Florida Atlantic University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Florida Atlantic University know before they start?

Adam

I would tell myself don't just stroll through highschool it goes by way to fast like any adult would say, but cherish each and ever moment you have over there, because college they expect you to be independent and treated like an adult . Push yourself to be a better student no matter how hard things get, do not procrastinate, because that would be the downfall to all the hard work you put in. Always make time for studies at a young age, because it teaches you to learn to manage time at a younger age. Be more involved with the school such as joining clubs, doing community service around the city, because colleges look at and love kids who interact with the community. Sports, you should always tryout if you have a passion for it, who cares what people say or think about you. If you truely love it, do it. Make yourself a better student by being a disciplined athlete who knows how far and well you go if you actually learned to endure the struggles and see the bigger picture at the end of the journey. This would be the advice I would give myself.

Michael

I would actually tell my past self to enroll in Palm beach State College (previously Palm Beach Community College) so I could finish my AA at a more affordable postsecondary institution. It's taking an awful long time to finish even this basic degree due to the ridiculously high rates of tuition, in addition to the fact that I'm not elligible for any financial aid, according to the FAFSA. There's a million other things I can tell my past self, like how staff advisors can be unhelpful or poorly trained, how difficult it is to find the correct college department for specific questions or problem resolution, and how some professors will bend over backwards for you, while others won't bat and eyelash if you need help. The main issue has and always has been not knowing what you need to know.

Megan

Don't be afraid to change your plans! You're about to meet some of the most influential people in your life, explore topics you've never experienced before, and consider perspectives that are completely new. Take advantage of that, and dabble in things that you aren't experienced in. Don't get locked into a plan for your life until you've opened yourself up to lots of new experiences. Don't spend time alone; open yourself up to new relationships with people you wouldn't normally interact with. Don't stay in your dorm room when there are activities to attend; some of them could change your life. Have random conversations late at night. Talk to professors with whom you've never had a class. Try to be an insatiable learner. Don't stop reading for fun. Take every challenges as it comes and appreciate what you learn from them. Be grateful for the opportunities that you have. Spread joy. Be positive. Savor every minute; it goes by quickly.

Brittany

For most of my life, I have been overly focused on academic achievement. Education is the most the important part of my life, but if given the chance, I would choose to teach my past self to follow my heart before my head. Due to my focus on achievement, I landed myself in a PhD program that was completely wrong for me and my goal to help people in the future. I wanted to be a doctor in order to feel accomplished, not realizing until much later that research and teaching were not my passions. I am now going into social work instead with the plan to work in the court systems in the future. With this experience, I would educate my past self that there is always more than one way to follow a passion. Want to help people? Being a doctor is not the only way. Want a laid-back job? There are hundreds. Be happy first, plan second.

Brianna

If I could give any advice to my high school self it would be to work hard, work smart and have fun! It is important to work hard to do your very best in school because then your chances of scholarship go up (college is expensive, who doesn't want to have school paid for?) and also prepares you to continue to work hard in college. Working smart means that you understand you need a plan. It's one thing to work hard, but when you put that hard work into a plan than your success increases. This means its important to apply for scholarships early. There are scholarships even high school sophomores can apply for! With all this work, I would also remind my high school self to have fun. By having fun I mean to find activities you enjoy. These can be sports, music, art etc. These activities are what make us unique and also help us build friendships. These activities also prepare students for college. College life has many opportunities to be involved, which makes college fun and helps you build friendships during those years.

Matthew

Become more self-driven.

Stephanie

I would tell myself to enjoy my life as a college student more. It sounds so simplistic, yet so many college students take their education for granted. I would tell myself to enjoy this season of life, and to not stress so much. School is meant to challenge, but it is also meant for us to enjoy and expand our way of thinking. Not everyone gets the opportunity to pursue what they love. I would tell myself to not panic about the small day-to-day things, but to focus on the big picture. It goes by so quickly, and it's best to enjoy the ride.

Larissa

If I were granted the opportunity to go back in time and share with myself the knowledge I have now about college life, I would tell myself to be well informed. When you're starting a new chapter in your life and your on the path of pursing your dream, you need to have the right direction. Which means research needs to be done. Go out talk to advisors, teachers, friends whom you know that attend college already and get information from them. These people are reliable sources and will aid in your success as a first time college student. I would also make an effort to go to the university and plan to stay a day or two. This would allow me to get a better feel of the environment and the school setting. In addition, I would also prepare myself mentally for the amount of course work and hours that will be invested into school. Being aware that college isn't a breeze way will allow my mind to be set and focused for accomplishment. Lastly, I would encourage myself to enjoy the college life by taking it a day at a time.

Alexander

If i were to go back to being a high school senior and knowing now what i know about college life i definitely would give myself advice on how to prepare myself better financially. I would give myself advice on how to manage your money in college and what financial needs need to come first and what financal needs need to come after. I would also give myself on how to have complete balance in your life. Even though life can become hective it's important to try your best to balance your life and your everyday procedures. Committing time to certain activities can help you prioritize your lifestyle to achieve success and balance. Lastly, i would give myself advice on how to take notes in class and write down everything the teacher says no matter how small it may seem. In college it definitely is important to become more resposible for your education, you're there to be independent unlike highschool and lower grade levels.

Deneille

Aside from going back and telling myself to save every last penny I come into contact with, I would tell myself to be more confident in who I was. I believe the away experience was the push I needed to transition from a teenager to an adult, and it allowed me to get my first glimpse of the "real world." I noticed changes in what was important to me, and learned that I love the person that I am. I wish I could tell my self-conscious high-school self to save myself the drama of being accepted or "popular" because it is all irrelevant in the scheme of things. Knowing who you are at an earlier age gives you a headstart in achieving all that you wish to achieve, and I would like to go back and tell myself as a senior that life is too short to not be confident in who you are and love yourself.