University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

Being a high school senior was hard but i pulled through. The transition was different but i love college more then high school. College is such an opportunity and that is where life begins. im honored i got this far and hope you can help me pay for college. i appreciate your time and help. thank you.

Hello there Patrick, this is future Patrick. Let me tell you something right now while i have the chance. You do not know it right now, but things aren't going to go according to plan in the future. You assume everything will fall into place but that is not the case. Do not slack off with your work. If you can, apply to school early action and apply to as many scholarships as you can. To be honest, Dad is gonna lose his job and its going to make paying for school a lot more difficult than you and Mom are ready for, so you need to do your part. Things worked out before, but you need to step it up and take charge of your own life. Start saving money, take classes seriously, and above all else don't be lazy. If you don't take classes seriously and start banking money you're going to have an incredibly difficult time just simply getting by. Just follow your gut and you'll be okay, I promise. Don't worry about making friends or fitting it, it will all work itself out. Stay handsome Patrick.

Dear Me: Trust yourself the first time. When the first school does not work out, try not to feel like education is not worth it. At some point, you find the right school, the right friends and an educational challenge. Sometimes, it will be easy for you to think about giving up, to consider quitting school for the supermarket cashier, waitress life that you feel so stuck in today. And even now I am thinking about going back to that life, but as a side job not as a career choice. I know sometimes you think it's too hard, the money is too tight or your family needs you too much. But your responsibility is to become the best you there is and if you do that, I promise that with your talent and your luck, the rest will come. Try not to keep getting yourself stuck in the past because there are some people who you can't save from their mistakes anymore than you can save yourself most days. Be you and pray it's enough. Remember that I love you. Always, You

Dear 18-year-old Julia,I know you have read every college guide book, but the one thing your really must do is start applying for scholarships right away and continue to apply throughout your college career. Writing essays will get easier, and the pay off for the work will be great. You are very creative and you can write unique and intriguing papers. Please help alleviate your future debt by working to get the money. Thank you for you time.Best,Future Julia

Everyone in college is very respectful, welcoming and friendly. Entering into my freshman year I was extremely scared of being judged and peer pressured into things I did not want to do, but that wasn't the case at all. Also I wish I realized that everyone entering into their freshman year also is nervous and shy and has doubts, so don't be scared to introduce yourself to your dorm neighbor, or someone sitting in class next to you.

I would tell myself to study hard but have fun. College is about experience and what we make of life. I would tell myself to party but not so much to neglect my schooling. I would tell myself to try everything, and join more clubs. Not to keep my face in a book, but to go out and explore. Life is about finding yourself and I wish I had did a little more of that.

I would tell myself not to try too much too fast. It will make actually getting through your school work harder and it won't make you feel any safer about making friends and meeting new people. If you pick and choose what you are going to devote your time to you will actually find the people who are going to care for you and stick by your side when you need help over your college carrier. It is easy to think that you need to do everything posible, but in reality that isn't the best way to go about school. You are there to learn so work hard in your classes, but don't lose sight of yourself and having your own life. The balance is tricky to find, but once you get there, or even just close, you'll see how wonderful it can be.

If I could go back I would tell myself to diversify my education. I would choose to study not only art but business as well. That way I could mix both disciplines together to find something really worth wild. I have already gone to university to study art and I don't regret that one bit. I just wish I didn't pigeon hole myself because it's a lot harder to find a job when you don't have other things to fall back on. I loved getting my BA in Fine Art and I really broke out of my introvert shell when I went to England for a year to get a Master's in Computer Special Effects. Finding it hard to find a job in today's economy where many FX and animation companies are closing their doors I've tried to create my own company to give myself a job. Only thing is I was the only one out of my partners who were truly serious about it and put in the effort. If I had both business and art degrees nothing could stop me and nothing will stop me now I'm studying business.

YCMP SWIPES! "Your campus meal plan", it comes with every dining hall food package. We get about 15 free meals at yummy food places around campus, in addition to our regular dining hall swipes. There's the Bull Wall cafe, or Pita Pit, the Hatch, and you can get food at Hockey and Football games, too!

Dear Erika, You are intelligent, resilient, and capable of anything you want to do regardless of you awful upbringing, and what others say about you. This is your last chance to put aside your attitude, separate yourself from negative friends, and let go of childhood habits and detrimental feelings toward your parents. Focus on obtaining good grades and bringing up your GPA so that you can eligible for scholarships and grants. There is no need to stay here in Springfield, MA, nothing much will change while you are gone, in fact things will only get worse. Apply for colleges out of state, giving you the opportunity to escape all of the individuals and circumstances which have held you down thus far.