University of Arizona Top Questions

The advice I would give someone is to make sure that they keep their heads in their books and do all research before attending a school. Do all research because you don't want to fear being unhappy.

I am not going to assume that I can go back in time and give myself advice, because my experience and mistakes allows me to encourage and help others. The advice I would give high school seniors is to believe in themselves. As cliche as that may sound, it is important for them to believe in their dreams and their abilities to reach there goals. I would also tell them to stay focused and be well organized throughout the college admission process and collegiate career. Last but not least I would tell them to maximize every opportunity whether it be being active on campus, taking internships, or working a part-time job. Enjoy the college experience it is the thresh-hold of adulthood.

To be able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior would be a gift. I always believed I valued my education highly, but looking back, I am not so sure. Graduating high school and entering the univeristy was an overwhelming experience in many ways. Had I known at 18 years old that choices I was making regarding my educational track would lead me to forks in the road where I may be lead astray, I would have given situations more thought. At 30 years old today, returning to college for the second time, I value my education and what I know I will be getting out of it so much more. I study daily, focus all my efforts on my grades and never let my end goal out of sight: to become a nurse. If I were to go back and talk to my high school self, I would say: Whatever you do today, whatever choices you make today, how you value the priceless education you are getting today, will be with you for the rest of your life. Appreciate and respect your education; it can make you great.

I would make sure to really explore multiple college options. Don't just look at academics. Look into the social activities and student recreation at whatever campus you're interested in, even if you don't consider yourself to be a very social person. Spend a day on campus following someone during they're day to day routine, not just some guided tour that's meant to sell the college to you. Sit in on classes, explore the facilities. Consider how much time you're planning on spending on campus (commute or living on campus), and also look into what's within walking distance nearby. Don't just settle because you're unsure of what you want. Take time to really think about what you're looking for, and what you might possibly want later on.

Knowing about the transition of moving out of my parents home, I would let myself know that moving in with a boyfriend is just an awful idea.

I would tell myself to become more independent and work harder to prepare myself to handle the responsibilites of living on my own. I often found myself staying up late doing homework, laundry etc. during the beginning of the year because my time management skills were not very good. If I would have learned earlier to divide my time appropriately and efficiently I could have avoided staying up late. In high school, I waited to do my assignments at night because I didn't have as many responsibilities. I found out very abruptly that it would not be the same in college. If I had a chance to tell myself to change my study habits and make sure that I could manage my time to accompany for more obligations I would have had a much easier time making the transition.

I would advise myself to go straight into business and that apartments are the best living situation. I would definitely recommend for myself to join the same extracurriculars, but cut things down to 4 years.

I wish I had known about getting involved early in college. You can get lost in the crowd here, so it is good to find a nice where you fit in. I should have brought more clothes for going out and partying, because I did not have the right sort of clothes for that. Allow time to come home, as you will want to after a while. Internships are everywhere, so find them! Nothing looks better on a resume. Don't force a friendship with someone, eventually it won't work if it is forced.

First, I would tell myself to start preparing earlier. I didn't start applying for colleges until December or January of my Senior year. By this time, at least half of the colleges I was considering had already passed the application deadline. As for the transition into college life, I would recommend to myself to live on-campus the first year, if at all possible. I made the decision to attend the University of Arizona too late to stay in a dorm, but seeing how involved the students are at the dorms, it is a great way to get used to college life. I would tell myself not to take online classes, at least for the first semester. They make your schedule look smaller, but you actually have to take "free time" to do them. Along with the schedule, try to get morning classes. I was already used to waking up for school at 6:30 every day and it worked out fine, but when I got to college, my first class wasn't until noon or 2 p.m. on a given day, and that just kills your free time for the day. It is not worth sleeping in.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior. Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would told myself to not be affraid. Abdel, you can meet your goals also. You can do well. keep going and meet your goals. don't be discourage and even if you feel like other people have given up on you, don't ever give up on you . The future of your country depends on you.