University of Maryland-College Park Top Questions

Attending college is probably the hardest you will ever have to work in your studies. When you come in as a freshman it doesn't seem that difficult at first. But study your butt off for the first test of every class, because it will be the easiest and you will stay above the curve and get to know your 100/200 level course professors, because you can get reccommendations and research opportunities earlier then students who who wait until junior and senior year, which gives you a competitive advantage. Try and attend school near a city or cosmopolitan area, you will have more access to jobs and internships and put less pressure on yourself to find one over the summer when everyone home from college is also competing for internships. These are four years of your life you are never going to have again, get as involved as you can and put yourself out there. Even if you just try something once, Universities are intellectual hubs for the arts and sciences. Not a fan of ballet, or football? Who cares, go while it is an opportunity available to you!

Your vision is hazy, distorted by the dense fog that is the future. Sure, the fog will burn off from the sun that is the present, but the night has just begun. You think you can see through that fog, but in reality, you cannot. Why spend time trying to see through the fog when you can wait for the sun to come up? Focus on the clarity that is the current. The sun is shining brightly, illuminating everything within arms distance, which you will soon realize you miss dearly. Lucky will not be greeting you at your feet when you enter your dorm room. You and mom will not be having your late night talks. The whiteboard message from dad every morning will now be unwritten. They say home is where the heart is, but that alone is misleading. When a family is together, the heart is healthy and from those “walls” a home is born. When separated, the heart is weakened and it is merely a room. Once you realize this, you will be able to enjoy the sunny day that is upon you, enjoying it together at home before the fog clears.

If I could go back to high school knowing what I know about college I would tell myself find some real friends and practice math more. I would tell myself these things because, math is a skill we use in everyday life and maybe if I had practiced more, I could have tested out and saved some money. I would tell myself find some real friends, because the few friends I had stop talking to me. I am not sure what happened but when I went to college, some of them chose the easy way and took a small time job. The girl I thought was my best friend called me stuck up and deleted my number. I do not judge or look down on anyone, but all my time goes t my children and school so, I guess we drifted apart. Now, I literally have no friend except my sister. Making the transition from high school is not easy, but if you focus on yur studies and not video games then you will manage just fine

I would advise myself as a high school senior to not wait until junior and senior year to start attempting to strengthen my GPA. I would also notify myself not to socialize so much and to pay more attention to the words that my teachers were trying to get across to me. I would've also applied for a lot more scholorships, because there is only so much that FAFSA can cover. Coming out of high school I can remember applying for a few scholorships, but not enough to provide aid to attend. Once I got to college I thought all my finicial aid was covered and proceeded with my first term only to be billed for classes that weren't covered through aid. I would advise a high school senior to check in with their college counciler a few times a month just to make sure everything is taken care of, because alot of times they might not be.

I would tell my high school self that when applying for college focus on all the different alternatives and don’t get too hung up on one college choice. It is easy to fall in love with a school, and extremely difficult to fall out of love with it, but there are so many different schools that could be just as wonderful if not more so if you give them the chance. Make sure that you are happy where you are and that you are academically challenged to do well in school. Is this school really the best option for your major as well as your financial situation?I would tell my high school self to consider all the options before settling on one and setting my heart to it. Although your choice is not permanent, it is much easier if you make the right choice the first time around. College is a place where you will grow not only academically, but also socially. It is a place where you should be able to have as many opportunities as you want at your grasp to become well rounded in leadership, academics, sports as well as social activities.

Going back in time, I would tell myself that organization, planning, and recording are essential to success at a university. In college, I was thrust into a life of independence and increased personal responsibility. At home I was very reliant on my parents to remind me of important events and due dates. In high school, I never used my academic planner and depended heavily on my memory. I thought this trend would continue into college but it quickly succumbed to the, at the time, seemingly overbearing workload. I started to miss assignment due dates, and inefficiency reigned as I mismanaged my workload. After these beginning weeks, my frustration was reaching a breaking point, and I decided to start writing nearly everything down. I took this idea to heart, and adamantly moved towards this goal. Nothing was too insignificant to record as post-it notes annexed my desk as their own. And it worked. I was able to salvage my grades and return them to a grade point average that was respectable for a student in the honors college. If only I had started organizing earlier, I wouldn’t have needed to make this transition during an already stressful time.

College can be a very fun and exciting experience! I'm sure if you ask current students attending colleges and universities, they will say "College is what you make it," and its true; everyone has a different college experience, but the decisions you choose to make will determine how fun, or stressful you will be. To have the best possible experience, I encourage all first year students to reside on campus and become involved in clubs and organizations. Dorm life and joining clubs are great ways to make new friends, which will help make the transition into college a lot easier. However, I would not suggest to overwhelm yourself by joining too many organizations and attending many events, such as parties. Having freedom is great, but the most valuable thing in college is your time. You have to maintain a balance between your studies and extracurricualr activities. You are paying for your education, so it is important to take it seriuosly, this means attending all classes, turning work in on time, and getting help if needed. There are many resources on campus for students to use; I suggest taking advantage of them. Lastly, stay true to your values and morals.

Be yourself. Don't be stand-offish but dont be in someone's space. You dont have to spend 24/7 with people. Alone time is nice too. Don't snack too much at night and try to keep your room clean. Most people make their beds on the daily.

If I could go back to high school, I would tell myself to try to get more leadership roles. Since I was always the minority in every school that I have attended and positions in organizations are based on popularity, I was not able to obtain many leadership roles. This has crippled me in many areas for scholarships. It is not enough to be intelligent, earn good grades, or have the most volunteer hours in the school. I would like to have more to offer the many universities where I was accepted. In addition to the leadership roles, I wish I would have focused more on the SAT test. I believe the combination of leadership and SAT scores would have helped me to earn more scholarships for my entire college career. Now I am forced to constantly search for funding for the remainder of my education.

As you embark on the next four years of your life, take a minute and listen to my words. The time will fly by, so enjoy it while you are there. Get involved immediately, whether it is in sports, clubs or other organizations. Most of the friends you meet in high school, will be your lifetime friends. Be good to your friends and nourish your relationships. Be a good listener and take time to help others in need. Be kind to all. Also, be kind and considerate to your teachers. Get to know them, it is good for them to know that you are trying. Give them a break, they are just trying to help you. As for your parents, don't give them a reason to be breathing down your neck about homework or projects. Manage your time wisely and don't procrastinate. Study hard and learn good study skills, this will help you in college tremendously! Lastly, make the most of everyday, attend sporting events, plays and concerts. Don't worry about being cool. Just be yourself and enjoy your time, because before you know it, it will be over.

Dear Self, College is going to be quite a crazy experience. Let me offer you some advice: 1. Put yourself out there! Yes it will be scary. Yes it is completely new. But it will be amazing. Try new things and make new friends. Take some risks. It will all be so worth it. 2. Do what makes you happy. Everything and everyone is going to try to tell you differently, but you do what you enjoy. And follow the path that is best for you. 3. Study hard! It is not going to come to you as easily as it did in high school. It is going to take some work, so do it! 4. Living with tons of other people is strange, but that is the fun of it. Don't be afraid to be yourself, they will love you for it. 5. Lastly, do not dwell on the past. This is a new adventure and you got to make the most of it. Make so many memories and have the best experience you can have. Don't worry everything will work itself out. Work hard, have fun, be you! Love, Your Future Self

I'm sitting alone in my apartement eating a bowl of cereal for lunch. None of my roommates are home. One of them probably won't come home tonight at all on account of the fight we had earlier that day. I check my grades on my computer and frown when I see that I scored under average on my last Chemistry lab. I reached for my phone to call my Mom, and even when she doesn't pick up, my thoughts take me back to my familiar childhood home . I'm sitting at the kitchen table. My Dad runs in the door from work and my Mom serves bowels of chili. Back in high school for a moment, my Mom asked me about my day at school. Instead of shrugging her off, I stopped, grateful to have her ask, and gave a full answer. Then I turned to my Dad and asked his advice on how to confront my teacher about a grading issue. He looked suprised and I realised this was not normal for my high school self. Now I realize I should have savored the advise, wisdom and company of my parents while I was at home.

I would be more invloved in many school groups and activities too meet with more people and to expand my networking.

As a high school senior, I suffered from severe depression. I originally started at St. Mary's College of Maryland, but had to drop out due to those mental health issues. Knowing everything about college now, I would tell myself as a high school senior that everyone who is new to college is struggling with making the transition. The most important thing to remember is that you need to take care of yourself, and if you are feeling sad or lonely, to get help. Reach out to those around you, whether peers or professionals on or off campus, and tell them how you are feeling. Everything is easier when you have someone by your side to support you.

Apply for every possible scholarship that you can be possibly apply for!

If I could go back in time to give myself advice, I would most likely pursue a different career path. I would emphasize the importance of having good time management and being independent when transitioning to a new environment. Also, I would encourage myself to work closely with my professors, especially those in my major because I learned the importance of networking and building strong relationships. It's beneficial to have someone who knows your academic capabilities in case future jobs require references or recommendations. You never know who may be able to help you land your dream job. In addition, I would remind myself of the importance of developing close friendships in college. I've met some of the most amazing friends in school, so I would encourage myself to participate in more extracurricular activities and social events to meet more people. Lastly, I'd be sure to point out where to find the best value textbooks for class and any money saving tips. After all, every penny counts to a college student!

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself various words of advice. The first thing would be to learn better time management and to stop procrastinating. This is one of the most important things in order to succeed academically and it would have helped make my first semester less stressful. I would also tell myself to breathe and not worry about being unsure of the future. It starts to work itself out and there are a vast amount of resources available at school; questions can be answered and new things will be learned. Another thing I would talk to myself about is the adjustment to living without parents and with a roommate. It isn’t as difficult as it seems and the friends I have made on my floor are great ones that I hope to maintain throughout my life; they have made it easier to cope without my parents and siblings. The last and most important piece of advice I would tell myself is to enjoy the simplicity of high school and know that college is a change but it is worth it.

Looking back, I have found that my senior year of high school acted as a false sense of security for my college preparedness. If given the chance, I would warn myself that above-average grades in high school do not equate to time management skills and good study habits. Similarly, I would warn that taking the most challenging courses high school has to offer will still in no way prepare me for a college course. I will suggest that the peer pressure I thought I dodged in high school will hit me full-force once I get to college, and that not having Mom and Dad around is not exactly the blessing it may appear to be. I will tell myself that I am not ready to act like an adult or even to act independent, and that I should really learn to accept that fact before I get to school. I will then reassure myself by claiming independence will come in time, maybe quicker than I expect, and that hard work will help me be the person I want to (but never thought I would) be.

Dear Lara,Nothing in life is given to you on a silver platter. As a college student you have to be independent and figure out all your priorities. Your grades might not be very well right now but if you study and do well the next 2 years you can be put on a different path. When your parents filed for bankruptcy you realized how different and complicated things in life could get. Everything that was always handed to you was no longer there. At this time you started dealing with depression and anxiety, which led you to pretty much give up on yourself, but you cannot think like that. You were put in a difficult situation and overcame it. You realized you have to work in order to make money and buy what you want in life. College is the same way, it is going to be stressful and your life is going to change completely but you have to stay positive and believe in yourself. College will make you realize many things, including figuring out who your friends are. Don’t let loosing a couple people bring you down. Everything happens for a reason. Just remember that.

Dear High School Jasmine, I know that you think you are set on your future career plans but don't be surprised if college opens new opportunities and doors for you in other academic fields. There is so much out there and I don't want you to miss out on opportunities or jobs because you think you already know what you want to do. Try new things. Talk to the guidance counselor about other options. Allow yourself to have new experiences so that you know for sure that your undergraduate degree is going to lead you to a career path that you will love. Good luck! Dream big and don't sell yourself short. Love, College Junior Jasmine

Hey, I'm here to talk about your future. Our future. Here's the thing: I'm giving you the chance to do what I couldn't during first semester. Succeed. Two simple lessons. Lesson 1. college classes are nothing like your AP classes, let alone your honors or regular classes; these are on a whole new level and you cannot underestimate them. The only way you are going you are going to do well in these classes is to overprepare, go to study sessions with either Teaching Assistants or the professors themselves, and overpreare some more. Lesson 2. you are going to have a lot of "free" time on your hands. Guess what? It's NOT free time. dedicate that time to studying and re-studying ( with breaks. be reasonable. Don't push yourself too hard. It's a balancing act). You're going to be tempted by friends, new and old, but you have to keep building good study habits. It's going to be hard. you're going to want to impress new friends and keep your old ones. However, if you want to do better than I did, and believe me you do, heed my words.

Being part of the men's soccer team at the University of Maryland, I would like to think that my experiences in college is somewhat different than the typical student here at UMD. As a high school senior, I was categorized by most as the "jock". I am considered one of the best athletes to ever attend my high school, recieving multiple honours and awards. Unfortunately for me, I focused more on the athletic side rather than the academic. I came to Maryland for the sole purpose of using college as a means to play professionally. With this mentality, my preparation was geared more towards getting better physically rather than mentally. My first year here at UMD has humbled me greatly. I realized that not only is there a high physical demand in college but a high mental demand as well. By this I mean that having to juggle between soccer and school was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. If I would have known this coming in, I would not have directed my focus purely on sports but on how to manage my time effectively both on the field and in the classroom.

I have completed my first two years of college and I have already learned so much that I wish I knew ahead of time that would have made my life less stressful. If I could go back I would first tell myself it's okay to make mistakes, that you can't dwell on the small things like one bad test score; to just pick up, move on and try harder. It's also important to keep an open mind because even if you think you have it all figured out, believe me you don't. It's important to change, it will be scary at times but you have to enjoy the journey, sometimes the struggle was the best part. You have to chase your passions, you decide what you learn so pick something you will enjoy doing. Remember this is your dream don't let anyone paint your picture for you. And lastly I would tell myself to reach out for help, you don't have to go at it alone.

Sometime in the near future, you will leave town for a college. You will spend many sleepless nights going over the decision of "which college" in your head, weighing the pros and cons, asking advice from both trusted sources and random acquaintances alike. But here is the thing: this decision, in the end, does not matter. I mean, it does matter, in the sense that you should care about where you end up spending the next four years of your life. But when it comes to future success, the name of the school where you spend those years counts for very little compared to what you do during them. College can be scary because it shoves a lot of new, uncomfortable things right in your face- new people to meet, new information to learn, new worldviews to ponder. Do not run from this discomfort, but accept it wholeheartedly. Learn to grow and develop from all the wonderful novel experiences being offered to you. College is about growth, and growth is always an uncomfortable process- understand this, and you are guaranteed a lifetime of successes down the road.

A year ago from today I would have never believed that I would transition into college life so easily. I remember questioning my abilities and whether I was ready for so much change; living without my parents, making a new set of friends, and taking college courses. With the knowledge I have now I find my concerns to be ridiculous and unnecessary. If I could speak to myself as a high school student I would tell myself not to stress about the minor details and that change is good. I would say that there will be a lot of change and obstacles, but overcoming them will not be as difficult as I expected. “Challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful”(Emerson) rather I should replace my worries and fear with curiosity.

After a bad senior year of high school, I was lonely and afraid that I would not be accepted by my new peers when I came to college. If I could talk to my past self, I would let her know that whatever happened in high school does not define your college experience. It may be scary to meet new people after being bullied and rejected by other students who form small cliques, but in college, you can redefine yourself in a more open environment. I would warn myself against shutting myself off from others for fear of being hurt; there are people in college who have a lot in common with me, and if I'm too worried about being hurt or rejected, I can cut myself off from people who have the potential to be my good friends. I'll let my high school self know that college is a new experience, and that I should cast aside old fears and rejections in order to embrace the new opportunities at my disposal.

High school years aren’t my best memories because it was a time when I never thought about my future. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with myself. Knowing how all my brothers and sisters never reaching the stage to be handed a diploma made me think that I was going to follow the same path. I felt confused, and afraid to believe that there was an opportunity, college, after completing high school. In addition, my advice will be to remove the blind from my eyes, and trust myself that anything is possible if I believe in myself, and think that there is always a solution no matter how bad things seem. Allow my mind to think about tomorrow, and focus on accomplishing the best high school year with the best grades in order to prepare myself for what stands ahead in my journey to a greater future. A future filled with ambition and goals towards my education, and future, something that I wasn’t able to comprehend during high school. I will allow myself to create a new beginning where family, education, and future is the energy source to a greater happiness.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now these three topics would be the high of the discussion. First Listen, Listening was a huge problem for me I didn't listen because I didn't believe. I thought I was already grown and nobody knew what I was going thur in high school with work and peer pressure. Second would have to be Studying. I hated studying because it took to long. I would walk in a class sit down take a quiz or test and pass. I made good grades but they could have been better if only I had put the effort in to study. Last Never settle for less, if you want it you have to believe it don't sit back and wait on whats coming go get it. In conclusion that wold be the advice I would give to myself if i could go back in time and talk to myself as high school senior.

I would tell my high school self to stay focused and not play around alot. College classes are hard but not as hard as you make them to be.

My senior year was focused on balancing college applications, maintaining a high GPA in very challenging courses, making money at the restaurant I worked at 3 nights a week, community service and athletics all at the same time. I was buried so deep in work and busy all the time that I made the huge mistake of not visiting my grandparents in the nursing home or even my best friend who was extremely ill. My life was dedicated to things that I thought would help me with my future, and I forgot all about the important people that got me to where I am today. My grandpa died during my senior year, and my entire senior year I visited him one time. My friend was diagnosed with stage one cancer, but thank god he is cancer-free today. If I could give myself any advice, I would tell myself to remember the little people that got me where I am today- the people who love me no matter my GPA or ACT score. For those people are the ones who will always be there for you and comfort you during the cold, dark, lonely nights in a college dorm room.

Dear high school senior self, First of all, congratulations for making it to your senior year! I know how you like to worry about everything in creation so I will try to relieve your worrying just a little bit. I want you to breathe and know that you will make it past high school and into college. The first thing that I want you to do as you enter college is stop worrying, stop taking yourself so seriously, and start enjoying the important things in life without letting the small things in life get in the way. Secondly, when it comes to college and your life, use your head to follow your heart. Figure out what you are passionate about and head in that direction; however, remember to be smart about it. Make a plan for your education before you start your first day of college but be flexible because unexpected things will happen and plans will change. Most importantly, find your purpose. Once you firgure out what you want to live for every test you take and every paper you write in college will be done for a reason.

The immediate advice I would give to myself is that more than anything else, take the rest of high school seriously, making sure to develop good study habits, a normal sleep schedule, and to take any classes that would help to prep me for college (because believe me, the first time through I took nothing serious). I’d tell myself it’s important before starting college to take any orientation tours they offer and become acquainted with the layout of the school (it’ll save me loads time not getting lost the first few days). Also, I would advise myself to join the SIFE and Math clubs to help with meeting other people, learning valuable information for the future, and it’ll look great on my future resume on even for another college (as both of these clubs will add value to my areas of strength). Finally, I would say to the past me, now is the time to get an education, whatever you do, do not put it off for anything because you’ll regret it and one day you’ll wake up and your 34, laid-off, needing an education and you’ll realize your me.

If I could go back in time and talk to the old me, I would tell myself to not be afraid of the unknown. It's ok that you don't know what the future holds or what you want to do with your life. There will be a day when it all hits you and you'll know, "This is it". You'll think it's funny that you didn't see it all along when it was staring you right in the face. I wouldn't tell myself anything that could change the outcome of the present because there's nothing I would want to be different in my life. If I changed my past I would most likely have a job that I hate, my career would have been chosen for me. Now however, I'm working towards something I love and enjoy. A career that I will be happy with for many years to come. Before I would end our conversation I would tell me with a smile on my face, "It will be ok. Learn from your mistakes and use them to grow. Everything will work out in the end. Trust me, I should know."

I would tell myself that I should have tried out for a leadership position. In college I am very involved in clubs and am planning to run for a position in the next semester. Having previous experience would have been very helpful. I would have also told myself to take AP English. I would also tell myself to study more and get good study habits!

There is only one piece of advice that would have bettered my college experience that I wish had been imparted on me while I was in high school. I wish someone had told me to do more research about different areas of study, decide on one before entering college and stick to it regardless of what college advisors said. Although I had a very fulfilling college experience by getting involved on campus I was told that my initial area of study was going to be difficult to conclude and spent the next two years trying different courses to find another major that would work for me. College is enough of a transition between leaving your family and moving to a new place to have to change your career plan, as well. If you have a strong career plan mapped out before you begin college you will save yourself four years of uncertainly and you will allow for those four years to help you better understand and plan your career.

Dear Elizabeth, College is the time where you need to learn how to figure the world out for yourself. Although this unknown adventure may seem scary, you can fall down without judgement from your peers, or criticism from adults, and get yourself back up to where you left off. As a rising freshman, you have decided to room with one of your best friends, someone who could help you to figure out this new world and serve as a saftey net if you fall. This is not becoming independent. You and your friend will not follow the same career, social, or emotional path through college that you did through high school, making the college experience mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting. Starting over at a new school does not mean losing everything you had before, you can still keep in touch with old friends but now it the time to create new experiences. One thing you have closed your mind off to is making new friends. I understand nothing is wrong with the one's that you have now but these new people will not replace the old ones. They will only contribute to your evolving experiences through college. Sincerely, Elizabeth

I wish I had told myself that college is something you can do, and that I would have gone to college right away. I would tell myself not to be scared, that there are people to help you. I would tell myself to set high expectations, because I will meet the expectations I set for myself, both low and high. I would also tell myself to really think about what I want to do, and to do as much in that field as possible.

Do not be afraid of failure. College is school, too, and the entire point of school is to learn things, including learning things about yourself. So when you get to college and you find that you're in a major that you just can't seem to grasp, it's ok. All is not lost. Don't be afraid to take a step back, reassess yourself, and move in a different direction. Take your time and explore all the options that are open to you. Don't set yourself on one single method to success; there are tons of ways to graduation, and don't be afraid if during your time you find that you've switched paths toward the end goal. Just stay focused on making it through and doing the best that you can. And make sure that YOU are happy with what you are doing. YOU are the one who is going to get this degree, so YOU are the one person who has to be happy with it. Don't worry too much about others' opinions. Focus on you, and learn what makes you happy.

College may seem like all fun and games, but it is serious stuff. College is about preparing you for a career; it sets you up for the rest of your life. Honestly, if I could go back in time, I would tell myself to take more AP classes and learn to get involved in school. My senior year, I didn't want to take hard classes because I wanted to have a fun last year. Coming into college, I learned how much those AP classes could help you advance in your college career and fast. I also believe its important to learn to get involved and communicate with others because that is what college is all about. It is about meeting new people, having new experiences, and making connections for the real world that will help you later on in life. In high school, I was too focused on keeping my same friends and the same routine. In college, you learn there is no routine. Different things and experiences happen everyday. The advice I would give myself is to work as hard as you can senior year, get involved, and try new experiences as much as you can.

Please remain focused! You have so much potential and you will truly be able to benefit from the education that you will get while you atend college. I understand that you are very much concerned with your social life but the friends you have made in high school will not ensure a good quality job quite like a good education.

I would tell myself to get on the computer and spend the whole summer working and applying for scholarships and grants. It is so incredibly expensive to go to college. Where I stand now, I am barely making it as it is. I can't get any more loans because I can't get a co-signer and of the few scholarships I do apply for, I don't win anything. Had I gotten on the ball earlier on, I would have possibly had a chance at some scholarships. However, being as busy as I am now, It's unrealistic to work the number of hours that I would need to work to pay for all my school expenses, while still keeping my grades up.

The very first thing that I would tell myself is to not take this amazing opportunity for granted. Brace yourself for a lot of work but a heck of a lot of fun. Keep your head on straight and remember this is where you can make your dreams come true. Be prepared to make mistakes, cry a lot, and get hurt, but remember this is the time of your life. So LIVE IT! Get ready for new friends and the disappearance of old ones, late nights and early mornings, and bad decisions with even better memories. And finally, remember to be yourself because you can only do this once. Have confidence because no one can do this better than you can.

Assuming I could go back in time knowing what I know now, my advice would be to study. I never applied myself in school, because I never thought I could attend college. Money was had to come by in my family. We lived just above the food stamp level, twenty dollars above, mom worked hard to make ends meet. Sometimes the youth pastor would give me extra money for school sports and pick me up from practice; mom did not have the money for extra gas. Times were hard for us so I studied and made the grades to get by in high school. I have the knowledge now that with little engorgement from friend at work I can go back to school, because there is financial help. Take lots of writing and math classes in high school, you will need those in college , for sure.

I will advice myself to apply for more scholarships.

Do not underestimate college. High school might be a piece of cake but college is a different story. No one will feed you so every action you do all depends on you. No professor will care if you are failing their class. It is your responsibility to keep track on your grades. Do not fall behind and be proactive because little mistakes can jeopardize your grades. Knowing your priorities and responsibility is a key to success.

Dear Erin of 2007,Much has happened in your life in these past five years…many things you would have never predicted or even thought to prepare for. That’s why I’m writing this letter with advice for your future.#1 Expect the unexpected.Right now you’re excited that you were directly admitted into the prestigious Merrill College of Journalism at UMD for the upcoming fall. However, in the next few months you’ll realize you don’t like journalism as a major. You’ll actually graduate in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in marketing. Always remember that there’s no way to know how you’ll feel about something until you try it. #2 Keep an open mind. Limiting yourself to preconceived notions of your path in life will only serve to narrow your vision of the broad horizon in front of you. For example, what you thought was only a convenient part-time college job at a local preschool actually revealed your life’s passion: working with children. You’ll even change your career path after college from business to education! Surprised? Life is about discovery; enjoy the journey.Sincerely,Erin of July 2012

Things do not always go as planned. Right now, you are basking in glory being a high school senior. You know what college you are going to next fall, you want to become a dentist when you grow up, and everything is going your way. However, once you step on campus, you will realize that your life will undergo major challenges. Having an open mind about your future is imperative because your thoughts and emotions are going to change with the classes you take and the experiences you encounter. After some consideration, you may even realize that dentistry is not the best fit for you and that you should try studying other majors instead. There will be several ups and downs along the way, switching from one major to another, but eventually, you will discover the career that is best for you. Do not rush to know exactly what you want to do with your life because this transition requires much time to solely think about your best interests while disregarding other factors. No matter what unexpected turn of events come your way, it is most important to learn how to turn your uncertainties and problems into opportunities and successes.

Tim, there are several things you need to work on if you’re going to succeed in college – both inside and outside of the classroom. First off: enough procrastinating – it will only add extra stress when your workload piles up. Part of doing this requires you to plan everything ahead of time, and execute. Pulling all-nighters is no way to go through college, you won’t make it. Also, study more for your exams – you won’t achieve up to your full potential if you keep on reviewing notes for an hour and calling it studying. Read the material, SparkNotes won’t work! Outside of the academic education you will receive, you will need to educate yourself on social issues. This starts with building up your self-confidence. The more confident you are in yourself, the better off you’ll be in social endeavors. This leads into point number two: don’t just live in a bubble – seek opportunities to meet new people and be the outgoing kid you were eons ago. Follow the two aforementioned suggestions, and you'll get the full college experience. You have uncapped potential, Tim, don’t sell yourself short.

If I could go back in time to when I was a High School Senior, I would tell myself that I need to work harder to get the grades desired for college. I would have made sure that I participated more in my classes instead of slacking a little. I would also try to figure out what exactly I wanted to go to college for instead of trying to figure that out now. I would have told myself that I could have gone to a University instead of a Community College if I would have applied myself more. Transitioning to College is fairly easy you just have to do the assignments on time and study for all tests. Participation means a lot to the teachers so make sure you ask questions. Never be afraid to ask a teacher for help, it is actually there job to answer them and help you. If you don't ask for help they won't know that you’re struggling. Doing assignments completely and handing them in on time makes all of the difference. Pay attention in all classes and chances are you will understand the assignments.

Dear Me, You've came this far and you're finally graduating!! Yes!!! As me from the future, I've already experienced college life and have only one piece of advice for you: YOLO. Well, I know you're scratching your head and wondering: what's YOLO? YOLO (You Only Live Once) is a popular catchphrase that Drake (the rapper) sang in his song, "The Motto", which has become the catchphrase for 2012. So what does YOLO have to do you? It's quite self-explanatory: live your life as if it's your last. Now, I don't mean be reckless, but treat YOLO as a modern carpe-diem. College is a another platform of your life where you can explore yourself and make a name for yourself. For most of your life, you've always wanted to try new clubs, sports and meet new people, but fear and public opinion have prevented you from pushing yourself beyond your boundaries. Even though you're scared about starting college, just remember YOLO. Join a Quidditch team, take a dance class, etc. I hope my advice will help you grow as a person by the time you graduate from college.