University of California-Berkeley Top Questions

My college experience has been one of the most enlighening times of my life. You think you know everything as a high school senior, but college flips your whole world around. I began at a four year university, Virginia Tech in Blacksburg Virginia. After one year my family couldn't afford the tuition anymore, so I was plunged into the world of full-time jobs, apartments with roommates, and part-time community college classes. Those words alone explain the amount of stress involved in the process. But the most important thing I learned during that time was that extreme pressure turns coal into diamonds. Gradually, I went from a student with no real concept of time management, to an employee and student who didn't have two pennies to rub together and no time for anything. With a schedule like that, you realize how important it is to focus on what's important. You also learn that you don't have time for people or things in your life that won't lead you towards your goals. I'm thankful everyday for that because I surrounded myself with the best people and they have helped me achieve so much.

I have been able to experience teaching at its best. It is uncomparable to anything I have ever experienced before. You are able grapple throught the intertwining of the most complex issues Today and discover the reality. It truly has been an eye opening experience.

Take more AP tests, get more scholarships, and research more about the college before attending.

During a visit home after starting college, I went to church and listened as our preacher told the story of a friend's secret to a successful career. The preacher titled the sermon "And Then Some." Puzzled by how those seemingly simple words translated into a formula for success, I listened curiously as the story unfolded. In school, the preacher said, this man did everything the teachers asked of him, everthing the school required...and then some. When he got his first job, he did everything his boss asked of him, everything his job required...and then some. As he moved further up the corporate ladder, his philosophy never changed: make the extra effort, go the extra mile. As I left the church building, I realized I would not have been accepted into a top university had I not unknowingly followed this philosophy during my high school years. I took extra math and science classes as well as numerous Advanced Placement courses. I joined the debate team and the Academic Decathlon team. I did more than what was asked of me, more than what was required. So my advice to others is simply to remember these words: "And Then Some".

There are so many things that I learned since coming to UC Berkeley so there would be a lot of advices that i would give my high school self. First of all, I would tell me to actually make the effort to visit the different campuses and see if you like the area and environment. You also should find time to go to different school orientations to find out more about the campus. Secondly, it's important to double check which classes are transferrable and which aren't. Although it okay to have an undecided major, it's essential to spend time to think about the future and come up with a few possible majors, search their requirements and prerequisites, and start making backup plans. There is no such thing as preparing too much. Finally, it's important to know how you're going to pay for school, so i would've told my high school self to apply to all the different scholarships available even if i thought i wouldn't get picked. Applying for internships and unpaid volunteer work can also provide lots of experience and hands-on training. Lastly, don't be stressed and try to relax!

Mom and Dad have engrained in you the belief that college is about studying at your maximum efficiency in the pursuit of a stable profession. That is only a portion of what college is about, and certainly not what life is about. It is just as important, and infinitely more fun and liberating, to see college as an opportunity for self discovery and growth. Use the time to learn what drives you, to find your passions, and to take risks. Take the risk of pursuing different careers, meet people who challenge you and who you can learn from, let your courses shape you beyond what you are tested on. There will be a point when you will be faced with a certain type of adversity that will seem foreign. It is adversity accompanied by feelings of loneliness and failure. Everything will be ok. There are many opportunities to correct your mistakes as long as your remain heartened. Do not be jealous of those who are successful, otherwise you will never have any peace. Do not take life too seriously. Most importantly, learn to trust yourself and what you are capable of. Love and be good to yourself. Dream big.

Keep you goal in sight. Have fun, work hard and you will reach that goal. Prepare for college early. Take some college prep courses. This will help to get you familiar with what college is about. Reseach all possible venues for paying tuition and not rely on any one source of funding. Make use of the internet to search for scholarships, and grants. Check local civic organizations and check with the college for leads on scholarships and grants. Work hard to be your best but also to have fun. Take advatange of all the support and help that is available. Make sure to watch your debt load so you do not over extend yourself. If possible stay at home while attending college. Make sure you work hard and have fun learning. Keep looking at the goal and soon you'll have to set a new goal because you've reached this one.

Be bold. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself to approach decisions in college based on your experiences and not those that have been ingrained in you because of what your friends think or have done. Be willing to explore every possibility and go with your gut if you're having a difficult time choosing majors or careers. In the end, it's not about the major or the career, but how much you stayed true to what you want out of life.

Before you head off to college the most significant thing to know is the value of time management. Not just time management in the sense of being able handle the pressures of a college education, but more important time management to take advantage of the amazing opportunities available to you at world class university in an urban setting. You will have the opportunity to hear lectures from world leaders, renowned scientists, and respected academics. You will be able attend concerts by headlining artists in grand stadiums and bands who could be the next big thing in cramped venues. There will be plays and sports events, restaurants and street festivals. However, you are eighteen. You will feel the temptation to sleep in, skip class and watch too much television. Don?t let this happen. Always make sure you are focused on your studies, but never let yourself miss out on the amazing events and opportunities happening around you every day. Get out of your dorm room, explore and make the most of one of the most amazing periods of your life.

10 things I would tell my former self... 1) Learn to enjoy learning. If you don't, college will become a huge pain before you know it. 2) Blunt memorization no longer results in an A. 3) No more mommy to nag you. 4) Get friendly with upperclassmen (ESPECIALLY those who hake taken the courses you are planning to take). 5) GO TO OFFICE HOURS 6) Don't sleep at 3 am everyday unless you want to be a living zombie by the time finals week rolls around. 7) Plan on excercising, unless the "Freshman 15" is on your To-Do list. 8) Don't rush for a fraternity unless you: A) like being drunk the whole weekend B) think it's cool to have Greek letters on your clothing C) like to be hazed D) all the above 9) Sleepy and you have an 8am class the next morning? Set two alarms....maybe three. 10) Always have a purpose. In other words, it will not be of your best interest to watch Youtube videos all day (even though the super fast, in-dorm internet is just sitting on the desk, sucking you in like a black hole).