University of the Sciences Top Questions

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

Takiara

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to keep working hard and not give up if something seems too hard. I would tell myself that the transition form high school to college is not as easy as we would think it is and to take it more seriously. I would also tell myself that it I should socialize and have a good time but I should be mindful of managing my time between my social life and academic life and to learn how to prioritize mor efficiently before getting into college.

Natalie

I was one of those high school kids that did only what I was interested in. I was an avid musician who was the steryotypical band geek and the science nerd who loved chemistry. As a kid, I always knew I was going to go to school for pharmacy with all hopes of becoming a pharamacist, yet I was also a great trumpet player, who did not know if majoring in music might make me happier. Although I decided to go with the more concrete and reliable path, I would tell my high school self to expand thier horizons before it is too late. In high school I only did band and some science clubs, and never explored anything else. Now, in college, I am a member of charity organizations, clean-up projects, mentoring students and even some art classes, in addition to minoring in music and obtaining a PharmD degree. I would tell my high school self not to be afraid of learning new things and to step out of my comfort zone to better experience the world and learn new things.

Jacob

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would try to convince myself of a few very important things. First, I would tell myself, not to worry about what other people think about you. So much time and energy is wasted on trying to impress others. Another thing that I would tell myself is to make life decisions selfishly. Not selfish in a bad way, selfish in the sense where you are not making a decision to try to please someone, such as a parent or teacher, but you are making the decision because it is truly the decision you want to make. The final thing I would tell myself is to work hard. It seems like a cliche, but nothing in life is worth anything if you dont have to work for it. As a high school senior, you have a huge sense of entitlement and believe you are the center of the universe, however if somehow I could go back and let myself know these few things, I might be a little more ahead of the game than I am today. Thank you for your time.

Yesenia

“Yesenia, remember this is your senior year at Garfield High School. Yes, your last year and that means prepare yourself for the real world. I know how much you want to leave and experience your first year at a University, so I recommend you to go to Cal State Los Angeles. Look, I know it is hard that you will not be able to dorm with others and get that first year experience, but it will help you save money for future unexpected circumstances that you will encounter. Aside to this, I recommend you go over all your math homework and exams. When you get your papers back, immediately after class or school, go to your teacher and ask for help trying to solve the question correctly. You are a future engineer and the math is the subject you must be able to master. Furthermore, apply for scholarships. You have the grades, just worry about sacrificing some weekends to finish a scholarship. Come on girl, the more money you earn, the less stressful it will be for you in the future.”

Jemi

Take Advice I’m sitting in a cold white concrete room with a striped dress shirt and slacks. The door slams as a little girl walks in with burgundy red lipstick, crispy men’s jean pants with a small red spaghetti strap, and white tennis shoes. Her hair is long and naturally black, dark olive skin toned Persian eyes with big eyelashes, long narrow nose and full lips. She has an innocent glow to her, but her eyes tell a story of hurt and mischief. Finally, I said, “look I don’t have much time, but I know you cry yourself to sleep at night because no one understands you. I know that you can make a rose out of clay dough and that no one taught you how.” Her mouth flew wide open, “how…”. “I am you from the future and I need you to listen to me forget about your friends, skipping class, and focus on art. Make an effort for good grades and go to culinary arts school…. (Fading away) don’t listen to boyfriend. HE IS NOT THE ONE, DANIEL IS…” She sits confused. Walks to her locker and takes home her textbooks to do homework.

Ashley

Dear Self, You have always been a smart and hardworking individual who would never stop striving until you achieve your goals. You have GPA of a 4.0 or higher every year and as a result was able to graduate third out of 250 students. My advice to you is to take advantage of all opportunities afforded to you that will help you in the future. Don’t be afraid to be an individual. Do what is best for you when it is not the popular thing to do because you can’t take your friends with you after you graduate. Your decisions matter, starting as a freshman in high school. Your choices in your freshman year affect your placement and chances of being at the top of your class. That will aversely affect the amount of scholarships that you will be awarded. If you are given a choice between college prep classes and advanced courses, take the advanced courses. Its going to be challenging but it will pay off later, trust me.

Jasmine

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, now that I am in college, I would advise myself to take AP Chemistry, and Calculus, and to leave high school friends behind because in college there is no time for distractions. I would tell myself to take AP Chemistry because it would better prepare myself for the chemistry class that I had in college. Some of the material was completely new to me and I had not taken chemistry since tenth grade. Calculus is another subject that should have been taken because it prepares for the math classes here. The courses are called Mathematical Analysis, but it is really Pre-calculus, and calculus. Also, do not get distracted, study notes from class every night and build a habit of doing so. Do not get distracted about friends not in this school because college is expensive and all that matters is getting the education and getting out so there will be no more schooling when college is finished. I know if I had told myself this my first semester would have been better.

Rebecca

Looking back on my educational path, I am completely satisfied and thankful for where I am today. Over the course of spending a semester in Pharmacy school, I've realized that the study skills and time management habits that I have developed here could have completely altered my time in high school and would have caused me to be an even better student. I've learned to manage my time well and even have a weekly schedule where I write in my activites for each hour. I also have a planner where I write the dates of where all my assignments are due. By keeping my priorities in order, I sucessfully completed my first semester with a 3.92 GPA. If I had better time management skills in high school I would've been able to adjust easier to college life. I'm happy with where I am today.

Suzy

Dear Suzy, Don't worry, you're going to do just fine! I know times may be tough, and you may feel like giving up is the best option, but don't. Two of your classmates that you grew up with decided giving up was the best solution, but that is not going to get them anywhere. Being a senior can be hard, but very rewarding once you walk across that stage and receive your diploma. School is not going to get any easier, so suck it up, buckle down and take classes seriously. No more goofing off or not trying your best. That will NOT cut it in college. Take advantage of everything your school offers. Afterall, this is free education. I know you're thinking, "But it will be different in college. I won't goof off...", but if you don't start preparing yourself for the oppurtunities that lie ahead, you won't get very far. Take this advice in consideration next time you decide not to do that Government work sheet, or take notes in Anatomy. Good luck! Sincerely, The future you. P.S.- I'll always believe in you even if no one else does.

Kalvin

I would tell myself to go to my computer and grind it out in terms of searching for scholarships and jobs. With financial issues settled, I wouldn't have to worry about money and I can completely focus on studying. This is important because it not only saves time, but it keeps me from having to stress. It saves me from a headache and that way college would be much more enjoyable. Not only would a job also provide finances, but it would also provide work experience and something to put onto my resume. It would definitely simplified the future.

Rayann

The advice that i would give myself is to work harder in school, but still have the time of your life with the last year of high school. College life can be stressful due to all the work you'll be getting in just one day and from one teacher. After high school, It's gonna be all about school and work. You won't have enough time to have fun when you're in college. It may sound and look hard, but it will be all worth it. Getting a diploma from high school will be a big achievement, but getting an associate's or a bachelor's degree will be a bigger achievement for you. Some things that you have learned in high school, depending on the classes you take, might come up again in college. So its best if you don't throw away all those knowledge away. After high school, you gotta learn how to be independent because the only people you'll have by your side is your family. But they can't be there forever. You'll have to do some things on your own because its your decision on what you wanna do.

Linnae

The transition was very easy to me, so I have nothing to say,

Jennifer

I would have to tell myself to look at schools that dont require as many loans or as high of loans. I would tell myself to pick a school that gave a better scholarship for it doesnt matter where you go, just what you make of it. I would tell the younger me to look out for the future me

Corena

I know that the transition to college is a hard one but there is no reason to worry. The people you meet and the experiences you have will be worth the little bit of pain you go through in the beginning. Leaving home for the first time is a big step but it is not all bad. That independence you crave as a young adult is now available. Dont let the complete freedom completely overwhelm you. Just in case that does happen, there are always people there to help you. It is not embaressing to ask for help in college because everyone needs it at some point.

Daniel

After attending the University of the Sciences for three semesters and continuing on to the fourth, to say that I have learned much in terms of my degree and future profession would be an understatement. Not only have I taken courses that will make me think like a health professional, exercise my critical think abilities, and increase my knowledge in respective topics, but I have also taken a course (and an still continuing in it) on LIFE. This university and the experience of independency have opened a new window for me. Here, at school, academics is only a small part of what shapes my growth into a mature adult. Relations with my peers have played a critical role in the development of my relationship with others as well as the relationship with my own self. RESPECT – it’s the one word that sums my growth at this institution. From the interactions with my professors to the communication on the basketball court, respect is what I have learned to carry in my backpack right next to my essential Poland Spring. Succeed or not, from here on, it’s all about love and respect for others.

Devin

Throughout my entire college experience so far, I have learned and grown as an individual. Not only did I grow as person as far as academics is concerned, but I also matured and I have developed confidence in myself and in my goals. The college experience I have had so far have made me a stronger person, I fully understand how rigorous some courses are and I am more than willing to do what it takes in order to succeed. I have established more independence which solidified my ability to can take care of myself. Another great part of the college experience is the friendships and memories I developed. The friends I have made these past few years I know will be my friends for life and I would not change that for anything.

Chelsea

In the short time which I have been to college, I have received much from my college experience. I have better developed my time management skills, which are crucial to survival in college. I have also learned to network with other students, faculty, and other professionals within the field of Pharmacy. To encourage networking, I have joined a Christian Fellowship group which has provided much support academically, emotionally, and spiritually. I feel that a balance is needed between school work and extra-curricular activities. Another source of networking is APhA, which I am a member of. I have participated in various meetings and functions. These include a health screening in a nearby park and working as a receptionist at a vaccination clinic. In the future I look forward to volunteering in a smoking cessation clinic possibly held on campus. Lastly, in the academic realm I have learned very much material. In learning the material, I continued to further my education as well as earned a GPA of 4.0. In conclusion, whether examining the personal skills improved, networking experiances, or academic growth, it can be said that by attending USP I have received a valuable, well-rounded education thus far.

Lauren

I have gotten the urge to succeed more in my life and my career and i am trying with all that i have to be able to continue to attend my school so that i may make a difference in the life of others. My school is very science oriented and so is my major so it is a great opportunity to focus.

Donna

I would tell my past self to really sit down and think about my interests and definite plans for the future, because it is impractical to pay $27,000 a year to prepare for a major that you may not even like. I would tell my past self to look beyond the academic programs and see how the colleges could help with my own personal development. Because a college should do more than just teach, it should see you as an individual and offers activities and programs that will help you find your path in life, and not their path.

Kyle

In going back to highschool in my mind, I would give myself advice in playing sports. I now realize that when you are in highschool they make a big deal about getting a scholarship to play your sport in college. The reality is that there are so many kids trying to do that that you really have to be one of the best. Therefore in highschool I wasted more time on basketball than I would have. I believed all the hype, especially from the coaches. They led you to believe that you were going to get a scholarship easily. This is because they are really into being a coach and they hear about all the kids that do get the scholarships. I think that the reality is sports are fun and you should play them if you have the ability, but you should not figure that the sport is going to become your job. Academics are what you need today to get a good job and compete in the world.

Kelly

College seemed like something you need your whole life to prepare for. That thought stressed me out because I didn't do that. Learning to maintain and relieve stress is a huge necessity. Don't be afraid to seek help with stress management. I chose a school that gave me the most money. Regretting this decision at first, I did my best to be positive. Patience taught me to love my school. Talking with peers, I now know that there's always someone out there worse off so don't fret. All you need is faith, confidence, and belief in yourself and you will do well. I'd also say to always keep an open mind and be rational. It?s not worth it to judge people. Being friendly and networking is very important when you want to succeed in life. Not being selfish is a wonderful characteristic to have. Life won?t always give you options so work with it. Most importantly, I'd say don't compare your self to others. Everyone has their own talents and fortunes and it's impossible to be great at everything. Trying your best and making sure you're happy is key.

Vanessa

If I were able to go back and talk to myself as a senior as highschool, the first piece of advise I would give myself would be to master time management. As a college student you need to know how to use your time effectively and how to prioritize. No matter how bright you are, if you don't not put enough time in to actually learn and understand the material, then you may not succeed. Where as if you leave enough time,for studying, you will quickly realize where you may be weak in a particular subject and have enough time to use the resources that are at your disposal such as tutoring, group studies, supplemetal lectures, meeting with professors, etc. These things are only possible if you dedicate enough time to the cause. By giving yourself time to familarize yourself with the material, you also avoid cramming for exams or doing badly on presentations that you might have to do. Most people overlook it, but time is definitely a keep component in success. If I were able to talk to myself as a highschool senior I would stress to myself self, the importance of time.

Jessica

From the experience so far in college I have learned many things. Compared to the other colleges that my friends are attending, I feel that the classes that I take are are more challenging when trying to balance my grades on all of the classes that I am required to take. Procrastinating is something that I noticed that needs to really be avoided and the number one priority to be focused on. Also time management, finding variety of ways to relieve stress, and improve note taking/study habits will help the transition to college easier. Not just focusing on studying is important but keeping a healthy life from socializing to living right is a great way to help deal with college.

Tahmina

i would tell myself to do a lot better.

Tiffany

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to work harder on the subject of English. Since English is not my native language, I always had trouble with it. I did not further in English as much as I should because I was going to a science college. I thought AP English in high school was good enough. For that logic, I struggled the first semester of writing in college. I have another semester of writing and I am working hard to try and fix my habits.

Tyler

Be responsible, try to be more social, and try to ask more questions or seek help if you have a problem with something.

Frantz

Talk to people more. Rejection will always happen it's nothing to be afraid of. Also, study because that's all usp is.

Kathryn

The amount of work is going to be overwhelming, professors will be confusing and maybe a little hard to understand at times. High school was a breeze and you've never needed extra help on anything, but do not be afraid or to stubborn to ask for that extra help in college because you'll end up staring at a blank page for an hour kicking yourself because you wasted too much time. You are going to need extra help if you want do well, but remember that you are not alone. Everyone has their own skills, and you'll learn all of yours (and help the friends you'll make pass calculus based physics!). Use all the resources that are provided to you and, most importantly, don't forget to make time to relax and clear your mind. It's going to be a bumpy ride, and the friends you are going to make will be with you the entire way.

Sunmi

Because i know that college life is very challenging, I would be more prepared to make the transition from high school to college. For example, i would read more books and study English more to get good SAT scores....... Also, i would take as many AP classes as possible and get their AP score to get credits for college.. I feel that how much i learned in high school affects studying in college. People around me did study hard to get AP credits and good SATscores in order to be more prepared than others in college. I think this is a very wise opportunity to be ready for challenging college life.

Rose

I would tell myself that college is very different from high school. I never needed to study in high school, so i thought college would be the same way. I was wrong! It is hard to go from being one of the smartest students in high school to being one of hundreds of the smartest people from their own high schools. In a school like this, schoolwork comes first. There are tons of academic rules we need to follow, so I would make sure that I told myself to stay focused and not get caught up in the new freedom that I'll have. Other than that, I would say get ready for more work than you've ever had to do in your life, but you'll meet great people that will help you get through it.

yina

Make sure you visit the school before you actually attend. Also don't always believe and listen to what the tour guides or people you meet at orientation says. A lot of times their job is to be enthusiastic about the school. Instead try to find an upperclassman who's willing to tell you the pros and cons. For students, try facebook messaging someone to simply as questions if you don't know anyone attending there yet.

Amanda

Make sure the student knows what he or she wants to do in life, because if they have no idea of a major or such they could be wasting their time and your money in college. The college should appeal to the student and have all the essentials that would make their college experience a great one. When choosing the right college you should think about what type of environment whether it be in a populated city or rural settings. Because then you can keep in mind whats around campus to do during free time. Also, take a look at the population size of the school and all the extra- curriculars the school has to offer. Find what's comfortable for you. Do you want to be 1 out of thousands of faces in a crowd? Or would you rather know your community and be a familiarizing face? When making the most out of your college experience you have to enter here with an open mind and GET INVOLVED. Every college has their own way of getting students involved such as programs, events, and leadership opportunities. So don't miss out.

Frantz

Visit the school while classes are in session. Take what the tour guide tells you with a grain of salt. Look at the financial aid. Ask student what they think of the school. Talk to people outside of your comfort zone. Relax and work hard. Find the balance between these two.

Tony

Find a college which you feel comfortable around. Research the curriculum and choose a college which will provide the academics needed for your future occupation. Ask about the job placement of graduate students in their respective fields. Be sure to estimate the total cost (tuition, housing, food, books, etc.) for each year when applying for outside loans. Select a college within your financial means.

Pauline

Choose a school that fits your interests. If you do not like big cities, pick a school in the country. Make sure there is appropriate housing and meal plans. Check to see if there is financial aid available. The number one thing to look for is your major and minor. For making the most out of your experience, join clubs, maybe even a fraternity or sorority. If clubs are not for you, join a sports team. Also be active in some kind of community service project. It looks really good on job applications or graduate college applications. The more activities you participate in the better. Living on campus for at least the first year is helpful. Its a great way to connect with other students and get involved on campus because it does not require alot of travel. Remember you can not study all the time. Everyone needs a stress reliever. The above choices are a drug free and environmentally safe way to relieve some of the anxity and stress that builds up in every student. Just remember not to overload yourself. Too much fun and you could fail out. Achieve a balance between work and fun.

Nicki

visit the schools, talk to students and professors

Gregory

It is hard to determine what college will suit you based on visiting- you need to talk with a bunch of current students to find out how the school treats them and the outlets for social experiences. Once you think you found the right place make sure to balance your social life and school work pending on where you go and do not be afraid to go out ad meet new people, since thats what college is mostly about. Just remeber although you need to do well for your career in college- you only get to 1 college experience so make it memorable.

Janice

Think about your future. Don't just think about going to the same school your family went to. Wherever you go, you CAN have fun.. it's up to you. Go with your gut.

Van

Find the college that fits your career or field of study. In the end, you want the college that prepares you most for your career. In every college, you can always find something fun to do and get invovled in.

Nicole

start college planning early and be creative in your choices

James

The biggest part of a college is location. Location is everything. It will allow the student to seek oppertunities for anything they could want if that is what they need. A college experience is what you make of it. It is important to understand what the school has to offer, and if any of those things fit what is right for you. The most successful students are the ones who choose a profession, not a degree. The most important part of attending college is being open to new ideas, experiences, etc. In college, you will meet a huge diversity of people, thoughts, ideas, education, and oppertunities. The students who are the happiest are the ones who will try anything because it helps determine and shape your future.

Alin

In finding the right school, the students should identify their priorities and research over the characteristics of a range of schools. Next, match the school that meets their priorities. Range of the acedemic majors offered, size of the student body, extracurricular opportunities, amount of personal attention that a student recieves are some of the charcteristics to look for. If the student is undecided, as many are, they may want to pick an academically balanced institution that offers a range of majors and programs. Some other factors to look for are cost, diversity and the graduation rates. Also, students should consider what college life will be like beyond the classroom. It's important for students to maintain a balance between academics, activities, and social life. College years are some of the best years of your life. Talk to people you never would've encountered or talked to outside of college, from all walks of life. Study abroad is another way to grow more than you would ever imagine . Take a class that is interesting to you, even if it has nothing to do with your major. Finally, never eat lunch alone because this is a great trick to making new friends.

Pavan

Go to the college in advance to see the environment and the people. Talk to some students or professors and see how life is around there. Most of time you should listen to the students because after all they know the social life the best.

Bindu

If I had to go back in time and give myself advice I would relay the following message: In order to make sure that a student, and his/her family, is making the correct decision about their potential future regarding their career and college they should take many things into consideration. The students needs to decide first of all what type of careet they want to go into, this way they can narrow the college choices down based on specialty. After they know this I would recommend that the student is firm on their decision for their major and do not quit once things get a little tough as time goes on. They should then decide what type of setting they want to be in, in which they will be able to accomplish the most academically and socially. College is going to be something that every student will always want to look back on and remember that what they thought was difficult is now really nothing, when it is compared to reality. The best advice I could have gotten is: TIME MANAGEMENT make sure you know what to do and when to do it, but remember to have fun too.

Keith

When looking at a school it is as important to look at the cshool based on its academic success as well as its surounding characteristics. A great school in the middle of no where will not help you develop as a person no matter what grades you get. You must chose a school that will allow you to grow into the person you want to be, so asking a lot of questions to students that are not tour guides will greatly influence your choice with a broader view of the true university you want to attend. You learn the least about who you are in the classroom and most about by you do outside of it, getting involved in the community with people that have the same ideals that let you grow as an individual. Talk to Alum and see how things have changed over the years, whether for the better of for the worse to make sure the school is on the right track to deliver everything it promises to you and your future.

Samantha

Be sure to visit the college you choose, you'll just get that feeling when you know you belong. You may change your mind about your major, or certainly at least question it at some point, so it's preferable to have a school with a lot of options. Live on campus and leave your door open. Nights spent awake until 2 with dormmates eating pizza and laughing until it hurts is what makes "forever friends" and favorite college memories. Go to sorority/fraternity rushes and meet new people, even if you have no intention of joining. Get involved. If you can learn to fall in love with your school, after those initial "yay college!" butterflies die down, focus on its good parts when everything about it starts to make you crazy, and know you'll have a great future with it, you'll make it just fine.

Deanna

To do all their work during the week, but enjoy yourself on the weekends!

Sarah

When choosing a college remember to remember yourself. If you know that you feel out of place in big crowds, choose a small school. If being social is crucial to your happiness, choose a school that has a variety of social groups/events. If you are unsure of what major or career you want to pursue, choose a school that has a wide variety. Don't underestimate yourself. You should choose a "dream" school to apply to and choose an even more out of reach. Positive thinking is essential not only in your academic success but in your personal happiness. College is very expensive, but you also only get one chance to be young so go where your heart takes you. You have the rest of your life to pay back loans. To the parents, be patient and supportive of the students choices. Offer your advice with out pressure or guilt. I truly believe that a student's mindset and happiness is the precursor to academic success. When a person feels comfortable and yet still challenged, nothing will stand in the way of achieving their dreams!

Danielle

Dear parents and prospective college students, As I am sure you already know finding the right college for you or your child is a difficult and seemingly overwhelming task. You already know what is best for you and this will absolutely allow you to make the correct choice and even if you find out you hate it when you get there it is never to late to change your college. Also, do not worry about the cost when chosing a school. The cost seems astronomical, but they wouldn't give you student loans if you couldn't repay them. And in my opinion you can't put a price on a great education. Good luck, study hard and enjoy college while you are there. Four years may seem like forever but it will be over before you know it and asking yourself where did the time go!

Brittany

The advice I would give to parents would be to let your child make their own decision on which school they choose. It is their future, and if they want to attend a liberal arts school, then you and your child should be visiting liberal arts schools. Parents should also find ways to be well adjusted when their child makes their choice. The child should be well diversified at their school and want to learn not only specifics for their major, but anything they can get their hands on. School is not just about academics though, and that is where the student comes in. The student should first choose the college they feel will bring them an education they will receive no where else. Once that is established, they should be checking out what there is to do on campus and off. They should become involved in on-campus activities as soon as they become acclamated with their college. Then night life of course should be another standard to base your experience off of. If you school doesn't have surrounding resturants, movies, or other social gathering spots, you may want to find a suitable place that has it all!