University of Florida Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life, I would advise myself better than any high school guidance counselor could have ever done. Although I am very happy with my college choice there are so many other aspects about college that I would strongly consider other than prestige, extracurricular activities, climate and location. I would consider: class ratio, financial aid packages, dorm room information, cost of tuition, diversity of the professors, how to choose a major, and a host of other college insiders. This invaluable information would have definitely prepared me more for college life. Below is some of the information that I would have strongly considered when choosing a college: 1.Class ratio: What is the student to professor ratio? 2.Financial Aid Packages: Does the college renege on offered scholarships? 3.Dorm Room Information: How comfortable are the dorm rooms? 4.Cost of Tuition: How much more does it cost for a nonresident student? 5.Diversity of Professors: Am I likely to be taught by a professor who is a minority? 6.Choosing a major: What are my academic strengths and weaknesses?

Study harder and stay focus. Don'r procrastinate. Cherish every moment and make the best of the present because time is short.

I would tell myself not to sweat the small stuff and to enjoy every moment for what it is.

I would definitely tell myself to turn in the financial application early! Participate in dual enrollment to get more college credit. Learn a new language besides Spanish.

I would tell myself to be prepared to change. College is a dynamic experience, and it's impossible to fully reach your own potential unless you are ready to venture outside your comfort zone. I would reassure myself that while preserving my own identity is important, it's also important that I look to the world around me, the campus as a representative microcosm of many ideas, and try to incoporate other habits and beliefs into my own personal tradition. I would advise myself to be unafraid of living with other people just because of the stereotypes I have of college girls. There is a place for everyone on a college campus; no one needs to be alone--there are always people who share your own convictions. Sharing an apartment with others can be one of the most opening experiences, dealing with others' habits first hand and on a daily basis.

The b est advice that I could give myself beforehand would be to take advantage of all the great resources and events that UF has to offer. There are numerous workshops and socials to help students fit in and get involved with the campus community. In doing this, you meet people from different backgrounds and learn things that you normally never would have. Also, UF provides a lot of resources whether it's labs for scientific research to our many libraries for purposes of study.

If there is one thing that I have learned throughout my collegiate career, it is the value of being independent. Intellect alone can carry one forward, but as it is college, one's education is in a constant state of flux and rarely do they possess enough intelligence to avoid hard work. The most important advice I could give to my high school senior self, and to any student in general, is to learn how to learn. This alone is the ticket to all academic success. Determination and resourcefulness are key. The ability to learn is a subtle and very much underappreciated talent, yet one that can prove invaluable to any scholastic endeavor and make even the most unattainable goals attainable.

Take an easy first semester. Make a lot of friends at first and close friends quickly. Do NOT get into long relationships first year. Make friends in advising and with the deans. find study groups ASAP. Do not be afraid to ask for help, people will help you. Go out more and don't be afraid to spend a little money.

Take the summer before College to get to know yourself and who your real friends are. Don't get too upset when you find the classes are much harder than High School ever was. You are going to great, just don't get distracted from school with your new freedome and stay focused. Here are work is the only way to succeed. Congratualtions and Go Gators!

Study hard and enjoy your time in college.