University of Maryland-College Park Top Questions

I would tell myself to not screw around in high school and to actually prepare for college. The transition to college would have been much easier if I started making study habits in ninth grade rather than twelfth grade.

Go to college right after high school even if you don't want to. You will have a better career sooner if you go to college right after high school, instead of waiting or taking time off school to work. At college you don't only get to meet new people and make more career connections, but you also learn life lessons and get better educated for the business world and the politics that come with working for big companies.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to stay home. I moved out right after I graduated even though I did not have to. I would tell myself to save every penny that you could. College is a lot easier when you don’t have to work full time and when you don’t have to live paycheck to paycheck. Saving money would also help with the decline in the economy we are experiencing. I would also tell myself how good it feels to earn A’s and that when given the opportunity to join the Phi Theta Kappa Honor society to jump at it and be proud of it. Most of all I would them me to work and study hard but to remember to have a little fun and spend time with your sister before she leaves for war. Most importantly, love yourself.

Don't be so afraid of everyone. There are thousands upon thousands of students attending the university. So, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make friends. Don't feel out of place because you aren't the only one who isn't sure about what career they want to pursue after college. Not everyone knows exactly what they want to do, and not everyone sticks to the same major that they chose when they first enter. If you want to change your major, don't feel ashamed. It is important that you study what you want to study, not what you think is best for you to study because it is what you started with. Be honest with yourself about what you want. Enjoy your freshman and sophomore years; go to different events and try several extracurricular activities. Manage your time better so that you can plan fun outings in order to decrease stress and take breaks from your work.

Stop caring what everyone around you thinks. No one in college cares if you wear your pajamas to the dining hall. Believe in yourself and do not be afraid to participate in class discussions. Let go of the details that you worry about all the time and focus on the big picture. Soon the details will seem insignificant because you do not have time to worry about them anymore. Go to the gym as much as possible; you will feel better about yourself and it's located so close to your dorm. Be open and outgoing; it's the only way to make friends at such a huge school. Brace yourself for criticism about your writing. It will help you later. Just remember, above all things, to have fun and enjoy the ride.

I didn't do my bachelor degree at U of Maryland, instead I went to do summer internship over there. That is a great place to study! Quite environment and sunshine. There is a little bar near the school where you can chill out after long hours of schoolwork. Since I am international student, I encourage all of you guys to go abroad, either by getting a school, doing exchange, or summer working. It is really fun to learn diverse people and cultures. Get a lot of friends from around the world. Explore yourself, explore the world!

American University is way too expensive so choose University of Maryland instead! College is expensive and you need to always be on the lookout for scholarships and jobs. You will have those days that you feel like you don't know anyone or have any friends here but they will pass. There are some great people and experiences that are just waiting to be found and you will be truly happy with your decision! Always keep your head up and keep trying your best!

I would advise myself to really focus on the financials of college and regard other elements of choosing college as secondary. College is expensive and in my experience, often times high school counselors do not really portray how difficult it can be to obtain the necessary funds if you are not from a very wealthy family. Even if you think you have great grades and rank the top of your class you may find yourself transferring from one school to the next and working yourself to the bone to make ends meet if you do not have the necessary money to attend the school of your choosing. If I could do it all over, I would focus on applying to instate schools only by the priority deadlines so I would be considered for the maximum amount of scholarships and financial aid so that I could have spent more time enjoying college and less time trying to pay for it.

Enjoy what you have now as much as you can no matter how much you wish to be living in the future because you will never be what you are now, a high school senior. Be thankful for the people and things you are surrounded by right now. Don't be waiting for time to pass. Whether you like it or not, time is passing. Whatever you are waiting for will eventually come so stop waiting and live. Do not think, "I'll relax after I finish my college applications are done," "I will be happy when the colleges reply to my applications," "I cannot wait until graduation!" , and "I want to be in college now!" Don't delay feeling happy or enjoying life. Enjoy every passing moment. You have not experienced college but soon will, so embrace your youthful mentality and innocence by experiencing moments through them. Be able to appreciate the thoughts that form in your mind with the experiences you had so far because you will never be able to think in the exact same manner as you gain more life experience.

If I could go back to when I was a senior in high school, I would have to advise my past self that college is a completely different sphere of education and social culture. Considering that I do go to the Univeristy of Maryland, I would urge my past self to understand the importance of office hours and meeting professors, because ultimately if one has an amiable relationship with their professor it is easier to require recommendation letters for scholarships or possible internships. Also, having a good relationship with a proffessor, allows a student to gain important advice. Furthermore, if I could speak with my past self I would stress the importance of organization. Organization is a key element in succeeding in college; with a vast amount of syllabi given out, it is important to note the dates of tests and homework assignments. Finally, if I could, I would tell myself to have fun. College is short and although grades are important it is also key to join atleast one club. Joining a club or an organization not only helps on a resume but also allows a big campus to shrink. The more people you know the cozier the environment.