University of California-Santa Cruz Top Questions

Dear high school senior me, What kind of campus atmosphere do you see yourself in? Are you happy there? What opportunities do you see yourself taking? Is it just like you imagined? Well, reality sets in and one decision can change your life. You expected to be making the right decision because this school was known to be academically best out of your school choices. And how would you have known that you'd have a horrible roommate your first year? You wouldn't. You didn't. You were far away from home without a friend that you can truly trust, and even when you did, one transferred and one dropped out. It's true, you do have fun with your friends out of the dormitories and you'll miss them once you graduate, but something's still missing. This place just doesn't have the right atmosphere for you. So my piece of advice is to go to a state college, try your hardest, transfer, and make it to the top. I believe in you. Sincerely, college me.

Looking back at myself as a high school senior I realize I was a bit naive to the realities of life. Most might go back and advise their younger self to create effective study habits, become organized, learn how to make friends and become responsible and while I consider these aspects extremely important I think I would give myself slightly different advise. I would put a lot of emphasis on learning how to be your own person. I would tell myself that in college there is nobody watching you, telling you what to do, say, how to think or what to do and not do. You must develop enough strength in yourself to be able to say no to what goes against your beliefs and create a sense of morals and values in yourself that you will be able to follow without anyone there supervising. All in all, I would advise myself as a high school senior to be the kind of person that would look back and be proud of their choices. Become the person who wouldn't have to act one way when watched and a different way in other situations. Be consistent and responsible in your actions.

I would've told myself to apply for a lot of scholarships and to take the AP tests to prepare myself better for college.

If I could go back in time and let my self know the things that I now know about college life I would tell myself to calm down. Last year I was really stressed about how hard college was going to be and whatnot and now that I've been here for four months I would most defintely tell myself that yes it has its moments and that you do have to try and work hard, but also that it isn't as stressful and terrifying as people make it seem.

Wow!! What wouldn't I tell myself? Firstly, don't take summer school, you're going to want a break before you take the plunge into four more years of uncertainty dipped in disappointment and sprinkled with sleepless nights. Secondly, go buy a donut. Well, it isn't all that bad, I mean you still have awesome hair, oh wait you don't because you got a horrible hair cut in the future so be afraid of haircuts! Aside from those, undeniably important tidbits of information which will get you through the next two years, that's it. Alright, there's one more thing. Don't go to college and study something mom wants you to. It has to come from you, this is your life after all, heck don't listen to me (or you from the future). Don't major in business administration, or culinary arts, or even marine biology, don't pick a major. Take a spectrum of classes, learn more about everything that interests you and when you find your passion, it'll come naturally. Don't just dive in thinking this is what you want because there is so much more. Think for yourself.

My advice to myself back in high school would be to experience every type of class possible, and enjoy all the time I had with my friends. When I got to college, I found that I didn't have all the educational experience I could have had to better pursue my chosen career. This wasn?t necessary a problem, but it would have been nice to know about the advantages high school could have given me. Also, for many, going to college means starting a new life with new friendships. I often miss seeing and spending time with my old friends. But these things aren't problems that should have been avoided. I'm happy with the new life i'm living, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

I would say not to be afraid to try new things and meet new people. I would say explore the city and campus as much as possible. On a campus as big as this one, everyday can be a new adventure, but only if you want it to be! I would remind myself that academics are only part of the reason to go to school, you need to be independent and take control of your own life. Don't let other people tell you what you want. I would also say don't be afraid to talk with your teachers and other figures of authority, they want you to have the best experience and want to help you.

The best advice I could give would be to visit the physical campus of schools and get a hands on feel for what student life is like there. Too many schools sounds great on paper or look good in brochure pictures, but can have a much different impact in real life. And once you've done that, than follow your heart and go with your gut when making the final decision as to where to attend. Don't be influenced by peers, teachers, or parents, but choose the school that fits your own interests and personality. It may be challenging, but in the long run it will pay off. I had to learn this the hard way and I'm now transferring schools as a result. Not only would I give this advice to myself as a highschool senior, I give it to highschoolers I know in my own family and community. Most people only get to go through college once, so you want to have the most enjoyable and rewarding experience possible by choosing the school that is truly right for you. If you are in the right learning environment, you will naturally thrive and succeed.

As a high school senior I would have told myself to start saving money. I would've warned myself about the cost of school, as well as the possibility of costs rising as I am enrolled and trying to finish a degree. I would also give myself the advice of taking as many classes at my community college that work towards my major. I entered UCSC as a transfer student, and I wish I would've taken advantage of taking more Biology classes at my community college before applying. On another note, I would've told myself to take my future into my own hands. Don't just rely on the words or recommendations of counselors, or transfer forms, but more so use that transfer form as a simple guideline and incorporate classes for my major into that guideline; that way I would have maximized eveyrthing I could get from the community college, before heading to a university. I would say balance your major courses with other mandatory classes that way you have some of your interests in every quarter of your school year. I would've definetly havew done things a bit different.

Self, I know you now listen. Get in to college now. Do not pass go do not try and get a seeming good job. Skip AIU and go in for eather nursing or zoology. Trust me I'm you and you'll love it.