University of California-Davis Top Questions

Go to a community college first. Save money and spend the two years getting your general education done, slowly becoming more independant from your family so once you move out it's not a huge shock to your system, or theirs. Make friends with people in your classes. Talk to them about their goals and plans for the future and network with them so you have a wide variety of people you can turn to for advice. Utilize your school's academic counseling centers, financial aid offices, careers centers-anything that will help you make the right decisions for getting through college and on the right track for your future. Also, make sure you major in something you love! Otherwise you will suffer the entire time you are in college, not only wasting time, but probably dragging your grades down too.

Be prepared to meet lots of new people, especially when moving into the dorms. Living in the dorms is a unique experience, which you should not miss out on. There are always people around to study or hang out with, and many will be your friend and hang out once you move out of the dorms as well. Get involved in clubs because this is a good way to meet people with similar interests. Be sure to have fun in whatever clubs you do, otherwise there is no point in being a part of it.

UC Davis is a place where you will create memories that will last a lifetime. Don't hesitate to try new things and meet new people, because these are the people who you will remember for the rest of your life. Do not doubt yourself either; you have already proven that you can do anything that you set your mind to. College is definitely going to be tough, but with dedication, hard work, and new friends by your side, anything can happen. Just remember one thing: no matter how difficult or impossible something may seem, never give up. Be ready for an amazing beginning to the rest of your life, starting now.

Looking back I would tell myself as a high school senior that college is amazing and not to be so concerned and worried. When I first came here I was apprehensive about doing gymnastics and how I would get along with the coaches and the team. Also, I have always been shy so it took me awhile to open up and really start to socialize. Knowing what I know now, I would have been more social at the beginning and talked with more people. In high school people judge you by what you wear and who you hang out with, but in college many people wear sweatpants to class and I feel like they are much more accepting of who you really are. Also people are much more friendly, in high school it would take awhile for you to study or hang out with people. However, in college I would study or hang out with people after only meeting them once or twice. College is a great experience and allows you to grow and try new things, you should embrace it and take advangtage of all of the opportunies presented.

If I could go back in time and offer advice to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to worry about people's judgement of my decision to take a year off after high school. I was really concerned with the judgement of people who assumed there was only one way to get to college- directly out of high school. However, I decided to take a break and travel as much as I could, and looking back, it was the best decision I could have made.

I would advice myself to always stay focus in school.

I know the first quarter is going to be hard for you; the dorm life will be startling and moving away from home will be a huge change. But just get out there anyway. Meet new people, take chances. Don't worry about getting embarassed or looking like a fool. Have fun and expand your horizons.

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to not give up no matter how hard it may seem to be in college. I know how stressful it can get and how much work there is to be done. I would want myself to dedicate all my time on my work and on trying to obtain the highest grades I could possibly get. Being one of the students who always got high grades in high school and going to one who isn't at the top anymore in college is difficult but I know now that giving up is not the answer because it won't get you far or anywhere.

Study!!! I didn't really know how to study in high school because I didn't have to. Once I got to college, I had to learn fast. I wish I could have learned how to study sooner because it would have helped me a lot. In terms of making the transition, I would tell my self to just go with the flow. Be friendly to everyone because you don't know who will become a life long friend. Be open to all ideas and opinions because not everyone thinks the same way you do.

Take life seriously and learn the material instead of just memorizing for the tests