University of Rhode Island Top Questions

If I could go back and give advice to my high school-self, I would tell myself to relax. Trying to decide and commit to choices regarding my (hopefully) long and prosperous future is daunting at age 18. The game plan at that age was highly reliant on what my parents had in mind for me, and looking back, I wish I had taken some REAL time to figure out what I was interested in, and mold my choices from there. It can seem like graduating from high school and entering college was a footrace to get to a finish line of a degree. I don't know why I felt like I had no time. It's not the case. There is plenty of time to get your bearings, discover your passions, and go for them. Even though I didn't want to hear this advice at the time, choosing a vague major for the first 2 years of college would have been the best thing I could do because I would have had the opportunity to explore my interests and not feel like I was hurrying to an end that I was unsure of. So, just relax!

if i can go back to the future when i am in high school i will probably be more organized so it could prepare me for college. i will tell my self that now is the moment to e serious and focus on school.i will also tell my self that if i need help to ask for it.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to participate in college. I was never the type to make friends or attend social events. Now I regret that after four years I have not made any memories that are not academic. Having a high GPA is important, but college is a chance to meet people, try new things, and do what would not be possible in any other situation. I would tell myself to talk to people in class, go to campus events, be less serious.

As a high school student, I always saw myself in the future frame. But I never imagined how much work would be needed to realize that future frame. I am not necessarily referring to academics but mostly socializing. I always did very well in my classes, even when they wrestled with me. But I did not realize how much work was going to be needed to make my presence known in classes, such as asking questions or class presentations, which I absolutely hated in high school and struggled in college. I found ways of removing that fear but it was not permanent because I did not push more. A fear that I knew from the very begenning would handicap me from interacting with people, thus I recluded myself even when I had tremendous ideas. When I voiced myself people would be surprise, but i always second guess my potentiality and didn't think that I could do better. If I could rewind the clock and go back in time I would probably find better ways to remove tmy fear, it would have been easier. Its a fact, I will need to deal with people and hiding is not the solution.

I would tell myself a few things. First, I would tell myself to take the AP classes offered despite the steep price that they seem because it will save you thousands in college. Also, branch out into other fields! I already knew Anthropology was what I wanted to do, but there are not a lot of job oppertunities now. I would have loved to double major in natural resource sciences to broaden my horizons, but I found it too late. The last thing I would like to tell myself is to get involved on campus even though I lived and live at home. I always regretted not joining the rowing or rugby teams, as I would have loved to play those sports. But I was afraid. My most important message would be just that, to not let the fear of the unknown overwhelm and control my choices because I regret them more than words can say.

My 20 year high school reunion is this Summer. I have many life experiences that I’d love to share with my high school self. When it comes to college the first thing I would suggest is to go to a less expensive college. I was not eligible for financial aid. Those were the days before internet access for scholarship searches and my counselor was not very helpful. I worked on a commercial fishing boat in Alaska to attempt to make enough to pay for a semester. I had to stop going as we just couldn’t afford it. I believe that if I had been smarter about my school choices I wouldn’t have had to nickel and dime my education completion. The other advice is similar to that to a bride before her wedding, “Make sure to slow down and enjoy every moment”. When we are young and eager to get out in the world we don’t realize how quickly life passes you by. A student needs to remember to not only work hard in their classes, but to meet new people, try new things, take care of your health, and live each moment to the fullest.

Dear Past High School Senior, You're in the final stretch now, ready to shake off the weight high school and take those glorious steps towards freedom. You're feeling like you should have been taking these steps years ago, but just remember that the transition won't be as easy as you think. Enjoy your last moments of being teenager and start preparing yourself for independence. Get a job and search for scholarships. More imporantly start taking time to really become at peace with yourself and find activities that keep you grounded and reduce stress. There will be many times in college where you need to be alone from everything and you'll actually miss home. Find something that keeps you happy, healthy, and calm in times of strife. Make time to exercise no matter how busy it is, or how tired you are! I promise that you will need it! There will be a lot of good in college and you'll learn so much, but there will be a lot to test you as well. So start building that armor and get ready for bumpy but amazing journey. Love, Future College Student

My best advice to a highschool senior is ,"Stick to your goals and be persistent". Once you graduate high school you are not only making the transition from high school to college, but from mother's nest to the real world. You can either sore through the sky and reach your dreams or give into all the chaos of college partying and fall flat on your face when you leave the nest. Remember, there will be set backs and challenges that you will have to solve on your own now that your parents and teachers are not holding your hand; but when you surpass these challenges the sense of accomplishment that you will feel is tremendous. Keep your eye on the prize and focus on the career you have chosen for yourself. When you are given an assignment study and repeat the lesson over and over. Nobody forces you to stay in college or go to class; it is all about your self motivation and the drive that comes within you. Prove to the world that you are a success and NEVER GIVE UP.

Take a deep breath and find out what truly inspires you. If you find out what your passion is, hold onto it and always remind yourself why you chose this path. Once you know the path that you want to take, hopefuly it is the one less traveled, then you can plan for the future. Take notes, make friends, exchange emails, and talk to your professors. They are there as guides, use this opportunity to go far in your educational career. Look into and talk about what classes you need to take in order to graduate on time, but don't stress out. The first year is full of mistakes, but you learn from them all and come out stronger in the end. From there, plan ahead and anticipate mistakes and what you can do to prevent or correct them. Overall, find someone to confide in, to take study breaks with, and enjoy life. College will go by far too quickly. Remember everything you learn from this time, both inside and outside of the classroom. Your experiences now will come to define who you are, what you believe in, and how you will change the world.

If I could revisit my high school self I would advise myself to be more confident. Since being in college I have been exposed to a diverse population of people. I have seen that most people have the same insecurities as others and are often unaware or apathetic of all the mistakes I may make. With this increased confidence I would tell myself to go out and make friends. Early adulthood is when and individual lays down the foundation for the rest of his or her life and making friends is an essential part of that foundation. Friends, I have learned, are not only for socializing but they can help me with academic or moral dilemmas. They also expose me to new experiences that enrich my life. As a high school student I was shy and awkward, I wish I could go back and tell myself that there is no reason for such behavior in a world of such diverse yet similar people.

I would tell myself to put more effort into my classes, to take the time out every day to go over notes or homework; whatever it may be that will help me understand my class material better. I would tell myself not to wait to the last minute to ask for help; that if i know i'm having difficulty in a class, to seek help as soon as i need it.

Go to a different school.

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I would tell myself to not be afraid to meet new people and put myself out there for everyone. It's hard meeting new people but it's important to realize that everyone else is just as nervous to meet others as you are.

I would tell my past self to make sure you get into the habit of using all academic resources (TA’s, tutors, professor office hours, etc…) available. They will prove to be invaluable for you and the sooner you know how to use them the better. I would also tell my past self not to live in a dorm. Living off campus cost half as much and is twice as fun.

If I could back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to not take one second for granted. I, like many other graduating seniors from my school, could not wait to leave and longed for freedom. I resented my town and thought college would be so much better because I would be on my own. I had no idea how hard the transition would be and how much I had taken for granted. I would advise myself to be thankful for every day that I had in each class, each test I took, and each teacher I talked to because it would never happen again. Looking back, I miss the little things that I once overlooked. Even the simplistic idea of walking in the door after a long day of school and being greeted by the wagging tail of my dog is something I wish I could relive again and again. Going to college taught me this extremely important life lesson, and now I have learned to cherish every moment. If I had not taken life for granted in my senior year, I would have been more prepared for the change.

My undergraduate education was critical in making me the person I am today. I was challenged academically, and explored different areas of study. I came to know what I wanted out of a future career and what I definitely did not want. As a student of URI I gained independence and learned how to be on my own. I was exposed to many different types of people and learned to get along with people who were different from me. I now can respect other viewpoints and am a more empathetic, well-rounded person. I am thankful everyday for graduating from URI and learning how to define myself and my future.

As most people say, "college is the time of your life," and I could not agree more. Initially going into college I was scared of being lost, but instead I actually found myself finding the true "me". Upon arrival, for days I struggled with finding a secure major fullfilling to my talents, ambitions, and hapiness in life, but the university helped me through several advising appointments and career explorations to find the most suitable major for ME. Now here at URI I find myself the happiest I've ever been. I am known here on campus to be a welcoming and personable person that everyone likes to be around and that feels so good to know. I have the perfect balance of time between fullfilling my rigorous classes while all the while meeting new friends and even being able to live my dream of playing field hockey in college. I have always dreamed to major in what makes me the happiest but all the while be able to balance the things I value most such as family, friends, athletics and personal time. URI is my new home where I work to my potential and blossom effortlessly everyday like never before.

I have learned so much in the short time that i have been here. Not just academicaly but socially as well. This is an experiance that i wouldnt trade for anything, and wish to continue.

I have made new friends with every new class. I have also been able to learn so much about myself such as what I want to study and how I learn best from my learning abilities compared to the classroom. I discovered my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to working in groups or by myself as well as a study technique that works for me. I hope other students have a wonderful experience like I do!

What I have received out of my college experience is something that I believe I couldn't have found anywhere else and that is my independence. Before I arrived at the University of Rhode Island I was a very dependent person. However, now I find myself having the capabilty of taking care of my day to day problems and other actions with complete confidence. This confidence comes from the help and mentorship from the staff, administration, and fellow-students at the university. When I first left high school I thought I would barely be able to handle college alone, but today, I am able to tend to my personal needs as well as balance being a full time student, a part time employee, as well as a volunteer at the emergency medical services on my campus.

My college experience has been one that has included many challenges. Engineering as a major, especially chemical engineering, is extremely challenging. I have met this challenge head on and maintained a GPA that has kept me on the Dean's List not only at Alfred University but also my second college, The University of Rhode Island. During high school I did not feel challenged in academics, this is what drove me to chose the major I truly wanted, chemical engineering. I chose to challenge myself and I could not be more proud of myself for it. I was able to begin a life in a field that I know I will love and that will continue to challenge me my entire life. I have also had the opportunity to drive myself to a second life long goal of being a Division I athlete. Maintaing my grades along with competing at such a level is difficult, however my college experience has taught me to welcome these chances to succeed at the highest level possible and I look forward to being able to do so for the remainder of my college career.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is that I learned about techniques about networking and computers. I learned how to communicate more effiectently to a big group of people. I also learned how to manage my time more wisely with college, work, and everything else I do. Why has college been valuable to attend for me it made me learned how to take the world. I think without college I would be just a uneducated high school student. What college has in store with me also helped me attend by actually having a job I will enjoy once compeleting this semester of college. I enjoy the thoughts of what college will do for once I graduate and what great things I will learn before I graduate.

There are so many aspects of college that I have already experienced that have made my time there so valuable and special in such a short period of time. I have learned how to socilaize and become quick, best friends with some incredible people and have grown by meeting them. I have utilized a lot of the resources there that are there for me to be a better student and person, such as the gym, the library, the acedemic enrichment center, and much more. Most importantly, the reason I am attending this school is because I was accpeted into the college of nursing. Already having my major has made my college experience so valuable because I know what I want to do with my life, and as a college freshman i'm already starting my career! As hard as the work is, it is most definitely worth it because one day I will graduate and will have my whole life in order with a job at a hospital somewhere great. I'm very happy with my college choice and I can't wait to continue my adventure there for three more years!

Being in college i have gotten and experienced alot of things. I have gotten that just because someone is in college does not mean they are going to make the best out of the situation. It is left to the individual to strive for what they want and settle for nothing but the best. It has been valuable to attend because college helps prepare you for what the future may hold and not everyone gets such an opportunity.

A typical answer would be "knowledge." I guess this is quite obvious, but since college, I have been able become useful to my family. I have been able to diagnose my grandmother's swollen, bruised legs to be ruptured blood vessels--something I learning in my second semester's Human Anatomy class. I have been able to recognize a clogged blood vessel in my father when his foot felt swollen and his leg was almost not functioning--something learned from my third semester's Human Physiology. I have also been able to help others eat healthier thanks to the Nutrition Club i joined.

From my college experience I have gained a great deal of self-cofidence that I can do what I set my mind to and stick with it. I was determined to make a better life for my two daughters and I am now well on my way to doing that. I have my Associate Degree and am starting my Bachelor's Degree in December. It has been valuable for me to attend college online because it works better with my schedule then having to sit in a classroom. If I am working on an assignment and one of my daughter's need something, I can take a break and help them with what they need. I value my education dearly and am thrilled that I have stuck with it this long and now I am pursuing to go even further. My daughters are the world to me and with me going back to school I believe that it will set a better example for them as well.

I have taken great classes and have had the opportunity to do things I would never have been able to do unless I was at a Univerisity. I have gotten involved in my community in ways I would not have been able to otherwise. Attending college opens doors to careers, ideas, and meeting new people, all of which are more than worth it. An education is the most valuable thing you can invest in.

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College has helped me to develop and improve my oral, writing, critical thinking, self-management and social skills. Being an international student, I didn’t know anyone in the United States, however my classmates and teachers have helped me to have a smooth transition from one culture to another. College also taught me importance of helping each other, like volunteering for instance. In college I have become more responsible and organized. It was not easy to manage time by myself without parental control but I developed discipline that helped me to stay at the top of my class. College became a very important part in my life because I believe that being well educated will help me to serve our society and community better. Education is not just piece of paper to get a well-paid job; it is knowledge of our past and present. We all want to live in a peaceful advanced society where people treat each other equally. Education is a key to brighter future because myself and my fellow students of today are going to be part of a successful society tomorrow.

The academic programs in the sciences are great. The marine biology program (my major) is supported by the Graduate School of Oceanography. Before coming to URI, I didn't even know you could do that as an undergraduate. Because I came here, I met professors who are well-respected in their fields and even famous (the researcher who discovered the Titanic is a professor at my school). I was able to network and gain a position as an undergraduate researcher in a lab. Now, I am well ahead of many other undergrads in terms of research experience. This is definitely helpful since I am applying to graduate school and will start already experienced in lab and field biology. In addition, even though my academic experience has been great, I also grew a lot as a person at URI. Before I came here, I was lazy about studying and didn't achieve the grades I could have. At URI, I learned how to be mature and accountable for my own work and grades, and to work hard to succeed. I've become more organized and efficient with my time because of learning to juggle classes and research work.

I have gotten out that there are alot of different and unique people that you meet in college. You learn to appreciate things like that and learn that there is more out there than what you have and what you learned at home. I have also learned that it is okay to be your own person and not care so much about what others think about you. I have learned independence and that comes in handy because it is an early start to grow and do things on your own

My college experience has taught me that you should never give up on your hopes and dreams of attending college because there is always a way to make it by yourself. I had a lot of trouble getting into college but through all the troubles, I made it through and I now attend the University of Rhode Island and I feel I am a great student who can achieve anything I was in life if I just keep at it and I try my best.

What i have gotten out of my college experience is learn to appreciate my education and take things seriously, and it has been valuable to attend because it allowed me to learn things about myself i did not before like, that i am capable of doing anything i put my mind to.

I'd have to say that the best thing that I've gotten out of my college experience is learning that there is no limits on what I can accomplish if I set my mind to it. I'm a non-traditional student and was wary of going back to school as it seemed so out of reach. But with hard work, determination and dedication I have come to love and value each and every moment of learning I've been granted since my return to school. Not a day goes by that I don't learn something new about the world around me and myself as a person. Just those simple facts have been an invaluable life lesson for me. The world is out there for me to grab hold and forge ahead at full throttle. I wouldn't change a thing about my educational experience thus far.

When I was in high school I hated going to class doing homework and making flashcards. Now that my first year of college and summer school is over with I can say I love school. I donk know how it can change in a year. I will be Grad this year and moving off to Sam Houston. I would never think I would like college this much.

Ive gotten a lot og knowledge, and so far Ive made a lot of Christian friends. I love the Christian community on this campus, and overall the teachers are very friendly. The teachers on this campus are very usefull they always have office hours available to meet.

College for me opens the windows of opportunity. College isn't just about getting up and going to school, but it is an experience. By attending college I discovered where my passion lies; and ever since I have been pursuing it. I am a Social Work major; consequently, I've gained valuable experiences by doing internships and working with different populations. I've worked with substance abusers at a Drug Treatment Center, and female teenagers at a Residential Treatment Center. I'm also able to volunteer with troubled teenagers. Therefore, by attending college I'm able to perform well academically, while gaining experience with similar clients that I will be working with in the future. I love to be involved, and by attending college I'm able to do just that. I served two years as the senator of the Human Services club. I was also the secretary for Black Student Union. In addition, l co-facilitated Campus Conversation on Race Discussions. Finally, I've got a chance to meet excellent professors and interact with student from different ethnic backgrounds. By attending college I've gained valuable skills and experience which will be beneficial as I pursue my career.

I spent my first two years at the University of Rhode Island as an undecided student; one of the most valuable experiences I have enjoyed was finding a major that I absolutely love. URI has around 80 majors to offer students, which makes it a fantastic place for undecided students. It also boasts over 200 student organizations and clubs; I have been fortunate enough to call one of these organizations my home for the past three years. As a sister of Sigma Kappa Sorority, I have been given the opportunity to better my community through greek system philanthropy projects and Sigma Kappa philanthropy events. I have met people I would not have met otherwise, and made friendships that I truly believe will be lifelong. I have even been able to better my leadership skills as a member of the 2010 Executive Board. One thing that I will take away from URI when I graduate is a sense of pride and accomplishment. Although I will be entering one of the lowest paying field for college grads, I will have earned a fantasic education that will allow me to obtain the best possible job in that field.

i have gotten so much out of college. I am now a student ambassador so i have gotten to meet so many people. I am a A-B student which i would not get if i didnt go to class. I am a student who does not drink or smoke which helps me to want to go to class. I pay for every expense with out my parents help so i work alot which makes it hard but i make it work and still get great grades. This money would help me not be so stressed and i could pay off my loans and make me graduate early since right now i have added an extra few years due to how much i work. Thank You !

My college career has been an adequate four years. I have been able to make new friends, keep the old and learn more about myself as a person. Many may feel that I was not able to achieve the full affect because I stayed instate but I do feel like I did achieve a fun and exciting college career. I started off as a freshman unsure of what was to come, but I actually took pleasure in seeing the familiar faces and having family on campus. The next year my sister graduated but it was my time to step outside of my comfort zone. I joined the dance team on campus and started making new friends. That next year, I was able to stand on my own two feet; I created my own dance team on campus. As i become more infused in the university, I knew it was my time to situate myself vocationally. My last year I moved off campus and into my own apartment. I often miss campus life but I am proud that I was able to achieve all that I aspired to achieve and in the appropriate time frame of exactly four years!

If I could go back I would look further into what I wanted to really do with my life, I declared after I had already been in school for a month so I am not a little behind and will graduate later than I originally planned. Scholarships are another thing I would take more time on, if I had explored more I am sure I would have been able to find more financial help.

I wish i had visited way more colleges. I am happy with my choice but neither of my parents went to high school and I don't have older siblings so I had no idea what was going on. One thing i did that i really liked was just walked around the campus alone. I went on the tour dates and such but just walking around alone and treying to picture myself at the school really helped.

If I could relay the information I have now about college to my past self as a senior in high school, I would have a lot of advice. First, I would tell myself not to be afraid. Everyone feels anxious when delving into whole new circumstances. Some people come from different countries; they know no one. Because of this, most people are open to meeting and interacting with you. Therefore, do not hold back. Go out, knock on doors, introduce yourself, explore the campus, attend available activites, and have fun. College is a place where you find yourself; you explore your limits and your strengths. Do not be limited by your fears. Do things you might not ever have done before. Try things like scuba diving, ballroom dancing, or even lab research. However, do not forget what you paid so much money for: your education. Pay attention in class, and keep up with your studies and homework. You will make mistakes, that is human nature. Just remember to do things on your own terms and no one else's. Make the best of this time because it's the only chance you get. Good luck.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to never doubt myself nor my capabilities. Fear and doubt are wothless emotions that are not worth one scond of your time. Always ry your best because this is a time of your life that is brief yet has a large imapct on the rest of your life. Enjoy your freedom of being a young adult, but remember this a time to be serious and to prove that you are all that you believe you are. Your intelligence is too great of an asset to squander, it must be shared with the world. Put all of your effort into all of your schoolwork because it will imact your future. The transition from high school to college is empowering, but don't lose your self or your goals. College is a very enriching time of your life, but just remember why you are there. Never forget who you are. The world is open before you, take your time and find out all about it.

To be honest I wouldn't give myself any advice, because the transition I went through and the hard times I have faced whether it was with grades, my sport (track and field & cross country), changing majors, or being on my own is something that can't be taught by just speaking in front of a classroom, its something that is learned if only attempted. I was told somethings of what I should and shouldn't do but I never really knew nor did I listen, because I've made misstakes that i was told in advance and making those was the best learning experience I've had so far at this university. You got to learn on your own thats one of the ways you will grow up really fast. My advice is nothing except I would probably say this "do what you think is right."

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I'd tell myself that college is going to be an amazing experience, and a whole new beginning. I'd tell myself to take every opportunity, like sticking with the fencing club that you will join instead of quitting a few weeks later. I would tell myself to not get a boyfriend freshman year and hang out with my other new friends instead of that loser who will break your heart 5 months later. I would tell myself to go abroad sophomore year when I had the chance, beacuse you can't go abroad later since your major (pharmacy) is not internationally universal. I'd tell myself to be brave enough to join a sorority freshman year instead of sophomore year because it's a great networking opportunity, avenue to make new friends and learn about what to expect as you get farther alolng in school. I'd tell my senior self to just be brave, get yourself out there, not be shy, and that you will learn who you are in college, and who you'll be for the rest of your life.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself about college life and making the transition, I would give a lot of pointers in order to be successful in college. When I came to college I was unaware of how the college system worked. I was the first to go to college in my family. I would have really enforced studying and preparing for class in advance. Also how important each exam grade is due to exams being the majority of the overall grade. The college classrooms are large and professors are unaware of who their students are therefore depending solely on exam grades. Lastly, I would tell myself to really take the SAT seriously. It is a key aspect that colleges depend on to make a decision on a student?s eligibility of entering a major. College is the key to ones future and should be taken seriously in order to succeed.

Everyone will probably say to themselves study harder, take school more seriously, however, i studied as hard as i could in high school and i was a national honor society member. I would tell myself that i should be myself and that i should focus on what i really want to accomplish in life and listen to my heart and to do what makes me really happy. After all, happiness is what everyone wants out of life. I would tell myself that i need to stop for a minute and just think about what i really want to do in life, and than persue that goal, with all the power and effort possible. College life only happens once and its important to make the most out of it, and to follow your dreams and hopes for a brighter future.

I would walk up to myself, look straight into my eyes, and tell myself that we need to talk. I would tell my high school self that the college he plans to attend is much different than high school. There were 600 kids in his high school, and there will be 17,000 in his college, that is a massive change. I would tell him that he has to have an open mind about new students, to have fun, and that he has to be much more responsable in order to schedule his college life correctly and maintain good standings. I would actually tell him that he should consider another college because he will regret going to URI and he will want to transfer to New York instead. I would tell him to not bring too many clothes because there is no room to store them. Also I would tell him to get involved in the college campus as much as possible in order to take advantage of all the opportunities the college provides for him. To finish my conversation I would tell myself to be prepared for tough classes that will take time and dedication in order to pass.