University of California-Santa Cruz Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of California-Santa Cruz know before they start?

Taylor

I would tell myself that it is ok whatever you get on an AP score or SATs. One your in college it really doesn't matter. The difference between an 4 and a 5 on an AP test means nothing here.

fernanda

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would mainly give myself advise about managing my time. Getting your refund check might be fun at times but it is really easy to get out of hand with money and spend it on things you really don't need, so spend your time and money wisely is something i would tell myself too. Yes, your going away from home but sometimes you might still feel homesick, just make sure you keep in touch with family and friends. You have no one telling you what to do but always remember that your main priority is school. College is a lot of fun, but you have to be on top of your studies in order to succeed! There is a lot of partying, and socializing ivolved in the college life, but just make smart decisions. Have fun and enjoy one of the best years of your life!

Emily

Hello past me. I have a few things to tell you about college before you arrive. Be prepared to study much more than you ever did in high school and stay focused. College is not a cheap place so DO NOT waste your time there. Keep your grades up as high as possible. A strong start will help immensely when it comes to college. Be prepared to live in a small place and facilitate good people skills. Knowing how to live respectively and communicate with the people around you is a necessity. Parties are fun but DO NOT go overboard. Many freshman drop out the first year of college and your future self has seen this several times. Maintaing an equilibrium between school and social time is important. Find a niche of good friends who influence you in a positive way. GET SLEEP! Save a small amount of time to exercize everyday or at least a few times a week. College life is not necessarily a healthy one so this is important. Join a bunch of clubs they are helpful for making friends and pursuing your different interests. Above all have fun with the new found freedom... it's great!!

Leidy

The advice I would give to myself if I could go back in time to being a High School senior. I would definitely tell myself to become more independent and start learning how to drive early. Get my license and a job to know what responsility is all about. I would also tell myself to enjoy but also stay focused on the right stuff and stay in the right path at all times. Save my money as much as possible because it is very important to be financially stable and to get an education. Apply for scholarships and search around as much as possible. Acknowledge education is very imortant and take it very seriously. Realize how important family is and that friends will not always be there but that they will come and go as you go through life. Love yourself and stay focused on the goals that are set.

Sara

I would tell myself that college is more than just an educational experience it is a life experience that can shape the kind of person you've always wanted to be.

Rahul

When you get to college, don't close yourself up. Some peope tend to do that due to their shyness or lack of self confidence. College is all about experimenting and trying new things and build your character. Meet as many people as you can, build a group where you fit in, and some of those friends will turn out to be life long buddies. As for focusing on school, stay on top of school and you will have an amazing time. Its like "word hard, play harder. " At college, you will meet people with different views on life, respect their beliefs. You may disagree with them, but stil respect from where they come from. It will help you understand the social behavior of the community. Be a lover, not a fighter. You are in college, do not involve in any kind of physical argument. If someone disrespects you, just ignore it. You are starting a new life, you have a fresh start, work hard, have a competitive GPA and devote yourself with your hobbies. College will be a tremendous journey, regardless of where you go,. College is the great way to build a limitless potential for your future.

Serena

Your first year of college is the best year; do not miss out on any of it. Experience the amazing social life that living on campus has to offer, but remember to study hard as well. If you can learn to balance schoolwork and social life, college will be very enjoyable for you and your parents. Fimd out what classes to take early on so that you will not have to worry about being behind in your major. Take language and physical education classes; they may not be fun in high school, but in college, it is how you make a wide variety of friends. Use all of the amenities that the school offers, this might be the only time that the gym is free and the library is large. Explore the campus, early and often. Experience and try new things. You have four years to create a lifetime of memories.

Adam

Make as many friends as possible, take advantage of more extra-curricular activities such as; sailing and on-campus sports. Avoid taking classes that have no value ( I took a History of Dinosaurs class and a Beatles music class - These classes were fun but i probably should have more practicle courses such as computer programming.

Leticia

If you're going to go to a four year university out of high school take all general education courses. Don't assume you have a strict plan. Pick a path but make sure to leave room for electives. In terms of classes, don't take all hard science and math courses in one quarter. Spread out the difficulty across the year. More importantly go to every class. No one is there making you go but you are paying a lot of money to take the classes. Make plenty of friends not only in the dorms, but on the athletic team and classes as well. Studying in a group is more effective than being alone. Athletics are great but make sure you have a back up plan for your future. Create a schedule, make time for class, homework, and fun. Create contingencies; make sure all school work is done before doing anything fun on the weekend. Most of all have fun, it's the best four years of your life.

Ariana

To always study, and not put things off until the last minute