University of Miami Top Questions

The University of Miami has helped me create different groups of friends I hang out with, from artsy friends to frat boys. Miami has the best night life from house parties to going out to the best clubs in the world on South Beach. Academically, the university provides the best professors in their field and students learn a lot from each class. People rarely skip class just because the class is so interesting and worth the time. There are so many clubs that students can join it is no hard to get involved with something you are passionate about and network with others on campus with the same passions as you. The football games are amazing and everyone loves being the part of the U. Overall, it's great to be a Miami Hurricane.

My college experience, thus far, has allowed me to break out of my shell. The professors have pushed me to challenge myself intellectually and to take my knowledge past the classroom setting. I came to University of Miami not knowing anyone and the friends I have made here since then have helped me turn into a more confident, outgoing person. In essence, college has made me stronger.

i have gotten out of my short time here at the U are 2 things, which i believe are extremely important to me. First off, i have been challenged with the ability to "think". Use more knowledge based answers and think before i jump to conclusions. And secondly, i now know what it is like to become apart of a family without people actually being your immediate family. The professors, coaches, students, athletes, and alumni show me what life is like when 15,000 people are behind you at all times. There is no better feeling to have in life, than the ability to think and the benefit of having such a supportive surrogate family at all times. I give all of the credit to the University of Miami and I am very fortunate to be attending such a prestigious school as this is.

My college experience was rewarding in that I was able to maintain a 4.0 GPA during five full-time (16-18 credit hour) semesters even though I had been out of school for 29+ years. This helped my self-esteem greatly and showed me that anything is possible when you put your mind into it. I am the first in my family to attend college which was like crossing a milestone for me. My Associate's of Applied Science degree gave me the opportunity to work with the local newspaper as a photojournalist and to become a published photographer which had been a major goal of mine. Being selected to be co-editor of the Hutchinson Community College (HCC) Dragon's Tale magazine was a highlight of my second year as was being the top HCC award winner among the magazine staff at the Kansas Associated Collegiate Press banquet. I also feel it was beneficial for me to interact with traditional college students as well as other non-traditional students.

From my college experience i've learned how to use my time wisely and apperciate deadlines more than i ever have before. I've also figured out that getting help doesn't mean your stupid, it simply means you are smart enough to use the resourses available do better in school. College is very important to attend because without it my career wouldn't go as far as i want it to go. I want to be at the top of a company somewhere, or working as an engineer or college algebra professor and that wouldn't be possible if I where to leave college.

The main thing that ive gotten from my experience at UM is how adaptive i can be to situations and how much perserverance i have. Ive gotten myself into some sticky situations grade-wise while ive been at UM and yet my final grades have been great. I an get knocked down but i just keep getting back up and working hard. I also like the freedom i have being a college student. We are able to do what we want when we want and its on our shoulders, there is know one telling us yes or no. It is of huge value to attend college, not only for the education for your future but for the experiences and people and friends you can meet. That alone makes college worth attending

I first arrived at the University of Miami not knowing a single person. I now have friends that I know I can trust forever and with anything. My college experience has taught me to step out of my comfort zone and experience new cultures and traditions. On one side the knowledge that has been given to me is beyond extradinary, and on the other side being away from home has taught me responsiblity and courage. I believe that this experience has allowed me to grow as a person and completely open a new chapter in my life. Without this experience I probably would not be able to understand exactly what my goals are and what I need to do for my future to be what I want it to be.

I started college as a Pre-Med student, i am still on the pre-med track but might be changing to Nursing in the near future. So far, my colelge experience has been a great one. Although i am not yet sure what i want to study, i have had a chance to meet wonderful people and learn a lot. I have a thirst for knowledge and at UM i am able to quench that thirst. I have a job now and many more responsibilities, but it's all worth it. I love the college environment and it's teaching methods. It's a new phase in my life, and i will make the best of it.

I've learned so much about myself being away from home. I am from a small town in Georgia where everyone knows everyone. I was a top student in my class as well as an established leader. I was also a cheerleader for our high school, and captain of football and competitive cheer my senior year. I went from being a big fish in a small pond, to being a little fish in a big pond. College was hard for me to adjust to. However, it taught me how to be my own friend. I learned how to live and survive on my own. I learned how to trust myself and my knowledge by making decisions from my own instincts instead of relying on "group think". I feel that you become the individual you will be for the rest of you life in college. I learned how to be a young independent woman, and I owe it all to my college experience.

As a first semester freshman at the University of Miami, I have already grown in every way imaginable. From the first week on campus, my advisor encouraged me to succeed. In fact, I am in the process of founding my own organization on campus, Phi Beta Lambda, otherwise known as the Future Business Leaders of America. In addititon to that, I have developed positive and influential relationships with all of my professors. In fact, my Business Law teacher encouraged me to major in Business Law. However, Business Law is not my only major. I am also majoring in Entrepreneurship and minoring in Motion Pictures. I learned to follow my dreams at the University of Miami. Everyone is willing to work together in order to create a more successful learning environment. I came into this school without having any problems adjusting. The Univeristy of Miami is not only my school, but it is also my home. If we follow Maslow's Law, the University of Miami has provided me with all of the resources to succeed and it encouraged and continues to encourage me to take advantage of everything that it has to offer.

College has been a great learning experience because it gave me the opportunity to learn new things, especially about the world, and has equiped me to be a more determined persistent person who thinks logically, being compassionate and respectful to others. I have gotten a good perspective of what the real world will be like in the workforce because of my college experience. I have encountered classmates that have so much views about campus life and the world around them, they advocate for so many social and economic causes. They have opinions about everything that goes on in the world today, finding ways to improve social and economic problems in the world through clubs, meetings, seminars, and public activities on campuses. Not only have I experienced great classmates, I have also experienced great professors that want to hear their students' views about subject matters about subject matters discussed in class , they enjoy interacting with students, encouraging them to learn about course material and events that shape their world today. Overall, my college experience helped me realize that a person's opinion should be heard on a subject matter, respecting their views.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is a better understanding of the business world as well as how computer , networking, and application work and how they work together. College has been valuable to attend in such a way that the wealth and knowledge as well as experince is greatly obtain , learned, used, and applied in the business world.

I have gained a lot of responsibility and have learned a lot.

College is an experience that can not be encountered through any other means but to experience it soley by yourself. High school doesn't even compare to the college life - living away from home, having to teach yourself the material, making new groups of friends is all a part of college life. Not only these things, but having to share a tiny room with someone else, along withhaving to share a bathroom with 43 other girls has been quite a challenge. However, these experiences have taught me so many things. I've come to gain a respect for so many types of people, the way that these people live and interact, and also learned how to interact and get to know these people that have come across the nation and the world to fulfil their potential - something both I and they have in common. It has been a phenomenal experience and I would not have wanted to attend any other university. I have gained so many great experiences and so much knowledge just from my first semester and I can't wait to see what the next 3 and a half years bring. It's all about the U!

In the few years that I have been in college, I have received many friends and words of wisdom that would other wise never have been in my life if I had not gone to college. These friends and the words they say help me keep going in life, I truely believe that if I was not in school now; my life would be pretty shallow. I know deep in my heart that if I had taken a year off before going to college, I would have become just another statistic in the revolving circle we call life. Also coming from a single parent home, where my mother was beaten repeatedly, has set me apart from other students in my class who take this education thing for granted. Therefore this is absolutely the only and most important reason why college has been so valuable to attend. I have to make something of myself.

When I first got to the University of Miami, I had no idea what was going to happen. In retrospect four years later, I see that it challenged me in many aspects. It challenged me in academics and my carreer, which was the original intent. However, it grasped all aspects of my life and pushed my time management, social skills and management skills. I was able to get involved in professional organizations on campus, get leadership positions and engage in social and volunteering programs. All this was added to already my busy schedule. College also exposed me to new ways of thinking, reasoning and interacting. All together at times it was very overwhelming but this is what I got out of it: preparation and preserverance. I not only learned knowledge, but the tools that can help me in a myriad of challenges. With this Hurricane that we call "College" (pun intended on the University of Miami's Mascot), I feel uplifted and inspired to take on the problems of today for a more effective and happy tomorrow. For this, I am incredibly thankful to the fact that I was propelled into college, so I could then propell my world.

Going away to college has really helped me step out of my parents and brothers shadows and come out as my own person. I now feel like I am a much more capable person who will one day be able to hold down a serious job, pay bills, and start an independent life that will be whatever I choose it to be. College has helped me uncover the confident woman I can be. I have made friends easily when I thought I would struggle, and I hope these will be lifelong friends. Not to mention, had I not come to the University of Miami and met a girl who made me feel like I could do more with my life at a school with a great architecture program, I wouldn't now be a double major of architecture and international studies. My college experience has been, and will always be, an indispensable part of my life.

I have gotten the best gift any student could recieve out of their college experience. I recieved the gift of feeling confident in every subjuct I study. I came to school hating all the subjects, now I understand every subject I've tackled. I have changed my major once and I'm keeping my new one. My English teacher inspired me to become an English Teacher. It has been very valuable to attend my classes because I have learned more in the past 8 weeks then I have in any college class. I truely love my college!

What have I gotten out of my coolege experience? I gotten a true understanding of sacrifice and determination. In order to get a higher education, you need both. The sacrifice is your time, friends, and possibly employment. Sometimes when you try to better yourself any or all of those come into play, as a roadblock. Then that's where the determination comes in. you have to Push forward, sometimes when you dont want to, in order to get to the place where you want to be. For me, I truly have a passion for my degree and that makes the determination a little easier. The prize is within my grasp, and the journey has made it all the more worth it. Why has it been valuable to attend? When you around people with a common goal, you tend to encoourage eachother. That has been by far the most valuable thing in attending. Being around positive people, all trying to better themselves.

I am currently a college student, specifically a freshman, therefore, my college experience is not one with much experience. However, so far it is fruitful in the aspect of forming my future. Right now I am becoming more familiar with the different fields in engineering and narrowing down my options. Educationally, thus far my experience is good. The University of Miami is a family-oriented, family-steered campus. This makes my college experience, socially, welcoming and warming. There are many sources of help and information accessible to students making the freshman experience ultimately easy. In all, my college experience is exciting and thrilling and one that I wish to continue to grow into.

Attending college has made me realize how important stepping out of my comfort zone is. Being in a new place, with new faces, new environment and new people overall is amazing and is undescribable. For everyone that is worried that they will not fit in, they will either find a place to fit in, or learn that maybe that is not the most important thing. While I am sure everyone experiences days of loneliness from being in a new place, this is when you learn the most about yourself and what truly gets you through the day. College is not only about academics, but it's also about self sufficiency. I have learned that I am the only one who can make myself do anything, and I am the only one who can make myself happy. I am the only person here at this school who can convince myself that happiness is where I find it, not where other people tell me to find it, and that is the beauty of college.

When I began my college experience at the University of Miami, I expected to face challenges in my studies that would lead to a better understanding of my course material and of what would be expected of me in my hopeful career as a Psychologist. I worked very dilligently and felt accomplished when I recieved mostly A's. As my time here has grown, however, I have realized that being here at this point in my life means so much more than classes and grades and even graduation. What I have really gained here is a passion for life and a desire to learn everything that I can about this beautiful world and the people living in it that I never knew I had before. This school has inspired me to take chances and truly make a difference in my life and in the lives of others. Were it not for the University of Miami, I would not have discovered what I truly find valuble in education: a realization of life's greatest potentials and how each person can be a part of that.

So far, my college experience has not been the best. This is because I attended a different school previously. There was no school spirit like there is at the University of Miami. Nobody talked to you in the halls, it was a different atmosphere. Even for an orientation at UM everybody is so friendly that you just can't wait to be a part if it! I hope to have a good time and receive a valuable education. The reason I'm attending is for education isn't it? Being able to have great proffessors and an amazing time with all of the activities will make my College experience one to remember. I'm sure of it.

Culture and opportunities. The university has allowed me to meet intelligent individuals from different cultures and academic concentrations. This has allowed me to become a well rounded individual with a broader view on the world. I have become more tolerant to others and their beliefs. Coming from a city in which most of its citizens are of my nationality (Cuban), is hard to come across individuals of different nationalities, religions, and political views. Thanks to my college experience (in specific, the University of Miami), I have become more comfortable of views in regards life which are different from mine. The university has also opened numerous doors with great opportunities within my field of study and my personal growth. I have been able to participate in volunteering programs which have taught me of different social issues within the country such as immigration. I have also been provided with programs which have prepared me for Medical School and the application process. In addition, the university has also offered research opportunities within multiple fields. Thanks to my university and the college experience, I can say that I have become a more tolerant and knowledgeable person, and a citizen of the world.

Out of my college experience the one thing I can say for sure that I have learned the most would have to be perseverance. I?ve learned that sometimes things will go my, and most of the other times they won?t go my way and the only way things will go back my way is if I work hard and push through whatever problems I have at the time to succeed in my future. I have learned that perseverance is what my college professors, parents, Doctors, Fireman, and even the President of the United States has used in their lives to get where they currently are and as we are all human I believe that perseverance is exactly what also need and have implemented in my life to progress as an Engineer. I also have learned a few others things like Responsibility, Time Managment, Reliability, and a whole array of other imporant qualities and before I enrolled in College I was taught to move forward with anything that would benefit me in life and all these qualities will benefit me so I will not lost sight of goals using these qualities.

During these last two years, I?ve been awake more than asleep and read more pages than I did my entire school career from elementary school to high school and every year I leave feeling the same way. Each summer, I feel like I?ve learned nothing and all those sleepless nights were only so that I could pass a test. So I start wondering, why am I doing this? Then I work alongside professionals in the health field and instantly I feel like everything I read in those books were actually imprinted somewhere in my mind just waiting to come out and I feel good. I feel like I belong and those sleepless nights weren?t a complete waste. By the time fall rolls around again, I know why I?m doing this and why it?s so valuable. Through all these sleepless nights, classes, social experiences, and all these viewpoints being presented to me while I?m in college, I?m getting a better understanding of who I want to be and where I want to be in life.

College has been an enormous learning experience for me. I was a girl that was sheltered in high school and didn't realize what the world entailed. As I went to college I learned that you and you alone are responsible for your actions. College for me was a taste of the real world in the sense that you must be self-sufficient by doing things like your own laundry, cook, make friends, and be responsible of your time. I also learned that how well I do in classes depends on how much effort I put into my work. Often times on Saturdays when people would go out, I would study, or if I had studied all week, I would bring my study cards with me. Friends would often remind me to balance the fun and work, and I have. I have also had the opportunity to volunteer which has been a continued passion for me from high school. It allows me to thinking about taking things for granted in my life. These experience are what the real world is about. Without exposure in a college environment, I don't know if I would have been prepared.

As my freshman year at the University of Miami comes to an end, I find it natural to reflect on what insight I have gained this year. And the overall message I gathered this year was not to think, but to focus. Everyone at the University of Miami is able to think; students think about bills, grades, exams, and parties, each thought tugs at their attention and quickly clouds their minds. But, I have found seldom students who have learned how to focus; focusing allows students to take their thoughts and channel them into useful actions. At the beginning of the year I was an avid thinker, because I let my thoughts dictate my life as opposed to the thoughts being dictated by myself. Somewhere along the way, it clicked, and I became a student who could focus. Focus on my studies, focus on my organizations, focus on truly experiencing freshman year. This valuable lesson has made me a better student, and I can now be in command of my thoughts. As I reflect on my freshman year, I focus on this lesson that I am glad to have learned.

I feel that at the University of Miami, I truly am able to achieve whatever goals I set for myself. UM is big enough to have a wealth of academic resources to offer students, while small enough that I feel like a person who my professors and advisors care about, rather than just another face around campus. While tuition costs a pretty penny and it can be frustrating at times, I've been given opportunities here that I would not be able to find at most other schools.I've been able to spend my days conducting research with my faculty mentor in the psychology department, and nights organizing a clothing drive for the homeless. Another thing I love about the U is the balance I've been able to achieve, academically and socially. My classes challenge me to think in ways I've never had to before, but on the weekend I'm still able to enjoy myself at football games with my friends. 200 words really isn't enough to describe the value of my education- in just the two years I've been at the U it's opened doors for me I never even knew existed.

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on. " That quote by Robert Frost has changed my perspective on so many things as I have matured and found myself more comfortable with myself. That quote serves as a paradigmatic representation of the unnecessary burdens and stress that I put on myself while trying to make a college decision during my senior year and the fact that I should have recognized that I could have been incredibly satisfied and happy with whatever choice I did make. Without a doubt, I am glad I chose the University of Miami, and my fascination with that quote and that approach to life has resulted from my time here, but if I had only known that sooner and been able to apply it to the earlier aspects of my life, there would be no telling where I would be in the world right now. But since I can't go back in time, I shall just continue to apply it to my life now and make the best of it.

I would tell myself that I should not believe that the way that I used to study is the best way to study. The other greates thing would be that failure is not simply failing a class, but it would be not working hard after failing. Also, that I should not be completely fixated on one career. That belief might change as soon as I would enter college.

I graduated high school in 1995. I was thrusted into the jungle at Morgan State University. My mother was a single mom and never afforded the opportunity to attend college. I listened to everyone who told me go to MSU because I was African-American. It was expected for me to go to this institution. I did not feel that I was supported in my academic endeavors. I felt lost in the world. I did not even know how to fill out FASFA or schedule classes. I could not seem to find anyone at the college that could help. I became very unfocused in my classes and ended up dropping out of school to find a job where I could make income to support myself. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to seek out a mentor. I should have found someone who could support me emotionally and with wisdom. I would tell myself to become in tune with my inner self and live for myself and no one else. In the future, I hope to serve as a mentor for future youth and help with their transitions into college life.

Although the truth is I'm not sure I would have listen to myself, If I could go back to HS and talk to myself, I would remind myself that my dreams would take a lot of work not just talent. I would remind myself that talent is never a substitute for hard work . That while things always came easy to me due to my talent and brains, I needed to keep my grades up. That scholarships came to those who put in the time and effort. I would tell my pastself that things wouldnt always be so easy and that I needed better working habits. Explain how I was waisting that wonderful brain that was given to me. I only had to fear my own self. If I got out of my own way and allowed my dreams to work for me everything would be ok.

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would give a lot of advice to myself as a high school senior if I could go back in time. The first advice I would give is to save money by avoiding unnecessary spending and spend very wisely . There are many fees while living in college, from textbooks to fees for joining different clubs. Food and entertainment also means requires money. Another important advice I would give is to start exercising and do something productive in the summer rather than stay home and do nothing. In college, it is really important to take care of yourself physically and mentally. Starting to exercise during summer will make it easier to continue going to the gym when college starts. Being productive in the summer would be volunteering in hospitals or clinics and reading books. Volunteering helps gain experience and not to mention look great on the resume. Reading books will keep the mind fresh and prepare it for all the reading required in college. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, those would be advices I would give myself.

I would tell myself to havwe fun while i still can. Enjoy the friends I have now because I may never talk to them again.

I would advice myself to : - Look up the college I'm going to be transfer to and make sure they take CLEP or AP classes. - Apply for scholarship early. - Do more community services.

I would like to congratulate you making it this far. I know how much you are dreaming of going to that certain university. I must warn you, it will not be a breeze. In fact, you will probably struggle to get a passing grade let alone an A. I now know the rigor and dedication that is necessary to succeed. The classes require a lot of reading and studying. Homework generally counts for very little of you grade, however, it is the easiest 'A' you can achieve your courses. It is quizzes and exams that account for the largest portion of final grades. Thus, reading the textbooks regularly, taking good notes during class, and studying with study groups are necessary elements for success. I f you really dislike a class and or have a D or F, you should probably just go to your advisor and change your schedule. Take another class course, in which you know you will have greater success, and enjoy more; it will be more beneficial for your GPA and your sanity. (Trust me!) Remember to take your nose out of the books to smell the roses and have the time of your life!

I would tell myself that I am an intelligent, motivated, beautiful, and strong woman, even though I didn?t realize that as a nervous freshman. I came from an incredibly close-knit group of friends who were together since second grade. We were not remotely ?cool? in high school, and it didn't bother us in the slightest because we had each other. I was worried that in college, I would have problems making friends because I am nerdy and shy. But at school, all people saw was that I had a pretty face and assumed I loved partying. Because I wanted to maintain a social life, I was too embarrassed to tell people I met that I actually like taking eighteen credits every semester and going to class. But today, I have learned that it is possible to be smart while also friendly and social. I love talking to people about my three majors and two minors. I have also learned that people are interested in what I am doing, rather than intimidated. So, my advice would be to not be afraid of being smart, successful, and above all who I am because that is what makes me happy.

"Things will get better." It's amazing how similar, yet different college and high school life are. I mean, I'm still absorbing various things in college, but you definitely do open your mind to possibilities. In high school, I was pretty much the same as I am now (I'm not a party girl...I'm pretty low key) But do you know what? There's others in college like that as well! Someone said to me, while I was still in high school, that college is a lot better...everyone is more understanding, that's true. And there's not much "tension" or pressure to "fit in" with a certain clique...unless you seek that out! Not only is it a physically bigger place, but your responsibilities and experiences are "bigger", testing your time management and what you really want to pursue...even if you're not sure. I say, get there, open your eyes, and don't worry. It's like Prom...may not be perfect all the time, but at least you get to dance some time and have a little fun :)

I would give myself the following advise: 1. Working hard in high school really does pays off because college work is hard, and the transition is easier if you are used to studying. 2. It is important to keep an open mind and try to reduce your stress about the college process because at the point you are applying, there is nothing more you can do. 3. Stay close with your friends because distance between school does not mean you cannot stay friends in college. 4. Having high school credits that tranfer to your college is a convenience, but if you do not have them, it is not the end of the world. 5. Enjoy being with your family because you will miss them when you leave home. 6. Be thankful for the opportunities you have received and excited for the new opportunities and experiences to come. 7. Never change who you are. Everyone is unique and special in their own way. This is what makes life interesting.

I would tell myself to first and foremost stay true to myself, no matter what other people do at college. Even if you think you're completely different than everybody else at your school, you aren't, and you'll make great friends for life. Go out and try new things, and don't shackle yourself to high school relationships, but step out of your box and meet new people. I would tell myself to buy a good watch and a good planner, because time disappears faster than a box of hot pizza in a room full of frat boys. Make a positive impression on your professors because they can do amazing things for you, as long as they know who you are. Find what you love to do, and don't be afraid to change your mind. You may have to switch majors multiple times, but that's what college is all about, developing as a person and finding your calling. Try something you wouldn't normally do, and get the most out of college because you can only do it once.

I would tell myself to actually find someone who was already in my major and ask them detailed questions about their course load, professors, social life, and classes in general. I would advise myself to take all the AP courses I could take and force myself to study so that I would do well on them. I would tell myself to establish more connections with engineering professionals. I would also advise myself to save money and time by refusing to apply to the five other schools just because they sent me free applications in the mail. Finally, I would tell myself to save all of the graduation money I would receive and enourage myself to buy stock in either Apple or Nintendo, or both.

I would tell myself to enjoy college years to the fullest by getting involved right away in the university community through volunteering and various student organizations. I would also tell myself to not worry whether University of Miami is the right choice because it is, and that no matter what college experience can be gained anywhere as long as one sets his/her mind to it. I would also tell myself that while school work is the number one priority, it is not the only priority and if only one thing is learned in college it should be the importance of time management. This will help during and after college and is what should be started in high school. I am still in that learning process but I am glad that I realized its importance while still at school. I recall the stress that I experienced as a high school senior. Now, I see that there was no need to worry and the most important thing that I would tell myself is not to stress because that is by far the most negative thing that can be experienced.

I would tell myself to stay focused on the prize and to cherish all the memories that I will make. In addition, I will also confirm the saying that all that glitters isn't gold; however I should always take chances. Don't live life based on regrets and take each situation, whether it's good or bad, as a learning experience. Also, I don't know everything! So I need to be more open to new things as well as information. Reading is fundamental, so even though I'd rather be out partying, it's good to maybe spend 30 minutes a day my senior reading novels instead of Cosmo and Vogue magazine. Lastly, I'd tell me myself to be thankful for each day.

The first piece of advice I would give myself would be to be more motivated to apply for scholarships, since the University of Miami is a type of private school that does not accept the full award of the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship. Gaining more scholarship money will reduce my having to obtain loans, since in the future the family will have a worse financial situation. In addition, I would tell myself to look for books for classes in advance and set up an online E-bay or other account in order to obtain the best deals on textbooks and also read some material to prepare for my tough courses. In addition, I would tell myself to focus on AP Physics with Calculus to prepare myself for my tough physics courses at the University of Miami, since students at the university have a tough time with physics courses, especially considering that the teachers are not the greatest for physics. As far as everyday life goes, I would tell myself to reasearch more about the nearest banks, rather than having to travel 4 miles to my bank now, and find a way to keep my car without the expenses of parking.

For starters, look for scholarships, you can never have enough. Second, don't work so hard, take time to enjoy your college experience, freshman year. Find a job on campus not off. Not only will this help you socially but more important academically. Make friends, go to parties, get involved and if you can live on campus that first year. This makes the transition so much better and easier. But more important in the long it will help you gain greater support that you will need. Basically, give yourself a little break from the seriousness of life and be a college student. In the end, this is what you are: a Student first. Your mother will understand.

I WOULD DEFINATELY TELL MYSELF CONTINUE TO MAKE THE SAME GREAT DECISIONS. ALTHOUGHT THERE IS MANY TEMPTATIONS AND PEER PRESSURE INVOLVED IN COLLEGE LIFE, I FEEL I DID THE RIGHT THING IN STAYING HOME AND COMPLETING MY FIRST TWO YEARS IN COLLEGE. I SUCCESSFULLY GRADUATED MY FIRST TWO YEARS AND WAS ACCEPTED INTO ONE OF THE BEST SCHOOLS IN THE NATION. I WOULD TELL MYSELF TO SAVE THE MONEY I COULD HAVE USED FOR SCHOOL CONSIDEERING THE PRICE OF COLLEGE TUITION INCREADING A MORE THAN 17 TIMES WHAT COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRICE ARE. I WOULD HAVE TOLD MYSELF TO PLAN MORE FOR THE FUTURE AND APPLY MORE FOR SCHOLOARSHIPS THAN I ACTUALLY DID. I FEEL ACADEMICALLY I DID THE BEST I COULD AND AM VERY PLEASED WITH THE CHOICE I MADE AND AM GREATFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OF MY FAMILY AND EMPLOYERS DURING THIS GREAT TRANSITION OF MY LIFE.

I would tell myself to research more heavily on what each university in the country has to offer. I selected the University of Miami at the last second, basically because I thought it would be cool to go to college in Miami, and although I am happy with my decision now, it was difficult to make this truly life-altering decision. During the fall of my senior year, I was not well informed about what to look for when choosing a university (basically because of my laziness in looking at universities). I selected schools to apply to based on what my friends were choosing and based on school reputations. Ironically, I am the only one of my friends who decided to go to Miami, and I laugh at them now because most of them are freezing in the snow while I soak in the sun. When looking at a college, focus on what it can offer you academically first, then look at the campus's surroundings to see if you can enjoy yourself there, and finally go on a whim like I did and make the most out of your decision. Hopefully it was a great one.

"Get a job, and keep it. There's no reason why you should apply to go to your first choice college and not have a job. Make sure to keep your grades up and do better on the ACT. This is the last one you have to take so finish strong. Keep applying for scholarships, too. Going to Miami, you're going to need all the money you can get, especially since the full tuition couldn't be awarded to you. Your grades are great, you're in the top 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the class, so you're doing fine in the academic department, just don't slack off this last year. Grades, volunteer work, job experience, and extracurricular activities are everything when it comes to Miami - learn to juggle."

You are not going to believe what's in store for you. I don't want to scare you, but, when you reach 49 -- yes, you are going to live that long and, no, you won't feel ancient -- you will experience the worst economic downturn the country has experienced since the Great Depression. During the year, you'll lose a newspaper job you've had for 18 years and start on an entirely new career. And you'll wish to God you had finished your master's degree. You might also think about trying not to rush through your undergraduate degree in three years because, from my perspective, those were among the best years of your life. Stay in school and close to education as long as you can, and ask your parents to support you in this. Right now, you're too proud to ask for much help, but, if they understand your goals and if you concentrate on the long term a bit more, they could become great allies. Don't write them off. By the time you're my age, they won't be around any more, so consult with them and enjoy them every day.