The University of Texas at Austin Top Questions

Laura, you are on the right track. Take yourself the next level and believe in yourself. Follow those inklings from your gut and grow your knowledge. During the next few years you will have many chances to experience life. Keep on track but don't worry about wandering once in a while. Those times spent off the beaten path will influence thought and provide context for knowledge. Spend a little more time hitting the books!

I would say - just do it!

If I could go back and give my high school senior self advice about college, I would have a few things to say. First, put yourself out there. I went to a huge university coming from a small high school and initially had difficulty making close friends because I wasn't used to such a big environment. Secondly, join lots of organizations. At the beginning of each semester, there are always lots of organizations trying to get new members. I didn't go to many meetings, but I wish that I had because that would have opened up many more pathways to friendships or possibly new activities that I would love. You don't have to stick with all of them, but just try them out to find out what is a good fit for you. Finally, find a good balance between fun and school. It's easy to get caught up in the new freedom that college provides, so make sure to make time for all the important parts of life: academics, social life, health, etc. Also, definitely study abroad!

As the cliche goes, hindsight is always 20/20, and my life so far is no exception. When I think back to my senior year in high school—how scared I was to go away to college, how unprepared I was to move out of my parents’ home—I wish I could scream back through time and give myself a firm talking-to. The last two years have been more eventful than my first eighteen combined. I’ve grown up; I’ve learned who I am and who I want to be. The journey has effected me so much, I don’t think I would want to go back and give myself all of the answers. Instead, I would remind myself that everything truly does happen for a reason, every failure is an opportunity to get up stronger, and, when in doubt, the best option is always the one Grandmother Willow gave Pocahontas: “Listen with your heart, you will understand.” Forgive yourself, I would say, and give everyone you meet the benefit of the doubt. And, most importantly, this journey will be difficult, but it’ll be okay, and you will come out on the other side so much happier.

If I were able to go back in time to my senior year of high school, with the knowledge I have about my college experience now, I would do many things differently. I first and foremost, would have applied for many more scholarships through my high school. I learned that students are more likely to attain local scholarships than national ones that have thousands of applicants. I would have also taken more AP and dual credit classes to help me meet the core curriculum prior to attending college. Prior to attending college I came in with 21 credit hours, however, I wish I had attained 30. Last, but not least, I would have volunteered or done an internship that would give me experience in my field rather than working a part-time job throughout high school, which only benefited me financially. During the summer of 2013 I did an 8-week internship at Children’s Medical Center, which helped me realize that I did not want to pursue a career in the medical field. However, I wish I had done at least one Communications internship before graduating.

If I had the ability to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about college life and making the transition, the advice I would give myself is to not take things lightly and to never sell your-self short. College can be intimidating but if you get to the point when you feel completely overwhelmed take a deep breath and calm down, you can do this. You just cannot give up like that because you have worked so hard for this. You can avoid a whole lot of problems and stress if you just keep up with class due dates. Keeping your planner updated will help you keep track of assignments so you will not feel the need to rush over an assignment and risk getting a low grade. Just in case you get sick or miss a class day make friends with people in your class so they can share their notes with you. As a final note, talk to your professors, they are there to help. If they see you trying to succeed in their class they will give you as much help as you need.

If I could go back I would advise my old self to relax and be confident. I have learned that by working hard I can accomplish anything. I was really afraid going into my freshman year of college because I thought I would not be smart enough to get through it but I was wrong. I am only a sophomore in college but I have grown so much. I feel independent and happy with my life. Another big thing that I would advise myself is to never wait until tomorrow to do something. Always try your hardest now so life will be easier in the future. Also, apply for as many scholarships as possible.

If I could give advice to my high school self I would just say that it is important to stay involved and stay focused, but also use the time in high school to do research on careers and majors I would like to pursue. I think high school is a time to have fun and build a good foundation academically, but it is never to early to begin researching careers. One very important piece of advice would be to learn what studying methods work for you because knowing that before you enter college will definitely help your grades. Lastly, I would just say to have fun and make good relationships with your high school teachers because they can act as resources even when you enter college.

First of all, apply for as many scholarships as possible. Moving on, you need to know that you don't have to be so worried about college. It will be rough at first, but you'll meet some of the best people once you're there. Don't be afraid to speak your mind or talk to new people, or to even speak up in class. Take deep breaths. Remember why you're here. Be thankful. Never forget the sacrifices your parents are making for you to take this chance. Go forward and remember that you're going to be okay. Even if orientation freaks you out, remember that it just takes time. Most importantly, remember that you can do it. I'm living proof of it.

"Do not be afraid," is the first thing I would tell my senior self if I could. The thought of "going off to college" was panic-inducing at the time, because I kept imagining the course work to be beyond my scope of understanding. And I thought that I was going to struggle not just in the classroom, but in all of the other ways that matter, too. Socially. Mentally. Emotionally. The looming thought of failure kept hanging over me. But if I could go back, I would probably laugh a little and tell myself that what I'm feeling is normal. That it's okay to be nervous, but there is no reason to think I'm going to fail. The best advice I've received about college to date is that no one ever has all of the right answers. We simply must put our best foot forward. And I think I would turn to myself and relay the same message. I would tell that scared version of myself to seek out what inspires me. You see, my University's motto is "What Starts Here Changes The World." I'd tell myself to be the change.