University of Nevada-Reno Top Questions

I would remind my high school self to keep in mind my goals and dreams. In college I felt like I lost sight of my goals and my drive to accomplish these dreams. So I would want to remind my high school self to have faith in myself even through the transition and changes I had to go through in college. I would also remind myself that college is a whole new experience and it's something that you need to work hard to accomplish. High school always felt easy for me, so I was surprised when the work was harder then what I was used to in high school. Overall, I would say don't lose sight of your goals, work hard, and believe in yourself even when you feel like no one else does.

Adavise that I would give to not just me, but everyone else would be to apply for as many scholarships as you can... not just the ones with big amounts of money available. But to me personally, it would be to sieze every opportunity people give you regardless of how you feel about it because they may change their mind later and refuse to help. And, scholarships are very important as it is very hard to pay for college on your own.

The biggest, most important thing in the world to remember is . . . pack lots of socks--you will run out. Sometimes, the Dryer Monster eats them. Sometimes, you dunk your feet in a puddle as you're running across campus to a class. Sometimes, you wear them so many days in a row that you wear them out. Socks are important. The next thing to remember: leave the door to your dorm room open whenever you're in there. I don't care that you're shy--you want to make SOME friends while you're in college, right? And it might seem awkward at first, but soon, you'll be basically brother and sister to half the people on your floor. Leaving your door open is the first step--people see you and get to know your face; then, they get to know you. Lastly: take classes you don't think you'll like. Yes, this sounds counter-productive. But you might absolutely LOVE a class and decide to spontaneously change your major at the end of the first semester--or the eighth--because of a random class that you added just so you could stay in the dorms.

1. Don't commit to a major your first year! Take care of your core classes first, while taking some intro courses in what you're interested in and in your potential major. You will change your majore at least once while in college, and this will enable you to experience just what each subject is like. 2. It's cliche. It's something they even told you in high school. But it's just true - get involved. If you live on campus, join the residence hall association. Join an intramural. Form a study group. Look into the plethora of clubs the university has. You will make many new friends and maybe even find a new passion. 3. Have fun! College is a completely different adventure, unlike anything you've experienced before. Enjoy the freedom (in moderation, of course), and find out who you really are.

I would tell myself to not be timid about jumping into the extracurricular pool. There are so many different clubs and organizations out there and they?re more than meeting people and making great friends, they?re about learning about what you really care about in life. By opening yourself up to new people and opinions you get a chance to see the world in another life. You learn to go with the flow and manage with what you?re given. It?s ok to put yourself in situation that makes you feel awkward or uncomfortable, they?ll help you grow and prove what you?re really made of. The most important part is to have fun! You?re college experience is what you make out of it. The best school in the world would mean nothing if you didn?t know how to take advantage of it. Appreciate it. My advice is to live it.

There are some things about college that you can never prepare for, such as a friend's attempt at suicide or your boyfriend cheating on you nor the makings of new friendships. But other things you can. Get into a good study habit early, but remember to leave time to exercise, read a book, and play your instruments. You may think you have good study habits now, but the discipline needed is much grater than that in high school. Nothing is handed to you on a platter; you have to scape up the dirt to be even looked at. Start volunteering, working and hunting down scholarships, because prices aren't going to go down anytime soon. And on top of all this, keep your head level. Friends come and go, classes can be hard or easy. NEVER GIVE UP! Too many people drop out of college, and you will not break the cycle your great-grandparents set in motion. Remember to take in every experience, never forget or regret anything. Everything happens for a reason, and each reason is a part of growing up. And college will do that to you, grow you up. Good luck!

I would advise myself to get involved and take leadership roles in high school. I was in organizations, but I never took leadership roles - I figured I would just learn those skills needed to be a leader later in life. However, after being in college for almost three years now and being involved in many organizations and activities, I know that these organizations are constantly looking for more leaders to branch out not only on the campus, but in the community. I am always nervous to take a leadership position because I haven't had much experience, and I wish I would have pushed myself in high school to prove to others that I can be a leader. These leadership qualities aren't necessarily one can learn, but I do believe experience helps mold a good leader. These skills that I could have accumulated in high school are now being asked of me in the workforce. Being a part of high organizations in high school might have been able to help me obtain jobs in college.

If i could go back to my senior year in high school to give myself advice, there are several things i would change. I advise myself to learn better time-management and preparation skills, because these are key in order to progress and succeed in college. I would also advise myself to make more time to apply for scholarships and grants, in order to ease the burden placed on my parents finances. I would also tell myself that college would be a whole different playing field than high school, and that I would need to study more, read more, write more, and work harder than i ever have for my education. Lastly, i would advise myself not to give in so easily to my friends and train myself to resist the urges of peer pressure. I would tell myself to listen to my dreams and aspirations, and not let anyone interfere with the picture i see of my future. I would tell myself that college would be a whole new point in my life of self discovery, and to make the most out of every day spent there.

If I could go back I would tell myself not to focus so much on the athletics but the school work. Sports was my love and my baby in high school but it didn't help me get into college. I would convince myself to do all of my homework and to study more to end my senior year with better grades. I was a good student but there was room to improve. I had a friend who did everything and still was the valedictorian in my high school. I look and I see that it was his hard work for his grades that brought on those scholarships and I wish that I could go back and pump that into my brain instead of pumping iron all of the time. Also, if I could talk to my senior self I would tell him to get into the arts more. Theater and choir were two of my favorite classes and I know that if I had continued playing the trumpet that I very easily could have gotten a music scholarship. What people forget is the time and effort musicians put into their instuments. This would have helped my work ethic.

Bouncing back and forth from pure excitement and the nail-biting nervousment, is not the ideal way a high school senior wants to spend their last year of high school. Their last year should be a good balance between fun-filled memories and planning the next chapter of their life. For me, it was more of an emotional rollercoaster. If I could go back and give myself one piece of advise, it'd be simply not to worry. What I didn't know was that universities aren't there to make you fail. They've been around a lot longer than me and seem to know how to slowly increase the workload as the student grows used to the college-life schedule. I got to college afraid I wouldn't be able to handle school, work, and a sorority, but I was wrong. While at times my workload was more than I could imagine, I got through it. I met people in each class that I could use for help, and the professors were willing to help. It all came down to self confidence. I didn't need to worry back in high school because I already believed in myself.

The one piece of advice I would give myself is simple; calm down. Starting college isn't as scary as it's made out to be. It's like starting highschool, you see highschools in movies as this scary place where people get shoved in lockers and are weighed down with homework. After your first week as a freshman you realized highschool was nothing like the movies. College is the exact same. There's no need to stress or become overwhelmed by what you've heard about starting college. Everyone starts off differently, if you simply start of calm and open minded to college ways, you'll realize the transition isn't anything to be intimidated by; it's the beginning of a new chapter in your schooling. Enjoy it.

To lower my expectations for the University of Nevada, Reno, or to apply to and attend an out of state university. A more in depth searching of college options would have been constructive.

Dear Chase, You must be enjoying your senior year, being on top of the food chain in school year wise, and your easy high school classes. I must warn you that when you get to college you will no longer be on top and your classes won't be as easy. In high school you see your teachers just about everyday and are spoonfed information enough to where you don't have to study. However, in college it's different because your teachers only give you so much and you might only see them for two or three days. Also if you want their help, you must visit them during their office hours. If you think one hour of studying the night before a test is enough, then your wrong. You have to study way more for your tests in college. While your transitioning into college, I suggest you find a job and start saving for little minor things in the year. Be warned college is not easy but it is very exciting and you should talk to someone who has to college about it. Sincerely, Chase Carthen

Dear Eddie, When you were a senior in high school you were hung up on what others thought of you. You were concerned with the way you looked and whether or not you were popular. You were the center of your own universe. As a senior in college in 2010, the universe and indeed the world has dramatically changed. The economy is worse than it has been since the Great Depression, especially on a global level. Politics are in transition. There are wars, famine, health issues, and poverty that are coupling with natural disasters like the Haitian Earthquake. It is clear that what you think of yourself is far more important than what others think of you. Now is the time to settle on a career that can make a difference in the world. Hopefully, your choices will have a ripple effect from yourself to your family to your community and State, to the Nation, the World and even the Universe.

If I could go back and talk to myself a year prior to now, I would have a lot of advice to give myself. I would tell myself that college is indeed tougher than high school, and that slacking off is not a wise thing to do. I would tell myself to keep my goals and dreams in mind as I journey through what lies ahead, because I may lose my way at times, but I have to remember why I am here. I would tell myself that the road ahead is quite bumpy, but that I will get through it and I will make new friends who will help me pull through and not let my mind stray from where it needs to be. I will tell myself that it will seem scary at first, but after a week, I will become acquainted with college life and things will seem to fly by. If I could go back a year and give myself advice, it would be to embrace every aspect of college and to not let the time slip through my fingers without succeeding in everything I do.

Knowing what I know about college know, I would go back and tell myself that I need to take high school seriously and do as well in the classes that I was taking that I could. I would also tell myself that I need to study as much as I could to get better grades on my exams. If I was able to change my classes to take Advanced Placement classes, that is also another thing I would tell myself to do. Advanced Placement classes would have given me a more challenging experience in high school and give me a taste of what college is like.

If I could speak to my high school senior self, I would tell myself to ignore pretty much all of the expectations the high school teachers tried to establis. I would say instead that the idealistic, best years of your life attitude that is instilled in students before they arrive at college is really not useful at all. I would remind myself that there is more to education than what I will learn in the classroom, and that some of the most important lessons I take with me may be gained waiting at the bus stop or on the days when class gets canceled. I would also say that the education I will get is less dependent on the school I attend, but really relies on how passionate I am about the subject and how much I want to get out of a class. Lastly, I would prepare myself early to be open to the opportunities that present themselves in college, and to follow whatever keeps me interested and motivated to keep coming to school every day in spite of how tired I may be and how long the commute is.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to go about college similar to the way I did the first time. I attended community college for two years and completed my associate of arts degree before transferring to a 4- year school to complete my bacherlor's degree. I think this gave me the opportunity to transition into college without the full on shock of being on your own as well as adjusting to a new school and workload. Also I think it is very important to have a major declared going into your freshman year. You can always change it but, if you don't set a goal then you have a higher likelyhood of dropping out after a semester. Transferring to a 4-year school is easy after that. College is more about balance the high school. There will be more work but don't get bogged down in homework all the time. Allow yourself time to do things you enjoy so you don't get burnt out. The time goes by quick so take in the experience and participate in as much as you can.

College is both a great and challenging experience. It is important to have fun, but it is even more important to keep your focus. High school is somewhat challenging , but don't think that you can come into college with the same attitude. You must excede your expectations, and always stay a step ahead.

College is a constantly evolving entity. You learn so much as you go through the semesters, such as how to study better and how to manage your time wisely. Your confidence continuously improves and develops over time. Here are a few tips to help you discover your place in the college world. Don't get so caught up in the grades, papers, tests and assignments. Try to focus on the process of graduating instead of obsessing about the end product. Be sure to remind yourself that you are still young and deserve to have fun once in a while. Your studies will still be there the next day if you cannot complete them all at once. Also remember that sleep is good. Pulling an all-nighter is not healthy and will burn you out faster than ever. Try to eliminate added stressers during your time in college. Spend time with friends and family instead of isolating yourself to get homework completed. University life is always exciting so get involved. Look up events and participate in extracurricular activites whenever possible. You will meet more people that way and it is good for networking when the time comes for job hunting.

If I could go back and give my 18 year-old-self advice, I would say to be more outgoing in classes. I would tell myself to talk to people sitting next to me in class and invite them to study and work together. It's a great way to make friends and find help in difficult classes. It's a bold way to meet a bunch of new people who you may not have talked to otherwise and a way to get to know the different personalities at your school. Also, stepping out of your comfort zone is a perfect step into your desired career where you will need to know how to initiate conversation with many different kinds of people. You will be suprised at how many lifetime friendships this may start!

Don't give up. Mommy getting laid off isnt the worse thing that could happen.

Do what you love, but don't be afraid to work hard for it; Don't procrastinate and be very conscious of your shcedule and the things you need to do to graduate; Don't just take easy classes in order to get the credits - take classes that are interesting and engaging but also challenging; Make sure to leave some time for a social life - college isn't just about graduating, it's about the experience; Don't be afraid to try new things, go to new places or to meet new people; Keep good relationships with your professors - the better they know you the more they will be willing to work hard to help you out and the more enjoyable class will be; Try not to stress out about everything - prioritize the things that are most important to you, keep the less-important things in mind and don't sweat the small things; Enjoy every minute while it lasts because before you know it, it'll all be over...carpe diem.

There isn't much advice that I could give myself because I am proud of how I handled the transition.

Listen, self, you don't have to go to university right away, but don't take time off. There's nothing wrong with starting at a community college or going to a local school. Don't be so anxious to leave the state that you forget your education and your future and how important both of them are. The "big world" is out there waiting for you, it's not going anywhere. Be patient, and do what you know needs to be done.

That I should've gone sooner and not have been so apprehensive about it. Instead of being a struggling student, I turned out to be one of the top students.

It is June 6, 2008, I am getting ready for my graduation. I gather my metals, my bobby pins to hold the cap in place, grap the hanger holding my freshly ironed gown, and last my cap. As I gra by cap, a letter falls out onto the floor. I open the letter thinking someone left this in my cap by accident; however, as I read the opening sentence, I see that it is addressed to me. I search for who could have left me this letter and I gasp as I read that it was me. I sit down on my bed, too shocked to stand, and continue to read- it starts by insisting that I do not freak out-- too late for that. As I read the letter, I begin to understand that its intentions are to help me have a brighter future. It encourages organization, determination, and early studying instead of procrastination. The final request listed was that I never forget who I am through all the excitement but to still enjoy my college experience. I fold the letter in my pocket of my gown and walk confidently out of my room with a smile.

Be patient with yourself and don't discount your abilities. College works at a faster pace than high school and you are responsible for yourself now. You may question why you are here during the first semester, but stay focused and use the reseources available to you. The professors are here to help, not see you fail. Everyone here had a first year in college, so don't think you have nothing in common with these people. College is supposed to prepare you for your professional career, so take it seriously and try hard in your classes. At the same time, embrace the fact that this university saw something special in your application-- enough to be accepted!-- so have fun and get to know other people. College can be extremely fun and rewarding, you just have to stick with it and look for opportunity.

I would go back and tell myself as a high school senior to attend the University straight out of high school instead of completing my general education requirements at the community college. I would recommend getting involved with different activities on campus whether it was a sorority or a different kind of club. I would tell myself that it is okay to be different and you don't have to do everything that everyone else is doing. Most importantly I would tell myself that it is okay to have fun as long as I still focused on school work, but I didn't have to grow up as fast as I did.

I would tell myself not to be afraid. College is a great experiance. I would tell myself to get involved and try my best with my classes, but most importantly to enjoy! University life is a worl of opportunities to learn, live , and grow as an individual. The friendships I have made throughout my college experience are friendships are priceless. You only live once, and college is an important right of passage that I will hold fond memories of for the rest of my life!

Work hard, have fun, do not sweat the small stuff, and shoot for the stars because anything is possible! Also, be involved in clubs, sports, and volunteer work within your school and the community. Those are the things that enrich the college expereince. Enjoy every day because tomorrow is not promised and love other people because that is what life is about!

I would tell myself not to get caught up in the social high school crowd and possiblty not even date, rather focusing on my studies. Otherwise I think I did a pretty good job of preparing myself for college. I was an AP honors student and participated in many sports, which showed me how to manage my time efficiently-a skill that is much needed in the realm of college.

When I would go back to myself as a senior high school student; I would talk of three major topics dealing with my life now as a college student. The first major topic I would talk to my younger self would be about majors; I would say to ignore that part of college and put more focus into grasping everything and anything in life. Choosing a major is just a second hand to what is really important out there in college. The second thing I would talk about financial aid. I would pound the value of free money into my younger self?s head. Just because I got some from the government, there is millions of free money out there just waiting to be claimed. I would be a drill sergeant and just scream at me to not be lazy and search for free money all time- it is a 24/7 job. The third would be the hardest and most important: the transition between high school and a four year university. I would say that it is not easy and it takes time. ?DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP? is going to be our marching theme.

I would teach myself time management. There is ALWAYS enough time to do everything you are given, its just putting the important things first. I would also advise myself to start out with the major I have now, as opposed to switching a few times! There would also be words said about reducing a social life, knowing that these classes matter, even though high school was a breeze.

I'd say "relax, there's nothing to be worried about , only to be super excited about." the social life gets really exciting. Getting to meet tons of new people is really exciting no matter how shy you are. Stay on top of your finances, it's easy to find yourself in a bind so spend your money wisely the first year. Pick me!! I never win anything! haha

explore the college more thoroughly

To study as much as possible to get a really good GPA.

I would tell myself to prioritize my time better, and to really focus on my study habits. Those would be the two most important topics. I would also say that even without getting into the school that I originally wanted to get into, that the University of Nevada Reno is a college filled with open opportunites for me. There is nothing to worry about because the only thing that matters is what you do with the challenges that are faced in front of you. College isn't a scary place, it's a place that can really shape who you will be when you grow up. In the end, all I can really say is that college is a fun place filled with many opportunities that can and will help you in the future.

I would budget better. Not being supported by my family has had its challenges, and everything I have now I'm so thankful for. I really need this scholarship. It would help me in so many ways.

I look at myself in the mirror and think of that girl I used to know in high school. I could tell her all about the "I should have's" that would prepare her for college. She should have taken those SATs. She should have been more active in student leadership. She should have worked more in the summer and hoarded her money--perhaps then she wouldn't be presently driving herself insane trying to keep from taking out student loans. She should have graduated with honors so the scholarships would now be chasing her rather than she them. All of these things and more she should have done so that she could attend an institution like Harvard or Cambridge and hold her head high with that dreamy illusion of prestige that still makes her whistful. I could think of the advice I could give in terms of the "I should have's" to tell my former self, but where would that get me? No, instead I would tell her not to change a thing; I believe that she would have understood even then that we must make mistakes in order to recognize the opportunities that lay on the horizon.

Really consider all the things that make you happy, like the area and how far away from home you really want to be. Don't just look at schools for money but what you think you will enjoy because with hard work going to any school is possible. When it comes to the experiece try many things but don't do things that make you feel uncomfortable. Be outgoing in your classes because this is the best place to meet friends, they will have more incommon with you because you are in the same classes.

Most high school students when you ask them where they want to go most respond according to their primary interests. The jock wants to be at a school with good athletics, the nerd wants a school with good academics, and so on and so forth. When it comes down to it though, college is what you make of it. I was very reserved in high school and never was very active, but in college I wanted a fresh start. I joined every club that vaguely interested me and even joined a fraternity. When college can be as fun or as painful as you want to make it, and as long as you always realize that you're school work needs to come first you'll never struggle to make the grades you want and still have time for fun. That really is the secret to college. You can't be Bluto from Animal House but you also can't be a total shut in. College is about balance, a lesson that will be taught much more swiftly and painfully if you don't learn it before you get to the real world.

I would advise parents and students to take advantage of any and all financial aid opportunities. During this tough economic time, especially with the budget cuts in the State of Nevada, financial aid is very important and there are many opportunities that are out there it just takes work and time to find it.

Tour the campuses you've been accepted to or are applying to before you decide. Talk to students, see how they like it. Get involved with clubs or activities you're interrested in fairly quickly. Don't procrastinate. Figure out where you're headed, but don't be afraid to reevaluate your major if you find you dislike the required coursework. Make friends, good friends who'll love you for who you really are. Don't pretend to be anything you're not - trust me, it doesn't work out. Go to as many activities as you can without sacrificing too much study time. After all, you're only in college once.

Start with some easy eliminations - Do you want to leave your home state? Are you looking for a 40,000 student university or a smaller college? Do you want a religious influence? Does it offer your desired major? What is the cost versus the value of education? Does an alumni factor benefit the choice? Tour whenever feasible - Nothing can beat a campus visit. Speak to students, not only the 'tour guides'. Get an idea of the off campus neighborhoods, amenities, transportation. Be aware of your surroundings - do you feel safe? Don't overload with credits the first semester - Allow yourself breathing room and time to adjust to college life. Have fun. If possible, avoid working this semester for the same reason. Join an organization that interests you. Make new friends.

Get into it. College is a place of people that want to explore new opportunities and enjoy their adventure along the way. Find ways to connect with others and unite in causes that you enjoy. Take fun classes as well as required classes so that you don't get burned out. Like everything balance is key. Work while your in college, it's not the most fun but it allows you to feel independant. Schedule classes so that you have the most days off. Try to schmooze the professors by going into thier office when they have designated office hours. The more that the professors know your name the better. Try to live somewhere near campus so that you do not have to pay for parking and ALWAYS buy your books used online. Enjoy it, it goes by extremly fast!

I am a California native and when I graduated High school, I went out to Tennessee on a volleyball scholarship. After a year, I decided that I wanted to be closer to my family. When I left, I realized how much I had learned from being so far away and I had gained so much independence. Then I transferred to Reno to attend UNR. When I showed up I knew absolutely no one. It was terrifying. My first two semesters were awful. I decided to stick it out and I am glad I did. My advice to students who are trying to decide on where to go would be to stretch beyond your boundaries and do something new and different. Give yourself the opportunity to grow and do things you have never done before. At times you will want to cry and you will hate it but you will become a stronger person. Your college experince is truly what you put into, so even if you don't get your first choice or if you show up the first day and hate it, just give it a chance and find things that interest you and you will be happy there.

Do a lot of research

Coming in to college I was not a very social person. After two years of being in college I have learned that social skills are essential for any job, and life in general. I also learned that even though a school might be deemed "cheap" in terms of tuition, it does not mean you will not receive an adequate education. The most important advice I can give is that you need to learn what works best for you in terms of balancing a social life and school. School can be overwhelming at times but the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. Making new friends and networking will do nothing but benefit you in the long run because today you can never know too many people.

People often say that college was the best years of their life. How can one truly make the most of their college experience and still walk away with a degree? First and foremost...understand that today is the first day of the rest of your life, therefore make the most of it. Have no regrets: show up for class, take notes, sleep at home not in class, and join study groups so that your time you've set aside to become a better educated individual is actually spent absorbing what is being laid before you. Subsequently, learn to live a little. Once you graduate and begin to join the workforce, responsibilities may get the best of you. College may be your last chance at freedom before entering the real world. Be sure to get involved in special events being held on campus, take a scuba diving class, protest something at least once, take a spring break trip to somewhere you've never been, stay up all night discussing important topics with friends, and take lots of pictures to remember it all. College can be a wonderful chapter in your life if you choose to make the most of it.