University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

If I had the option to go back in time and give myself advice about college, I would tell myself that there is a place for everyone at each college. Despite the many beliefs, it is likely that finding a group is easier than expected. As for roommates, I would tell myself not to expect to be best friends with my roommate or that getting along all the time isn't necessary. The key to being a good roommate is to be considerate and communicating problems before they get too out of hand. I would remind myself that the most important aspect of college is the education and the opportunities it gives. Staying on top of school work and taking advantage of everything I can is one thing I wish I had done differently my first semester. Another thing I would tell myself is that balance is the key. Getting the right amount of sleep and eating well is such an important key to staying healthy at college. Overall I would tell myself that sometimes first choices aren't the best ones, but eventually life will settle in around you.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to spend more time researching the school. As happy as I am I went to Umass, and I wouldn't have gone anywhere else, I don't feel I put in enough effort researching the possible majors, in order to prepare myself for what my future would unfold. I graduated with a degree in Communication, and although it helped prepare my analytical and critical thinking skills for now, I've since switched to the Human Service field. When it comes to transitioning to college, its really quite hard to prepare yourself for that. Regardless of how many people you know who went before you, who told you what to expect and what to bring, what classes to take and how to make the right group of friends, the experience is unique to you and you alone. I remember being so nervous the first day, month and semester overall, but being as shy as I was, I think I adjusted just fine and just kept telling myself this is where I'll be for the next four years.

If I could go back in time and talk to me as a senior in high school I would tell me that you dont have all the time in the world. Don't be so hard headed, just because you think you are going to get all the money you can because your mother doesnt work. It is not all that easy, you'r going to have forms to fill out, deadlines to match. If you dont reach those deadlines you won't get all the money you can get. First come first serve. Pay more attention and write things down because when you decide to take that year off, it will be your biggest mistake of all.

Get Involved would be the advice that I would give to any high school senior. Joining the marching band at UMass Amherst was the best decision of my life. I have made, what I hope to be, life-long friends throught this organization and it is the single-most amazing experience of my life. It has made me more independent and has given me the opportunity to travel across the country and to another continent to visit Ireland. However, as far as giving myself advice...I wouldn't. I have definitely made mistakes in my time at college, and I have suffered great tragedies, but those mistakes have helped to shape me into the independent, intelligent, and loving person that I am today. There were times when I absolutely hated my life, but those moments make me appreciate and understand how important life and love is. The most important thing to me is living a healthy and happy life, and hopefully having a beautiful family someday. If I had to give myself advise it would be that only I know what is right for me, and trust myself. Life isn't worth living if you aren't happy. =)

If i could go back in time and give any advice, i would tell myself the ways in which to help me study for exams. Also, i would let myself know the ways of managing time between schoolwork, my jobs and being on the cheerleading team at umass. Before going to college i did not realize that its not just about meeting people but having a college education is really important in life. Every single class is worth your time and money invested in your life that one will carry with them when they graduate. College is a time of fun, but its also a time to really start from scratch and find true self in who you really are and how you want to start the rest of your life. Graduating high school is the first step of success but anyone is capable of doing anything if they are dedicated , hard working, and motivated to make the best out of college.

If I knew what I know now, I'd suggest that I go to UMass-Amherst earlier and not waste three years thinking it's a huge diploma factory or for plebians. I'd also suggest that to really succeed in college, find a good bunch of friends to stick with and avoid the drama. Don't go for the scene, find people who you want to stick with. Don't worry about what other people think, this isn't high school. You're allowed to figure out what kind of person you want to be, not what others want you to be. Live, get out, do your work.

The best advice I can give to any high school senior would be simply this; work first, play later, and make good decisions. If college students get their work done as soon as possible they will never have to do an all-nighter, and once they get the work done, it?s easier to relax, there is no little voice in the back of your head telling you ?We have that 10 page bio lab due Monday.? That voice is seldom ever pleasant. As for the partying, which nearly all college students will partake in, I highly recommend that they avoid ?Thirsty Thursday?s? simply because professors take note of who attends those dreadful early morning classes on Friday, and this a perfect way to get on their good side. My last piece of advice is to not go out and party every weekend, simply because of how detrimental it is to their health and negatively it affects academics. People who go to college for partying seldom make it out of their freshman years. Enjoy college, enjoy the opportunities, the new friends, and most of all, enjoy the freedom.

If I could go back in high school and give myself some advice, I would tell myself not to be afraid. As a high school junior and senior, researching colleges, going on tours and planning for my future was one of the most terrifying and anxious periods of my life. With the UMass Amherst being the major public university in my home state, it was natural for many of my peers to move from high school to attend the school in Amherst. I reluctantly applied with no intentions of attending. As response letters came to me from some of my college choices, I was noticing a disheartening pattern. Through the rejections and deferrals, it was clear that I needed to reevaluate the UMass Amherst option. The past two years in the Isenberg School of Management of UMass Amherst have been the best years of my life. The UMass community is one that I never thought I could possibly feel a part of and I now admit that I was quite mistaken. I wish I had known in high school that I had nothing to be afraid of. UMass Amherst is where I have always belonged.

When I was applying to college during my senior year of high school I did not put a ton of thought into what schools I wanted to apply to before hand. I began the college search process late and applied to some schools without seeing them or knowing much about them. Some of the schools I decided to apply to simply because I thought I would like them or I knew people applying there. This was not only a waste of time but also a waste of money, considering I was able to eliminate some schools before I even heard back from them. This is all part of time management which is key in college. Learn to manage your time wisely because unlike high school there seems to be a lot more "free time" in college. After completing my first semester I have realized that I should use this time more effectively instead of waiting until last minute to do everything. Going into my second semester I have learned that using the "free time" to get work done and not procrastinating makes life a lot less stressful, which will definitely help with the transition process.

Many high school seniors become rapped up in the idea of popularity. Now being a college student I am not afraid to admit that I was one of them. Looking back on my high school years I wish I could tell myself to branch out of my standard group of friends. Yeah playing sports, talking to boys, sitting at the ?popular table?, and having pictures of every social event was fun, but what I was missing was the ability to find myself. Being in college I have learned a lot about myself that I did not know in high school. For example, I have learned that I am a very shy person when it comes to meeting new people. In high school I always stuck to my group of friends that I had known since preschool not allowing me to interact with others in my grade. While in college I have learned that by putting yourself out there and getting involved in activities that you normally would not will help you make a variety of friends and discover different hobbies of interest.