University of Michigan-Flint Top Questions

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

Heather

After attending university for my first semester I have grown as a person, and have reinvented myself into a person who is driven, dedicated, and responsible. My courses have reignited my love for learning, and I am now exploring many areas of academic interest. My classes also require me to act as an adult, pushing my skills to the limit as I devote time and effort to meeting my goals for the course. Even more so, my college attendance has led me to enter a community full of diversity. I now have a greater appreciation for people of diverse lifestyles and cultures, and have learned to work with a variety of different people. Overall, I think my college experience has taught me to be a more mature, and caring individual. Not only have I learned the subject matter of my classes, but also to be patient, motivated and kind to all people, despite our differences.

Hira

College life is not what I thought it would be when I was a high school senior. Dedication, studying and multitasking are skills I have had to refine in order to survive college life. The biggest piece of advise I would give myself if I could back would be, to take harder classes. In high school I only took what was required and most of the classes were easy. I never had to study or take notes and when a test came around I got an A. Those habits did not work at all in college, I have never studied so much in my life as I did my first semester in college. If I had taken harder classes in high school I truly believe it would have thought me to work hard for my grade. It would have also been beneficial if I had taken classes like anatomy and physiology in high school because know that I?m taking it in college it so much more difficult. Had I take chemistry or anatomy in high school I would have been more prepared for college and my experience would have been more pleasant and less stressful.

Brittany

If I could go back to myself in high school I would tell myself that I need to focus more on what I am learning and enjoy the learning process. I would tell myself to learn how to be responsible, and start paying my own way in some way possible. I would encourage myself to get a job in order to start saving to pay for college, and to have money for car, rent, cell phone, and all other living expenses. I would tell myself to learn about the college I wanted to go to, and to visit there to learn about he campus and start a communication with the teachers and staff. I would start paying more attention in the classes so that I could take that knowledge to college with me, and use it for the years to come. I would tell myself to research what I wanted to do with my life, and to volunteer in the job feilds I was looking into to make sure I want to have that as my life long job.

Lorraine

I would tell myself that this is for the best, so I can make a better life for myself. I would say that doing well in school will take me a long way in life.

Jessica

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior. I would tell myself that the transition might be a little hard at first. But as long as you get yourself out there and involved with lots of student clubs and organizations, you will be just fine. I would also have told myself to follow my heart in my college-making-decisions. I would have told myself to move away right away the first year, and not wait for the first two years. I would have told myself to be more ambitious in my decision making. I would have encouraged myself to apply to all of the possible universities I wanted to go too; not just the one my parents wanted me to attend. I would tell myself that if you do listen to your parents and stay home at first, it will not be as much fun. However it will be good for you, and in the end you will find something better. You will find the right university to transfer to, and you will end up having the time of your life in 2010.

Jacquetta

If I could go back in time as a high school senior, I would have made better preparation for college. First, I would have searched for scholarships to help me pay for college. I could have did better research instead of waiting until I was in college to look for scholarships. Another thing I would have done was broaden my horizons, as far as what school to go to. I would have picked a school and major based on what I want to do instead of others. I would have looked more into other schools and what they offered, as far as, majors, finances, and extra cirrucular activities. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to look and apply for scholarships and choose a college that I feel fits for me, instead of what others think fit me.

Jennifer

I wouldn't change anything about my decision. I may have worked more hours to have more money for books, but really, the transition to college was easy. I still live at home, I get to pick the hours that I want to take classes. I have so much freedom and I feel like an adult. I love how my college professors prefer we call them by their first name and respect us all as adults, because we are. I wouldn't change a thing, because everything has turned out just fine and I love my school as much as I could possibly love a school.

Spencer

If I could go back in time, to my Senior yer in High School i would've liked to have taken some classes in place of others that i did'nt really need. I also would have broadened my outside view of school, as in having attended more college visits and expolred more about my college of choice. My grades also would be alot higher if I had a chance to go back to my Senior year. In a sense I feel like I had a case of Senioritis, and did'nt take that year as seriously as I should have. But upon my entry into college I am well aware of what I must do to succeed to my true potential.

Tracy

Going into your first year of college always keep an open mind and remember your passion for learning. Ask questions, make friends, and do your best. College is what you make of it, and an experience you will cherish all your life. It might be scary to be away from home for the first time, but you will learn as much outside the classroom as you do in it, so take advantage of this important step in your life. In the next four years you will not only gain the knowledge and degree to start your career, you will also develop life skills that will help you to the success and happiness you strive for. You can do anything you set your mind to, don't forget to believe in yourself...good luck!

Ashley

I did not have a senior year at school because I had the choice of a homestudy program. However if I were given the chance I would tell the old me to take more interest in school and my future plans. It would have made things alot for me. Trying to pick up pieces and place them together now has me lost.

Ellynn

I would tell myself to not quit trying to learn how to study. Studying is a habit that I never followed in high school and that I use a lot in college. It took me forever to learn how to study in a way that was suitable for me, if I would of actually done this in high school, I could of saved myself a lot of time.

Trista

Going back, I'd tell myself two things. First, college is not as ominous and scary as the young imagination suggests. Though not easy, the work is simple and requires dilligence more than anything. Secondly, the first year of college is just like thirteenth grade. The only differences between high school and college are that the deadlines are closer, the books are heavier, the bathrooms are smellier and the teachers don't care. There is also the responsibility of paying for the whole glorious experience out of pocket. Based on that fact, I'd advise my twelfth grade self to (1) "Stop worrying." and (2) "For heaven's sakes, apply for scholarships!"

Tara

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to try as hard as I possibly can. Even though I received near a 4.0 my senior year, I know I could have tried harder. I would tell myself to pick more challenging classes; for example, A.P. classes and a math class. I took mostly easy classes just to get through the rest of high school. I know I could have challenged my brain, but I took the easy way out. I'm in college now, and if I would have chosen harder classes I know I would have gotten more scholarships and grants to pay for my tuition. Also, I could have been more prepared for my major if I had taken a math class. If I had taken that class, I could have been more ahead in my degree than I am now.

Laura

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now I would tell myself that keeping my grades up till the very end was a very wise idea. I would also tell myself that all the work paid off and what I learned academically and personally is going to help me in the future. I would tell myself that they study habits I developed are working. But I would also tell myself that classes are going to be harder and that I need to keep up with my reading and make sure that I do study for every test even though I didn't have study much when I was in high school. I would tell myself that all the experiences I had in high school are going to help me in the future and that staying in touch with your closest friends is important as well. I would also tell myself to make an effort to break out of my shell and do new things and make new friends because you will be a better person for it. Have fun with your new friends and your old ones.

Cheryl

To go to college right after high school and get my degree and start a career before anything else. It is easier to just sit back and say I'll get a job and everything will work out, I don't need college, but yes, college changes everything, including my outlook on life. I would tell myself that it would be the best thing that I could ever do to improve my chances at being successful in life.

Chelsea

Chelsea, you don't know whats ahead of you. These truely are the best years of your life ahead of you. Cherish the time you have with your family and friends. They will be behind you no matter what. Remember you don't have you compromise yourself to make friends. Try and save money, because as I look at my future I see how much money it will cost. Study hard, but not too hard. I think the most important thing is to have fun. Laugh with your friends, do crazy things, but still be yourself. Be excited for what the future has in store for you, because you have a great life. Your a great girl, and your destined for great things.

Amy

I would tell myself that it is well worth the hard work. It is a big transition, but takes time and you get into the groove quickly. Do your work timely, and don't allow yourself to get behind. Continue to work hard as you do in high school, and you will do just fine. Go for something that you think you will enjoy, and absorb as much information as you can because you never know when you may need it. Most of all, learn everything you can, but give yourself breaks at times so you don't get burned out.

Melissa

I would tell myself to open up and be more outgoing. I've always been very independent and introverted, which has been very beneficial to me while simultaneously limiting me. It has taken me several years to come out of my shell, and I think I missed out on a lot of great opportunities because I was too scared to take a risk, and go alone somewhere. I would definitely advise myself to speak up more in classes, interact more with other students and professors; and to attend more lectures and events hosted by the university.

Elizabeth

The advice that I would give myself is to get involve in schoo. Participate in sports as well as academic clubs. A lot of colleges look highly at these creditials. Also, accumlate volunteer hours. Another thing that I would do differently if I could go back in time is to research the schlorship opportunities available to the colleges that I was interested in and make a effort to fullfill those requirements for the schlorship to help with funds.

Chau

I would say to study hard but learn to have a good time and let yourself live a little. Find a balance of for studying and having fun.

Jeffrey

I would tell myself that I need to develope more structured study habits where I have a certain time and place that I have to study and develope different methods of studying.

Sara

I would tell myself not to worry about my college choice, because UM- Flint is perfect for me. I'd let myself know that the people here aren't like they were in high school. As cliche as it sounds, they really are nice and want to make friends as much as I do. What I would emphasize the most is not to worry about the classes so much. The classes I will take first semester aren't terribly difficult, but just because I didn't study in high school doesn't mean I can carry on that habit! All in all, I'd let myself know that college is a wonderful experience that I am incredibly lucky to have.