University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

I would tell myself to take time out of the week to check everything necessary for transferring- applying, housing, and other additional costs as well as application deadlines. More importantly though, I would've liked to tell myself "Calm down. College is nothing like high school, you'll be able to make friends with people of all ages and backgrounds, and if you feel uncomfortable with someone you're not going to be forced to share the same space with them like in high school. Even the teachers are nicer." Social anxiety was a definite problem for me as a high schooler, and from talking to other students from my graduating class in college, I wasn't the only one. High school students ought to be reassured that college is generally a more peaceful social environment.

College is expensive! Too expensive. So start saving. It's going to be tough to concentrate on school when your car constantly falls apart, you lose your best friend, and you realize life really will suck as much as everyone said it would. There is lots of reading, so you will always be tired. Expect to spend $500 a semester on books alone. Don't buy your books from the school, they are overpriced. Don't sell them to book stores, you won't get anything for them. Summer classes have the same amount of work as fall and spring, but its only 6 weeks long! If there is extra credit do it! If you stay organized, and turn your work in, college will be easy. Most teacher's don't care if your answers are wrong or right, at least you did it. You will have to give lots of speeches, don't worry no one cares what you say and most of the class will do worse than you. Occasionally the testing centers will lose some tests, so keep your receipts! Most importantly you always fight for your grade. You worked hard, that B should be an A.

This is not the greatest year of your life. You will be stressed out about the fact that thousands of colleges want you, and yet you know that in a few months none of them well. You have to deal with the simultaneous goodbyes and hellos, trying to take in all the excitement of senior year with the glooming prospects of collegiate life in the future. So take it slow. Don't listen to everyone's "tips" for you. Do what feels right for yourself. Visit schools, don't just admire their websites from afar. Don't just look at what you want to do, but who you want to be. Because for the first time, it's not about working towards something - you are there. You can choose. You are free.

The sky goes dark and the wind shifts its course. My hair goes flying in every direction and a small gust of fog shows up in front of me. Then as suddenly as it had appeared it disappears and in front of me stands a girl. She has long brown hair, big brown eyes, and a face that looks exactly like mine. She smiles at me and says, “don’t be scared. I’m here from the future”. I was determined not to faint. “Why are here” I squeak. She gives me such a look of pity and replies “I’m here to warn you about your first year of college. Every expectation you have…. you can throw away”. I continue to gaze at her. She continues, “you need to keep your priorities in check. Don’t let the wrong people into your life because they will lead you down a dark path. Stick to your studies. Be careful of the choices you make because they may cause great regret. College is always hard but if you pick the right people you’ll make it through.” She smiles fondly at me “ you can do this” she says as she disappears.

Dear Kyle, I know you hate talking about your family's issues because you don't like using a "sob story" to gain an advantage over the other students. What you need to do is find a way to word both your brother and mother's stories in a way that shows how they've changed you. Your future room mate has so many scholarships that he gets paid to go to school, and you better beliebe he used every tear jerking detail about his life you can imagine. Your financial situation will change dramatically in the middle of your sophomore year and you will regret not applying for scholarships now. So all I want to tell you is apply apply apply. Love, Kyle

If I could give advise to my high school self, I would say that making the transition into college life creates some anxiety but is also freeing. You will learn so much about yourself, what your life passions will be, what makes you unique and you will become a wonderful adult from the experience. College is hard, so focus on your work and make sure you have time to meet new people, for those people you meet will truly be your friends for the rest of your lfe. Leaving home can be scary, but it is your time to make your mark on the world, so face your fears and do not be afraid to try something new. You will succeed at anything you put youre mind to, so do not limit yourself. Reach high and do not be afraid to fall, because once realize what your dreams, you will see that all the hardwork will pay off. Now go conquer your dreams and be proud of what makes you, you!

If I could go back in time, I would have a lot of advice for my younger self. First, I would say that maintaining a good social life is just as important as keeping up good grades. Being happy socially improves overall wellbeing and helps students deal with the stress of deadlines and managing their increased independence. I would tell myself to take advantage of all the interesting research on campus and take part in an internship during the summer of my freshman or sophomore year. The later I got in college, the less time I had to take part in internships. Get the internship out of the way early and focus on senior projects later. I would tell myself to apply to graduate school immediately after graduation. I wanted to take a break after college, but I believe that I waited a little too long to get back into school. As unpleasant as the graduate school search seems during the rush to graduation, don't neglect it if that's what you plan to do afterwards. Finally, I would say savor the moment, it all goes by too quickly.

I would tell myself that despite not having studied very hard in high school, I would have to learn that studying is something necessary to succeed in college courses.

The advice that i would give myself if i could go back in time is to tell myself to be aware that there are many different people that you will meet. within those people that you come across not everyone is going to be as true as you wish they would be. There will be some people who are going to be two-faced and the only thing that you can do to avoid lthese types of people is to keep your personal stroy to yourself until you know feel like you know the person well. Be friendly but not too friendlyy that people have the chance of walking all over you. most important stay focus on your school work because the main and only reason that you are going to college for is to get educated and learning as much as possible becuase there is so many ways you can gain knowledge. Join as many organization as possible because you meet so many people that you can network with. People that can help you when you looking for help.

Nothing, I've learned in life that everything happens for a reason. Even knowing of possible time travel i'd live with how my life has turned out and make it better from here. The past is the past for a reason, it gives you the experiences and knowledge you have for a better future.