning curve that came with the transition to the college's academics and lifestyle. Still, it took a horrible grade on my very first exam for me to realize that college was different than high school, and that I needed help in order to succeed. My advice to my high school self, then, is to be ready and accepting of failure, and to be willing to ask professors and fellow students for help. I wish I had taken the time to lose some of my pride about grades. This certainly would have helped me; I would have known how much more studying was required in college than in high school, and maybe I wouldn't have gotten that first poor grade. Or, maybe, I would've; still, I would've been prepared for my failure.

Nicole

Don't let other people impact your decision about where to go to school. Choose the school that YOU think is right for you because of where you see yourself in the future. Don't let parents, friends, and especially boyfriends impact how far away you decide to go. Do apply to schools that have activites that you are interested in. While the partying life is super fun and you're probably going to want to partake in that, you should try to do other school based things to keep your life balanced. Don't get your heart set on a certain school until you hear back from everywhere you applied. You can be happy at any of the schools you applied to. Do set a schedule that you know will work for you. I'm a morning person and the first semester of my freshmen year I had all classes after 3pm... it didn't turn out too well for my health or my grades (but I was able to party every night). Make time for things you like to do, set a specific studying time each day, and TRY not to procrastinate. It will keep you sane.

brigie

Going back in time is somehing many people wish they can be able to do.As to me if i was able to go back in time on my high school senior years,that will be exquisite.I really had a though senior years making sure to pass all my tests and classes which made me to not to be more careful about how to get in college.With the few knowledge that i have right now as a college freshman i will be able to teach myself a lot of things.The advice that i would love to give myself is to be sure of what im doing and the consequence that i may have later.Applying for college is not a easy process.There is a long way to go before getting accpeted which i didn't knew.I would tell myself to get all the documents ready (tax paper for the in-state tuitition,financial aid application,loans and others).The deadline is the main reason and key of success on anything.I would advice myself to work more harder to get my GPA a little higher than it was to go to great colleges or universities.

Aimee

Although I was constantly reminded by my family, I never fully listened to the words "you don't know everything, have an open mind." It wasn't until this year, that I began to truly understand what it is to be openminded and accepting of the fact that I have much to learn. I am bound to make mistakes, and going through college without making any mistakes results in a futile experience. We learn best from difficult situations, and once we accept that these situations are inevitable, even necessary, we can proceede through life in a more upbeat fashion. College is such a critical time in our lives - we are exposed to so many new experiences, different types of people, new ways of thinking and important decisions that we must make. We need to go into all of this with an open mind and an open heart in order to reap the benefits to the greatest extent. Do not assume that your way of thinking/problem solving is always the right one. Accept that you may be wrong from time to time and allow yourself to readjust and go down new pathways.

Kelly

My main piece of advice would be to keep an open mind about various colleges. I had my mind set on a big school with a beautiful campus because I thought smaller schools couldn't possibly compare. When I did visit smaller campuses, I convinced myself that they wouldn't be fun, or would be similar to being in high school again. I have since realized that at any university, there will be smaller groups of people who come together because of their shared interests. Throughout my first semester at the University of Maryland, I also learned that pictures can be deceiving. I knew a lot of people who attended UMD before I decided to go there. After seeing their photographs on social media I thought I needed to go to a huge school with a football team, tailgates, cray parties, and tons of people. I now know that none of these things are as important or as fun as they seem. I would rather attend a small school where I am able to create genuine relationships through conversation and smaller class sizes. I want to reorganize my priorities now that I know exactly what I want in a school.

Ricardo

I would study harder and take the study more seriouse and apply myself harder. I would not give up to soon and make sure I always finished what I statred. I would also look for ways to advance myself to better myself and always be good or better at what i do.

Justin

First of all I would tell myself to read more. Reading I have realized is such an important and critical component to learning. I'm not just talking about reading school textbooks either but rather reading in general for fun. It is a perfect relaxant and de-stresser. Second of all I would say to take more time just enjoying the material. Learning is about the path you take, it's not about just getting a job to pay bills. Learning is beautiful and there is no reason any class should feel painful and useless. Thirdly, make friends in your field. Having friends in the same field makes conversations more interesting because you can talk about school work and mutually enjoyed topics. This way you can be learning and comparing ideas outside of the classroom but still actively engaging your mind in the wonders of learning. Lastly, apply your knowledge outside of class. build a robot, create a cool program, enjoy the material and think creatively! You will enjoy college. Trust me!

Marie

If I could go back in time, I would urge myself to take advantage. Going to UMD affords students the opportunity to interact with renowned leaders in academic fields, experience masterful productions, hear lectures from experts, and join a myriad of clubs geared towards every imaginable interest. As a senior reflecting on my collegiate experience, I wish I had taken advantage of more of what university has to offer. I would urge myself to explore and to realize that in college, much learning takes place outside of the confines of a classroom. This learning is only possible if a student opens themselves up to new experiences and takes advantage of all of the services and opportunities a college provides.

Idris

You might think that the hardest part is over, but don't slack off. It's fine to hang out with friends and meet new people, but don't make that a priority. Remember that you're at college for a reason, and that's to get an education, but don't be so hard on yourself if things don't go exactly as planned. Mistakes will happen, just remember that they accepted you because they thought you'd be able to handle the workload, and you can as long as you stay focused. Try to keep in contact with your family, you don't know how much longer they'll be around, and you want to make the most of the time you have left. The last thing I need to just emphasize is to keep your priorities in order. You already know what they are, just remind yourself of them when you have to make a difficult decision, and it'll pay off.

Nayo

It is pivotal to discover the kind of learner you are before entering into college. Whether you are a visual, auditory, oral, and/or written learner, try to get a sense of your learning style now in your current courses. This will save you lots of time and stress when adjusting to college level classes, and you will make the best of your study time. Another good tip, get to know your professors, advisors, and the Dean or your college! Out of the hundreds to thousands of students that faculty and staff interface with on a daily basis, if they know your name, this will come in handy later on down your academic and career paths. Lastly, do not forget to be social. Yes, studying is a must, especially at UMD, but being social helps to keep you sane and make new friends. Joining a club or two for social or academic reasons is the first step. UMD has about 800 clubs and sports organizations to choose from, so enjoy! College is hard but your life does not have to be harder. Explore yourself, love yourself, love what you choose to study, and your career path!

Dylan

Leaving high school, I had many issues to deal with. At this time in my life, I had to choose whether or not to go on a mormon mission, stay with my longtime girlfriend, and choose colleges for golf, which I was planning on playing in college. These choices put a lot of pressure on me and I had many assumptions about college that I didn't understand. As it turns out, I didn't go on a mission, got engaged to my girlfriend, and am playing golf at Folsom Lake College. However, knowing what I know, I could have handled these changed more easily. My brother, a recently graduated college golfer, was a big influence on me in the mission, because he seemed unhappy with his choice to go on a mission, and it made his life harder. I didn't talk to him about my decisions, and I should have looked to him for guidance. He would have trusted my decision either way, and I should have trusted him more and asked for help with my decisions, from my mission to college recruiting. I would tell myself to trust those close to me and live fearlessly.