University of Arkansas Top Questions

High school seniors are a difficult audience to make any kind of lesson actually stick longer than the bare necessity so in short I would stress the beauty of the chance you are given in college and to not squander it. Besides classes you literally are free to do whatever whenever, and while this new found freedom is wonderful it can also be wasted quite easily. Whatever you are passionate about find others who share that passion and simply do it. Whether it be sports, music, or any other activity I can guarantee there is a club or place for you at any university. By merely having something to do outside the dorm you will find a new world outside the comfort of home. College is a reset button on life and you can become or do whatever you wish, and drop whatever bad habits you have and pick up new good ones. Oppurtunities like college literally only come once in a lifetime, and to become proactive in making you the best possible you is the one piece of advice I would try to leave with a high school senior.

If I could go back in time to talk to my high school self, I would start by saying, "Get off facebook, it's time to put your big girl pants on and get to work!" I would clear myself of all preconcieved notions that college is easy because your parents and high school teachers aren't there to scold you when you put a toe out of line. I remember thinking that I didn't have to go to class because most teacher wouldn't take attendance. In fact, its these things that make college harder. You have to set a goal, and meet it on your own terms, without anyone's help. I would remind myself that one must work hard to realize their goals because nobody else is going to do the work for you.

Well, college is tough. If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely encourage myself to take more college level courses. It would have given me a better idea of the course load, as well as more college credits to transfer in. Other than the intense course load, college also gives you more freedom. I probably would have told myself back in high school to appreciate my mothers concern a little more. As a high school senior, I wanted the freedom that was soon to come as a college freshman, but of course my parents didn't agree. I fought them on that subject probably all year long. If I were to go back, I would tell myself to lay off a little, because in reality, they were right. Going away to college has changed my life in so many ways. If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to enjoy my last year of high school, and really take in everything I had learned, for I would definitely need those lessons in the future.

The most important advice that anyone can utilize is based entirely on finances. It is easy to get caught up in the social life on campus, and with that comes increased costs of living. Ensuring that the student maintains financial security and stability will enable the student to focus entirely on academcs without having the fear of needing to drop out of college due to poor fiscal management. Stay away from credit cards, or if one is needed, pay off the balance every month by subtracting it from your ledger balance in your checkbook. Create a budget that shows you how much money you will need for bills, such as food, gas, rent, and cell phone, and how much money you will have left over as spending money. It is also wise to place a little bit of money in a savings account just in case the car breaks down or another financial problem comes into play. Of all that financial talk, though, some of the key things to remember about college is to always take time to study for class, meet people from around the world, and never stop smiling. You never know who is looking your way.

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say not to hesitate to introduce yourself or to network. There are so many opportunities to meet new people who could not only become life long friends but useful people to reference when finding a job after college. I would also say be sure to get involved in some kind of activity or organization on campus because it's a great way to be a part of something bigger than you. Joining a group is also a lot of times a good way to do something for your community because these groups often times do volunteer work. In addition to these things I would tell myself not to be afraid to ask questions or to take advantage to the resources available to you on campus. Also you can get so much more by remembering simple things like manners! People appreciate it when you are polite and curteous. The last piece of advice I would give myself would be to have fun in all that you do, but at the end of the day remember why you are here, to learn.

As I graduated from high school and began my first semester of college as a "big girl", my world as i knew it got shaken up like a snowglobe. There are so many new experiences available away from parents when you're at college, both good and bad, and you really discover who you are and what you're about. If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior today, there are four main things i would advise myself to do. 1) Be open to new experiences that aren't against your values. I made mistakes such as having sex despite my religious values to stay pure. College is about finding more of yourself, not losing it. 2) Take a step outside your comfort box. You might not be very outgoing, but by starting with a simple "hi" to the girl next door could spark a lifetime friendship. 3) Chase after your dreams, no matter their size. The things you can accomplish in college are limitless because you are surrounded by so many people with talents and dreams as well. 4) Go to class...even those early 7:30 a.m. classes. It pays off.

To make sure that I wouldn't get nervous about the situation. Keep a calm and collected mind throughout college. Stay positive and keep my head up. Take any opportunities given to me. Always stay focus no matter how many distractions and set backs there may be. Keep pushing towards my goal. Don't give in to peer pressure, just because they do it doesn't mean that I have to do it just to fit in. Try not to take things too seriously. The goal in college is to get my education, but at the same time I want to have a little fun as well. So think of my new college life as an experience that I will never forget. The main and important thing for me is to be happy. It was my dream to be successful and make it to college. And now i finally get to have that chance. I can't wait to I graduate. It's going to be awesome!

By definition, a renaissance is a re-birth and college has been this to me. it is an opportunity to start over with a clean slate. This new-found freedom is an opportunity to reinvent yourself. For the first eighteen years of your life, your parents have guided you to develop into a well-rounded person and now you have the ability to apply those habits defining your own identity. So when the girls down the hall are having movie night, or the guys from your bio class are having a pick-up game of soccer, say yes to their open invitation and use it as an opportunity to make memories and maybe even life-long friends. They say you make some of the best friends of your life in college and I believe it. Residence halls are the most phenomenal experience. There is no comparison to having hundreds of friends at your fingertips to study with, confide in, and laugh with. College will change your life in so many ways, just make sure you aren't too scared to get involved in new things and really take advantage of the renaissance it is capable of creating inside of you.

My parents, coaches and teachers all tried to prepare me for adulthood. I'd tell myself, "Listen to the people who have the strongest influences on your life. There is a reason, they have made an impact on you." However, at the time, it probably would have gone in one ear and out the other. The arrogance and tenacity I had as a high school senior could only be humbled by my first year of college. Growing up in "the bubble" of Southlake, Texas has it's ups and downs. If you are in the bubble, life can be as perfect as Lake Tahoe at dawn. But once outside the bubble, the blinders and bliss of ignorance that help you sleep at night disappear. There is a real world to be seen and heard. Nothing could have prepared me for the drastic transformation I have made in the last 4 years. No words or advice could replace the profound experiences and mistakes that have lead me to who I am today. Quoting composer John Powell, "The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing."

Assuming I could return to high school and advise myself on my future in college, these are some points I would stress for success: - Take nothing for granted - Enroll in as many higher-level, advanced and AP classes you can to prepare yourself - Don't get in the habit of procrastinating - Relish your last year of high school for it's memories and special friendships you have had all your life - Get in a routine of getting up and accomplishing tasks daily - Make each day count toward your future - Tell your teachers how important they have been to your success and thank them - Volunteer to help at school, in the community and church - Tell your parents, siblings, and family thanks for making you who you the success you are today - Look forward to college as the next milestone in your life, not your escape route I believe if I had know how important all of the above points are to my success as a college student that I would indeed be a more successful college graduate.