University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

My college experience has given me a broader sense of who I am, and the tools I need to better assess and navigate the world around me. I have met students from other parts of the world and all walks of life. I understand better my place in the wold by the way they react and interact with me. I have met many passionate people, both students and teachers, who inspire me and remind me to pursue my own passions with the same vigor. I can see the end results achieved by the teachers who share the same passion as I do. They show me the path needed to take to pursue my dreams. My college experience has taught me not just the what, but the why as I add to my tool belt of knowledge.

I have become a lot more of a leader since college through my academics and job I held. The friends I have made will be with me forever and I am forever greatful for that. By attending college, I have grown and am now ready to take on Graduate School.

Enrolling into the University of Massachusetts Amherst, I was looking forward to exploring the intensive range of courses that the university had to offer. I also planned on looking into the health profession and what pursuing such a career would entail. Endless possibilities ran through my head as I thougt about the vast array of classes I could take. And then I hit a roadblock. From how I see it, the university likes to make sure that their declared students will get into the courses that they need to in order to fulfill their graduation requirements within four years. Us undeclared students can just take what?s left since we won?t have any requirements to fulfill but Gen Eds until we decide what we want to do with our lives. All the courses that I wanted to take were either full or closed to certain majors. None of the classes I enrolled in interested me. I was supposed to be exploring my options in an effort to determine what I liked and how I could apply my interests to a major and ultimately, a career. The only thing I learned, however, was what I didn?t want to do.

i received a well rounded education. i learned in class, worked on campus and off. One of my most memorable experiences was participating in the Disney College Program. I worked at the Contemporary Hotel in Orlando. I made lifetime friends from around the US and the world. Hands on expereince will give me a better opportunity to gain employment when i graduate.

There is a strong stigma around not attending college nowadays, as well as many stereotyped reasons why a college education is essential. I believe that high school students should know the reality of attending college and the true value of the experience, instead of the reasons that society broadcasts. In every facet of my life, I can find a way that going to college has shaped me into a better individual. I have learned responsibility from living on my own and managing my time and priorities. I have developed greater people skills, and met many life long friends. Most importantly, I have received an education that I value more than anything. The core general courses have made me a well-rounded invidividual, and my nursing courses have launched me within reach of a rewarding career. Being in college provides students with a sense of well being, and assurance that there is a place in society for young minds to flourish and create a brighter future. It is truly an invaluable experience that no amount of tuition bills can replace.

Don't go to U Mass. It's a giant, wild party all the time. Seriously, it starts on Thursday night, and goes all the way to Sunday night! On the other hand, you're going to learn a lot, and make two amazingly incredible friends.

I came from a small town and went to school in the "big city". I had always been able to influence people for the good throughout school. I had found out a few months prior to graduating I had a previously overlooked learning disability (ADHD). I felt it would not cause me any problems and my parents tried to help me with the transition and tell me it would be best to stay close. Looking back on that first year in college, I realize that the "big city" school and the people that were supposed to help me, couldn't care less that I had problems keeping focused and taking tests. I believe if I could go back and talk to my high school senior self, I would tell "me" that parents are right some of the time and they have our best interest at heart. Also, I would mention that becoming a number or a face would not be conducive to my learning. I have since moved home and tried a traditional education and still struggled. I have started school to be a cosmetologist because I enjoy it, but could use this scholarship to help pay for it.

Dear Laurie, I know there are pressures pushing and pulling on you in every direction - your parents expectations, varsity athletics, AP classes - and anxiety over the fact that you are about to leave home for college. Remember when you start college to remain true to yourself. Don't fall victim to becoming the person you parents expect, your coaches expect, your friends expect, or your professors expect. Every morning when you look in the mirror, make sure to remind yourself of the person you are and the person that you want to be. Follow your dream, not anyone elses. Love, me

If i were to go back in time there are a couple of pieces of advice that I would give myself. First, I would say that you should deifintely explore all of you options and visit the schools that you get into even if your not sure they are right for you. You never know what these schools are like if you dont go visit. I think that would have changed my dicision a great deal. Next, I would suggest that you try to get involved in some of the activities at your school. I strongly recommend looking for a job as early as possible. Money is always good to have as a college student, and you dont wanna be stuck without any source of revenue.

Dear high school senior self, I know you?re stressed now about applying to college, but don?t be. I?m your future self, so trust me. College will be amazing. Please stop worrying that you won?t make it into a college, because you will; all ten of them. You had good grades, did well on the SATs, and wrote good applications, so there was nothing to worry about. If you try in high school, you'll get into a college. Don?t let awkward moments and the stress of fitting in get you down. Within this year and throughout college, you?ll find your talents, strengths, and interests, and continue to grow as a person who both you and others will like and appreciate. In college you'll have more responsibilities, but this and your newly acquired freedom will help you become a more independent person. You?ll make friends everywhere and have many fun times and adventures. However, remember to prioritize and not to do anything stupid. You?re in full command of your decisions, so only do what you are comfortable with. Work hard, have fun, and don?t worry. You'll be fine

If I had the option to go back in time and give myself advice about college, I would tell myself that there is a place for everyone at each college. Despite the many beliefs, it is likely that finding a group is easier than expected. As for roommates, I would tell myself not to expect to be best friends with my roommate or that getting along all the time isn't necessary. The key to being a good roommate is to be considerate and communicating problems before they get too out of hand. I would remind myself that the most important aspect of college is the education and the opportunities it gives. Staying on top of school work and taking advantage of everything I can is one thing I wish I had done differently my first semester. Another thing I would tell myself is that balance is the key. Getting the right amount of sleep and eating well is such an important key to staying healthy at college. Overall I would tell myself that sometimes first choices aren't the best ones, but eventually life will settle in around you.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to spend more time researching the school. As happy as I am I went to Umass, and I wouldn't have gone anywhere else, I don't feel I put in enough effort researching the possible majors, in order to prepare myself for what my future would unfold. I graduated with a degree in Communication, and although it helped prepare my analytical and critical thinking skills for now, I've since switched to the Human Service field. When it comes to transitioning to college, its really quite hard to prepare yourself for that. Regardless of how many people you know who went before you, who told you what to expect and what to bring, what classes to take and how to make the right group of friends, the experience is unique to you and you alone. I remember being so nervous the first day, month and semester overall, but being as shy as I was, I think I adjusted just fine and just kept telling myself this is where I'll be for the next four years.

If I could go back in time and talk to me as a senior in high school I would tell me that you dont have all the time in the world. Don't be so hard headed, just because you think you are going to get all the money you can because your mother doesnt work. It is not all that easy, you'r going to have forms to fill out, deadlines to match. If you dont reach those deadlines you won't get all the money you can get. First come first serve. Pay more attention and write things down because when you decide to take that year off, it will be your biggest mistake of all.

Get Involved would be the advice that I would give to any high school senior. Joining the marching band at UMass Amherst was the best decision of my life. I have made, what I hope to be, life-long friends throught this organization and it is the single-most amazing experience of my life. It has made me more independent and has given me the opportunity to travel across the country and to another continent to visit Ireland. However, as far as giving myself advice...I wouldn't. I have definitely made mistakes in my time at college, and I have suffered great tragedies, but those mistakes have helped to shape me into the independent, intelligent, and loving person that I am today. There were times when I absolutely hated my life, but those moments make me appreciate and understand how important life and love is. The most important thing to me is living a healthy and happy life, and hopefully having a beautiful family someday. If I had to give myself advise it would be that only I know what is right for me, and trust myself. Life isn't worth living if you aren't happy. =)

If i could go back in time and give any advice, i would tell myself the ways in which to help me study for exams. Also, i would let myself know the ways of managing time between schoolwork, my jobs and being on the cheerleading team at umass. Before going to college i did not realize that its not just about meeting people but having a college education is really important in life. Every single class is worth your time and money invested in your life that one will carry with them when they graduate. College is a time of fun, but its also a time to really start from scratch and find true self in who you really are and how you want to start the rest of your life. Graduating high school is the first step of success but anyone is capable of doing anything if they are dedicated , hard working, and motivated to make the best out of college.

If I knew what I know now, I'd suggest that I go to UMass-Amherst earlier and not waste three years thinking it's a huge diploma factory or for plebians. I'd also suggest that to really succeed in college, find a good bunch of friends to stick with and avoid the drama. Don't go for the scene, find people who you want to stick with. Don't worry about what other people think, this isn't high school. You're allowed to figure out what kind of person you want to be, not what others want you to be. Live, get out, do your work.

The best advice I can give to any high school senior would be simply this; work first, play later, and make good decisions. If college students get their work done as soon as possible they will never have to do an all-nighter, and once they get the work done, it?s easier to relax, there is no little voice in the back of your head telling you ?We have that 10 page bio lab due Monday.? That voice is seldom ever pleasant. As for the partying, which nearly all college students will partake in, I highly recommend that they avoid ?Thirsty Thursday?s? simply because professors take note of who attends those dreadful early morning classes on Friday, and this a perfect way to get on their good side. My last piece of advice is to not go out and party every weekend, simply because of how detrimental it is to their health and negatively it affects academics. People who go to college for partying seldom make it out of their freshman years. Enjoy college, enjoy the opportunities, the new friends, and most of all, enjoy the freedom.

If I could go back in high school and give myself some advice, I would tell myself not to be afraid. As a high school junior and senior, researching colleges, going on tours and planning for my future was one of the most terrifying and anxious periods of my life. With the UMass Amherst being the major public university in my home state, it was natural for many of my peers to move from high school to attend the school in Amherst. I reluctantly applied with no intentions of attending. As response letters came to me from some of my college choices, I was noticing a disheartening pattern. Through the rejections and deferrals, it was clear that I needed to reevaluate the UMass Amherst option. The past two years in the Isenberg School of Management of UMass Amherst have been the best years of my life. The UMass community is one that I never thought I could possibly feel a part of and I now admit that I was quite mistaken. I wish I had known in high school that I had nothing to be afraid of. UMass Amherst is where I have always belonged.

When I was applying to college during my senior year of high school I did not put a ton of thought into what schools I wanted to apply to before hand. I began the college search process late and applied to some schools without seeing them or knowing much about them. Some of the schools I decided to apply to simply because I thought I would like them or I knew people applying there. This was not only a waste of time but also a waste of money, considering I was able to eliminate some schools before I even heard back from them. This is all part of time management which is key in college. Learn to manage your time wisely because unlike high school there seems to be a lot more "free time" in college. After completing my first semester I have realized that I should use this time more effectively instead of waiting until last minute to do everything. Going into my second semester I have learned that using the "free time" to get work done and not procrastinating makes life a lot less stressful, which will definitely help with the transition process.

Many high school seniors become rapped up in the idea of popularity. Now being a college student I am not afraid to admit that I was one of them. Looking back on my high school years I wish I could tell myself to branch out of my standard group of friends. Yeah playing sports, talking to boys, sitting at the ?popular table?, and having pictures of every social event was fun, but what I was missing was the ability to find myself. Being in college I have learned a lot about myself that I did not know in high school. For example, I have learned that I am a very shy person when it comes to meeting new people. In high school I always stuck to my group of friends that I had known since preschool not allowing me to interact with others in my grade. While in college I have learned that by putting yourself out there and getting involved in activities that you normally would not will help you make a variety of friends and discover different hobbies of interest.

As tempted as I would be to give specifics to my former self, I'd limit my message to the most profound lesson I've learned since entering my adult life. That lesson can be summed up in the words of Charles Darwin, "It is not the strongest of species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change." In college and in life there will be set backs both big and small. Your goals and plans may be completely thrown out the window because of an extreme circumstance - your life plan ruined. So, what? When your world seems to crumble right in front of you, know that there is always a way. Things don't have to go smoothly and perfectly to plan in order for you to reach your goals. Whether it's learning to use public transportation, learning to live on a budget, or something quite a bit more serious - be flexible, have resilience, and do what you can when you can because the worst thing you could ever do is nothing.

Hey listen, I know you've have a hard life and I know you've always said that college is where everything is gunna change. Well, I'm here to tell you that that might not happen. You like the way you are, you like the way you look, but your self esteem isn't going to last. Your lack of friends will turn into a vicious circle which will make you not be able to socialize and stay lonely. This is gunna shatter your confidence. You're gunna develop anorexia, a drinking problem, and a dependency on drugs, particularly pain meds. I know you feel sad and nervous now but your anxiety and depression will take off more than you know. But, I'm also here to tell you there is light at the end of the tunnel. You're going to meet a great girl, you're going to learn to love yourself, to forgive, to accept, and you will get better. Things are going to change in a good way, but this path will give you strength. So just hold on, hold on to yourself because for a while it's going to be all you got.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would defiantly advise myself to drop AP Biology so I could focus more of my time and energy on the exams of my two other AP classes, Honors class, and other classes. I would tell myself to improve my time management as soon as possible since computer games, homework, essays, and school projects can get in the way of studying, and thus decreasing my chances of academic success. In addition, I would mention that signing up for scholarships sooner would have helped increase my potential for paying off my loans which I am now struggling with, similar to most other college students. Lastly, I would force myself to choose another residential area on campus that was quieter and less crowded so that I could pay attention on my academic priorities. Nonetheless, the past is over and all I can do is make the best of college life and my finances. As JFK once reminded the nation, ?An error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.?

If could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to take advantage of every aspect there was on campus. I would suggest that I not be afraid to ask for help because this would prove to be the only thing that would help me stay afloat. College is difficult and very challenging but my college offers tutoring, teacher office hours and review sessions to help its students along the path to success. Another suggestion I would give is to try not to stress too much over my financial situation because it freezes a persons body and it honestly makes whomever it is want to give up sometimes and life is too short to worry all the time; just continue to make all the right moves and the help will always be there. Also I would tell myself to talk to my peers about my problems instead of holding them in because I will not be alone and to talking to people who are going through the same problems would prove to be a coping mechanism. Finally I would advise myself to only change for the better and to stay true to me.

The first thing I would tell myself is to be organized. If I was neater with my school work, homework, class work, and papers, I would have been more successful. The things I know now about teachers, how they don?t care if you come to class or not, don?t care if you pass or fail, and don?t see you as a person but just as a other number. I wish I could turn back the hands of time, and I wouldn?t have got that teacher so mad or wouldn?t have told lies to my parents about my grades. The things I see now show me that my teachers and parents were telling me the truth. I know now that I can?t go back, and that hurt the most, but as I drive my Ford Charger to college, I will keep the words of the great King Jesus In my heart. ?These Things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.? John 16-33

The advice I would give myself would have to be to never settle for something you aren't completely happy with. My senior year I had trouble choosing between going to Wentworth and UMass Amherst. I chose Amherst because my father passed away recently and my mother can't afford a large college fee. At first I was a little upset because I wasn't in the engineering program like I would have been at Wentworth but I decided to take matters into my own hands and see if I could sneak my way into the class. With that extra drive I gave myself I was able to get into the class and start my way to becoming an engineer! So, all I would want to say to myself if I could go back in the passed is don't stop pushing yourself if you're not satisified with your education. Do what you have to do to succeed in life because everyones path is always different.

Eyes closed. Fingers crossed. I make a wish upon a shooting star. I wish for Spring of 2009. Bam. I'm back to my senior year of high school. If only it were that easy. Senior year came and went and here I am over a year later sitting in my dorm room at the University of Massachusetts Amherst wishing I could just tell that girl I was in my senior year to veer off her one track mind, to leave home. "Go to Adelphi," I'd tell her. "Think about what really matters, don't leave home. Don't leave your family to be on your own. What are you running from? Your family and friends home are all you need, you don't need to be states away dorming somewhere foreign to experience life. Your parents will still learn to let go and help give you the freedom you really want. You don't need to be hours away to be free. Dorming, hours away isn't all it's cracked up to be. You'll excell at a school close by. Don't leave because everyone else is. You'll be happier home."

I would tell myself that college is about growing; it's about glimpsing who you want to be in four years and forging a path to that faraway self. I would tell myself to jump in headfirst, to embrace the challenges and revel in the difficulties. I would tell myself that these four years are the years that mold you, change you, into whoever you're growing up to be, so take care that you're growing in the right direction. I would tell myself to make every minute count, and to remember why you're at college in the first place: to learn, to grow, to expand your interests and ambitions and talents. I would tell myself to ring in the dawn of adulthood already, because now, this moment, is when the decisions you make start changing your life; not four years down the road - now. BE the adult you want to be, don't just aspire to it.

As a high school senior, I was very anxious about starting college. I worried I would not make any friends, that the workload would be too hard, that I would miss my family too much. When I first entered my freshman year, it was difficult; I concentrated all my efforts on building a circle of friends and almost completely ignored my studies. My first bad grades were a wake-up call. I needed to find a balance in my college career. Once I was able to divide time equally between a social life and my schoolwork, I was much happier and much more successful. I would tell my high school senior self that college is all about finding the right balance!

I graduate a year early from high school (in 2008 instead of 2009) and I wish I had known about more scholarships and grants. Now I am a FAFSA whiz, but before I wish I had had someone to help me. My parents wouldn't and refused to and my guidance counselor was useless. I also wish I had been more stable mental-wise because going far from home was scary. Maybe if my school had better integration methods it wouldn't have been so bad, but I ended up transferring to UMASS instead this year and I love it. My main advice to myself back then? Be comfortable with where you pick and search for financial aid early and often.

If I were to go back in time and confront the person I was back in high school, I would tell myself lessons of life that I tend to forget and should always remember for the future. One should stay Flexible with others and their ideas or ways of living; their motives should be considered and possibly makes oneself's ideas broaden to greater horizons. At the same time, not all ideas are positive and one should recall on knowing what actions are right and wrong. Confidence is forever a great trait no matter what setting one is in; do not be afraid to reach out to others and go that extra step to meeting others as long as it does not cause any trouble. With this, know that not everyone can always be friends with one another. Stand up for what one believes in if it is worth it, but do not put down anyone else because in the end, one is only hurting oneself. Life is not about money, but remember to use it wisely and that you must save it for college years. Even through busy times, keep in touch to those you love dearly.

Looking back, I think I would have told myself to work harder and to never give up. If you don't like the teacher or the students in your class, deal with it, do you best, and move on. I definitely could have put more effort into my studies which may have helped me in a few of my classes during the first semester of college. High school prepared me for college, and if I had been more studious and more diligent, perhaps I would not have felt as overwhelmed with the workload. I would also tell myself to be ready to take risks and be more social; college is a place about gbeing able to study and receive good grades at the same time as creating a social network.

College is different then Highschool. In highschool, When your homework was to 'study' that meant no homework. It is not the same in college, when it is a neccesity to study. That is the most important thing that I can think to tell you. Be social, it pays off, dont allow yourself to be secluded. I had an easy time adpating, but just remember to be friendly and outgoing. Well, thats all I have to say!

College life is nothing like high school life. Concentrate on what you want out of your life, not the present time in your social life. There are so many bigger things out there in the world, and in college. Become openminded and do what you can to make yourself stand out. Dont be afraid of what anyone thinks, and don't judge anyone else. Let yourself learn from others, and make the best out of every interaction with every person and teacher you meet. Figure out your studying skills and keep in mind what's really important to you.

As I am finishing up my final year at UMass, I am realizing that I should've taken the application process more seriously, for UMass is too big. My advice would be to put more effort into the application essay, and do more research about different schools and the majors they offer. Large classes might seem easy, but it is difficult to get to know the professors for when issues arise. I went into the application process with one major in mind, and it did not work out. As a result, I had to change my major three times, and I am now finishing my fifth (extra) year at UMass. Researching majors on every subject one is interested in is essential; basically, look at what I love the most. I would also advise looking into the dorm life, for many dorm rooms can be extremely dirty and noisy. Different areas of dorms on campus can have different atmospheres. Choosing the right one can be very beneficial towards one's academics. Overall, I would say to look at more options and make sure that I choose a college and major in which I can succeed in the best way.

Be brave, you can do this! I did not attend college directly out of high school because I failed to recognize the abilities I possess to help me achieve. The only way of discovering your learning style and intelligence is to have the courage to make an attempt and possibly fail at learning. I had to challenge my skillset in order to gain the confidence I lacked as a high school senior. Many facets that are important to succeed, such as confidence and capability, must be self-discovered and self-ackowledged. I needed to face my insecurities about learning head-on and believe I am capable of knowing and understanding course material. Daunting courses of Chemistry, Calculus and Physics seemed too hard for me to grasp and I must continue to remind myself that I can (and have) learn anything given the time and effort I will need to apply. Your education is just that: yours. You must put forth the work to learn and the courage to try in order to challenge yourself and grow. Every challenge intrinsicly faced increases the scaffold you build in order to reach and attempt your greatest triumphs.

Entering college is overwhelming and scary to say the least. For many students it's their first time living away from home. They're in a new enviroment and have to get used to so many things; sharing a dorm room, eating dining hall food, tougher, heavier workloads, and making new friends. If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to not be afraid of this transition. Along with all of the change comes great educational and social opportunities. I would tell highschool me not to hide from this experience but to embrace it fully. I'd encourage myself to get envolved in as many clubs or activities as possible. Colleges offer a huge range of activities to get students involved and everyone should take advantage of them. The most important advice I'd give is to never be afraid to take challenging classes. The professors who challegened me and the classes where I felt in over my head have been the ones that have taught me the most. I've had so many professors who have pushed and challenged me and have given me the best gift: an education.

"College is scarey, but you can do it". I would start off with. I know you think it is not for you now". I would tell myself "Try harder once you decide to go back to school". "With a little more dedication you will study alot more outside of school". "Sometimes, you will have poor priorities, but keep working at it". "Do not to rush things, and you will want to go back eventually". "I regret nothing. I enjoyed every moment in friendships and relationships that I encountered along my path. I would not want to change the people that I know or the memories they gave me. It is the little things in life that makes us whom we are". "I would also recommend that you take a fencing class the first semester. You will really enjoy fencing".

If I were to engage in a conversation with my high school being I would emphasize the importance of maintaining an open mind. Leaving the comfort of high school structure and entering into a new learning environment allows for an open-minded student to sculpt a new approach to life. High school learning focuses primarily on instilling factual education, in contrast college education allows students the opportunity to analyze complexed situations that hold multiple solutions. I would stress to my high school self to engage in academic clubs and to become an active member in the community. By participating in clubs students are able to vastly expand their college experience and meet diverse selection of individuals. I would describe to my high school self the vast differences concerning deadlines on assignments. College is designed to educate and prepare students to enter into the workforce, thus strictly enforced deadlines are essential. I would implore myself to adopt organizational methods in order to structure events and maintain efficient success throughout the semester. Most importantly I would tell myself that college is a new beginning. It is important to be happy with yourself and always remember who you are and your values.

There is alot of advice I would give myself knowing what I know now.The first thing is to make a monthly budget and stick to it. Once you get to college you forget that your money supply is limited and there are so many things that you spend money on.the next thing is not to go overboard on eating;wings at 3am,pizza, and junk food.These items become your best friend but its so bad for you that you end up gaining alot of weight.Also,make sure when the teacher says to read certain chapters you actually do it.In addition,study for tests days in advance instead of waiting for the last minute.Next,don't party all the time,even though you have freedom don't abuse it.Wait for the weekend to party and use the week days to focus on studying and homework. Lastly,call your parents atleast once a week.

College life is challenging in many ways. For most, it is our first experience outside of our parents home, making all of our own decisions. If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, there is a lot of valuable insight I would offer. One of the biggest challenges is trying to decide exactly what area of study is right for you. I would take the pressure off of myself and tell my senior self that there is no rush to decide. Explore several areas of study that interest you and try to enjoy the process. I would suggest meeting with a counselor who can help you focus your interests. The transition from high school to college is hard enough without the added pressure of feeling like the rest of your life has to be decided immediately. College should be an amazing experience so take a deep breath, and try to enjoy it.

One of the biggest differences you will experience in college is having a roommate. Sharing with your roommate is a part of getting along. Just think that he has to give up the same thing. You can both benefit or not from these experiences that you share together. If you don?t like him/her at first, give them a shot. Give them insight into what your thinking rather than saying you do not like them at the start and failing to give them a chance. After the first year, if you truly cannot stand the person, then switch roommates and request a friend that you enjoy spending time with that you think you will like as a roommate. You can always change roommates after the first semester. It?s a little harder to do, but can be done. So give it a shot and have a great first year!

If I could go back in time and give advice to my high school senior-self, I would tell myself to really research the school I wanted to attend. If I was unsure of the direction I wanted to take, I would tell myself that it's okay to take a semester or a year off to figure out what I'm passionate about- which is what I ended up doing anyway, after my freshman year at UMass. I would tell myself to take advantage of the services and advice offered by my high school guidance counselor, and I would tell myself to heed the financial aid application deadlines! I would encourage myself to apply for scholarships as well, instead of relying solely on financial aid. I would also encourage myself to get involved in the many information sessions offered by the university I decided upon, so as to be more informed about campus culture and extracurricular opportunities. I would tell myself to not be hesitant or nervous about joining new groups and meeting new people; there are so many opportunities to broaden your horizons in college, if you're not afraid to take innitiative and seize those opportunities.

As a high school senior, I stressed daily about the expectations in college classes. Now, as a college freshman going into my second semester, I know that with a good work ethic, anything is possible. I work diligently in my studies, and this is reflected in my grades. I would tell myself that even when times are tough and I'm feeling stressed out, do not give up. Keep on persevering and working hard. I experienced many difficult weeks this fall semester in which the work was piled on, and I could barely see the light at the end of the tunnel. I remind myself of a joke that keeps me going strong. "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." This phrase is true, and as a student, you can only worry about what is right in front of you at the present time. Live in the present, and don't dwell on the future is the best advice that I can give to myself.

Your going to have fun, so relax. Nothing wrong with that, just know how much money all this excitement is going to cost you at the end of your journey (tuition). This is were the saying ?take it for what it?s worth? comes into play. This could be the last time taking classes, studying, and taking exams. All this will be missed. All we are accustomed to is school, school and more school. When this process stops the human brain urges for this lack of educational nourishment. Embrace every moment you can. Embrace the sleepless nights that you will spend with friends attempting to understand Econometric Philosophies in the 1800?s and why you took thE class. There will be your worse days and there will be your best days. Your best days will turn into your worse days and vice versa. After you?re all done with the madness, you will want to do it all over again. Unfortunenately you can't. Some people say find something that you love to do and major in that field. My advice is to find something that you?re interested in and would love to learn more about.

College will be an adventure for the next phase of my life. Don't be afraid of the new and unknown. Be yourself and open up to others within your dorm or classes. It's fun and very rewarding as you get used to being away from home, on your own, and learning to enjoy yourself as you. Try to remember you are only one out of thousands who are doing the same thing in college. Be prepared for the negative aspects as well as the positive and reinforcing things that will happen daily in your new college life. Open your eyes and mind to enjoy your new life and friends. Be prepared for hard work but with positive results. Don't forget to have fun.

A younger version of me would need to hear two things. A) I need to decide 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} what to major in with real goals for a working future. If that meant, take time-off after high school to discover what "my calling" was then I should. My parents told me to attend college and "be somebody" and I left home unprepared. I could have moved into my own apartment and worked first. (B) "Freedom is not being away from family. Freedom is knowing what I want to do and doing it. Freedom is an inside job." If I heard those two things, I probably would have honored myself and not failed out of my first college. Now this time around, I know what my goals are and earned a 3.227 G.P.A. last semester.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now I would tell myself not to stress out so much. As long as you do all the work on time and study nothing will go wrong. Have fun, but remember that it is college and th primary reason for being there is to learn. There are such great oppurtunitys so go out there and have fun while learning. If you are too stressed out you won't realize what an amazing experience college life is.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to keep doing what I was doing. My senior year wasn't a "drop-off" year like the other seniors in my high school. I kept taking more difficult classes so I could learn more and keep my senior year from being a waste of my time. I would tell myself to work at filling out more scholarships. The more scholarships that you apply to the higher your chances of earning some money. I would make sure to tell myself that I shouldn't worry about missing my friends because I will be able to see them during university breaks. There are many important things to do senior year, but the most important thing I would tell myself is making sure that graduate by filling in all the necessary requirements because the best is yet to come.

When I attended high school, I was a very gifted student who was taking college-level courses. There was intense pressure to attend a "good" college. Teachers always assumed that everyone in these classes would attend college immediately. However, I had my own thoughts on the subject, and decided to take some time off. In that time, I met my husband, had two children and finally returned to finish my schooling. Shortly thereafter, we were sent to England to live for five years. Now that both of my sons are grown, I have decided to complete my college education. Luckily, I still have strong academic skills, as I have been reading, researching, and learning constantly throughout my life. My advice to students in high school would be to be flexible in life, as there is opportunity for learning in many areas of life. It is never too late to achieve your potential, so stay focused on your goals.