University of Georgia Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Georgia know before they start?

JENNIFER

One piece advice I would give to a high school senior is to take an internship before diving into a field of study. My career perspective came to a halt when become a doctor's assistant. I was new graduate with a bachelor's degree in business management. I was a mere assistant; young, optimistic and wanted to explore a different work environment, without prior expectations or intentions of going into the medical field. The learning experience lead me to develop a new passion. It was not until a special encounter with a particular patient, did I then realize my lack of medical knowledge wasn't of any true help in the office. I might have not been equipped with enough medical knowledge but the compassion we shared have opened my perspective to a true urgency to wanting to learn how to become impactful in someone's life. Going back to school to pursue a nursing degree will allow me to achieve greater medical understanding, in hopes to one day assist with answers. Furthermore, I'm grateful for my experiences but I wished that I had prior experience during college so I could clearly see the best career path.

Lexi

If I went back in time to my senior year I tell my self to use all the resources that they have on campus like tutoring and the library.Always plan ahead and get a study group going in a class that is a challenge for you. If you have a question don't be afraid to ask. I also think that its a good idea to get to know your professers becasue they like that you care abour there calss. Its also good to stay organized so you know where everything is at. Its also good not to over load your self such as if you are a full time student and also working make sure you have enough time to study becasue school is more important then work but its also good to have money. If you fell like you might be falling a class sure you know to withdrawl form is so you don't fail and your GPA doesn't go down. Its really good to take a summer calss just to keep in the routine of school. I fell like if i knew this my senior year in high school I would be farther.

Daniel

I would inform myself to pursue all oppurtunities to gain new experiences. What makes college so important to one's life is the acquisition of experiences which an individual can take with them as they tackle increasingly difficult hurdles through existence. I'd tell myself to experience all that I can, because you will come to regret things you decided to skip out on because they might be socially awkward. Along with gaining experiences, I'd advise myself to spend less time closed up in the world my ipod heaphones create and more time chatting with new individuals at bus stops as well as in dining halls. The University of Georgia is huge, there is something going on every night, and, if you aren't studying, go find an event to attend. Every second you grow older and there's no reason you should be 45 and look back on your college years with regret.

Taylor

Create a plan. Be completely sure of the path that you want to take. For almost ten years you have been dreaming of becoming a physical therapist. Now you have the opportunity to go to the Universtiy of Georgia. Explore the majors that will lead you toward that ultimate goal. Investigate what classes are required before you can apply for the major and eliminate as many core classes as you can with your AP exams. Having a plan going into college will make your class schedule less hectic. There are many people who think of the college experience as a big party all the time, but after completing my first semester, you will find that there are more people who are focusing on their academics. Stay focused on your school work because with cheerleading your schedule will get chaotic. Plan ahead and be sure to have all of your events organized. But most importantly, be yourself. Don't abandon who you are and where you have been. But seize the opportunity to meet new friends, make unforgettable memories, and enjoy the four years that you have in Athens. Have fun!

Daniel

Daniel, you have done very well in high school and have managed your time to include Varsity Lacrosse and Basketball, clubs, community service, and church activities. Your study habits have been pretty good, but mostly you have gotten by on your intellectual ability. It is important that you hone your study habits and learn how to study smarter. You need to learn how to set aside distractions and concentrate on your studies. Take advantage of tutoring opportunities and study each day as you go along. Do not wait until test time to cram. As you get to college, build relationships with your peers, teaching assistants and professors. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Seek out your professor during office hours and ask for assistance. Surround yourself with positive peers and make sure you live in an environment that is conducive to your values and your ability to focus on academics. If your living environment is not conducive to study, find that quiet place where you can get away from distractions. Most importantly, always look forward with your end goal in mind, taking advantage of every opportunity to better yourself and the world around you every day.

Aizhya

Dear Aizhya,

Chelsea

Hang on to Jesus and pray. God is so much bigger and more powerful than any situation that happens in high school. I know there has been a lot of heartbreak and betrayal, but God is the only constant through it all. While I know tomorrow seems hopeless and the darkness seems endless, there is light and He is Jesus. Even though everyone else has walked away, God is the One walking beside you in the hallway and giving you strength to get those good grades. Work hard, pray continuously, and love others, especially Jesus and the lost or ignored. When people think of you later in life, make sure it'll be a smile instead of a frown. You know what it feels like to feel lonely and harassed; reach out and make sure no one will remember you as the one who initiated it. Stand up for what's right, be loyal, and always smile. We have an eternal promise that is not dependent on the circumstances in life or the bad or good choices we make. Find God's beauty, promise, and love in all that you see. That will give you joy when nothing else will.

Zoe

The number one thing I would want to tell my high school self is that things will get better. All the hardships and bullying no longer matter after you leave those doors for the last time. Surviving high school can be one of the hardest things you'll ever endure but as long as you're successful in your high school endeveors everything will come together in the future. The only thing you need in high school is self confidence and strength. Don't be afraid of the future or the past, as long as you make everyday count your future will come together exactly how you want it to. The voices and memories of high school still haunt me, but they made me who I am, and for that I am grateful. Surviving the hardships of high school will make you a better person, that's one thing you dont have to worry about.

Emily

Knowing what I know now about college, I would tell myself to learn effective study habits. I would also tell myself to not let distractions get in the way of my school work. One thing I regret about my first semester at the University of Georgia is that I did not put myself out there more. I am a member of a sorority, but I am not as talkative with others as I told myself I would be once I got to college. I also regret not studying more for some of my classes, and not teaching myself valuable study habits. I wish I had better researched some of my professors, because I might have had a better first semester. Also, I wish I could tell myself to go into college with an Undecided major. After changing my major three times within the first semester, I learned that I am still finding myself, but that's okay. I would tell myself that by going to college, I would discover would I was supposed to be for the rest of my life, and that it's okay not to have everything figured out right away.

Shubam

Dear "High School Me," Looking back at senior year, I now realize what exactly I should have done differently. Above all, I would tell you to apply for more scholarships and really dig into the vast array of opportunities offered all over. There are so many scholarships available and so many cool internships, summer programs, etc that you should have participated in. And these programs, although academically focused, seem to provide a lot more than just some more book knowledge; they give you a chance to learn some hands-on knowledge and really dive into your interested field head first. I would also advise you to really chase after your passion of cooking and baking so much more because of the fact that you have much more time in the high school days than college to really pursue it. With your free time, learn how to make some cool dishes, and even create some of your own recipes. I would even tell you to perfect a dish and find a food contest and enter! Above all, however, you should remember that life goes on no matter what. Never give up and keep your dreams alive, always.