University of Massachusetts-Lowell Top Questions

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

Aja

Do not stress. Stressing makes things worse, especially when you have papers, homework, work, and a social life to balance. Time management is your best friend. If needed, feel free to sit down and just plan your week ahead. What assignments you have to get done, if you have any meetings, when you plan to see friends, what your work schedule is, or even random notes you want to add like a show you watch. Time management has helped me in so many ways to accomplish the goals I have. I also have to give time management much credit for my 3.9 gpa that I am very proud of. Hard work does not come easy. Take advantage of flashcards/notecards when applicable and buy A LOT of them. Studying 5 - 7 at a time will be the best habit you will ever adapt to in your school career. Also, have fun and do not be afraid to meet new people. You never know who is out there and how much of an impact they will have on your life.

lam

keep learning and try the best you can to figuages out what you really can do. Some time it really take alot of time to find what you really want to become. So chose your role model and ask them what you can do to become one of them in the future.

Maeve

I would tell myself to look at colleges earlier, and take harder classes to be prepared for the intense workload. I would also encourage myself to enter more math classes.

Sam

Commuting sucks. You're going to have to drive on I-95 back and forth, stuck in traffic, constant construction, and putting up with angry drivers--yes, even if you follow the rules of the road. Also, you're going to get into one incident of road rage; don't lose your cool. Just suck it up, get out of the way, don't make eye contact, and don't make any gestures, okay? Make sure not to skimp on your studies in the first year. This isn't high school anymore, pal. I know that senior year and senior slide was a fun thing to do, but now you're no longer forgiven for doing stuff like that. In fact, do not skimp on ANY of your classes throughout college. Focus on your studies, very carefully. Seriously, man, you're going to bomb your grades if you do stuff like that. On the bright side, you won't have to put up the bullies anymore, so there's that! Most of them ended up in prison, or are dead. But most importantly, enjoy this while it lasts, because once it's gone, it's over, and adulthood sucks.

Anne

I started college thinking I could take on the world. A noble enough goal, right? Club pamphlets filled my dorm room while my schedule was filled with try-outs and meet-and-greets. I was running from club to club, seeing what there was to offer. And I did get a taste of all the things I had ever thought about trying, and then some. My one fatal flaw was trying to keep up with all of it. ACLU, soccer, basketball, news-letter, and a host of other clubs, the names of which, now I can’t even remember. While it was great to see everything and get a feel for the college atmosphere, I didn’t take advantage of one of the coolest aspects of college. The ability to choose. For the first time, I had no curfew or mandatory classes. Heck, there wasn’t even the requirement to show up. I responded to this newfound freedom by saying “yes” to everything. But it was really an opportunity to pursue what was most important to me. So do yourself a favor and check out everything, but commit only to the things that matter.

Krista

The advise that I would give myself is that it is okay to not know exactly what I want to study. However, as a high school senior you have to make sure that you really think about where to go to school and not just decide on a whim or because you want to "get away". It is a serious decision and it can change your life. It needs to really be thought about and everything needs to be considered. College is very expensive and if I could go back, I would make sure I took my family's advice and gone straight to a community college first and then transfered to a four year school instead of doing to opposite. A decision like this will change your life for better or worse; it is your decision as to which you would rather.

amanda

I’ve recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree, and there are so many things I wish I’d tried. If I could advise my high school self of anything, it would be to try everything. As a commuter, I went to class and went home. I had no college experience. One of my biggest hang-ups was coming out of my shell! Be yourself, a cliché, but true. I was too anxious about joining this or that club, or attending events, and I lost out on networking and making lifelong friendships. In college, you can really find people who share your interests and passions. My high school friendships fizzled, and I never made college friends. I don’t feel like I have things in common with the people I do still hang around with. You don’t realize how much you are going to grow in those years. I struggled to find a career after college because I avoided those chances to network and get advice from professors. They are a great resource! I’d write that on my former self’s hand so I’d never hesitate to approach a professor.

Naomi

During my first semester I wished all the time that I could go back and give myself advice. The most important advice I would give myself is to develop good study habits and become an expert at time management. The most difficult transition is being responsible for yourself. In high school teachers chase you down and make sure you do your work. In college, you're paying for your own education. The teachers are there to teach and it's your responsibility to go to class and turn everything in on time because they will fail you without so much as blinking. I would tell myself to be aware of all deadlines and to manage my time well.

Rebecca

Stay in school, even if you change your major! You will eventually figure it out. And if you don't right away, stick with it. Take classes anyway, especially if you receive a scholarship for them. Take general classes in order to keep credits high and transferrable to a program you eventually know you'll complete. Get it done before you are 25! Going back to school at 33 for a career change is not the most ideal situation. Get A career figured out by the time you're 25.....if you decide to change your mind later on in life and are able to afford going back to school and the time is right, then go for it. Do your research to pick a career. What interests you? Are you looking to make a lot of money, or do something you love, or both? This is one of the most important questions you should answer, then look at the choices you have.

Christina

The first thing I would tell myself is apply for as many scholarships as you can. You cannot rely on financial aid to pay for your school. you need to work hard and save as much money as you can. Don't be afraid to take on a full-time job during the summer, there will still be plenty of time to have fun. The second thing I would tell myself is don't settle for a school just because it is the least expensive. There are other ways to pay for college. Shoot for your dream school and don't be afraid to try something new. Be willing to stay at school and dorm, don't be hesitant, and don't shy away from out of state schools because you'll end up falling in love with one and regretting your decision to settle for a school that wasn't part of your dream.

Nicole

If you do not like to be away from home for long periods of time, picking a school that is close to it is very important. College should be a time you enjoy, not a time you dread. Being able to go home will make the experience enjoyable for you. Also, if you know you will have to go back to school for another degree, the price of your undergraduate career should be taken into consideration. You don't want to be in debt once you're out of school.

Samuel

The advice I would give to myself is to delvelop a planner. College in most cases is not that difficult if manage your time well. There are many things you can do in college such as clubs, parties etcs. Without time management I would have been caught up wtih all these activities and would get any of my work and studies done.

Hemmilly

Going back in time would allow me to teach myself a few useful things. First, I would encourage me to actively participate in extracurricular activities. I would tell me to be part of clubs and organizations in order to be more involved. I know now that much of the aid available for students going to college are merit based, so I believe this would increase my chances of being awarded scholarships and grants. I would also focus more time in researching these grants and scholarships. As a high school student, I did not have a clear idea of how expensive a college degree could be, so I found myself having to take multiple breaks in order to save money to pay my tuition. Scholarships and grants could have significantly helped me finance my education. Another advice I would give myself would be to carefully consider all the cost and benefits before choosing a school. I would tell myself to take a holistic look at the school, including tuition price, admission process, school size and financial aid process. Taking these matters into consideration helps to make an informed decision.

Emily

If I were able to go back and talk to myself, I would tell myself a couple different things. The first thing that I would tell myself is that Ishould never let anything seperate me from my morals. I am a wonderful Christian girl who deserves to do the very best for herself. The second thing that I would tell myself is to never let people or circumstances stand in the way of me getting my education. The third thing I would tell myself is that I am good at what I do, but there is always going to be someone who can do better; challenge yourself to become the best, and when you think you are the best, do better. The last thing I would tell myself is that other people in this world have been through hardships like myself. Make sure that you are a beacon of God's love, and show that person that person that they can overcome the hardships put into their lives also. If I could go back and tell myself these things I would not regret a thing in my time here at college.

Andrew

Much has changed in the last few years. I would tell my past self to follow my dreams, my passions. To not get caught up in worrying about how much money my specific career choice would profit. To do what I love to do, because I love doing it. I would also tell myself to avoid distractions, to take my work seriously and to put everything I have into my education. To find friends who share my interests, goals, and dreams. To fill my mind with knowledge that I can appreciate and use to benefit myself and others. I would encourage myself to wisely utilize my newly acquired freedoms to accomplish all of these things. Much has changed within me in the last few years, for the better.

Elizabeth

I would advise myself to have more fun, especially during my first year since that was the easiest. I would also advise myself to find a good study spot other than my room because in my room it is easy to get sucked into watching TV, etc on my computer. Additionally I would have looked more into the kitchen facilities at a school. This is important because I have a food intolerance, however I didn't know that coming into college so at the time it wouldn't have mattered and if I never had the food intolerance it probably wouldn't have mattered as well. I would have not held so long onto bad friendships. I would advise myself to stand up for myself and not let people walk over me. In college it's easy to want to be liked and to fit into a group right away and so it's easy to get sucked into a bad friend group.

Jessica

Most people would reply to this question in boring essay form and give a monotonous speech on keeping a hard work ethic, to do your homework, and be friendly to meet new people. Don't get me wrong, these things are crucial to success in a new college environment. However, it is the little things-the littlest pieces of advice that all come together to make the most of your college expierience. It is how to learn life's little lessons that all high school seniors should be prepared for. As a high school senior, I would want to know to stock up on easy mac and ramen noodles and to always take the shuttle thirty minutes early to not be late for class. To always leave your door open in hopes of meeting a new companion. To keep energy drinks on hand to keep up with hours of late night studying. To say hello to at least three new people every day. To treasure each and every moment. To manage my time and stay focused rather than party. To budget my money wisely! Most importantly, to work hard and play harder. The little advice always matters most after all.

Patrick

Patrick, you need to learn how to manage your time. You also need to figure out what you are good at, and where you want to work now so you dont waste any time in college. Keep studying hard and the world is yours!

Megan

The main piece of advice that I would give myself as a high school senior would be to start preparing early for a future career. I was so caught up in the excitement of senior year and finally graduating that I did not give nearly enough attention to what I really wanted for my future career and where I wanted to attend college. If I had taken this advice as a high school senior, I would be much farther in my college journey and that much closer to achieving my desired career. Because this advice was not given to me, I have undergone many setbacks college because I couldn’t decide on the right career for me and what school would be best in helping to reach my aspired career. Although I have been delayed a few times, I am still working hard and am fully dedicated to my future goals.

Maggie

I would tell myself to do more research into colleges that offer architecture and those that have NCAA Division II athletics, to be sure that my final choice was well-decided. I would tell myself to put more effort toward applying for scholarships, because money does not come easily. Because I wanted to run for my college, I would meet in person with the running coaches and arrange to attend a practice with the team and spend a night on campus before I make my decision. As a high school senior, I did well academically, so I would not have to remind myself to keep up my grades. However, I would tell myself to read more over the summer before college to better maintain the vocabulary and comprehension skills that I had acquired over my schooling. Also for the summer following senior year, I would encourage myself to meet more of my classmates and not stick so much to my usual group, and overall to stay in better contact with my classmates, so that I might still have better relationships with them now in college. Although going back in time would be helpful, I am content with my senior year.

Maggie

Always, always sign up for classes early and finish general education courses first. Follow deadlines for financial aid and if possible, get them done early. Learn more about the professors and the textbooks for classes before signing up if possible.

Gina

I would have to be very careful about the advice I would give. I have lived a good part of a lifetime already. Any change, no matter how small, could have drastic effects on my life now. I have difficulty even hypothesizing with the existance of my children weighing in the balance. I could not bring myself to mention anything that would fix the reasons I did not go the college right after high school. Be that as it may, I would have to take the chance to tell myself that, "Opportunities will present themselves along the way. Do not let fear of failure keep you from trying. It will not be easy but you will find your courage. It is never to late. There is help for you. Your dreams for your career are still possible." My college life will never be what I dreamed of when I was eighteen. But I am positive I will appreciate it so much more now.

Ryan

If I were given the chance to talk to high school senior self with the knowledge that I have now, I would tell me various things. I would explain that college is incredibly expensive, it would be advised to have a general idea of what field I wanted to go in to, and I would tell me never to let girls get in the way of my education. As a senior in high school, no one ever made clear to me just how expensive college is. I am only at a community college and it is already very expensive. I do not want to put the burden on my parents. I would also sit down and talk to myself about my field of choice. I would help me to decide ealier on instead of wasting time and money on classes that I would not need. Lastly, I would make it clear to myself not to let any girls get in the way of my education. I declined a scholarship so that I could stay with a girl in my senior year of high school. This was probably the biggest mistake of my life. So there you have it.

Vanessa

I graduated high school and studied in college for a year in Taiwan. Before I came to the United States, I knew some information about the University of Massachusetts Lowell because my cousin was a UMass student. UMass Lowell has a convenient campus, and the academics are very good and very flexible. Before I came to this country, I did not have good English skills in writing, reading and communication. I needed to take the ESL courses (English as a Second Language) and took some courses in the community college to improve my English. After, I studied two years in Middlesex Community College, my English improved a lot. To be a college student need has active to learn everything, and it is not like a high school student. A scucessful college student not only good at grade, but also has rich social activities. I am proud of myself because my GPA is higher than other my classmates, also, I have a lot of friends from different country. I think I am almost a successful college student now.

Jonathan

I learned how to become more independent and its really valuable because its helping me to become an adult. If I didn't attend college I wouldn't know how to hold me own and I would probably live in my parents house forever

Clara

I came from a very small town in Maine with very little diversity. Certain mindsets, not necessarily good nor bad, tended to dominate its culture. UMass Lowell has opened my eyes to a vastly wider array of men and women from varying backgrounds with different ideas, hopes, and beliefs that a paragraph in a book cannot possibly sum up. I am much less quick to judge an individual for a difference in opinion now than I once was because my own opinions have been changed. I can now understand how there may be a piece of the picture that someone else is seeing that I am not. This has changed the way I look at the world and broadened my appreciation for people and experiences. Most importantly, though, is the passion of the individuals I am surrounded by each day. From my professors to my peers, everyone is here because they love what they do. That is the single most important thing you can ask from a school. It makes whatever flaws are there seem trivial.

chelsea

I have grown as an individual through my college experience. Being in control of my own and people respecting my decisions made me respect myself much more than I did in highschool. I learned the value personality and discovered my own. If it weren't for college I would have never met most of my good friends. It is interesting going to a new place, one can really redefine themself. I didn't change who i was, i just became more comfortable with who i am, and that changed me. It has been valuable to attend college because of the bonds with not only students, but professors as well. The professors I have encountered have taught me life lessons and forced me to expand my creativity and ambitions. That alone is a great reason to attend college, to expand personal ambitions. My goals were never that high in highschool, however in college you are constantly being pushed into a deeper concept. It is endless what you can be, and college is just a stepping stone in your world of realizing that.

Yaovi

Since my arrival at UMASS Lowell I quickly realize how much was going on on campus and I couldn’t wait to have my part in this enormous movement. And once in the heart of the project itself I quickly acknowledged how many of the organization I was pursuing were all an idea of an individual student. This forced me to try to begin my own club and get an idea moving on campus. I’m currently trying to get an organization for African American individuals

Rebecca

Aside from being exposed to the multiple different races, experiencing staff member who are very supportive, and also a great involvement in the community, my first year in college has been very enlightening. I have realized abilities that I did not know i possessed. For example, Time management is a very important quality that I have obtained this year. Another thing I have gotten out of UMass Lowell as well is this sense of true independence and responsibilty. I am a very determined and hardworking woman, so I enjoy challenges and succeeding in them and also learning from them, and while attending this school, I have gained the ability to truly handle difficult situations demostrated through my hardowk and determination. University of Massachusetts Lowell has truly begun to transform me to a well rounded person.

Jesse

Among the exhausting number of things I would do if I could return to the past, helping my highschool self assimilate to college culture would be a huge priority. When I was younger, my mind wasn't heading toward the right path. I was in danger of not graduating and had very little motivation. In contrast, I am now succeeding with flying colors; I am in the Honors Program and am maintaining a 3.8 GPA. Once I found myself, after traveling back in time, I would sit him down, pour him a coffee, and ask him to listen to how much more satisfying my life is now that I have gained a sense of direction, drive, and motivation. I would insist that taking on a challenge that requires enthusiasm and drive brings about a higher sense of happiness and gratification once completed. Like climbing a mountain to reach the summit, the climbing is rough and rocky and often littered with fear of failure and the desire to turn around and abandon the goal, but once you reach the summit, the overwhelming joy of looking out into the horizon is an achievement well worth the risk and hard work.

Brian

I would offer less advice, and more ask a question. What will you do different? With the number of students persuing higher education on the rise, the acadmic world is more competative than ever before. The unfortunate result is that individual students become less important than retention numbers, graduation rates, and average GPAs. In this climate, what will you do socially and academically to lift yourself above the crowd? More than ever it is the sole responsability of the student to ensure their own success and to avoid the common pratfalls that bury an otherwise inteligent individual. With the limitless variation of personalities and study habits, there is no defined method for success. Each student must determine in their own way, how they will stand out. Thus bearing the question, what will you do different?

Kenneth

Remember why you are in college. You are here to build your future, not to indulge. You will see many around you fall to great temptations on a regular basis. They are only living for the moment, but you are living for the future. This is of the utmost importance especially as a musician. The others are merely wasting their time. Take advantage of your education. Remember that many here have parents they can always fall back on. They will always have roof over your head. You are not like them. Mom and Dad aren't here anymore and your aunt is getting old. Others still children inside but you, by fate, are an adult. Nothing is ever "good enough." Try your hardest, set your goals high. Strive not for merely financial security, but to be somebody. Remember all the things Dad has done in your childhood to push you to be the best. Don't let it be in vain. The keyword here is "greatness." Keep in mind studying abroad and interning at musically related places. Submerse youself in as many positive, and enriching experiences as you can. These things will change your outlook on the world.

Amber

If I could go back in time to when I was a highschool senior, I would tell myself so much about getting prepared for college. I would tell myself to look into more college than just the two or three that I did. I would tell myself to go and visit some more colleges and ask more questions. I also would tell myself about looking into more scholarships and to try and apply for scholarships. Another thing I would tell myself is to study for the SATs and not just take them and try to pass them. I would say to focus more on highschool because college is a lot of work and I need to focus.

Samantha

(LETTER FORMAT) Hey Sam, listen up and listen good! In a few short months your life is going to change immensely. but in all honesty this change is for the better, a better life a better future and a better you. Things are only going to get harder from here so hold on to your good friends and let of bad memories. This is a fresh start you need to buckle down and get yourself organized. You can't account for everything that may happen or that is to come but just make sure to prepare yourself for bigger dreams, and some disappointments but never failure. If something doesn?t turn out right there's usually a way around it so no quitting OK. No matter where this journey takes you remember who you are and what you believe in. Stand firm on how you want to be and don?t stress others opinions! In order for you to thrive in college you have to be able to stand your ground and go after your goals. No one can limit you but yourself.

Lisa

The researching of college is extremely important as well as knowing one's future aspirations and goals. The important factor in choosing the best college life for oneself is to sit down alone and consider the options. Outside advice can be helpful or harmful when choosing the best place to attend. The best advice and ideas come from onesellf and t is vital to think about interests, career opportunities, and future income as well. One must remember to not allow another's opinion to affect one's own course of action. Everyone has a place and time at which he or she has had his or her inspiration. The importance in life is following one's own ideas and inner instinct. In making the transition to college one should keep not only the mind but the eyes and ears open to the new environment and people. It is okay to try new things within reason and sometimes it is worth it to step outside ourselves and to open up to that person reaching out to us. Reaching out on one's own is difficult but is also worth the effort whether or not it results in a longterm relationship.

Kaitlin

Knowing what I now know about college, I would tell myself to always stay focused on your school work. It is possible to have a fun social life and get your work done. You meet so many diffrent kinds of people that you have to have an open mind about a lot of things. The friends you make in college will forever be your friends. You become almost an adult, your away from your parents and do everything on your own. You make the rules for yourself and know your own limits. College is an experience that will change your life for the better.

Heather

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say give your education everything you've got! There are no limits in high school; join as many clubs and volunteer as much as possible. Go the extra mile! Take those harder courses you were afraid to attempt. In the end, all the hard work is totally worth it. Most of all, embrace the easy flow of high school. Have fun and understand why some teachers are harder on you than others. Secretly, they are the ones who want to see you succeed the most! High school really is the best four years of your adolescence...so make it the most memorable four years of your life.

Thomas

I would tell myself to save more money, and more importantly start college a lot sooner.

Saphorn

Well i would like to start by saying, the part of the application i put down for what college i am attending. It is not UMass Lowell. I am attending Middlesex Community College, it was not listed. My advice to myself as a high school senior would be never quit school. The regret that i had for taking a two year break from college was a big mistake. I am currently going back to school and I am not sure if i can be mental and physically in that state of mind to keep going. But i will continue and do my best.

Daniel

The advice I would give myself is pretty simple. Make a schedule, get work done early, and dont live off campus without a job. Making a schedule that you can work with is key. Have a wake up time that works every day; waking up at different times everyday makes the morning rush to class more confusing to remember what you have to do that day and what you need to take with you to class. Doing work early just makes life easier. Instead of going out or hanging out with friends for long periods of time on a Tuesday or a Thursday, take the time to start a paper and make a good dent in it. Everybody waits til the last minute to do their work, but if you have a head start on the work, when you do wait until the last minute, that means less time spent up the night before a paper is due and more sleep! I know living off campus sounds amazing ffor the parties and freedom, but without a job it gets really expensive. You need to remember that you have to feed yourself, pay rent, and clean just like everyone else there.

Wendy

I would have tried taking more AP classes and I would have taken more time to learn how too manage my time.

Tafadzwa

When in college one shoild start being serious about education. Apply for as mant scholarships as he/she can to help with college funds.

Joseph

I would advise myelf to take full advantage of every opportunity offered at school. Including learning abroad and taking classes I would not normally have an interest in. I would remind myself that I am going to college to learn and that should be my focus, although social activities are important what will truly define the college experience is the effort put into coursework and the preparation that effort gives you for life after college.

Roberto

The best advice I would give myself as a senior would be to set your goals high, and try your best to achieve them. I realized how different college was from High School, but the one thing they had in common was in order to do well, you must work hard and put in great efforts. College has a lot more distractions and you have to find it within yourself to balance out social time and study time together. It can be a very difficult task, but with the right mindset and the desire to acheive your goals and be successful, it becomes a lot easier. College is a very important part in someone's life. It can tell your future depending on how good or bad you do. That is why I am committed to doing my best because I know the importance of a degree, but it is more than just the degree. It is also what you take from college outside the class room. Networking in college can lead to many doors after school and that can be even more important than a degree. My last advice would be to get the whole college experience and nevergiveup.

Heather

Make sure to have a plan set out and keep on top of things. It will be hard, but as long as you keep yourself on track, you will make it. Also never forget, scholarships, scholarships, scholarships. The more you keep on top of things, the easier your college life will be.

Steven

I would give myself the advice to reanalyze my choices. I'd want myself to think about my choice of a major as I decided to change after a year. It turns out that I realized almost too late that I didn't like math. I gave up the path of engineering, and almost went to business, but thankfully realized that I was just getting into more math. As an english major, I'm much happier and enjoy the classes I'm taking more than before. I am getting used to the career, working on a novel, and am starting to work on things to submit for publication so that I can hopefully get a career in publishing and as a writer.

Paige

If I had the chance to go back and speak to myself as a high school senior, there are many things that I would like to tell myself. The first thing I would have told myself is not to look at colleges based on simply looks or location. The first college I went to was chosen based on these things and I was not happy there. Also, I needed to be warned about the cost of education and the impact that had on myself and my family. If I had known about this, I would have been much more serious about saving money for my education. Another piece of advice I would have liked to have known is that I should think about my major fully and put myself in the shoes of a professional in that field so I can decide if that is a good fit for me or not. I did not do this and because of that, I am slightly behind in my academic career while finding a new direction.

Winston

The high schools should have many guidance counselors and mentors so that students can complete high school and make a smooth transition to college. Also, with the end result of finding a related job, perhaps having students at the high school level perform job shadowing of prospective employers and job descriptions or job titles.

Mary

I would tell myself to think about what I want out of my college experience and just go for it. There may need to be some revisions along the way as I grow and begin to find out what I like and don't like, but I should get the most out of college while I am young and I have the opportunity to.

Vanessa

As a high school senior I would tell myself to work hard and think for my future because soon the future will be the present. I would let myself know that this bold statement applies to every aspect of life, especially in my formative college years. School work and the time and effort that you put into it will soon turn into real world work in order to survive. The harder you work in the present the greater the benefits you will reap in the future. Plan and think ahead, and you will see not only will academic situations flow smoothly and successfully but so will social and family matters. As a young highschool senior I had never imagined that there would be a day where I wouldn't have my father to count on for emotional and financial support. However, when he was shot in September 2006 it was time to learn to make it on my own. I learned to become responsible for myself, to plan for myself and to fight for my own future and success. Therefore, it would be imperative to tell myself as a highschool senior to be prepared and to think for my future.