University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

I wouldn't give myself any advice. I made the best judgements I could at the time, and though my life isn't perfect, and my experience at college wasn't perfect, I'm happy with it, and I'm happy with all the choices I made, many of which were hard, and many of which puzzled my family and friends. The choice to go to UCSB instead of Berkeley, the choice to major in liberal arts instead of science—I wouldn't want to say anything that would change the process through which I transitioned from the person I was in high school to the person I am now. I'm happy with the person I am now. I'd let my high school self run his course, learn from his mistakes, and do the best he could. If I saw myself in high school, all I'd do is smile and nod, maybe give him a thumbs-up, maybe say, "Kevin, everything's going to be okay. You're going to be okay."

There will be times where friends are abundant. Cherish those moments... responsibly. There will be times where you feel alone. Let it clear your mind. There will be times where it is easy to do what is right. Know it wont always be. There will be times where your faith and integrity will be tested. You can ace the test. There will be times where your family and friends help and encourage you to pursue your dreams. Thank them. There will be times when no one believes in your aspirations. People told Ghandi he was crazy. Most importantly, there will be times where you are presented with spectacular, but extremely daugnting opportunities. Fear not, take them.

Dear Katelynn (high school senior Katelynn), When you go to college remember to stay true to yourself. In college you will be faced with different difficulties, and being the forgiving person you are, always remember to do what YOU feel is right. There are tons of people at the university you will attend so, if you don't hit it off with one group of people there is always another; making friends is the easy part. If you are having a hard time...Mom is always just a call away. As far as academics, well it's not going to be easy so, stay focused and remember why you are there; you are in school to better your future! Up to high school graduation you have been smart with your decision-making and judgments, so don't let that change (it won't). When you are faced with those tough moral decisions, stand by what you believe and you will come to the right one. And last, but not least...Have Fun! Whatever you do God is always looking over you and keep in mind that there are many people who love you. Good Luck,Katelynn (from the future)

Now that I have experienced being a first year at a presidigious university, I would tell myself , if I went back in time and conversed with myself as a high school senior, to put all my effort every single day. I would tell myself to push forward, to prepare a very strict work ethic, to come back and give all my time and attention towards my studies. I should also not be shy to raise my hand and ask questions to the professor because it helps me grasp concepts I am unclear about. The most crucial information I can provide to myself is to go and get help when needed. There are many services available on campus to help and I should go get help whenever I need it. I should go talk to my professor and teacher assistant consistently and ask how to prepare for upcoming exams and assignments.

I went to high school with the people I went to elementary with and took this for granted. When I arrived, I struggled socializing. If someone would have prepared me to get into the mindset of joining groups and clubs to make the transition easier, I would have had a better social life experience. Some key points I wish someone had told me was that entering college would be the start of my career. Everything that I did since then, would begin to affect my future. I would advise myself to get into a research team that attends conferences and presents posters or papers, and involved with the faculty as soon as you enter. I would advise myself to build a strong relationship with the faculty as soon as possible for networking purposes and future letters of recommendation. The most valuable advice I try to teach high school girls now is to not get emotionally attached to someone from back home before leaving to college, and learn about birth control. I had my first boyfriend during my first year of college and almost dropped out due to a pregnancy. No matter how unimaginable the situation, you can still succeed.

I would tell myself to participate in internships and truly find out what I want to do as a career. I knew I wanted to be in the medical field in high school, but when I went to college there was so many options and you need to get started right away in a program. I thought I would have at least two years to figure out what I wanted to do. I would advise myself to think about all the medical career opportunities we have here in the United States and research the ones that interest me. It is also important to see what jobs are growing. I would advise myself to only consider medical careers that are growing. I think as a high school senior there was not much emphasis put on me to figure out my career path right then and there. I would advise myself to figure it out that year, so I could have gone straight into college pursuing my career.

The college life is not as easy as you once thought it was. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and determination to be able to pass the classes. The teachers are not there to hold your hand, or to sit there and just help you through everything - it's all you. It's up to you and you alone to be able to pass your classes and to come out on top. What studying you did in high school, and how little you actually payed attention to things, that won't cut it in college. In college, you need to study hard, and read the required material(s) the teachers give to you whenever given. Without studying you won't make it far in the college world, and you will ultimately doom yourself. When it comes to deadlines, keep up with getting things in on time, because teachers are not as lenient about late assignments as your high school teachers were. If you're late with assignments, those are grades you can't get back. Studying, hard work, and the strive to succeed are the three key things which will help you tremendously when you get to college.

I wouldn't doubt that most college students now would love to go back to talk to themselves as a high school senior. To start off, I would go back and tell my high school self to get ahead as much as possible to have some wiggle room in college. Those AP/IB classes will really pay off when you get to college so they are definitely worth the grueling hours of studying required to pass the exams. My results for my exams weren't what I would've wanted but my roommate came into college as a sophomore because of her exam scores. Pass the tests--trust me! Also, in college I discovered a bunch of websites where I could make flashcards and they are amazing. I wish I knew I could make online flash cards to study for exams. Lastly, apply for loads ofscholarships. Education for some strange reason is ridiculously expensive. So, just do it.

To my high school self, be excited! Life is just beginning and you have the world at your fingertips! Don't be intimidated, it may seem like everyone else is better prepared than you are but they are in the same position as you. Don't be afraid to speak up in class or any other situation. In class, answer the questions, make sure the professor knows your name and knows that you are prepared, engaged, and working hard for your grades. Speak up outside of the classroom too, if you are in an uncomfortable position or situation, say so or remove yourself. Your comfort and safety are a million times more important than being one of the cool kids because at the end of the day, you're the only person you have to answer to. Remember to keep your eyes, mind, and heart open. Absorb as much as you can because the next four years of your life will be a roller coaster but it will be worth it, there is nothing else like it. Have fun! It will be difficult, you will stress out, but the work will be rewarding. And be proud of yourself!

I would simply tell myself to study more for the ACT's math section. "Beware the math 90 classes, beware." Is what I would say. Also to get into better studying habits. I hardly studied at all in highschool. I made decent grades, but I could have gotten more A's if I applied myself more.