The University of Alabama Top Questions

I would tell myself not to stress or worry about how different the transition will be. I would tell myself that everything is going to work out and that great times were ahead. College will not be an impossible challenge, but instead a fun challenge. It will be an opportunity that will open up infinite amounts of other opportunities for your life. You will have a lot more on your plate, but you will learn to cope with it in an effective way. Mom and Dad will not be around all the time like you are used to, but their absence will make visting home that much sweeter. There will be times you might want to give up, but if you keep trying and giving it your best, you will see great results. Enjoy every moment of it and it will be the best time of your life.

Don't follow the crowd. Be independant and remain focused. I have heard this many times "It is not how it used be."

I think the best advice iIcould give myself is that college almost feels like a race agasint time, you want to do the best you can as soon as you can not to get cought up in all the excitment and parties that goes on there will always be time to party later in life its just the matter of getting to where you want to be and how you want your life to be, stay on top of school work to the best of your ability not to get caught behind its not like highschool where you can put stuff off to the last minute, it will be difficult in the begining but you will eventually adapt not to that bother me and my feeling towards school, but other then that i would tell myself have fun but stay on top of your work and be safe.

The past few years after graduation have been a very significant time in my life. Since graduating from high school, I have taken some time off from school to decide what I really want out of life. After watching many of my fellow classmates go on to universities and soon after drop out, I wanted to think more about my options before I took the leap. If a time machine happened to be available now I would have to advise myself, as a high school senior, to "be patient" and "make sure college is the right choice before making any concrete decisions". Which is exactly what I did. Simple, yet crucial to being successful. Today, my goals have never been more clear. Obviously, like many college freshman, I want to make new friends and enjoy my time while I attend school. And while reading a book or researching the latest in technology appeals to me, sometimes stretching my legs on the beach or kicking a soccer ball around is a much needed way to relieve stress. It is important to balance both my education and my social life so that I do not become overwhelmed with this new experience.

I would tell myself to do as good as I could in high school so it would be easier to transition to college. I would tell myself to not be afraid to put myself out there and make new friends. I would tell myself to start learning better study habits and I would also tell myself to have fun because college is a big part of your life and you need to get out and learn new things, make new friends, and have new experiences that you can look back on and be glad you did.

Making the transition from high school to college is difficult. It's important to find your place within the university; there is more to college than just classwork. The first rule of college is to go to class, no matter what your friends might say. The second rule is to get to know your professors and teaching assistants--once you see that they are "real" people, you'll find class more interesting; also, a professor is more likely to be flexible with you if he or she knows who you are and that you care about your work. The third rule is to get involved in your community; no matter where you go to school, you can find a group of people to call your friends. You might get involved in a foreign language club, a political group, an events planning organization, an honor society, a sports club, or a group that enjoys watching the same television show--the important thing is to find something! Students who have more to their lives than just classes are happier than students who go to class, study, and do nothing else. College is a time for learning about yourself.

Get involved! Emerse yourself in the college experience! College is about so much more than just taking classes. When you get ready to graduate and apply for jobs and graduate school, they are looking for well rounded individuals who have a wide variety of experiences. My advice is to join at least one organization that will benefit you and one that will be fun. Take the time to get to know your teachers and professors who can offer so much from their own experience and can be a support later on. Forming relationships with classmates will give you a support system during college and a source of networking after college. Undergrad is the transition from childhood to adulthood and is an invaluable experience, so live every single moment to its fullest, have fun and get the best experience possible!

Do not be hesitant to take full advantage of everything The University of Alabama has to offer. Be sure to form relationships with your professors and advisors; they will do everything they can to help you be successful and respect you for your effort. Do not let your fear of taking on too much stop you from taking part in all of the extracurricular activities and social groups you originally wanted to join. It may seem like you are setting yourself up for failure, but it will turn out to be the opposite. Participate more in your classes; I promise, you will not embarass yourself! Making the adjustment from living at home to living on your own will be a big change, but it will be much easier than it originally seems. Do not stress yourself out with impossible class schedules or make having a social life your priority. Just remember, the most important thing is to enjoy being in college. It is a once in a lifetime experience.

I remember being a fairly uncaring senior, especially when it came to my future. I assumed that most colleges were a continuation of lecturing and note taking in high school, in which I often memorized my way though. I learned to take life in the same way, not really reaching for anything that wasn't right under my nose. However, after becoming submerged in my new lifestyle, I realized that college isn't the same as high school at all. The biggest and most crucial change for me is that my goal is not to pass a course anymore. Instead, I strive to genuinely better myself in my developing skills, in the subjects that I love, and in the person that I am becoming. If I could give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take every opportunity that is thrown at me, no matter how challenging it is, or afraid of putting myself out there. Because that's what college really does, it prepares you for success and teaches you how to learn in ways that can't be taught through note taking, or lectures.

Would the Real Lauren Phelps Please Step Forward: I know she's in there somewhere, but where. That's the answer to the ten million dollar question. Is she the girl at the frat party drinking an alcololic beverage and playing beer pong, the one with the short dress and heels at a club doing who knows what kind of a dance with a stranger she just met when he bought her a drink or the one falling asleep in class from staying out partying all night. Maybe she's the one watching everyone else drink, dance and be merry . Maybe she's the one who only stays up late at night to study for an exam so she can make the dean's list when the grades are posted. I know you were raised to be confident with yourself and the choices you make in life. You have good instincts and are a very responsible young woman who has good morals. Your character sets you apart from others and makes you the wonderful person you are. Remember to be confident in that person and you will make the right choices.