The University of Alabama Top Questions

What should every freshman at The University of Alabama know before they start?

Marla

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to take additional risks and to challenge myself more my freshman year of college. In high school I struggled academically from a lack of confidence which derived from my learning disability, dyslexia. In high school I did not apply myself because to my family for me to make a C was like a person without dyslexia making an A. I knew that if I wanted to fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse C?s would not be acceptable. I need to make A?s. The nursing profession is very competitive and I was advised by many not to take my chemistries first semester to better adapt to college life. This would place me a year behind the rest of my class. In my first semester of college I received a 4.0 grade point average, something I have never achieved in my entire life. I knew I was on the right path to become a nurse. Now, looking back I wish I would have foreseen my academic success and would have challenged myself more my first year of college.

Marcell

I would tell myself to not worry or be nervous. As a senior I feared the worse possible outcomes and to be honest I was really overreacting. I would say that college is where I belong especially the University of Alabama. It has become my new home. I would tell myself to just be ready to truly see specific things with the eyes of reality. And lastly, just have FUN!

Violet

First, find a steady job, I know about jobs because I?ve been through 4 jobs in the past 2 years, yeah the experience is good but find a good one and I left one good job right now I?m hoping to get that job back. Second is flashy nice cars is not really good especially if you just got done with High School you need something you can afford. Third, try not get into a serious relationship because you have to drag him/her along or you have to drag along with him/her. Yeah I know love is the perfect thing to happen to you in life but only if you finish your goals. Fourth would be open your mouth be more outgoing, I was really shy when I was in high school especially in my senior year, you need to get more into the community get recognized. Last is the most important, study harder, arrange with your counselor to get into college faster, if you get the chance to get into a university go for it, don?t listen to what other people say ?This is your LIFE?, your smarter than what you think you are.

Brandon

If I could go back in time, I would have a important conference with myself and explain the essential facts of being organized, focused, productive and successful in any college of my choice. Always avoid mishaps and anything that can be of a distraction to you; therefore, my high-school form could keep a focused mentality that would not lure him to a bad start in college. I would further understand and recognize it when time passes, thus being successful. Organization is key in college. A steady schedule and calendar does wonders for organization, not to mention keeping up with e-mails from professors, organizations, scholarships and important phone calls. Staying productive leads a healthy balance in your life. It enables me to treat college as a full-time job to take care of business in the classroom as well as in my community. A full busy day is a hard earned day with success to come. Always do your best and give your full effort in every class you attend. Have a strong support group! Also, prayer and a positive attitude goes a long way. Work diligently and your results will be of satisfactory. Good Luck!!

Stephanie

Knowing what I know now about college I would tell myself that it is nothing like highschool. You won't have your mother there to wake you up if you over sleep, your professors won't care if you have three exams on one day, and the books are no where near free. Some good advice that I wish i had as a senior is to be prepared. Get as many scholarships as you can because every little bit will help. You never know how much college actually cost until your there. Tution is not even half of it, so just get any outside help you can. Also, don't take it so hard your first semester. Take classes that you know you can do well in so your GPA doesn't have to suffer the consequences. Make choices that seem appealing to you not your parents. Yes, they may mean well, but this is your time to venture and explore. If you want to get a step ahead I would also encourage you to join as many clubs and organizations as you can. Extracurriculars and leadership roles in college look good on any resume.

Taylor

Dear Taylor, You may not know it now, but going to the University of Alabama is going to change your life--for the better. You should take some advanced placement classes this year to give you a leg up when you get to college. Believe me, having those extra credits will help! You should also start learning to accept responsibility right away. Your college professors do not accept notes from parents as excuses for why YOU were not in class or for why YOUR work was not done, so stopping skipping school! Studying is important, don't think that you will "just scrape by". You won't. Learn good study skills now, because acquiring them once you're actually in college is difficult. College is a wonderful place full of learning opportunities. Take every opportunity to learn. Learn from your professors, your classmates, your friends, your roommates. The most important thing I can tell you is to give it your all, and never accept less from yourself than you know you are capable of.

Desiree

If I could turn back time or find a time machine I would go back to my senior year in high School and I would have listened to my Mothers advice and realized she only had my best interest all those times it seemed like she was lecturing or harassing me she was training me. I would have studied harder, prepared for my ACT, and SAT tests. I would have been thoughtful with my spending and saved more for college. I would have made better relationships with the counselors and asked more questions about scholarships. I would have taken the time to apply for more scholarships. I am a strong individual and I am glad I made good decisions throughout my high school career. Life is full of what ifs. I do no regret because regret drags you down but I strive to learn life?s lessons and gain experience for my future. PS I do appreciate my Mother much more these days.

Rudy

I think the biggest thing I would inform myself of would be the importance of staying true to myself as well as putting my self out there. The University of Alabama is an amazing campus rich in social life, however, it is also very exclusive. I would remind myself to never let myself feel less competent based on my race.

Daniel

Study hard, make soumd choices

Lindsey

If I could go back and give myself advice as a high school senior, there are a few tips I would give myself. Honestly, things have always come pretty easily to me, so I know I could have put forth more effort than I did. I know if I had done so, I would be much better prepared for college. It was not a huge shock for me, but I definitely have to work harder for my grades now. I would also recommend just slowing down every once in a while. We only get one senior year (hopefully) so there is no time to waste it. I had a blast all four years of high school, however, I wish I would have taken a breath every now and then. High school comes once and everyone should enjoy the time they have before all the responsibility comes. Basically, soak up every ounce of life that came my way and take every opportunity possible!