University of Arizona Top Questions

I would go back and tell my self to start scholarships asap. I would also tell myself to decide what I want to do and to go down that path, instead of being indecisive. Also, moving out to live on campus is not a bad thing, you will thank yourself later for doing it. To set up a system for taking notes and for remembering important dates and assignments. I would also tell myself that going away to college is not something to be afraid of. That there are so many thigns that you will miss out on by not going immediately. The relationships between family and friends would be diffrent then they are if you do not go. Also staying just because your boyfriend is not leaving is not worth. Basically deciding on your major and living on campus is worth being away from everyone. Oh, and dont eat the quiche befor prom, no good comes of it.

I've always believed in the saying “everything happens for a reason” because more often than not, it is the only way to get through a tough time. Nobody wants to believe that having your heart broken or losing a best friend happened for some greater good, but the reality is that we learn best through experiences. As a senior in high school, it would be great to have some insight about the Chemistry final I was sure to fail next year; a warning about the Physics course I should drop because the professor can’t distinguish velocity from acceleration. Truthfully, if I hadn’t felt that disappointment after receiving a failing grade on my Chemistry exam, it isn’t likely I would have fixed my study habits for the following semesters. If I'd dropped my Physics course, I would have continued to run from all my challenges instead of facing them. Though it is not always easy to see, every experience in life has something to offer in helping us grow. I think knowing to look for that lesson in every scenario instead of dwelling on the difficulties is the best piece of advice I could receive.

I wasn't sure how I was going to answer this question until I took the Campus Discovery survery minutes before typing my reply. The questionnaire asked if I could go back in time and select my school again, would I still attend the University of Arizona? The answer, unfortunately, is "no". If I could make my choice again I would have chosen a school for me, and not for anyone else. My parents urged me strongly to stay in-state; they couldn't afford a fifth of Cornell's tuition (my first choice university). After studying abroad in Italy this summer, I finally came to terms with the fact that sometimes it's acceptable and necessary to make decisions for you, and only you. My parents, as usual, urged me to stay home and save money, but I applied diligently for scholarships and managed to afford the trip. If I could rewind the clock I would have believed in my dream to attend Cornell. Because even when the rest of the world tells you that it's a long shot, it is always possible to find a means of achieving your goals.

I would tell myself that applying early is a must, especially for scholarships. I would also like to tell myself that to throw care to the wind and think not what people see me as but rather be assertive and not give into being the girl that can be pushed around. I learn later in life that by not caring what peole think of you, one is more able to grow and feel good about being oneself.

Remember how our high school said that they were preparing us for college, that we had nothing to worry about? Well, they lied. We thought college was going to be a walk in the park, or at least as easy as high school had been. To my dismay, I must tell you that it’s not. The teachers don’t seem to care, nor do they really even teach, so ask lots of questions, regardless of how much time you think you’re taking up. Don't worry about the other students there. You are there for you to learn, don’t let anybody else take that away from you. Don’t expect all of the tests to reflect what you have actually been taught. For some reason, not all of the professors make their own tests. Sit in on lectures (with the professor’s permission), ask students about their homework load, what their experiences have been. They will be a more accurate source than our previous teachers. They went to college too, yes, but it changes so quickly. Get the most up-to-date information. Breathe slowly, don't rush, and know that it won’t last forever.

I came to a realization a year or so ago that every experience, good or bad has created who I am. With this realization came my motto of, “Do not regret what you have done since what you’ve done has shaped who you are.” That being said the advice I would give myself the summer before senior year would be: do not sell yourself short and learn everything you can from every person you encounter. My senior year I had a tendency to doubt myself. I continually downplayed my strengths because I didn’t take pride in myself. This past year I discovered that I am a good person with many strengths and I hate that I had such low self-esteem for so long. I met many people this past year through volunteering. I met professors, scientists and politicians. While I always made small talk, looking back on it I realize that I missed opportunities to learn from them. I wish I hadn’t passed up that knowledge because everyone has wisdom to impart. But of course as my Dad always says, “Hindsight is 20/20.”

I won't lie: college is not always easy and the amount of money you will spend is overwhelming. However, you need not stress yourself out so much. The amount of stress you allowed yourself to experience your senior year of high school was not worth it. College is hard, and you will be much more independent and responsible for your own future. However, I promise you there will be a number of resources and people on your side to help see you through it. You made it through your first year with fierce determination to do well and you succeeded. So please, be kind to yourself and enjoy your high school life while you still can. Make lifelong friendships, go out and have fun, but most of all, just be happy. I promise you can do this, and I am so proud of you for all you have done and for all you will manage to do in the future.

If I could go back in time, I would go back to high school and tell myself to make sure I continued to do volunteer work, participate in school activities, and most importantly kept my grades up. Grades are extremely important; without good grades colleges won’t give scholarships and then you’re stuck worrying about affording college rather than enjoying the experience. Volunteering and school activities are important because they help you get into great colleges and get scholarships, but also because then you will have more things to do on campus and getting involved helps make friends and makes leaving home easier and college a lot more fun! Many people gave me these tips, especially since I attended a college prep high school, and for the most part I listened but I could have done more, and I am absolutely positive that if I had been told these things by a slightly aged version of myself, I would have listened; because when you are listening to an aged version of yourself give you advise you listen, because they know what they are talking about as they are talking about their experience and your future.

Simple. In two words I would tell myself to: try everything! This is going to be the only time in your life where you have this much freedom and opportunity at once. The University of Arizona has so many incredible outlets to take advantage of. Look back at your high school career. How many times did you go camping or rock climbing? The U of A Recreational Center can offer you the gear to go out and do all sorts of new and fun activities. How often did you culturally enrich your life? The U of A’s dance program is second to Juilliard, and their performances are discounted to students. You will be getting an education from some of the brightest minds in their field. Ask questions; get involved with the things that interest you. This is your chance to do all of this. You have so many great resources at your fingertips. It would be a crime to not take advantage of them. You never really know how you feel about something until you dive in and try it yourself. So go discover what you are passionate about. That is what college is about.

Don't assume your first year will be the easiest. It won't be. It won't be the material and the classes that will be difficult. It will be the transition of becoming independant and truly formulating your own opinions and ideas. Try to create a structured schedule to keep you focused and consistant. The excitement of everything will not go away soon. Every experience in college will be foregin, tantalizing, and thrilling. Sleep is your best friend. Do not stay up late because you want to. Sleep helps your brain solidify the lessons taught. It is necessary. No matter what you hear, GPA is important. It shows future employers you are driven to success and are personally motivated. Go to class. You are paying for your education. Not going to class is wasting thousands of dollars. The more you go to class, the better relations you have with the professor, the better opportunities you will recieve both during your college career and after graduation. College is the time to develop. Allow yourself to do so.