University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

"When you enter college, it may take a toll on you. Everyone may tell you it's about partying and having fun but the harsh reality is that it isn't if you want to be successful. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to prioritize. And with prioritze, I also mean efficient time managment. Papers will be assigned left and right, there'll be social event taking place at the same time, and don't forget tedious things like laundry that take up time. You need to put things into perspective each day and see what's most important at every given point of your day. Another piece of advice, no matter how big or small your college, there are going to be all different kinds of people that you will encounter. Not just ethinically but also in their beliefs, their morals and values, the way in which they interact. Don't be shyed away from this. Be open to new things and most importantly, be yourself. Do not succumb to what seems popular. Do not succumb to peer pressure. Be yourself, be diligent, be open and make this the best four years of your life.

As a high school student, I was very responsible. I had excellent study habits, and always made good choices regarding my behavior. Therefore the transition from high school to college was not academically difficult for me. When I began my music studies at the University of Massachusetts, I received high grades and completed my coursework successfully. I became a better musician with each passing year. However, what I found was that my lack of ability to play the piano prevented me from being an exceptional musician. One of the greatest skills that a musician can have is the ability to listen to his or her own compositions by playng them on the piano. Unfortunately, I was not able to perform at that level. If I could give my high-school self any advice, it would be to take piano lessons and practice playing and writing piano music every single day. Although I will never cease in my endeavor to become a better pianist and continue to practice as often as possible, I believe that if I began my piano studies earlier, I would be a better musician today.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice I would tell myself to really buckle down freshmen year becuase the transition to such a large school is difficult. Doing poorly freshemn year can affect whether or not you are accepted into the program of your choice. Mine was Nursing and I had to apply three times because freshmen year my grades plumitted and it was difficult to get them up. Eventually I was accepted and have graduated December 2009 with a bachelor of Scince in Nursing. With the extensive loans that I need to repay, I would also tell myself to apply for financial aid on time and be persisitant. Some other things I would tell myself are to enjoy every minute of it because it is a great milestone in your life where you make the most amazing friends and have memories to last a lifetime.

I would definitely tell myself to take advantage of everything college had to offer me. I really regret not getting more involved in the university since with such a large campus UMass has a lot to offer. I let my friends or whoever I was dating at the time decide much of what I did and I really wish I did things more for myself than for other people. I do not regret what I have done thus far in college, rather I regret what I have not done. I also would have searched around within majors more because I went in with one and felt as if I really just got stuck. In short, I would have liked to explore the university more than I did.

I would tell myself that the name of a school is not important. I would remind myself that it is possible to find people that care about you and love you as friends, even in a rigorous academic environment. I would tell myself to love every moment that I spend with my family because even though my school is about a two hour drive away, I have only managed to go home three times this semester. I would tell myself to forget the stress of high school drama and tell myself that hard will and determination is the solution to every problem. But most importantly I would tell myself to get more sleep; it's very exciting to not have a curfew, but is not a pleasing experience to fall asleep in class.

I would tell myself to be more open to college experiences. In my freshman year of college I was shy and missed my home, but after a year I realize that the people at home will always be there so when in college you need to make friends and be open to doing things unavailable at home. The possibilities are endless.

I would tell myself to really focus on doing well, instead of worrying so much about what I was going to do after school. I spent much of my time worrying about picking a major and taking the right classes. I would advise another person to not worry too much about those things until their second year in college and to take even the easiest classes seriously because they are like easy A's. I would advise someone to be careful at a big school and to not get caught up in partying too much. That there is plenty of time to have fun and enjoy new freedom and new experiences but, you are in school to get a degree not to just have fun. The sooner you can figure out what area you want to study, the better but, don't stress about it and take lots of different electives to give yourself the opportunity to better understand what you like and don't like.

I would definately tell myself to concentrate on what career options are open to me. Advised myself to talk to the guidance couselor more, and go to more career fairs. I picked the wrong major at first, then decided on nursing, it was a waste of time. If I just spent more time thinking about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, it would have been a much easier choice. I would also advise myself to go to a four year college right away, instead of community college first. Going back to complete your degree is much harder when you are married with children. I would encourage myself to complete my education completely then work on career then family. Finally I would tell myself to make time for fun, but do not let it consume you, as your education is more important than your social life right now.

Work hard. College isn't just a party.

Fuck bitches and make money. Also slap as many bitches with your hog as possible right in the eyes. They love that shit.