University of Massachusetts-Lowell Top Questions

If you do not like to be away from home for long periods of time, picking a school that is close to it is very important. College should be a time you enjoy, not a time you dread. Being able to go home will make the experience enjoyable for you. Also, if you know you will have to go back to school for another degree, the price of your undergraduate career should be taken into consideration. You don't want to be in debt once you're out of school.

The advice I would give to myself is to delvelop a planner. College in most cases is not that difficult if manage your time well. There are many things you can do in college such as clubs, parties etcs. Without time management I would have been caught up wtih all these activities and would get any of my work and studies done.

Going back in time would allow me to teach myself a few useful things. First, I would encourage me to actively participate in extracurricular activities. I would tell me to be part of clubs and organizations in order to be more involved. I know now that much of the aid available for students going to college are merit based, so I believe this would increase my chances of being awarded scholarships and grants. I would also focus more time in researching these grants and scholarships. As a high school student, I did not have a clear idea of how expensive a college degree could be, so I found myself having to take multiple breaks in order to save money to pay my tuition. Scholarships and grants could have significantly helped me finance my education. Another advice I would give myself would be to carefully consider all the cost and benefits before choosing a school. I would tell myself to take a holistic look at the school, including tuition price, admission process, school size and financial aid process. Taking these matters into consideration helps to make an informed decision.

If I were able to go back and talk to myself, I would tell myself a couple different things. The first thing that I would tell myself is that Ishould never let anything seperate me from my morals. I am a wonderful Christian girl who deserves to do the very best for herself. The second thing that I would tell myself is to never let people or circumstances stand in the way of me getting my education. The third thing I would tell myself is that I am good at what I do, but there is always going to be someone who can do better; challenge yourself to become the best, and when you think you are the best, do better. The last thing I would tell myself is that other people in this world have been through hardships like myself. Make sure that you are a beacon of God's love, and show that person that person that they can overcome the hardships put into their lives also. If I could go back and tell myself these things I would not regret a thing in my time here at college.

Much has changed in the last few years. I would tell my past self to follow my dreams, my passions. To not get caught up in worrying about how much money my specific career choice would profit. To do what I love to do, because I love doing it. I would also tell myself to avoid distractions, to take my work seriously and to put everything I have into my education. To find friends who share my interests, goals, and dreams. To fill my mind with knowledge that I can appreciate and use to benefit myself and others. I would encourage myself to wisely utilize my newly acquired freedoms to accomplish all of these things. Much has changed within me in the last few years, for the better.

I would advise myself to have more fun, especially during my first year since that was the easiest. I would also advise myself to find a good study spot other than my room because in my room it is easy to get sucked into watching TV, etc on my computer. Additionally I would have looked more into the kitchen facilities at a school. This is important because I have a food intolerance, however I didn't know that coming into college so at the time it wouldn't have mattered and if I never had the food intolerance it probably wouldn't have mattered as well. I would have not held so long onto bad friendships. I would advise myself to stand up for myself and not let people walk over me. In college it's easy to want to be liked and to fit into a group right away and so it's easy to get sucked into a bad friend group.

Most people would reply to this question in boring essay form and give a monotonous speech on keeping a hard work ethic, to do your homework, and be friendly to meet new people. Don't get me wrong, these things are crucial to success in a new college environment. However, it is the little things-the littlest pieces of advice that all come together to make the most of your college expierience. It is how to learn life's little lessons that all high school seniors should be prepared for. As a high school senior, I would want to know to stock up on easy mac and ramen noodles and to always take the shuttle thirty minutes early to not be late for class. To always leave your door open in hopes of meeting a new companion. To keep energy drinks on hand to keep up with hours of late night studying. To say hello to at least three new people every day. To treasure each and every moment. To manage my time and stay focused rather than party. To budget my money wisely! Most importantly, to work hard and play harder. The little advice always matters most after all.

Patrick, you need to learn how to manage your time. You also need to figure out what you are good at, and where you want to work now so you dont waste any time in college. Keep studying hard and the world is yours!

The main piece of advice that I would give myself as a high school senior would be to start preparing early for a future career. I was so caught up in the excitement of senior year and finally graduating that I did not give nearly enough attention to what I really wanted for my future career and where I wanted to attend college. If I had taken this advice as a high school senior, I would be much farther in my college journey and that much closer to achieving my desired career. Because this advice was not given to me, I have undergone many setbacks college because I couldn’t decide on the right career for me and what school would be best in helping to reach my aspired career. Although I have been delayed a few times, I am still working hard and am fully dedicated to my future goals.

I would tell myself to do more research into colleges that offer architecture and those that have NCAA Division II athletics, to be sure that my final choice was well-decided. I would tell myself to put more effort toward applying for scholarships, because money does not come easily. Because I wanted to run for my college, I would meet in person with the running coaches and arrange to attend a practice with the team and spend a night on campus before I make my decision. As a high school senior, I did well academically, so I would not have to remind myself to keep up my grades. However, I would tell myself to read more over the summer before college to better maintain the vocabulary and comprehension skills that I had acquired over my schooling. Also for the summer following senior year, I would encourage myself to meet more of my classmates and not stick so much to my usual group, and overall to stay in better contact with my classmates, so that I might still have better relationships with them now in college. Although going back in time would be helpful, I am content with my senior year.