University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

If I were to go back in time and confront the person I was back in high school, I would tell myself lessons of life that I tend to forget and should always remember for the future. One should stay Flexible with others and their ideas or ways of living; their motives should be considered and possibly makes oneself's ideas broaden to greater horizons. At the same time, not all ideas are positive and one should recall on knowing what actions are right and wrong. Confidence is forever a great trait no matter what setting one is in; do not be afraid to reach out to others and go that extra step to meeting others as long as it does not cause any trouble. With this, know that not everyone can always be friends with one another. Stand up for what one believes in if it is worth it, but do not put down anyone else because in the end, one is only hurting oneself. Life is not about money, but remember to use it wisely and that you must save it for college years. Even through busy times, keep in touch to those you love dearly.

Looking back, I think I would have told myself to work harder and to never give up. If you don't like the teacher or the students in your class, deal with it, do you best, and move on. I definitely could have put more effort into my studies which may have helped me in a few of my classes during the first semester of college. High school prepared me for college, and if I had been more studious and more diligent, perhaps I would not have felt as overwhelmed with the workload. I would also tell myself to be ready to take risks and be more social; college is a place about gbeing able to study and receive good grades at the same time as creating a social network.

College is different then Highschool. In highschool, When your homework was to 'study' that meant no homework. It is not the same in college, when it is a neccesity to study. That is the most important thing that I can think to tell you. Be social, it pays off, dont allow yourself to be secluded. I had an easy time adpating, but just remember to be friendly and outgoing. Well, thats all I have to say!

College life is nothing like high school life. Concentrate on what you want out of your life, not the present time in your social life. There are so many bigger things out there in the world, and in college. Become openminded and do what you can to make yourself stand out. Dont be afraid of what anyone thinks, and don't judge anyone else. Let yourself learn from others, and make the best out of every interaction with every person and teacher you meet. Figure out your studying skills and keep in mind what's really important to you.

As I am finishing up my final year at UMass, I am realizing that I should've taken the application process more seriously, for UMass is too big. My advice would be to put more effort into the application essay, and do more research about different schools and the majors they offer. Large classes might seem easy, but it is difficult to get to know the professors for when issues arise. I went into the application process with one major in mind, and it did not work out. As a result, I had to change my major three times, and I am now finishing my fifth (extra) year at UMass. Researching majors on every subject one is interested in is essential; basically, look at what I love the most. I would also advise looking into the dorm life, for many dorm rooms can be extremely dirty and noisy. Different areas of dorms on campus can have different atmospheres. Choosing the right one can be very beneficial towards one's academics. Overall, I would say to look at more options and make sure that I choose a college and major in which I can succeed in the best way.

Be brave, you can do this! I did not attend college directly out of high school because I failed to recognize the abilities I possess to help me achieve. The only way of discovering your learning style and intelligence is to have the courage to make an attempt and possibly fail at learning. I had to challenge my skillset in order to gain the confidence I lacked as a high school senior. Many facets that are important to succeed, such as confidence and capability, must be self-discovered and self-ackowledged. I needed to face my insecurities about learning head-on and believe I am capable of knowing and understanding course material. Daunting courses of Chemistry, Calculus and Physics seemed too hard for me to grasp and I must continue to remind myself that I can (and have) learn anything given the time and effort I will need to apply. Your education is just that: yours. You must put forth the work to learn and the courage to try in order to challenge yourself and grow. Every challenge intrinsicly faced increases the scaffold you build in order to reach and attempt your greatest triumphs.

Entering college is overwhelming and scary to say the least. For many students it's their first time living away from home. They're in a new enviroment and have to get used to so many things; sharing a dorm room, eating dining hall food, tougher, heavier workloads, and making new friends. If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to not be afraid of this transition. Along with all of the change comes great educational and social opportunities. I would tell highschool me not to hide from this experience but to embrace it fully. I'd encourage myself to get envolved in as many clubs or activities as possible. Colleges offer a huge range of activities to get students involved and everyone should take advantage of them. The most important advice I'd give is to never be afraid to take challenging classes. The professors who challegened me and the classes where I felt in over my head have been the ones that have taught me the most. I've had so many professors who have pushed and challenged me and have given me the best gift: an education.

"College is scarey, but you can do it". I would start off with. I know you think it is not for you now". I would tell myself "Try harder once you decide to go back to school". "With a little more dedication you will study alot more outside of school". "Sometimes, you will have poor priorities, but keep working at it". "Do not to rush things, and you will want to go back eventually". "I regret nothing. I enjoyed every moment in friendships and relationships that I encountered along my path. I would not want to change the people that I know or the memories they gave me. It is the little things in life that makes us whom we are". "I would also recommend that you take a fencing class the first semester. You will really enjoy fencing".

If I were to engage in a conversation with my high school being I would emphasize the importance of maintaining an open mind. Leaving the comfort of high school structure and entering into a new learning environment allows for an open-minded student to sculpt a new approach to life. High school learning focuses primarily on instilling factual education, in contrast college education allows students the opportunity to analyze complexed situations that hold multiple solutions. I would stress to my high school self to engage in academic clubs and to become an active member in the community. By participating in clubs students are able to vastly expand their college experience and meet diverse selection of individuals. I would describe to my high school self the vast differences concerning deadlines on assignments. College is designed to educate and prepare students to enter into the workforce, thus strictly enforced deadlines are essential. I would implore myself to adopt organizational methods in order to structure events and maintain efficient success throughout the semester. Most importantly I would tell myself that college is a new beginning. It is important to be happy with yourself and always remember who you are and your values.

There is alot of advice I would give myself knowing what I know now.The first thing is to make a monthly budget and stick to it. Once you get to college you forget that your money supply is limited and there are so many things that you spend money on.the next thing is not to go overboard on eating;wings at 3am,pizza, and junk food.These items become your best friend but its so bad for you that you end up gaining alot of weight.Also,make sure when the teacher says to read certain chapters you actually do it.In addition,study for tests days in advance instead of waiting for the last minute.Next,don't party all the time,even though you have freedom don't abuse it.Wait for the weekend to party and use the week days to focus on studying and homework. Lastly,call your parents atleast once a week.