University of Arizona Top Questions

I would start out by saying don't be afraid to talk with people; that's how you make new friends. I would then say learn how to keep a good schedule and how to plan ahead. Do not procrastinate; keep on top of your work and don't lose heart in the middle of long papers. Plan thouroughly with enough wiggle room so that if something major happens the deadline can still be met. Set high goals, be determined, but don't forget to plan time with friends too. A good tip I wished someone told me is to take good notes, look for points of emphasis when a teacher is lecturing, it might reappear on a test. I would also tell myself to watch what your eating. Be sure your making wise choices as to what your putting in your body. I would tell myself to get plenty of sleep, because not enough sleep causes unraveling of plans, focus, and attention. Lack of sleep also leads to grumpiness, lack of attention in class and poor memerization. The Most improtant thing I would tell myself is to relax, soak it all up, and have fun!

Andrea, I know the beginning of senior year is overwhelming because of college applications and the challenging courses you are taking. Keep going; your efforts will be worth it in college. I just wanted to give you a little insight before you transition. The most important thing I have to tell you is this: focus more on yourself. Throughout high school, you’ve been very concerned about other people’s opinions. This is your last year, and I am going to challenge you to make a big push- please release. You compare your success and your abilities to your peers and that distracts you from your own goals. I know you know your true interests, so start to worry about only you. Stop listening to everyone around you and listen to yourself because that leader inside is trying to come out. You have a pretty great mind, kid! Pursue your passions and goals even if it scares you, and don’t think about what others may think. This is your time to make a change and it’s only a small step in getting to know Andrea. Just wait till college! It gets even better. Love, 19-year-old Andrea

Don't be embarrassed about the things you like, you're not as weird as you think you are. You will meet people like you, but only if you make the effort. DON'T STAY IN YOUR ROOM ALL DAY. I REPEAT, DO NOT STAY IN YOUR ROOM ALL DAY. I know you're going to be a broke college student, but go out and enjoy your time there! There's plenty of fun, free things to do at college. If you see a poster, sign, or note, check to see if there will be free food at the function it's advertising. I lived off the free food of those things. Please, please, please go check where your classes are and do a test run before classes start. I had ten minutes to run across campus in 110 degree weather, don't make the same mistake I did. Talk to people in your classes and make friends, there's nothing worse than finishing your homework at 6:00 and realizing you have no one to hang out with. Dear God apply for scholarships!! Money is the last thing you should be worrying about at this time in your life.

If I could go back in time l would reassure myself that everything I'm worried about will fall into place. The eager seventeen-year-old me would ask, "Did I get into Vanderbilt, did I decide to study Pre-Med, and do my boyfriend and I survive a long distance relationship?!" The present-day me would calmly reply, "the school you attend doesn't matter so much as your desire to succeed, forget Med school and find something you really love, and (spoiler alert!) you and your boyfriend are doing just fine." I'd also give myself a few tips that would have been helpful during my first two years of college. "Don't buy the brand new 175 dollar textbook; chances are you will only use it twice. Never schedule a class earlier than 9am; as much as you try, you're just not a morning person. Check your email before every class; don't be the girl that shows up to an empty lecture hall. And most importantly, coffee is your friend." Then I'd finish by saying, "don't worry, the best years of your life aren't ending, they are only just beginning."

This opportunity will only come once in a lifetime: being independent and able to find your own interests, while still dependent financially on others. You are able to explore outlets and facets that you may never again be able to. So, while academics is important, don't be scared to meet new people, try new things, join that salsa class, cheer with your fellow Wildcats, and study abroad! Write down all of the things you're interested in or would like to pursue, and at least TRY them out. Also, it helps to have a planner and write down what the homework is that day. Just trust me on that one...

Hey Mickey from my past, listen up! Now I know you are looking forward to attending the University of Arizona but some things you do not know. The math department in the university is a mess. I mean a total mess. A year before you came, they were on probation for successing with so many students with the failing grade of a D or an E. I honestly suggest for you to keep every piece of Precalculus the best that you can. At the school they supply foreign teachers that are hard to understand when they try to speak English. Another suggestion for yourself is to not buy candy from the candy machine. It is a waste of money. Get ready to graduate and good luck in the math department!

Enjoy life and finish school. Education is very important in life to get you where you want to be in the future. Be serious about it and always try and learn more to help in life's

Listen, kid, I have got some advice: Talk.“What? Talk? I can so talk!” I, hereafter referred to as ‘you’, am probably thinking. We both know what I mean. Remember that time Senior year of high school you went up to the kids you had been going to school with for the past three years and started a conversation? No? Exactly. That’s because it never happened. You let yourself become the ‘quiet guy’ and hated yourself for it. In your first year of college you will join some pretty sweet clubs. However, just like in high school, you aren’t going to talk to any of the wonderful folk in those clubs. You are going to remain cynical, assuming that everyone else is a baboon who hates you, and will go on doing the bare minimum in social interaction. This would be fine and dandy if it was not for the fact that you felt lonely. That you felt depressed. That you wanted to talk to them but could not bear the thought of rejection. The result? Here is your list of college friends: Good list? No. Do me a favor and make some friends in college. Talk.

If going to college is your plan, take honors or AP classes, maintain a high GPA and participate in a college readiness program. Universities offer summer bridge programs to help make a smooth transition from high school to college and understand the expectations of being a college student. College isn’t easy, and you must be willing and prepared to work hard at all costs. These steps, along with a dedication, motivation and “can do” attitude, will help you be successful at the university level. Participate in various extracurricular, work, community service and leadership activities. These experiences allow you to 1) learn about the values of commitment, responsibility and teamwork, 2) develop leadership qualities, and 3) gain a strong work ethic and communication skills. These are all qualities that will assist you in any situation – college, career, and life. You must also figure out how to pay for college. Complete the FAFSA annually because you may qualify for government and university financial aid. Secondly, apply for as many scholarships as you can, as early as sophomore year. Scholarships mean fewer student loans. Lastly, your family’s support in your endeavors will help you achieve your academic, career and personal goals.

Dear Anita, Collage is a whole new world. Here is some advice to help you prepare for the striking new adventure you're about to embark on. First off, don’t let anyone “borrow” your homework. Friends are great, but create boundaries to protect yourself and others. The relationships you make in college will stay with you forever, make sure they are healthy. As well, turning in your own work is always more satisfying. You have the potential to be magnificent, don’t miss out on discovering your talents by not taking the time to perfect your work. Most important, learn it NOW, not later. Study every chance you get, not just before the test; you can’t retake tests in collage, so prepare now. Don’t do something just to get it done, put all your heart, soul, and mind into the work that will have your name. You make your own name so don’t turn in work that implies you are inferior. In the end, just don’t forget to face the terrifying now; you never know what will happen tomorrow. Some of the most terrifying questions have the most brilliant, life fulfilling answers. Yours Faithfully,