University of Illinois at Chicago Top Questions

I would tell myself that money isn't everything, and I could've gone to a different school if I wanted but I chose the financially responsible route by going to UIC as I am paying for college myself. I am happy at UIC after joining a sorority and intermural soccer league. College is what you make of it--it will be fun and rewarding if you make it fun and rewarding. I would remind my senior self not to let friends pressure me into picking a school and to make the most of the next four years.

Any conversation I had with myself as far as advice before college would have probably been as a result of conversations with my mother or grown sisters about what to expect and what not to expect. They told me not to be too hard or too easy on myself and take every opportunity that comes your way. I would also very much advise students to tour the campus early, pick a dorm and put a deposit down early. If you are happy with where you live, that is half the battle in your academic success.

If I went back in time, when I was considering going to college in Chicago, I would have given myself complete faith and the go-ahead to take the challenge and go to University of Illinois at Chicago. I am very glad that I decided not to go to college in Iowa. Living in a diverse, urban setting has allowed me to find myself and what I truly value in life. I had no doubts that I would ever not go to college, but I always had doubts on what kind of college experience I would want. I think that I have made the right choice and I plan on contributing back to my college community and spread the word on how much beneficial transformations I have made by going to UIC,

The best advice I would give myself is to take time when deciding on school. In my experience, I know many people (myself included) who chose schools for the wrong reasons. There is no shame in waiting to discover what will be the right fit for you. Don't slack off though. While you decide what school and major is right for you, go to a community college or cheap state school so that you don't waste time or money. Then when or if you transfer you will still be able to graduate on time and with people your own age. Rushing, or making a hasteful decision can cost time and money, as it did in my situation. I also feel that if I had done more research I might have found a school best suited for me the first time and I wouldn't need to transfer. Learning as much about possible school chioces is a great tool in deciding which school to attend. Also, visit a school atleast once before you make your final decision. I feel that if I had known this and resisted the pressure to go right away, I'd have a better experience.

If I could go back in time as a high school senior, the advice I would tell myself is to apply for many more scholarships and to start preparing to live independently on campus as early as possible. With these two changes being made, I am confident that my life would be so much easier. I was having troubles getting settled in on campus because of some financial problems. By me living in family housing (apartment style), I am not able to eat in the cafeteria which means I have to supply my own food. This sometimes become a problem because some days I find myself two seconds away from stavation and it is not a good feeling. When I moved in on campus I did not have the materials I needed to supply for my house. Some days we went without tissue and soap which brought tears to my eyes. It was impossible for me to move from a room to a house without needing any supplies. By me applying to more scholarships and preparing for the college life earlier would have been very helpful not only to me, but to my daughter also.

I would do it just the way I am doing it. The Culinary Arts are my passion. I am learning so much every day. And there is so much to learn. From enhancing an existing vocabulary...the terms mean so much more to me now...to sampling and tasting...meeting new friends...The teachers are so cool...They express their own experiences...Studying to become a chef is so very fascinating...The best advice I can give myself is 'persevere. Keep on trying...Don't let obstacles discourage you. Tell others...better yet...tell the world...We have an internet at for our communications use...So use it to our fullest...Study...Study...Study...Just how much can one learn? That would be difficult to decipher...Even the sky isn't the limit...There are no bounds...The Culinary Arts allow a well rounded education from the arts themselves...in great detail...to seminars...additional electives to increase vocabulary...along with internet and communication skills...I went into the workforce with my Associates degree ...I suppose with a little hindsight...I wish I'd approached my true passion...the Culinary Arts...a few years sooner.

Obrian try your best to get a scholarship because its gonna be hard when you complete high school. Browse for scholarships on the net and for colleges too. I love you and don't forget nothing beat a failure than a try. You will make it and it doesnm't matter how long its gonna take.

I would tell myself to get involved early and in as much as my schedule will allow because making friends will make college life easier. Also, I would tell myself not to be afraid of speaking to my professors because they are there to help. In regards to my major and life afterwards, I would tell myself that I should speak to an advisor to help me pick out my classes and to schedule an appointment with the physical therapy advisor so I know what needs to be done in order to be ready for graduate school. Finally, I would tell myself to relax and have some fun because college life is going to be really hard if all that I do is study.

Based on my experience, I would yell ?WAKE UP!!! And get your head in the game, girl! Advancing in life, knowing what?s ahead is fun! Let?s get this done!? I would first advise a program such as Americorps NCCC to myself (or any other high school graduate) in order to gain experience and future financial aid. After a term of service or two, I would then recommend attending a community college (registering only for basic, transferable courses) prior to attending a four year university in order to save money and boost my GPA. While attending the two year college and maintaining >3.5 GPA, I would recommend researching environmental programs at 4 yr universities paying attention to tuition, location, research and field work opportunities. Upon transferring and entering a program at chosen university, I would stress getting involved in a lab associated with the department. Above all, I would emphasize maintaining a >3.0 GPA weather or not one is planning on attending grad school (you never know) and getting involved in the field ASAP!

The advice that I will give myself is focus on my major in college and the school that I want to transfer to.