University of Illinois at Chicago Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there is one important thing I would tell myself: Don't forget to make time for you. I've always been hard on myself. Academics have always been important to me. I push myself to excell, and sometimes I have a hard time accepting that imperfection is okay. My first two years of college, I struggled to commit to anything unrelated to academics. I spent many weekends in my room studying. Though I have many friends, I struggled to find time to see them. I had a 4.0 at the end of my sophomore year, and I promised myself I would be involved the next year. A truly successful college student succeeds when they have many responsibilties and somehow prioritize. I joined UIC's cheerleading team my Junior year. We practice twelve hours a week in addition to games and events. I am currently still holding onto my 4.0. I proved to myself that it is possible. I am happier than I've ever been. I would tell myself that academics are important, but so is your happiness. Make time for you.

Don't expect to find life long friends during the first few days of college. More often than not, you'll never talk to the people you talked to during the first week ever again. Be open to meeting new people and take every opportunity to make new friends. Be patient and everything will fall into place.

I would give myself the advice that i should explore all my options when it comes to choosing my major and University. I would encourgae myself to apply to schools that have high requirements and may seem tough to get into, because when i was applying to universities i always thought applying to IVY league schools would mean my chances are slim. But i have learnt that selection processes vary from school to school and all ambitious students should apply everywhere. Also to research into the major to make sure that is what you want to do for the rest of your life. For some people a topic of interest seems like the perfect choice but i personally think that an individual should test his/her own strenghts in other fields too so that they may draw a comparison and be very sure of what they want to pursue.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to get excited it is a brand new fresh start. This is the time where you stop being shy and meet a diverse amount of people. College is filled with interesting and talented people, and it would be a shame if you did not get to meet them. Try to get involved the summer before your first semester. You will get a head start on knowing the campus, meeting falulty, and meeting new people. The connections you make there will make your first semester of college and enjoyable one. Sure it may seem scary at first to enter this new stage of your life, but don't worry there are so many programs that can help make your transition easy. Do your research on the school and see what they have to offer. Try to find a support program like TRIO, Urban Health Care, or even counseling. If that does not interest you look into clubs and organizations that you can get involved in right away. Just remeber these key points: it isn't as scary as you think, get involved, and learn how to manage your time wisely.

The advice that I would give to myself as a high school senior is to enjoy the college experience. The four years go by fast and if you don't take advantage of all of the opportunities and resources available to you, you may end up regretting it after you graduate. I would tell myself to be more open-minded and make time to interact more with my teachers and peers. I would get more involved with the efforts of the University I attend. I would really strive to be a bigger and louder voice on campus and help other students appreciate the great opportunity we were given to further our education. I would also tell myself to not stress out too much about figuring out what my major is until well into my sophmore year--my interests will be more defined and the prior experiences will help me to understand what I am truly destined to do. Ultimately, I would tell myself to go to the school my heart is set on. I would tell myself it is okay to move far away from home. My life will be home when I finish my degree.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now, I would tell myself not to worry. The transition between high school and college is not as hard as many high school teachers make it seem. My career choice isn't as easy as one would think; I would tell myself to be truly dedicated and to put my all into everything that I do. College is a lot of work, but it can also be very fun. Being a college student means having the freedom to be on your own, whether you're living at home or not, but you have to use that freedom wisely because you can't run for help anymore. You need to learn to prioritize, get serious, do your work, but you also need to know when to step back and relax. The stress from school can be overwhelming, so never take on more than you handle.

Looking back at high school I can picture the tan brick walls and white tile floors and I think to myself…if I had only known what I know now; things would have been much easier and I would have focused on different aspects of life. If I had only known that being myself was the answer to everything. There are many other things to pour my energy into that would help my future forever. Confidence is the key to everything. I would look back and tell myself: if you believe in whom you are and you believe that you can accomplish anything, no one can get in your way. It all comes down to being comfortable in your own skin and believing in what you are capable of doing. I would tell myself not to settle with things just because my friends are doing it. Do things because you want to do them. If I had understood that then, then I would have put more emphasis in finding out what I wanted to do in life and I would have worked on those things that truly interest me. Luckily, it’s not too late, I can still do that!

Some advice I would give myself is to actively look information up and apply early. You never know what scholarships you will find if you look early. If you have questions on certain information, always ask college advisors or look it up. You would rather be crystal clear on information than hazy. Apply early to many different scholarships, so you will have a better chance. Also do not wait to apply to different schools. That way you will have many options when you definitely have to choose a school. You will make plenty of new friends and have new ambitions. Don't be afraid of the changes that will happen. I know its hard to let go o the past you knew but their are bigger and better things ahead. Do not get distracted by the pettyness of high school. There will be likeminded individuals who will get your vision. Do not get discouraged, many people will tell you who to be and what you do, but you are capable. You can do this. Be a new you and find your passions.

I would tell myself to always always plan ahead and never procrastinate. Procrastination is every college students habit and is hard to get rid of so never do it. I would also tell myself that if I have any questions about the material to always reach out to a proffessor or TA and get help. Do not be afraid to speak up during class discussions because even though it is a large school, every one is kind and listens. But most importantly, always remember that even though college life is tough and your social life may stink that you are there to accomplish your dreams and that you are priviledged to be learning something that you did not know the day before. An education is a luxury. Remember that.

If I could back in time, I would have to go back to the end of my junior year. I took online classes to graduate a year early from high school and to attend college. I would go back and tell myself to take my time and enjoy my senior year. Use this time to learn as much as possible, take an AP course, participate in gymnastics, hang out with my friends and be a kid. Life is so much easier when you live at home. I went to college too early and it was more challenging than I had anticipated. I struggled and had to seek out academic help. I did not live at home and my family was too far to help me. Although I survived, it was a big lesson learned. I would tell myself to use my senior year in high school to develop more academic knowledge, study skills and maturity.