The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Top Questions

After talking to many of my friends from high school after our first semester in college, we all agreed on a few things. First, no matter how good grades were in high school, we were not prepared for college. We were ready to live on our own, independent from our parents' houses, but we were not prepared for the actual amount of studying that is required to be successful in college. My best advice to high school seniors is to learn how to study now and don't wait until you get that first test back before you take that class seriously. Learn what works for you, whether you need to make flash cards or find a special place to study, but learn that now so you can start your college classes with a proactive approach. Be confident in your abilities. College can be intimidating, but having the confidence that you can tackle that project or tough professor will allow you to relax and be successful. Second, appreciate living at home. The independence is great, but we all miss eating at home and clean clothes!

i would tell myself that college is nothing like high school. focus on your grades and not only on friends. college is very hard and not all your professors will hold your hand through thr process like high school teachers. your grade and success depemds on going to class on time and the amount of studying you do.

Do not go into college thinking solely about the party scene. Make sure all of your grades are in order before you set foot in the clubs. It is very easy to get off track. The hardest thing to do is bring up your GPA, yet it is so easy to decrease it. Be friendly to everyone becasue you never knbow what benefit it may serve you in the near future or even in the long run.

The only advice that I can percieve giving to the High School Senior version of myself is not to worry. It may seem rather cliche, but if I had not stressed about college so much throughout my Senior Year then it would have went by much more smoothly, and with an infinite amount less of emotional breakdowns--struggling with the ideal of college level work, and crying over tuition costs--had all been for not. My college offered me grants, work study, and loans to help cover some of my costs. In addition to that, a free-tutoring lab is almost always open on campus for all students in need of assitence; and the friends I've met at college I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I would have forewarned myself about the constant...inconviences of dormitory living--such as leaky faucets, and moldy shower curtains--and would have strongly cautioned to bring a cell phone, as they come in handy during emergencies. Oh, by the way, self? Your 11th Grade History teacher was right when he warned you about the strict essay gradings of college History professors. Keep on moving, you can do it.

If given the chance to travel back to my time as a high school senior, I would tell myself that upon entering college I should keep doing the things I love. Just because you are no longer playing a sport for a varsity team does not mean that you should give it up completely; join a club team or play intramurals. Also, be yourself in every situation; let people see you for who you truly are and they will respect you and the decisions you make. Try new campus activities; they help you to make new friends and network with other people on campus. Do not be bashful about asking someone to room with you; if you do not ask a friend, you may be stuck with someone you do not get along with well. Classes will sometimes frustrate you and you will have more work than you think possible to handle, but do not be discouraged; persevere and you will succeed in the end. When you know no one in your classes, branch out and introduce yourself to those around you; you never know who might become one of your best frineds.

I thought that the transition to college was going to be a lot easier than it was. From the scholastic aspect, it was very easy. the emotional transition was very different. If i could go back to my senior year, I would tell myself that I am going to have to put myself out there more than I ever have before. I have always been a people person, but it was not so hard to be a people person when I was in a place where every one knew me. I upheld many leadership roles in high school like Beta club president and Class secretary, but I was leading a group of people that I had went to school with and grown up with for years. Coming to college put me out of my comfort zone in that aspect. I was not mentally prepared, so I ran to the group of friends that came from my home to the same school as me. I would tell myself to venture out and not be afraid to take chances. Now in the spring semester I am getting settled and more comfortable with college life and meeting new people.

Ciara, when you are accepted to UTC, you will have to venture outside your comfort zone. In order to know what is waiting for you. You have so many options and you must take your classwork serious. You can socialize, but do not forget your schoolwork comes before anything. Especially, before your job. Do not worry about how school will get paid. If you leave it in God's hands, he will make away. School can be fun and learning experience. Enjoy yourself and balance your priorities.

Do not be afraid to let loose a little bit, but just not too much. This is something that every high school should hear before going to their first semster at college. Every part of college is new and can be a little intimdating, especially if you have come to a school where you dont have any of your friends with you. You have to be able to experience new things, and if you dont do that your college life will be less fun and less productive. You can't be afraid to meet new people, raise your hand in class, or go have some fun. College becomes a lot more fun once you have got to know some people, so dont be afraid, just do it and you will enjoy your college career a lot more. Then again you can't always be out having fun, because that happens too often, and, freshman especially, end up not going to class and failing classes their first semester. So have fun, meet some people, and remember why you are in school, and it will be the time of your life.

As a senior you may think it?s all over and done with. What happens now? Do I continue to go to school? This is a critical time in your life. These are all questions that I asked myself and still ask myself today. I can?t quite tell you how college is right now but I can tell you it won?t be easy. You?ll get beat down time and time again. You struggle to get the time, strength, and money to make it happen. Writing essays after essays with a baby on your lap craving for your attention. And you?re thinking to your self, is it possible? Can it be done? I have come to let you know that your stubbornness will work against and for you in so many ways. You are a strong and independent person. With great dedication and determination you will be able to conquer any hard time situation. Your kids will be your motivation. So don?t give up. It can be done.

My road to college was not easy! I hit some bumps, and lost control of the wheel along the way. If I had the opportunity to talk to go back through time as "me" now, a freshman in college, and speak with me at the age of fifteen, a freshman in highschool , I would say to myself wake up and get busy! Knowing how I am I would probably argue with myself as I did with those who tried to tell me to stop dragging my feet ! Then I did not realize how expensive college was as i do now. None-the-less I made it on my own, I simply wish I would have started sooner. I am happy with my choice in schools, but I am displeased with the way i had to get here. Loans are no fun ! If I would have started sooner I probably would have had more scholarships. Not realizong how important my G.P.A. was I slacked off then and I am paying for it now! If I had the opportunity to I would tell myself to work hard and play later!