University of California-Irvine Top Questions

Even though you heard college experiences from your teachers, friends, and counselor, you only heard them. You haven't experienced them yourself. Don't think that you are ready for college because you are not. You cannot procrastinate. If you want to have fun, then learn to manage time. Time management is key to every student's success because then you can balance homework, readings, exercise, and hanging out with your future friends. They're great by the way. You must think about what you want in life. Don't feel pressured into having a major just because everyone else has one or knows what they want to do in life because chances are, they will change. The majority of students change their major at least once before junior year. You changed your major! College is a process where you discover yourself, learn new things, and build a social network of professors, colleagues, and friends. You should get involved on campus and pursue your interests because then you are just wasting your time and money away. That reminds me, do not waste money. If you're going to try something, then commit to it such as a future tennis class...

As a high school senior, I underestimated the college life thinking that I would get a 4.0 GPA and that college might be something that I can handle. If I could go back in life, I would tell my younger self to keep having great aspirations but also to take on college with caution because this is not something that I've ever experienced before. The best advice I can give to myself is to learn how to balance one's personal life and education and to not let one overwhelm the other, but above all, I need to be happy.

Study a lot more in high school, aim high, and put your best foot forward. Compared to college, high school is a walk through the park. Take the work load more seriously, study for your AP exams and the SATs, even study for the little quizzes you get in class, get into the habit of studying! College emphasizes midterms and finals much more than high school. Give yourself goals and do your best to complete the goal you set for yourself, trust me, it will help with the transition. Ultimately, remember to always do your best. College isn't easy, it will push you down and stretch you past your limits, but do not be afraid. Do not be afraid of failure, see it as a lesson in disguise, learn from that lesson and try again. There is not a thing you cannot handle, Gina.

Stick to your goals...you have time to party and have fun. Work hard and become successful now so that you can enjoy your life in your thirties. Things will get harder in this economy in a few years so use all of your opportunities to your advantage while you can.

Hey, stupid! Yea, I'm talking to you; do not waste this opportunity that NC Wesleyan College is giving you. Once you move to Rocky Mount , NC do not become lazy, start skipping classes or staying up all night. However, I must first tell you, please see that mom gets seen by a doctor before you go off to college. Maybe if she gets a full examination, the doctors can treat the cancer, before it gets to far advanced. All or her health problems start in the fall of 2001, hopefully with this new knowledge, you can help her even more than you could ever know at this moment in time. Please don't worry about the small things, for God is in the small things. You have people around that can help you through anything, all you have to do is ask. The transition to college is easy, the only thing you have to remember is to go to class, and get some sleep from time to time.

Dear young Jasper, Hey buddy, I’m you from the future. I’m finishing up my second semester of my second year in college. Since I’ve been in college, I received a 4.0 my first semester and maintain a 3.38 GPA so far. I know you’re nervous about what the future is going to bring, but hold your head up because God has a great calling on our life. Don’t let anything or anyone distract you from doing what you have to do in school. Come on Jay, we have to keep our priorities in order: God first, then school, then football. You can’t be a student athlete without being a student first, so handle your business. Don’t let anybody tell you what you can’t do because we haven’t made a 4.0 since elementary, but we did it. That example should be motivation all on its own. This is hard to say, but you’re going to have to let go some of the people in your life in order to go forth in life. You’ve got a lot to learn. Don’t run from it. Love, Future Jasper

It is tough when you start out, trying to get used to your schedule, locating classes, and getting used to the workload. Becoming to involved in keeping those balanced won't do much to help your own sanity. With that I would certainly go with the cliche but true, "Don't be afraid to be yourself." A lot of college is about finding yourself and setting the desirable niche where you can grow as an individual and develop a strong stance. Follow what you want and don't be afraid about an "in-group" , because there aren't any in college. It is important not to mold yourself into someone you want people to like because there are plenty of people that will come and go, but the ones that like you for who you are will stay and most likely for the rest of your life. Don't be afraid in the beginning to show people who you are. College is an all around learning experience so you need to make sure you set aside time to learn about yourself.

Be prepared to defend and adapt yourself and beliefs to the new people you'll be meeting in college. Although you may see your old friends from high school, you will have to make the same transition they are going to have to make. But don't worry, a lot of people have a somewhat hard time transitioning and adjusting to college life, so that should make for some conversation starters for you to make new friends. Also, when you do start adjusting and established a group of friends, be prepared to micromanage your finances so you can save as much money as you can while going out and buying a ton of stuff. With that said, having a job will alleviate this concern as you will have a (hopefully) steady flow of money coming in so you can save or spend that money. As with any other fine educational institution, study hard and don't worry about not knowing what you want to major in. You'll have a considerable amount of chances to explore your options before having to declare a major (or maybe even more than one major, who knows?). Lastly, don't stress too much!

More than anything, I would advise my former self to choose her school more carefully. I spent two years at a big University Wisconsin school before transferring to my new Media Arts College, at which point, my college fund was gone and my credits didn't transfer anyways. I went to this big university because I liked it, not because it was the best for my major or my funds. Don't rush into a decision on your major - it's okay to not know what you want to do at 19; just be sure you don't waste two years and 48,000 dollars deciding - go to a community college, live at home, work while attending school. Something, ANYTHING, to ensure you won't be completely broke when you finally find your major and the right school. Check into the schools around here, think about getting an apartment later with some people - you don't have to live at home forever, though free food and laundry service is wonderful too... Plus, you can keep in touch with your friends from second grade much better from home - who knows, maybe they'll help you figure out your next move!

Choose the school that will challenge you. Choose the school that will give you the opportunity to grow. Don't be afraid to go further from home, but staying closer to home is not something to be embarrassed of, either. Concentrate on your studies and ATTEND CLASS