University of Georgia Top Questions

Study. High school is nothing more than the gateway to a good college. A good college translates into strong academics, rigorous coursework, real life experiences, and networking within your field. Right now, I know the social scene of high school is all consuming, your friends and boyfriend seem significantly more interesting than your AP English homework. But trust me, in five years, your social rankings at Northgate High will be more irrelevant than you can possibly imagine. You will realize your relaxed academic approach of simply getting by is detrimental. College professors will not hold your hand, they will not collect your homework, and they will not have sympathy for a poor score. Begin holding yourself accountable today because, ultimately, no one else will. You are the maker of your future. No one will lose sleep at night if you are unable to accomplish your goals, if you continue having a relaxed approach to your schoolwork and life. No one will lose sleep except yourself. Start today. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Get a good nights sleep, hit the books harder, and start holding yourself accountable. Trust me, you'll be better for it.

If I could go back in time and give my high school self advice about college I think I would tell myself to make sure I get involved and to try to come out of my shell a little. I would tell myself that there are so many ways to get out there and meet new people that like the same things you do, you just have to take advantage of them. I would also tell myself that professors may seem big and scary but they are not people you can afford to be afraid of and that if you are having trouble in a class, go to the professor's office hours and have them help you. Even just reviewing your exams and seeing what you did wrong with your professor may prevent you from having to take Accounting I twice.

Don't be shy. Don't shrink into yourself. Abide by the holy words: A life lived in fear is a life half lived. I have done that, and my half lived life is twice as amazing as I ever thought I'd have. Watch Dead Poet's Society and promise yourself you will Carpe Diem. Watch Doctor Who and promise yourself you will run. Watch Fight Club and know that this is your life and it is ending one minute at a time. Then stop watching and start doing. Nothing but fear will hold you back.

Specifically, I would tell myself to not take too many classes in the first semester. I would also order myself not to ever neglect calculus homework. Instead of waiting until October to apply for a job at one of the food service locations, apply as soon as you get there; it will instill a work ethic in you, and the cash isn't bad.

Dear high school Alexandra, College is tough, but you are making it work right now. Before applying to all the big name universities in all states of the US, don't forget about the small ones around you that won't cost as much money but will still get you a great education. Also, make sure you apply early so you get major scholarship opportunities. You know how you are in all the major, hard classes in high school and you get A's on every single test with barely any studying at all? Well here in college, think again. Start preparing yourself to study and read every night and work hard to get an A in the class. It won't come to you as easy or naturally as it does now, so appreciate that. One last thing, enjoy your time in high school, you won't get it back. Enjoy all those moments with your friends and classmates and the last days before graduation. College is you against the world, and you are all on your own. Good luck!

I think the biggest concern I had as a freshmen coming into college was making friends. I've always been a little anxious when it comes to the social aspects of my life. As a child, I was always a little overweight, so being teased every other day come common to me. At the age of 12, my family and I moved to Toronto, and two years later we immigrated to the United States. These are the factors which created an anxiety in making friends in new places for myself. So, when I began college, I was awfully concerned on whether or not I would fit in, who my classmates would be, and if I would make a strong friend group. At 23 years old now, I would tell that 18 year old to not worry about that. Friendships occur naturally to decent people. Without even knowing it, I've created friends that have been with me through thick and thin, and that I still continue to stay in touch with. Also, friends aren't everything. They are just a part in the wonderful experience that is a higher learning education. That is the advice I would give to myself.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to keep persevering- the people that told you that high school will be the best four years of your life are not only sadly mistaken, but probably very bitter people. College, and more importantly- life, await. You will no longer have to ask permission to use the restroom or be excused from class, but with the tremendous freedom comes responsibility. Prepare yourself and be happy that you have made it this far. Many people in the world cannot say that they have recieved over 12 years of education, so be grateful that through the good and bad days, you have recieved this luxury. Don't forget to thank your parents for their back-breaking effort to bring you to the United States, and last but not least- please study for that AP Government exam. A credit for that would have been perfect.

If I could go back in time to talk to my former high school self, I would tell her to take AP Statistics. I would also tell her that life in college is going to be very different. Parents are not there to tell students to go to class so I would advise her to never skip a class unless it is an emergency, because the more you skip, the easier it is to not go to class more and more. I would also tell her to not be shy on the first day of classes. It is a big school and she won't be the only one looking for friends, so reach out and meet people. I would also tell her to join as many student organizations as possible that involve her major and maybe even some random ones because that is the best way to get involved with her school as well as the best way to meet new people.

Give yourself some breathing room. Don't register for so many classes, and study hard for the select few that you do register for. Also, find a way to get into more extra curricular activities. If you get hired to work at one of the food courts, try talking with your co-workers a bit more.

Breathe. College is going to be the best four years of your life, but also the hardest four years. You will meet people that will change your life in ways that you cannot even imagine. Some days you will want to quit and throw in the towel then you will remember why you are here in the first place. School will overtake your life but that's ok, its suppose to. Teachers will become your coaches and friends will become your family. In order to succeed you must be willingly to give up nights of partying for nights at the library. Life will throw you curve balls during these four years and you will learn to throw them right back, even harder. Do not procrastinate, this will lead you nowhere except to failure. Try your hardest, speak up and do not fall into temptation. College is not for everyone, but it is going to change your life and your future.