University of Arizona Top Questions

In truth, it all comes down to what we see. I see you sitting there at your desk, ignoring the medley of your peers' voices, as you scroll through the information section of your future University. You know that your time in high school is coming to a close - no matter how slow it feels - and that this too shall pass. You know that college will change everything. You are right. College does change everything. College changes the scenery you see and the people you ineract with every day. College changes how you see yourself and ultimately how you see the world. However, college does not wave its wand and vanish the problems you experienced in high school. Yes, college is the chance to build a fresh start but I wish that I had known better than to expect college to erase what I considered at the time to be my flaws. Be prepared to have your weaknesses surfaced and laid out to you several times throughout your first year of college. No, college does not make your problems disappear, but if you can learn to see them in a different light, you'll be just fine.

i dont really know because im going to be a college studen, probably to not slack off my junior year of high school because i know i could have done better.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self I would say do not wait. There are many things in life that seem much more exciting and much easier than going to college. You need to go. Do not wait until you are twenty eight years old and are working full time. This will make going to college much more challenging (although you can still maintain a 4.0). Do whatever you have to do out of high school to attend college immediately.

As a student talking to myself as a senior, I would have told myself to research more of what career I wanted to go into and come to school undecided. I started in a major that I thought I loved until I started it and found out it was the opposite. Starting out as an undecided student I could have just finished my general education classes while I researched a career and a major that I knew for sure I wanted to stick with. I have found that now, but it would have saved me a lot of trouble switching and worrying about what major to choose for the career that fit me best.

Kevin, there is so much you have to learn. This is why you are planning on going to college, isn't it? Because you want to learn. However, what you will actually learn in your first year of college will be nothing like what you expected. You expected to go to Arizona, do a lot of partying, enjoy a lot of sports games, and have meaningless "fun" with a number of girls just like you did in high school. But in reality, you will learn that you have always been living in fear. You have been afraid of your true self, and you have been afraid to love. Do not worry though, you will learn what love is and what your purpose in life is. You will learn to stand up for those who need you and you will learn that the simple acts you do every day become the important moments in life. By chasing your dreams, you will not find what you expected, but you will find what is meant for you. I do not have a list of college-prep tips for you. All I can tell you is don't ever be afraid. Dream. Believe. Live.

College is not as scary as it seems. As you begin college, let me tell you that it's okay to be walk unto the campus as an 'undeclared' major. You don't have to feel pressured to decide on a mjor. You'll meet people who seem to know what they want, like future architectects, physiology majors, psychology majors, and as you're asked, "what's your major?" It's okay to look at them and say, "Undecided. I'm still trying to figure myself out." So don't be afraid and foolishly pressure yourself to have a definite answer, we change and grow everyday, it'd be a miracle to have yourself completely figured out by 18. So as you prepare to walk unto that stage to receive your high school diploma, know that it's okay to be undecided about what your future four years hold. It'll all work out in the end.

You've made it far and you should be proud. At this point in your life, you have achieved everything that has been expected of you. You should be proud of that. In the coming years, you will truly learn what the meaning of 'Bear Down' means. At this point, you only recognize it on the football field, basketball court, and when UofA is on TV. However, before you embark on this journey toward your academic and social goals, heed this advice: Achievement requires discipline and work. You've had a little taste of it now, but you also have had a support system that has done some of the legwork for you. In college, it is up to you; you are the one who defines success and you are the one who makes your choices. Oftentimes you hear others complaining and delegating blame, and you will do this too. However, understand that your success (as defined by you) is a product of your decisions to work, explore, and take risks. You will fall, fail, and become discouraged. Know that success without failure does not exist; if you stay disciplined and do everything you can, you'll know 'Bear Down'.

1. Take what is good, what you love, and leave the rest behind. This means physical things, relationships, pieces of your own personality. You are starting a whole new life. Don't do yourself the injustice of dragging the old around. 2. Go to all the seemingly lame freshman events. You'll meet other people having just as much of an awkward time and you'll become friends. 3. Sign up for as many extracurriculars as you can. Everything that interests you sign up. 4. Don't kill yourself over grades. They don't define you. But also don't hesitate to pull an overnighter in the library to do what you need to do. 5. Excersize!! Don't forget to stay healthy. 6. Remember that this is the last time in your life you can be selfish, do whatever you want, make mistakes and get right back up. College is a freedom that you only have for four short years. Take advantage. 7. Thank your parents often. Whoever helped you get here, remember to thank them. 8. It goes by so much faster than you think. Don't ache for Friday, for summer, enjoy every single minute.

If I had the opportunity to go back and talk to my high school senior self, there are several things I would tell her. I would make sure she understood the importance of saving her extra money and not waste it on movies, nights out, and nonsenses. Now that I’m at the University of Arizona, and everything is at a high price I understand how important it is to have savings in case of an emergency. Correspondingly, that she will have more responsibilities and bills due as she goes on her own and has her own place. I would make sure to tell her to be excited, but also inform her how nostalgic she will feel. Excited to be on her own and meet new people and make great friends as these college years have given me, but be ready to miss high school, the friends she made there, and the experiences she had while she was a Douglas High School Bulldog. However, the most important advise would be to get ready to have the time of her life at the University, as I can’t wait for next year to start.

Dear Self: I want you to know that there is so much to look forward to in college! Leaving your family, friends, and the comforts of your hometown seems scary, but it is going to be okay! In order to be successful in your transition from high school to college, there are a few things to keep in mind. Number one: mom is actually usually right. When she pushes you to do your own laundry and learn how to feed yourself, it's for your own good. Take advantage of learning these simple tasks under the expertise of your mother's wisdom, and take note of all the seemingly weird tips and tricks that she has. Number two: be yourself! Although high school seems to be an endless cycle of trying to fit in and meet the standards of your peers, all of that is meaningless in college. Embrace who you are, love yourself, and love others. Lastly, remember to have fun! There is a fine line between focusing on your studies, and completely forgetting to take advantage of all the excitement and personal growth that college offers. Study hard, but get involved in campus-life too! Knock'em dead!