University of Arizona Top Questions

I would say join more activities to see where your interests are. When I was graduating high school I had no idea that I would want to become an audiologist. Pay more attention to your grades your senior year and even though friends and being social play a big part in high school life you will be happy and more prepared for college if you stay focused on your education that last year. Go to any freshman orientation that your college offers as soon as you can to get comfortable on campus and find your way around.

If I could go back to my senior year of high school I would take more time to look at scholarships and apply to as many as I am eligible for. Apply to several colleges and see what financial aid options are available for the degree program of interest. I would recommend writing essays for scholarships and applying to as many as possible. Financial aid is one is one of the biggest factors in continuing education.

If I could go back I would tell my senior self to have taken the AP exams more seriously in order to save money on general studies classes. I would also encourage the search for scholarships to also help save money. Other than that just to have more fun and not stress about applications so much.

There are several things I would go back and change. I come from a low-income family that cannot really afford many Universities. My parents do not have a degree and I am a first generation degree-seeker; because of this, a four year college seemed unrealistic right away. I would have told myself to not worry about attending community college for two years. It is more about looking at the big picture and not the immediate one. I would have also told myself that student loans are nothing when you are looking at jobs in a competitive field. I thought I would worry about student loans each and every day that I woke up, but honestly that is never the case because I am balancing daily life tasks as a student and employee. Most importantly, I would make sure to tell myself AND anyone else that grades are extremely important. Keeping grades up allows scholarships to be attained and that is free money. Dreams are not unreachable and you control your future; pave the way for success, and success will be granted to you.

Last year in high school and you think school is hard, you don't know anything yet! Life is very different once high school is over. There is more work, more responsibilities but there are also more satisfactions. In college there is no teacher that will run after you so you turn in your work or go to class; everything you do is under your responsibility. Everything you achieve is because of your efforts. So appreciate what you have now, live your senior year because after it comes a new life, a new beginning that marks your future. Thinking about this change is not to scare you on the contrary it is to prepare you for the new road you are about to take. So get ready, get set, and head for your future.

I come from the realm of a dreamer, a would built with imagination and ambition. I spent hours during my Senior year of High Hchool captivated in looking into colleges, dreaming myself into the college life and creating a world which was carefree, void of any serious struggles or conflict. Strong and confident, I was able to life vicariously through the worlds of reality and fantasy, dreaming myself at college and my life ahead. The practical acquisition of a happy ending I had undoubtedly brought me hope and optimism. And here I am at The University of Arizona, and I can definately say I absolutely love it. However, If I were to go back and talk to myself as a High School Senior about the college transition I would definately tell myself to continue working hard throughout my Senior year, since Senior year DOES count as well. I would also utilize various scholarship oppurtunities and try to get as many as possible. and most importantly, take the time to do some research various colleges. When making the transition, all I can say is try your best and end this amazing chapter of your life with success and happiness.

The advice I would give to my high school self would be focus on your school work. Yes you will have more than one opportunity to go to college (i.e. certification, associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate's) but your initial entrance will determine who you will be as you travel your road to bettering yourself and career. Go to class and act as if you are going to work (a job) everyday, it will force you to put your best foot forward and excell. Yes you are an "adult", so you must think like one, not a child. You will not have anyone standing over you to force you to do anything. Take responsibility for your actions (i.e. partying, not doing your work, sleeping), for your actions will determine your scholastic outcome as well as your future life. Also, relax!! Don't stress yourself out, but do your best. Congratulations and good luck!!

I would give myself this information, to not be afraid. When I came into college, I was scared out of my mind. But, I became a part of the school instantly, thanks to the activites (marching band) at school. Meeting new people is hard at first, but soon it becomes easy and once you have friends, you can get through even the toughest of times. Also, I should not be afraid of asking for help. In college, there are many things that are worthy of asking a question about. For example, how much money do I owe for tution? Where is the Admin building? Where can I use my meal plan? What charges go to my bursar account? Finally, most importantly, do not be scared if you are in uncomfortable situations. Be calm and find a solution. Say no to drugs, shut the door in the drunk guy's face, and do not give into peer pressure. When entering college (and life in general) there are scary situations that happen, but just because there are....doesn't mean that you have to be scared. Good luck!

This will be the fastest four years of your life so make every moment and decision count. Your success and experience is in your hands so embrace it. You are going to be surrounded by students from all over the world who come from different backgrounds and who hold different views. Just stay open minded like you always have been and stay true to who you are. Especially at a University like U of A, college has so much to offer you, but you have to find a balance. Take advantage of the clubs, organizations and especially connections you can make. This will only benefit your experience and future. Don't focus so much on one aspect such as your sorority, for this is one of your last chances to be in a swimming pool of opportunities. As hard as it can be to ignore all the social aspects of college, grades count! Thirst for the knowledge that is offered to you so you can become the intelligent woman you are capable of being. When you have a goal, attack it and dont wait because you don't want the chance of a lifetime to pass you by.

The best teacher is adversity, and forcing myself to adapt and learn in a brand new environment will only benefit me, and provide me with the tools to do so again in the future. The influence that the professors and students will leave on my life will provide me with crucial insight into solving any problem I am faced with in the future, so listen closely. During the next four years I will see numerous friends drop out because they weren’t focused, they didn’t have the drive and motivation to spend sleepless nights getting it done. Make sure you don't follow their lead no matter how much they influence you socially and stay focused on your long term goals. Always spend time to recognize and realize how my actions have contributed to my successes and failures, for this process is the only way to grow. View all upcoming challenges as a neccessary steps to reaching success and ultimately happiness. There will be times of defeat when I must keep my head held high, and times of success when I must remain humble. Last but not least: NEVER GIVE UP.