University of Arizona Top Questions

What definitely helped the transition to a University was definitely enrolling in classes at a community college beforehand. Some benefits include a lower cost for tuition for transferable credits, having classmates that come from a broad demographic which opens a young students mind and forces them to mature much faster, and last but not least it gives students with uncertain direction an opportunity to develop a better understanding of their educational goals. Taking classes at a community college should never be taken lightly as it is an extremely important stepping stone that can either get you transferred to the university of your dreams or fall right from under you if stepped on irresponsibly. The greatest memory I've had from going to community college was the relationships I was able to form with the professors. Because of the smaller classrooms, there was more one-on-one opportunities with the professors which was vital to my learning.

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice it would be never fail any classes, go to school everyday and go to college or university right after high school. I now realize how a good GPA benefits your future acceptance at any college or university it also shows your hardwork and determination. Missing school does nothing but make you fall behind in class with makes you feel lost and discourage so only miss class if its the very last resort. Finally, dont wait years to attend college or a university because once you have more responsibilites like children it because very difficult to get things done. I recommend to live the college life, if possible live in the dorms or close by the college or university with roommates. Get involved in as many events or clubs as possible, make friends everywhere you go. Be an over-acheive and learn all you can.

It is true that college is more difficult than high school in its own way. However, that does not mean you need to be uptight all the time. Yes, sometimes it is hard to manage all of the work you are given, but sometimes you have to learn to still have resting time even amongst the piles of work you must get through. In addition, doing your work for a class in college is different from in high school. You still have amazing resources to help you finish your assignments and projects, including tutoring facilities and faculty, but it is not like high school where the teacher will sit with you and help you step by step. You have to learn to be an independent individual while being a helpful classmate to those around you who may be struggling like you are. In high school, you just have to go to class, memorize, do well on exams, and hopefully get into a college. In college, you have choices to go to class or do assignments, and professors will not chase you down trying to get you to do your work; you have to stay on track on your own.

Gratitude is an attitude, and reality is a perspective. Don't let the dreams seem far away, they're closer than they appear. Goals are acheived when they are pursued. You can succeed in any location if that is the direction of your action. Money should not determine success. There is help for any person interested in higher education. Work for your future career today, adulthood does not have a graduation or an advisement period. We are responsible. Explore your interests and focus on your values. Your choices today determine your skills and perspectives tomorrow. It's never too late to follow the right path for you. Learning is a consistant decision and unconscious imbibement. Initiative means actions instead of reaction. Leadership requires not letting our attitudes and behaviors be dependant on that of others. Our recognized faults today are our strengths tomorrow. Recognizing assets and foes is necessary when progressing and we should rely on ourselves first and foremost. We show respect to those who teach us by asking relevant questions and seeking assistance. The opportunity to give back of what we're given is a gift of honor. Do it now.

If I could, I would strongly advise myself not to go to a trade school for my first year of college, but to go straight to a four year university. At the time, I thought doing the two-year transfer program at my current school would be best for me and for my plans for the future. My first semester in college showed me that I don't belong at a trade school. I'm doing fine with the coursework, and the teachers are very good, but not having music as a part of my everyday routine robbed me of more than just my passion. I realized that I'm not very social outside of music and I find it very hard to make conversation with complete strangers. I'm now coping with depression because of my social isolation and some days most of my conversations happen with my dogs. I have never felt so alone. I wouldn't wish that kind of loneliness on anyone, and I would advise my past self, as well as all other introverted musicians out there, to go to a place where social interactions are easy and your passion thrives.

The advice I would give my high school self is to look at the colleges that you are planning on going and make sure you are taking the appropiate community classes to transfer over to the universities. Don't always go with what advisors say because they could make a mistake. Do your homework on the schools you want to go to. Also to start looking at scholorships and grants as soon as possible because college and living on your own is more expensive then you think. You will need all the help to get through. Volunteer as much as possible at any animal shelter, humane society, and/or vet clinic. You will need to have many hours of volunteering in those places in order to move onto medical school for Veterinary Medicine. Lastly you will need to study more and keep up your grades, just because you are getting straight A's in high school doesn't mean it will be that easy in college. College is harder than high school and you will need to study alot keep those grades up and pass your classes.

When you're a high school senior, life is easy. Your at the top of the food chain, fellow classmates know your name, you have a lot of friends, and teachers like you. Life seems perfect, and you may think the famous words "I dont want to grow up." Thinking these words is okay, its a very natural feeling to not want to leave something you love so much. The sad truth is that eventually, we all have to. During this first semester at a big university setting I felt a little lost and shy. I was staying home a lot and turning down offers to go out and make new friends. I wish I could go back to myself as a high school senior and say "Be brave, be ambitious, follow your heart, and get involved. Nothing is too hard for you, and when you fall get right back up," It's important to feel comfortable in your atmosphere rather than doing what you think your peers or parents want you to do. I would tell myself to be confident in who I am, that I can do anything I set my mind to and to simply be brave.

“At least I’m not that gay. At least I’m not in drag. At least…”Before coming out, I replayed this phrase repeatedly in my head. I was a victim. I found refuge thinking there were others that were more messed up than myself. During college, something has clicked. I’d seen myself as a victim, as unprivileged until this point. In reality, as I put others below myself, I was the problem.To stop the oppression of all, you must view yourself as no better than others. “At least you’re not that gay. At least you’re not in drag. At lea--“That’s where I stopped them. Last Christmas, I came out to my parents. They were reassuring themselves that it could be worse: I could be “gayer.” A few years before, I would have agreed with them to soften the punch and lessen the tears. However, this time I said, “Stop.” I told them I was myself; those "gayer" people are themselves, and this world needs to support and applaud anyone that can be themselves in today’s society. I wish I'd known this in high school. Be the solution, not the problem.

Colin, In highschool you weren't always the most motivated, there were a lot of times where you procrastinated and stalled just so you could have more time for yourself. But I warn you now, take school seriously. College is the best time of our life so far, its better than you ever dreamed, and its not a terrifying as you thought. But there are a couple of things you could to to enhance your experience. Your first semester of college is great, you meet great new people, join a social group and build some really strong relationships with others, but never lose sight of why you are really there. Don't sleep through classes, I know it seems like a wonderful idea, but it comes ack to bite you. You do much better with homework in college, but participation is a key component to succeeding in school. So make all your classes, even if it means you dont get the luxury of sleep. Trust me, you'll get it back over winter break. Stay consistent in both mind and body and you will suceed in all aspect of life Sincerly, Your future self

I would go back in time to talk to my high school senior and tell myself that college can be done. I just need to stop messing around and get my priorities straight. Stop procrastination with my work, and take my classes seriously because I will learn more about it in college. High school does end, and now it is time to be able to handle and get my things situated because I will be on my own soon. Living alone can be lonely but go out and make friends. This is time to find out who you are so do not let any second pass by. You have to get things done, because you only have yourself to cheer yourself on.