University of California-Merced Top Questions

It was very hard for me to make the transition from high school to college because the college that I selected to attend was very new and only one other person from my school elected to attend there. When I first started college, I was scared because I went from knowing all of my classmates to not knowing any. I learned though, that it is not the amount of people that I know but the relationships that I am able to make with those that I chose to spend my time with. Due to my situation I was forced to meet and make new friends and that was possibly the best thing that has ever happened to me because I was forced to interact with those that if I had my other friends I wouldn't have. It was an enlightening experience and one that has changed my life forever. College is a time for new discovery and experiences and I have found that in the college that I attend. I would tell myself to stop worrying about what may happen and let things come naturaly because life is unpredicatable and college exemplifies this fact.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advice myself to brace from the rigorous coursework next year because doing homework is entirely different in college, however with these challenges comes opportunity for you to prove that your well on your way in completing your goal in becoming a chemist. In addition, such opportunity as internship or research in your area of study will help obtain more opportunities to reach your goal and you will have a wonderful experience in college because college is the gateway to adulthood.

To work harder in high school even though it was easy for me, then I would have a better work ethic now.

I would tell myself to choose the school that would benefit me the most and to go with no strings attached. I think going to a school with a fresh start is very important to help you succeed and it gives you the opportunity to figure yourself out. I would also say that going to school away from home is important as you learn how to be independent and rely only on yourself. Study hard but also keep in mind that a social life is important becasue it keeps you sane when you are having a rough week. Definitley be involved on campus and go to the gym regularly as it also keeps you sane and your mind fresh.

Study for your AP so you can get ahead instead of going with the flow. You don't want to retake a class that bored you to tears and wish you were in a more challenging class. You also don't want to be the person to tutor people who don't understand the materials.

Probably to have more fun with the college application process, and to not take everything too seriously. Many people don't get into the school they want and it can be devastating at first, but everything happens for a reason. You receive the card you are dealt, and now it's just how you play it.

The most important thing is to keep your education along with your aspirations for the future at the top of your priorities. It is easy for students to deviate from their values, and goals, during their first year of college, in particular. In the first week of school you will meet some of the most influential people that will change your world and become your lifelong friends. Undoubetdly, this blend of a newly encountered freedom social and academic freedom can provide an incentive for you to delve deeper into your particular areas of interest in studies, but you should embrace it with caution. College is a time that you will encounter some of wildest parties and meet the most interesting people, but do me a favor, when there is an event going on that you feel is imperative for your social success the night before a midterm- please, stay home. Study groups of more than 3 people and/ or tv, radio, and facebook are not condusive to seriously studying. Striving for excellence rather then perfection is a great philosophy to adopt, but just remember that you are not defined by your mistakes, but by your ability to overcome them.

i would say to figure out what type of commuity you want to live in

Allow the students to choose. Do not force them to major in some thing that they do not enjoy. Always support them.

Visit colleges early on in your high school career and talk to students who attend a school you think you may be interested in as that is the only way you can get a real clear, unadulterated picture of campus life and resources.