University of California-Davis Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of California-Davis know before they start?

Leslie

I would tell my high school senior self to stop worrying about picking the right major. Throughout my first year at UC Davis, I realized that my chosen majors and minors have evolved over time as I talked with more professors, TAs, and academic advisers about my studies, careers paths as a scholar, and other classes related to the majors that I'm interested in. Also, I learned that I tend to excel in classes that involve heavy use of all my strengths, personal values, and passions. During Spring quarter 2014, I got a 4.0 GPA, because I chose classes that energized and excited me everyday; I would stay up studying until 2am for these classes, because I wanted to learn as much as possible from my readings and lectures and to improve the quality and content of my projects with my best effort. Therefore, I would tell my past self to not choose courses or majors that I am not instrinstically interested in. I noticed that my grades worsened in classes that I took for bragging rights too . Also, I would constantly remind my past self that I do have choices when it comes to my education.

Sonia

Everyone says that each year gets harder. That 11th grade English is way more difficult. Then it is 12th grade. There is never an end to the difficulty of education but there is reason why so many choose to forget about the hard things. Who really wants to think of the future, where you are handed tons of responsibilites? No one. It is a time of maturity that no one wants to belong to. It is better to be a child, playing tag with your friends than thinking about doing taxes with your co-workers. But growing up is a part of life that everyone has to go through. I would tell my high school senior self that I am better than Senioritis, better than all the excuses that will cause me great trouble in the future. Procrastination does not work in college, slacking does not help financially, and self-hate will not make me any happier. So many mistakes yet so many lessons. I have learned that my success will not depend on others but on my determination. Only I can control my future and there is no reason why I should sacrifice my happiness.

William

Before anything else, take the time now to really think about what you want to do with your life. The time you spend in college is extremely valuable and you have the opportunity to learn about whatever you want to; don't waste that time. Don't hesitate to talk with older students and advisors. They will be a HUGE help in your education as well as future career decisions. Form a good relationship with your academic advisor now and it will make life a whole lot easier during the school year. Before it bites you in the butt, realize that college is not the same as high school. For me, I was able to ace tests without ever opening the textbook. I just paid attention in class and skated by on that. This DOES NOT work in college. Get in the habit now of thouroughly reading your textbook, taking good notes and reviewing them, and going through study material. It takes a lot of self-study effort to do well in college.

Giana

Now that the final stresses of senior year have finally come to an end, I think it is safe to say that I am a wiser, more mature human earthling. Now, possessing all this knowledge and maturity, I think the most important advice that I could give would to be to let everything fall into its place. A constant worrier, I would spend hours upon hours pacing back and forth in my room, stressed over how to approach my college essays and applications, stressed about what the people reading my applications were thinking, and stressed about making the right choice for me. But now, I have come to realize that all that stress was pointless. Sure, I may not have gotten into every single high caliber school to which I applied. I may not have chosen the school that I originally set my sights on. But I ended up choosing the school that was right for me, the school to which all of the crazy cards of my life finally settled upon. And I could not be happier as my present self.

Kaley

I would say, be prepared. Study more and stress less and above all do things. Go out and make friends, do extra curricular activities, find a job and it will prevent homesickness

Grace

Relax. Getting rejected from the college you wanted is not the end of the world, and I promise that the next four years are going to be the best years of your life. Don't get me wrong, they're going to be difficult too. Brace yourself for long, stressful nights in the library and early morning coffees just to keep you up throughout the day. Also be prepared to gain a considerable amount of weight and I can tell you that cafeteria food is the precise reason why your jeans aren't fitting anymore. Keep an open mind. Love people, love cultures, love small talk. Remember this is a fresh start for you, and the way you treat people is the way they will treat you. Most importantly however, do not lose sight of what is important. Many tribulations and temptations will come your way, but keep your eyes on the prize, keep your balance and your priorities, and keep your head straight. " You. Can. Do. This. Champions keep going when there's nothing left in their tank. You will not quit til you win". Tell yourself this every day. And I promise, You CAN do this.

Cina

If I could go back in time and give advice to my high school senior self, I would tell myself to being making money. As a freshman, I've realized how expensive college truly is and how my family can barely afford it. I would tell myself that I already have the grades and the scores that colleges need, I just need the money that the universities want. Therefore, I would need to apply to many more scholarships. I would have to apply to any scholarship that I was eligible for even if there is a very slim chance I would win. Overall, I would tell myself that scholarships is how I will be able to survive university without drowing in student loans.

Abraham

Hey, try harder in school. There is a entire world out there to explore. Do not look down upon the students whom get involved in the school activities, but rather look up to them for taking the initiative to be more involved. Get good grades not because you have to, but because you want to learn as much as you want. There is so much knowledge to be gained in the classroom. Cool stuff awaits!

Rashad

If I had a chance to talk to my high school self, I would tell myself several things. I would say learn how to study because your really need studying skills to succeed in college. I would also tell myself good job in picking the animal science major because college has really solidified my aspiration of becoming a veterinarian. I would also tell myself to talk to my track coaches to try to help me get recruited in collegiate track and field because I really miss the sport. The last thing I would tell myslef is to save up money because that is important in buying books, buying scantrons, etc.

Kaley

My advice to myself and advice I am giving to myself now is to not stress out, to work hard and have fun. I need to focus on not being sad, I need to keep busy and do well. I want to have more fun, stay busy and really focus on where I am and not on where I want to be is home. If i focus on the here and now maybe I will be more comfortable where I am and not feel so bad and homesick.