University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

What I have gotten most out of my college experience were my hands-on and out of class opportunites. While I attended college I worked as a research assistant for the Wisconsin Twin Autism Project where I got to expand my knowledge of the autism spectrum. I also worked for an amygdale study where I got to trace the amygdala on fMRIs. Lastly I chose to do my last semester of college abroad in Seville, Spain where I made life-long friends and got to know very well a culture so different from the one that I am accustomed to. Had I not attended the University of Wisconsin- Madison, I might have missed out on these unique and culturally rewarding opportunities.

In high school, I took classes because I had to. In college, I take classes because I want to. Learning things in college has so much more of a point and a purpose. There's not as many people here just because they have to be - people want to be here. Madison is not only awesome in that it has so many different classes, but in that the professors for the most part really love the subjects they teach. You can talk to any one of them, and they'll enthusiastically tell you about all the research they're doing on their subject. I'm so glad I decided to come here.

The most important thing I've gotten out of my college experience is that I've learned who I am really am. When I got out of high school, I thought I knew what I believed in and who I was and that none of those things would ever change. But when I entered college, I was challenged by the different ideas I was exposed to in my classes and through the different people I met on campus. I had to work through my beliefs and figure out why I held the ideas I did. When I found that some of my beliefs did not have a firm foundation, I had to rethink them and rethink the way I lived my life. It was a difficult process at times--like a mini early-life crisis! --But I'm glad I went through the experience and asked the questions that I did. Now, I know who I really am and can take comfort in the knowledge that my ideas rest on solid ground.

I can say that I have learned how to reason on my own better than I could before. I've learned to tap into the different resources that I have when I want to investigate something. My writing has improved and I've also learned to really embrace the scientific method and use reason rather than emotions to make sound decisions. I'm still working on my general education, but I'm pleased to see that I have learned a little about everything and that all these other little classes are like little tributaries that will eventually empty into a bigger river; in my case animal biology. The whole experience has allowed me to see that all fields of study are interrelated, more than I ever could have imagined, and has opened my eyes to get a better look at the big picture. It's been exciting to put this multi-dimensional puzzle, I plan on always having something new to learn. Education has really enriched my life, this is what has made college worth every bit of time.

As a economics major, we often pondered whether a college education was a signaling device or whether it really taught individuals useful life tools. As I come to the end of my college career, I believe that my college experience has provided me much more than I ever expected. Perhaps more than the academic knowledge I gained, I learned life lessons that I would not have obtained otherwise. Most importantly, I learned that life is not a sprint, it is a marathon. Things will not always come easily. You will always be surronded by those who are smarter, faster, stronger, and more decorated than yourself. However, if you keep your eye on the future, and develope and use the skills that you were born with, while thinking outside the box, in the end, you will have won the marathon.

During my college experience, I have found many valuable lessons. It has taught me time management and that I needed to grow up in order to handle the classes, teachers, and fellow students. I found an inner strength that I had never seen before. It was suprising since it appeared randomly, but at a moment when I surely required it. I was having a hard time with my classes, juggling a job and family, but the sudden burst of courage and strength showed me that I am completely capable of handling whatever I get myself into.

I have learned to give life my all, and to suceed you must exert the amount of effort you want to eventually recieve back. in the workplace. I am also gaining a fund of knowledge about economics, finance, and business which i will later put to use in my personal life, as well as in the workplace (I want to gain a CFP and series 7 licenses). The college experience broadens and gives value to yourself as a person, which in theory transfers over the workplace if you apply yourself. This is very true if you choose to make that decision - but once you do, it is highly beneficial.

I have grown so much in the past 2 and a half years and I owe it to my college experience. I have learned so much about myself and what I am capable of. I become more responsible, more independent, and more confident with each passing semester. I feel that my education is invaluble and I am excited for my future. College life has also made me appreciate my home life and my family. I love being able to explore my interests and expand my knowledge in a place full of endless opportunties and resources.

Take the chance right away. Be outgoing and meet new people right away. There is no reason to be shy, because everyone is in the same place. They feel the same way. What others think about you is none of your business. Just be you and laugh and smile. Try new things. Be bold. Don't worry about who you were or what you want to be or how you want to be perceived. Just be you. Talk - say what's on your mind (unless it's mean or inappropriate). Laugh. Joke. Be silly. Take as many credits a semester as you can. Those counselors and advisors at orientation don't know a thing about you. You are a hard worker who got into one of the best schools in the nation. 18 credits a semester will be more than manageable - it will prevent alot of wasted time. Take the classes you want to take. Don't pretend to like or be good at math or science., because you still are pretty bad at them. Lastly, don't worry about the future. It'll come soon enough.

Looking back on my senior year of high school, I realize that there are numerous things I could have done in order for my transition to becoming a college student to have been smoother. The main problem for me was my dependence upon my mother. I remember there was a time when I did not feel comfortable with making a decision for myself unless my mother also agreed. When you get to college, most of the time your family will not be there to hold your hand through every situation and you are now in control over your future. I went from having my mother take care of everything to having everything put on my shoulders in the course of about two months. If I could go back, I would tell myself to take the initiative in learning all I need in order to pursue my major early, instead of my mother having all of the information I need, which led me to making wrong decisions early in my collge career. Being ignorant of the steps you need to take to pursue your goals is the worst thing a person can do in college.

If I could back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to save more money and take the financial situation more seriously than I did. I now know that college is actually as expensive as my parents said it was and possibly even more. I would have told myself to save even ten extra dollars out of each paycheck than what I did and to not make excuses about why that extra ten dollars made a difference whether for clothes, gas, or food. I also would have told myself to apply for more scholarships and to investigate them more frequently than I did. Seven scholarship applications were not nearly enough, like I thought it was. Applying for a number closer to twenty would have been more productive and probably more beneficial.

It goes without saying that high school seniors will have plenty to learn once out of their parents' house and into the dorms. Minor responsibilities such as laundry, following a meal plan, and managing finances is easily learned, but self discipline, health management, and advocating on your own behalf can be much more difficult. Without parents and teachers to continuously track your efforts, classes become easier to skip but exams then become harder to cram for. Keeping up with your studies early will cut down on the physical and emotional wearing experienced by large workloads in high stress situations later on. The pressures of college bring about feelings of anxiousness, physical exhaustion, and mental burnout. Allowing medical services to help you stay both heathy and sane is not a weakness but integral to academic success. It is crucial to be your own advocate once you enter college, especially at larger universities where it is easy to be overshadowed and overlooked. With far too few credits in the physical sciences I was forced to enroll in summer sessions and online courses, teaching me the importance of tracking my own schedule. Do not place your fate in the hands of academic advising!

First of all, forget about high school. That is all behind you now; in front of you is your future in college. Go to a college where you don't know anyone, where you can be whoever you are. It is your time to grow into the person you are. Second, don't listen to them. Everyone will tell you to go to college. Don't go to college for someone else's reasons. Go because you want to learn more, and go for what you want to learn. Its your time to explore. Thirdly, don't worry quite so much about the classes you have to take to get a diploma; instead, look at the giant list of diverse classes like a menue at a resturant. Use your first semester or year to take all the classes that sound interesting to you. Everyone changes their majors; use the first year to figure out what you like. Lastly, college is not all about the acedemics. Its about growing as a person in every aspect of life, includeing your social life. Meet new and different people who will challenge your view of the world. Now is your time explore.

If I could tell myself one thing as a high school senior, it would be to take chances and try new things. Seize opportunities to have fun and learn. Do not be afraid to join a sport or organization, or afraid to meet new people. Almost everyone that I will meet on my floor is in the same situation as I am: it is also their first time living by themselves and they do not know very many people yet either. However, they are the people I will spend my next four years with, so I should not be shy or scared to meet them. But most importantly, do not allow the possibility of failure keep me from trying something; it is only failure if I do not learn from my mistakes. If I do poorly on a test, work harder and study better. No matter how distant my goal is, how many obstacles stand in the way or how many times I fall short, I cannot become discouraged. After all, like Thomas Edison said after finally succeeding to make the light bulb: ?I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.?

First and Foremost, congrats on making it to college, but don?t celebrate too much. The key to your success is FOCUS; you must learn to focus on the most important thing in front of you. Learn to prioritize your time, this isn?t high school you can?t spread you self so thin this time around. Be involved, but you don?t have to try everything right away, pace yourself, you have four years to impact the campus. Don?t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, because just as uncomfortable as you are, they might be too. Another thing, it?s kind of top priority, STUDY! By study I don?t mean just do your assignments, but actually study, indulge yourself in your study's that?s how you learn. Go above and beyond to make sure you retain the material, because it?s never about just passing or the A, but actually learning the skills and knowledge you will need for life. Abuse your professors office hours and your TA?s, utilize all resources available to you, and make all who come in contact with you remember you. Don't panic love, HAVE A BLAST!

As a high school senior I was someone very eager to start her new life yet rather overwhelmed. I would tell myself to slow down. I think a mistake that seniors in general and myself in particular make is thinking that they have to know what they will do with the rest of their lives. They need to be open to new options. I was so sure I knew what I wanted--a degree in International Studies and to join the foreign service that it took my first year at college to realize that I was not considering what would fulfill me as a person. Since then, I?ve learned to make maps, worked in spanish with children and studied abroad. Though I never changed my International focus, I know now that teaching is what I am passionate about. Three years ago I could have told you exactly where my life was headed, but that inflexibility set me off my true direction. I would have told myself to take a moment to slow down and realize my whole life was ahead of me, and that choosing now would be cheating myself and the world out of too many options.

Michael, You are one year away from High School Graduation! In a short time, you will be leaving the school where you have become so comfortable. You are academically and athletically successful and have a bright future. What will that bright future look like for you? Where do you really see yourself 20 or 30 years down the road? Think long and hard about where you want to be? What do you want to be doing? What will make you happy? You want to choose a career path that allows you to be challenged, financially secure and able to achieve the dreams you have. Look to those around you and ask questions. Start with your teachers and coaches as you see them every day. Listen to everyone you come in contact with, some of them have so much to share with you. Get to know what they do and what path helped them to their current place. Keep your standards and values high. You have one life to live so go out and make the very best of it. You can be anything you want to be!

Time. I can simplify everything that I wish I would have known down to this one word. For the most part, in the trasition process from high school to college I took my time for granted. Through every step of the process (from choosing a college to attend all the way to shopping and packing for dorm move-in) I always felt like I had plenty of time to prepare. The truth is, that was almost never the case. I ended up being a little stressed out in the end trying to get everything together (especially when all of the packing and shopping for dorm move-in was left for two days!). The best advice that I could give myself is to pace yourself. Take things in steps or doses. It makes things much easier to assimilate to. And quite frankly, we could all deal with a little less stress in our lives, couldn't we?

Since I have arrived and spent a semester in college, I have learned many things that I didn't expect to learn. First, regardless of one's preparation for life without family before coming to college, the transition takes a lot of time and energy, especially when one has classes to contend with. Classes themselves are also a larger challenge than in high school because they force you to manage all due dates and dead lines. They are also fairly merciless when it comes to midterm and final exam time as these exams tend to bunch together. However, thie question asks what advice I would give, not what I have learned. In all honesty, even though I probably would have greatly appreciated this knowledge before high school, I don't think I would give myself any advice at all. Part of the reason for coming to school is to learn these things for one's self, and knowing the road ahead diminishes the value and depth of information to be gathered along the way.

I would tell myself to pursue people! I've met a lot of people since I graduated from high school, but have lost touch with many of them. Some losses are circumstancial - I've moved quite a bit - but I definitely feel the loss of friendships I could have put more effort into. I would tell my former self to be brave and ask people to hang out and to keep pursuing the people I really connect with! I think friendships are one of the most important things you can come out of the college years with, and they can certainly last a lifetime. But in order for them to grow lasting, they require effort.

Going back in time I would tell myself that I should take classes such as AP physics that could potentially get me out of classes in college. Not only would it save money but the environment would be easier to seek help out in; a smaller setting like a highschool would be easier to find assistance rather than a large university. Then in college it would be less classes to take making scheduling easier and graduation time shorter. In regards to the transition I would tell myself not to worry and to keep in mind the fact that everyone is going through this and most are probably feeling the same way as me.

I would tell myself not to take the time between High School and College and, if I did take the time off, to at least enroll in some kind of classes to keep the educational boundaries open. I would remind myself that things seem to disappear from your mind when so much time goes by and the sooner you get an education, the sooner you can get a career and be able to have the money and time to fully experience life.

I don't think I would have rushed through the descision so fast. I thought I knew where I wanted to go, so I didn't really bother checking any other universities out. I may have still made the same choice, but it would have been nice to look at the other options. I wanted to stay in the midwest, but there are a lot of universities in the midwest. Maybe I could have made a few more visits, looked at a few more college. I would also tell myself that applying for scholarships was a good idea. It may seem like a waster of time, but it was really worth it. I got a few that I didn't think I deserved, and missed out on a few I did. They don't take much time to fill our, and they pay off in the long run.

To high school senior self, I have some advice for your first year of college. First of all, be open minded. The UW student body has people from all sorts of backgrounds and there are some really good people out there, you just have to take the chance and the effort to get to know them. You really gain the most when you are out of your comfort zone. Also, be prepared to study. A lot. Your professors expect a lot out of you and you might have to spend a few saturday nights at the library to give that to them. Have high standards for yourself and work hard to achieve that because now is when it really matters. These grades aren't just about impressing your parents or getting in to the college of your dreams. These grades are about getting internships, jobs, and ultimately a career you are happy with. With all that said, although it might sound like a contradiction, don't take your time here too seriously. Have amazing experiences, meet great people, and most of all have fun. It is college and you only do it once, make the most of it.

I was an excellent student in high school. I stayed out of the bad crowd and chose instead to focus on my studies. I was accepted to the school of my choice, but when it came time for funding my post-secondary education, I hit an obstacle. My parents and I thought that straight A's all through high school would be plenty sufficient for being awarded scholarships. Unfortunately, most of the scholarships that I came across required involvement in extracurricular sports, leadership positions, and hours of volunteer work. Focused on schoolwork in high school and maintaining a part-time job, I didn't find these important. Because of that misconception, I was only rewarded with one small scholarship. I wish more than anything that I could go back to high school and make sure to get volunteer hours in, as well as participate in a sport of some sort. Even though I might have had to sacrifice some of my A's for B's, I probably would have ended up being eligible for more scholarships because I would appear more "well-rounded."

As a high school senior, the most crucial thing I wish I knew going into college is how independent you have to be. I was always a very good student and kept on top of my work, so that transition wasn't so dramatic. However the temptation of skipping classes is sometimes strong, but I have to think of what is best for my grade. I had to become much more independent when it came to every aspect of life. No one was cooking for me and telling me what to eat, that was my decision now. I had to do my own laundry. I had to make sure I went to bed at a decent time so I could wake up for early classes. I had to be the one to contact my professors, they don't contact me. I had to be responsible for finance. I don't have time for a job, which gives me very, very little flexibility in spending money. As a high schooler, I wish I knew how independent I would have to be and how little aspects of my life I took for granted would change dramatically.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in highschool I would tell myself that: college isn't as scary as it seems, everything will work out in the end, and to keep my chin up because classes are harder than you think, but somehow it ends up just fine in the end. It's easy to make friends and to find where you fit in. Sometimes you don't end up where you thought you would, but it is likely because you found out where you really belonged all along.

I suppose if I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would tell myself to calm down. I would tell myself that I don't need to have all of the answers, that I don't need to know what I want to be because there's so much to be done before that can happen. I would tell myself not to worry about meeting people or fitting in at college because there are so many people out there, and you're bound to find somebody like you. I would tell myself not to worry about living in the dorms because it would turn out to be a fascinating, growing experience. Above all I would tell myself to BE myself, to live every day fully aware of my mind and individuality. Being open to all things is the only way to grow.

Dump that guy, save your money (do not buy that ridiculously expensive phone), be prepared to work harder than you ever thought, train yourself not to sleep, request a roommate change, and make friends immediately. This advice may seem random and unhelpful, but it all has relevance. The guy I was dating withdrew me from getting my full freshmen experience and we ended up breaking up; I finally learned that sometimes it is better to put yourself first. Secondly, I am putting myself through college and it is a constant struggle. I wish I would have been smarter about saving my money. The sleeping and hard work may seem obvious, but since things came relatively easy for me in high school I was not prepared for college. It was a slap in the face, but it made me stronger. As for my freshman roommate, she taught me about myself, but caused me unneeded stress. I should have listened to myself and gotten out of that situation when I had the chance. Lastly, the friends you make within your first month of college will be some of the people you are closest with for the rest of your college career.

If I had the ability to go back and talk to myself I would tell myself not to worry about trying to be accepted by my classmates. I would simply tell my high school self that everyone is being put into the same position of knowing hardly anyone, therefore everyone will be looking to make friends and meet new people. Simply put, my advice would be to not stress out about the transition because the faculty and other students try to make life as easy as possible on incoming freshmen. It seems almost silly to me now that this is most important to me, but I realized that even as tuition and housing bills add up and classes become almost too much to bear, having friends to fall back upon is the greatest feeling when you really need someone. The stress of grades and financial burden of college will both eventually go away, so take away from college something that won't: friends.

For most students, college represents independence. College freshmen come to school being told the basics of living alone for the first time. These basics include how to do laundry or take care of finances. What most students aren?t aware of, and that I wish I had been informed about, are the keys to success at a highly competitive university. In my opinion these keys to success are quite simple if done correctly and whole-heartedly. One of the keys to success is resourcefulness. There are so many beneficial resources to be found on any campus. For example, I found a great tutoring program for my Economics 101 class in the Business Learning Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business. The secret to using these resources is simply going out and finding them. Once you have the resources, you need to use the second key to success, which is hard work. It doesn?t matter how smart you are in college because your grades depend on how well you do compared to your classmates; what matters most is your willingness to outwork your classmates. Once I realized these keys during my first semester, I achieved immense success.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself several tips and advice in order to be as confident as I am today in my second year. First, I would tell myself to, as Winston Churchill once said, "Never, never, never give up." While going through my first year and the first semester of my second year, I faced plenty of tough times and often questioned my own intelligence and self-worth. Sure, times will be tough but they WILL pass and in the end they will made you stronger. The second piece of advice I would give myself is to never take life too seriously. After coming to college, several times I have found myself getting way too stressed out over assignments and papers. Do the best you can in college, but remember to have fun and reward yourself for your hard work. The third piece of advice I would give is not to compare yourself to your peers. Everyone learns and succeeds at different rates so don't worry if you seem behind, your time will come. And lastly, find your passion.

I would tell myself that transitions require time and patience. Sometimes not everyone is lucky enough to find their niche right away, so the change takes a lot of searching and redefinition. When I first got to college I expected to find my best friend right across the hall and to instantly fall in love with my classes. However, I eventually realized that you meet a lot of different people before you find your new best friend and that Political Science really wasn't my subject. It took me the entire first semester to realize my actual dream was to pursue film in a diverse city setting, so next year I'm planning on transferring to Columbia College in Chicago for their film program. UW-Madison was a perfect starting place for me to become acquainted with college life. At first I was very frustrated, confused, and felt out of place as I tried to fit into the college stereotype, but I've realized there's no right or wrong way to tackle college life. So going back to senior year, I would tell myself that sometimes things don't initially work out, but then you just try something new.

I would tell myself to over prepare for college. It is really difficult adjusting from high school to college level material. I would stress to myself the need to start healthy exercising and eating habits young as well as to practice being engaging and open-minded with others who are different from me. I would defiantly tell myself to pursue academic means outside of the little college preparation given to me, but the best advice I could give myself in high school is to just learn as much as I could in high school and bring a positive attitude to college.

Get on track with a better idea of how to study and do it often. It is crucial to study several hours each week and you need to get into a routine or system that will help you comprehend that you need to study often and don't give up on studying. You need to learn now, how to study so that you won't be shocked and just a stupid freshman when it comes time for college.

Walking into my first class of my freshman year of college, I was not prepared for the drastic change between the difficulty of high school classes and college classes. As a perfectionist, I had always worked very hard in high school, but college took hard work to a whole other level that I was not ready for. I stressed myself out over little things and focused on my faults all throughout my first semester of college. As a result, I didn't let myself enjoy the many wonderful things college has to offer. If I could go back and tell myself one thing it would be to accept your mistakes and the things you cannot change. There is no use in lingering in the past. You just have to pick yourself up, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward.

The first thing I would tell myself is to not procrastinate and just buckle down and do what is needed to improve my life. I would make sure that I understood how important my grades are and to apply for as many scholarships as possible for school, because my parents will go back on their word and won't be paying for school after all. Probably the most important thing I would tell me is that no matter how hard life feels right then, that it could get a lot worse and that as long as I do more than just what is required I can and will get ahead.

Take AP classes. They prepare you well for the exams in college. Scholarships are also very important. If you receive enough of them, you will not need to work, and you will be able to focus on your studies, so apply to every single one that you can. Next, get a friend who has been through it all. You already have your older sisters who go to the same university as you. Whenever you have a question about college, go to them. They actually are a little older and wiser than you. One more thing, be wary of the party scene and video games. They both can interfere with your studies. Enjoy them in moderation. Friends from high school should also be enjoyed in moderation. Branch out. You might become best friends with students from a rival high school or even another state. Don't be the person that only hangs out with his high school buddies and girlfriend. You will never learn what else is out there. Finally, come into the experience with no expectations and an open mind. That way, you will be ready for anything.

I would tell myself to go into every opportunity with an optomistic attitude and ready to learn from the experience no matter how new and different it is from what I'm used to. Whether it's making a new group of friends, becoming involved in a certain club for an admirable cause, or signing up for a course that I've never heard of before. Sometimes these things don't always turn out for the best and I would tell myself to move on and continue my search. But other times, it may turn out to be the best decision ever made and a new passion can be discovered. Pertaining more specifically to academics, I would tell myself to try out different study methods to find one that used my time efficiently as well as helped me to learn the material thoroughly. Time management is so much more important in college because you're on your own to accomplish what you need to do without specific times to finish it in. Lastly, because I don't get to visit home as often as I would like, I would tell myself to take full advantage of home cooking.

The most important thing I wish I had known as a high school senior is the importance of taking my studies seriously in these last moments of high school life. I have no regrets and am thankful of everything I did as a teenager because my journey led me to where I am today. I have learned through hardships and successes to love life and to cherish every minute of it. My father always told me, "Money comes and goes, but time you cannot get back." I wish we all had more time on this Earth, and an easier pursuit of our goals and dreams. I'm thankful today that I understand the value of an education and what it could bring me later in life if I have my priorities in order. I am a successful college student and am very pleased with my GPA and standings among my peers. I love my school, and I feel that my school appreciates me.

I would tell myself to relax. While most people regard senior year of high school as being easy, I was in a very competitive and high-pressure program. Exams were constantly looming over me, and I felt as if the workload would never end. Teachers constantly told us about how challenging college would be and how they only pressured us in order to prepare us for the more difficult classes. However, as a freshman in college, I have discovered that the work is nowhere near as stressful as the work I did in high school. While it is more challenging, I also have the freedom to choose which classes interest me as well as more time to study and really absorb the material. I would tell my senior self to breathe and enjoy the time in high school and to not be so anxious. College is full of new experiences, people, and ways of learning that were not possible in high school, but be prepared for the independence that comes with it.

To be a successful student, you need an open heart, determination, and focus. You must seek out help when necessary to remain successful in the classroom, as well as to enhance your relationship with your professors and peers. Attending office hours for extra helps shows dedication to the course and will only cement the material into your brain. It is not a sign of weakness or defeat, so do not consider it as such. Get involved in something that is meaningful to your future and heart. Show your passion for your field of interest by pursuing volunteer opportunities or obtaining a job in health care or a pharmacy. Engage in clubs that are gauged towards future health care professionals to show your commitment to the profession. Above all, stay close to your friends and family for support. There are going to be tough times where you need to call on your loved ones to help you pull through. Whatever the obstacle, it will pass and make you a stronger, more aware woman who is capable of conquering anything in her way to pursue her passion for pharmacy.

Go out and enjoy life more.

Expect the unexpected. As great as college and the freedom associated with it sounds, there are many more challenges and growing up to experience. There is neither a great way to prepare nor a way to completely avoid stress during the transition. Take on every challenge that you are capable of conquering and do not let other people bring you down. Life from here on out is dependent upon the choices you make. Avoid working too much and appreciate the time you have with your current classmates as you may not see them much after graduation. However, the people you will meet in college will be much more diverse and you will find many more friends. You will probably even find your soulmate seeing as how you probably did not do that as the senior you are right now. Keep your head up and take pride in the school you will be going to because it was your choice and has qualities that match your interests and wishes. Stay strong and live in the moment.

#1: Relax. I know you are stressing out about...everything. #2: APPLY FOR MORE SCHOLARSHIPS!!! Please, stop surfing Facebook for 10 minutes, go to an online scholarhip search, and look for things that may intrest you. Just mark some favorites and come back later to fill them out. Give yourself plenty of time, because let's be honest, you will end up on Facebook again throughout the application process. I know these things can seem overwhelming and useless, but $100 goes a long way when you are living on a diet of breakfast bars and Ramen Noodle soup. #3: Save up some more money. You worked a little during the summer, but step it up. You WILL want to spend money, and it is HARD to find a job at times. Be smart. Yes, you want the cute jeans to show off on your first day of school, but let me tell ya, that money would be much better spent on groceries, joining organizations, and the occasional night out with new friends. #4: Again, Relax. You are in for good times, no use in rushing anything. In time, everything will fall into place.

Going back in time, I would encourage myself to research diversity of clubs and organizations around campus. I was a community youth organizer and education reformist during high school, and I want to continue being active in a new community and environment. Since there is an open kitchen at the residence hall, I would also encourage myself to watch my mother cook dinner and learn her recipes. There?s no cooking better than my mother?s cooking, and as a warning, be prepared to miss a hearty dinner. Most importantly is trying out variety of methods to study. Whether it is memorizing or comprehending the concept, each course is going to require its own method to understanding the materials. As a warning, the television will be your enemy. It will often distract you from your studies, so be strong and fight the urge to press the POWER button. As a final message, you will be a tremendous addition to the university.

If I had the ability to go back to my senior year of high school, I would tell myself to form solid study habits. Throughout high school, teachers spoon fed students the information and upon immersion into the college life, new habits had to be formed.

One of my professors recently told me about a study which found that regardless of how much money someone made, nearly every individual will say they could be happy with just a few thousand dollars more each year. It was after hearing this story that I realized something: basing my academic and career aspirations on money would do one thing?ensure that I would never be happy. It?s because of this that I tossed aside my investment banker dreams and opted for a career in marketing, a field I?ve always been interested in where my creative abilities could be challenged and used to their full potential. Steve Jobs, one of the greatest business leaders of our time, once said, ?The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.? If I could tell the high school senior version of myself one thing, it would be this: do what you love, and success will follow.

As a high school senior, I wish I had received the advice to get involved early, and to familiarize myself with my professors better. Though academics are undeniably valuable, I wish I had been more concerned about joining student organizations and developing my leadership potential in my freshman and sophomore year. This year, I have served as director of an organization, the Global Connections Committee, in which we plan events to foster awareness of international cultures and issues. Through chairing weekly meetings, recruiting committee members and establishing leadership positions, and managing a budget of several thousand dollars, I have learned to allocate my time effectively, and have gained confidence and critical organizational skills. In addition, I wish I had not been so shy in approaching my professors from freshman and sophomore year. Many of my teachers are tremendously accomplished experts in their fields, and I could have learned much more had I asked to pursue an independent study or research with them. Though I have recently begun pursuing independent projects with professors, I have wasted time in not starting earlier. These two pieces of advice would have helped me greatly in enhancing my college experience earlier on.

Knowing what I know now about college life, I think the most important thing I would tell my self is to continue challenging myself with AP courses. I believe the biggest mistake I made in highschool was not taking enough honors courses. Taking honors courses and doing well on the AP tests not only gives you college credits, it also makes college a little bit more manageable. For instance, Calculus in highschool was a difficult course, but in college, it is on a whole new level. College level Calculus was an absolute nightmare, a nightmare that could have been avoided had I taked it in highschool and recieved AP credit for. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself how the little extra effort in highschool could have gone much further than I had anticipated.