University of Arizona Top Questions

The advice I would give myself is to try, try, try. I spent the first two years of high school just coasting on by. Which resulted in losing scholarships that I could have gained. I would tell myself to keep trying and to not take Geometry Honors or AP Economics. These classes will mess up your GPA. Also, start applying for scholarships. The earlier you apply, the better your chances. You don't want to wait until the last minute like I did. That's why I don't have any scholarships right now. That's why I'm worrying about how I will pay for college. Don't waste your potential. Use it to earn scholarships and to not worry about the debt you'll be in once you graduate. It's never to early to start preparing for college, but it can be too late.

I would tell myself to apply to more colleges sooner. I had missed a lot of deadlines because I was unaware of the college applications deadlines. I ended up spending a whole week in the computer lab at my school, missing class, just to finish as many college applications as I could and pay for all the transcipts I needed. I also would have myself apply for financial aid as soon as the application was available. I would also make myself apply for at least three scholarships a week. I wish I would've known what I wanted to study from the very beinning so I would be able to choose a college based on their degree programs. Not knowing how much the University of Arizona actually costs has me stressing about how I'm going to pay for my classes, but if I would've done more research my senior year, I could have better prepared myself. Although I always put school first, I would tell my senior self to make college applications and scholarships a main priority, too.

GPA matters. I approached undergrad as just a series of lectures where I could sit and listen and learn new material but never took grades that seriously. I lost my scholarship senior year and grad school was difficult to get into because my GPA was so low. Also, make sure that every summer you do a summer internship or outreach program. You need to continue to develop yourself and learn what it's like to be in 'the read world'. College will teach you a fair bit of knowledge, but you only learn how to apply that knowledge and apply yourself by having coroporate experiences.

I would tell my self it doesnt matter how popular you are or what people think of you; it is what you do with your time, how you plan for a successful future and mostly importantly how you perceive yourself. Act with integrity, speak with dignity, and be remembered as a legacy. You only have one life but dont say YOLO, live everyday like it was your last because you never know what life has in store for you.

If I could go back in time, I would give myself advice on every little thing that I could. For starters, I would highly recommend to constantly be applying to scholarships because even a $50 scholarship can be a huge help, especially in an environment where a book can cost four times as much. I would also tell myself to improve on my time management skills because time is crucial. Getting better control of time can help in school and life overall, and it can help to clear up unnecessary stress. Then I would tell myself not to stress out so much. I think that a little stress is healthy, but there's no need to worry about everything. I would then advise myself to think about what I want to study in college very carefully. It is a difficult decision to make, so I would say to explore all my options carefully and to talk to advisors before getting to college, to get a better understanding of everything before starting classes. Finally, I would tell myself to enjoy every second left of high school because everything will change and it won't ever be the same again.

If I had the power to go back in time to my senior year of high school, I would have some strong words of wisdom to give my young self. For intance, I would tell myself to seek out any and all tutoring and support that is allotted around the campus. Classes can be challenging but with the right support, it is possible to succeed. Following this, I would say to really reflect on the things that I enjoy doing. This includes sports, music, clubs, languages, and subjects and choose the major that YOU want as a career not what your family or friends want. And hey, it's OK if you do not know what you want to do yet, just dip your toes into the water and join some new clubs and and take some new unheard of coursework. Never heard of Sociology? Take a class on it ad find out! College is a time for discovery; don't rush it, you have all your life to worry and stress, enjoy it and learn things that interest you! When you do find something that intrigues you, make it your career- you wont regret it!

As humans mature and grow older they use their knowledge from prior experiences that assist with future decisions. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior with the knowledge I have obtained now, I would offer several recommendations. First, I would tell myself to concentrate more on my academics in high school and less on my social life. Don’t get me wrong, I was a good student but I could have tried even harder in high school in order to apply for scholarships to assist with college tuition costs. Second, I would advise myself to pursue my college degree right after high school and not after starting my own family. I am a wife, a mother of three children, a full time student at the University of Arizona South campus, and I also work part-time as a receptionist for a local air conditioning company. It is much harder to attend school full-time while attending to the needs of my children, husband, and work responsibilities. Third, get involved! My college journey has been rewarding and worth every minute. However, I would have just approached college differently had I known then what I know now.

I think the single most important piece of information I could give to myself would be to stay determined in my scholastic endeavors and be as much of a well rounded person as I can be. I used to think that higher education was only for "smart people", but being in college made me realize that hard work, more than anything, is the key to success. Failure is not an option when you're dedicating multiple hours of your day to understand the intensive information that is thrown your way. Take advantage of the education that you've been offered so continue to be grateful. Never stop reaching out to others for help and be polite to those who are patient enough to deal with your anxiety filled "night before the test and oh my goodness I'm going to get a C" paroxysm. Make a habit to radiate positivity, keep an open mind, accept criticism for your own personal growth and learn from your mistakes. Don't forget to ALWAYS be proud of the choice you made to go to the University of Arizona because up to this point, it's the best decision you've ever made!

The transition between high school and college life is overwhelming, exciting, and rewarding. I would advise myself to exceed in high school courses because the university of my dreams could grant me scholarships, an invitation to the honors college, or reduce the tuition for my education. I would dedicate time for school, and studying, to invest in my future. The university expects students to have the scholastic potential, to be self-disciplined and devoted to learn. A large majority of learning will happen in studying for classes outside of the classroom, to remember the information. I should appreciate the aid available such as academic support services, tutors, and career advisors. I would also be more independent by pursuing help on my own. Ambition would have to come within myself instead by my parents and teachers. With all the freedom comes a lot of responsibility which includes self-motivation. There are more distractions in college than in high school. I would use time more effectively; time management is very important. Decisions include having enough time for studying, completing class work, eating nutritious meals, and getting a good amount of sleep. Leaving high school and starting college is the biggest adjustment.

Justine, college is tough. I know that you are used to being a straight-A student without trying too hard, but life at the university is completely different. You will have to learn how to learn material without your teacher holding your hand; there will be no “busy work” each night. You will have to create your own work. Moreover, and do not laugh because I am serious, you will need to start studying for your tests at least two weeks in advance. This may seem daunting, but you can do it. The work you will do and the challenging exams you take will be so much more rewarding. Do not be afraid to seek help – the tutoring centers and the professors are happy to help you as long as you are putting time into learning material on your own first. You will learn invaluable skills and information. Find friends along the way, which also may sound easy for an outgoing girl like you, but making friends can be difficult. Reach out to others because most of them need friends too. Stay involved in extracurricular activities because this is a great way to network and make lasting relationships. Good luck!