The University of Texas at Austin Top Questions

If i could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to try harder and keep my grades up. I would also encourage myself to practice good study habits. Studying in high school and studying in college are two completely different aspects. In high school, we are given what to study for and are asked to simply "memorize" what we have learned. In college, we are given the information during lectures and we are expected to know what are on the exams and what to study for. I would tell myself to take education more seriously and think more about the future than just slacking off on the senior year of high school. I would definitely tell myself to study hard and try to pass the Advanced Placement exams. Looking back, I wished I would have actually cared about what my results will be. I would also tell myself that college is not easy and it is nothing like high school.

I would tell myself to get involved in many different organizations. Getting to know new people and gaining friendships is a valuable part of a college experience. Friends help you grow personally and become lifelong support systems. Gaining friendships with different kinds of people and among different groups helps you expand your mind and attitude about the world and increases your knowledge and opportunities. Sharing experiences and ideas makes you a more well-rounded person because you become more open to a different way of doing things and in turn can become more creative and forward thinking. Joining groups also helps you transition to a new environment away from the previous family environment you have been accustomed to. Friends can become your local family and help you through rough moments and be there to laugh and enjoy good moments together. Being a part of different organizations will impact the rest of your life.

I would tell myself to not worry so much about the things going on around me and really enjoy my last year of high school. Also make a few more lasting friends and don't worry so much about your grade here or in college so far you have made all A's. Good luck on life and remember not a lot changes at once so take one step at a time and enjoy the ride.

If I could go back I would tell myself to leave my shyness at home. Not to be afraid to talk to the advisors or someone when I need help. To keep in mind that this journey is not going to be easy but the outcome will be worth it. There are going to be times when I might feel lonely and even feel like I can't go on but to always keep in mind that I'm doing this for mom and dad. I want to be able to offer my parents a better life style, helping them pay off their debts because if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be here.

If I could step back those twenty years to my days as a high school senior, just imagine all the advice I could give myself. I could give myself an array of helpful information that would benefit my future. First and foremost, I would tell myself not to wait twenty years to attend college. Although I feel that I’m a better student now than I would have been twenty years ago, college life would have been so much simpler back then. I wouldn’t have had the distraction of a family and a career twenty years ago to rob time from my studies. Of course, I’m sure I would have found some reason to waste time then instead of studying. However, that would lead me to my second piece of advice, which would’ve been to focus on school and not the distractions of the world. I would tell myself to devote as much time to studies as humanly possible in preparation for the future. And last but not least, without a doubt, I would make sure that I was heavily invested in companies like Microsoft, and Apple, which were merely a blip on the radar in 1992.

Given the chance to go back in time, I would tell myself not to judge a person by the first impression. Sometimes, people can come off a certain way, but I would say to always give them the benefit of the doubt, because you never know if that person could later become your best friend! In my personal experience, I joined an on-campus spirit group the year I transferred to UT-Austin. One girl that joined with me was so forward and blunt, I almost became completely turned off by her personality. Thankfully, I didn't completely judge her and toss her out the window, because the more we worked and spent time together, the more and more I began to see a different, calmer, smarter, and nicer side to her. Today, she is one of the closest friends I have at school. I guess the saying holds true- "don't judge a book by its cover!"

I would say the transition is harder than you think. However, it can be a very fun and significant part in your life. College is very different from high school. It comes with a lot more responsibility, but it also comes with more freedom. The best thing you can do to make your college experience a good one is to be prepared for any situation. It is always good to be open-minded to new things, become involved in campus activities, and make new friends. Class lectures are very fun and interesting. The harder you work, the more it will pay off for you. College is the most exciting time of your life!

If I were given the opportunity to go back to being a high school senior, I would have advised myself to take more college, and dual-credit courses. I had already completed all of my english requirements coming into UT, however my high did not offer many dual-credit courses. I had only wished I could have driven down to my local community college, so that I could have completed more of my basic requirements that I am now having to fulfill now during my freshman year. The cost for courses taken at a community college falls far below the prices I now have to pay at a large 4-year university. This upcoming summer, I will most likely complete my last couple of courses back at home at a community college, so that I could return to my university in the fall focusing on the courses required for my desired major.

You are not expected to know what you want in the future now. College is your playground to explore new passions and interests. A smile is one of your greatest tools. Your smile will let you get your points across to those who you want to listen. Never underestimate yourself or the people around you. Competition thrives there and you need to bring your game. However, do not fear a loss in something means a gain in another. There is always someone you can turn to for help. Remember that you're family will miss you and you will miss them, so give them a call. They are the people who are always on your side. Do not be afraid to take risks and make mistakes because you do not know what wonderful things will become of them. Live in the moment and accept that you may have regrets. Acceptance is the key to change.

Have you ever thought about going back in time and giving yourself words of wisdom - things that you know now but didn't know then? I have. If I could talk to myself, as a high school senior, I would tell myself to relax. Making the transition from high school to college can be stressful. There's so many things that need to be done such as filing applications, getting teacher recommendations, and researching which colleges to apply to. The list seems to go on and on. Then, there's the anxious thought lingering in the back of your mind - you're leaving home for the first time ever and it may be the last time you'll ever live with your parents again. What will happen between you and your closest high school friends as you leave for different colleges? A recurring theme I've seen in my life is that we all face obstacles. Sometimes we can bypass them, and sometimes we can't do anything at all. But life will go on, and we will stand up stronger. We will find the courage within ourselves to fight another day, so remember to relax and enjoy the ride.