University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself be ready for a tough road ahead. College has been a lot of fun, but it has also been the hardest thing I've ever done. Everyday I am challenged by professors to try and be the best. Everyday is a new test to see if I can push myself farther than yesterday. I would tell myself that everyday is going to be a struggle, but that I go to one of the best engineering schools in the country and to remember that if it was easy everyone would do it .

I would tell myself to read over the summer. College involves reading texts everyday, so I should've read books I liked. I would've also told myself to take either AP Chem or AP Physics, so I could have a higher credit count when coming in. The last thing I would've told myself would be to look for getting a job over the summer for some money while I'm at college.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say always go with your gut and don?t fret over every small thing. After losing my father two months ago it put everything in a clear perspective. School is a very important aspect to life that you should do. Never give up stick with yourself and trust your family and friends for support. Life is not always easy but have an open mind and a good heart and the sky is the limit. Challenge yourself with your classes and never accept the answer just because there is always a reason don?t be lazy, go out there and figure out what you don?t understand. Accept others for who they are and learn from them. College is just not about books but about the socializing and networking. Most importantly you don?t have to give into peer pressure like in high school. Learn to love you and people will love you for you. That?s the most important thing. Live everyday to the fullest you never know what?s going to happen next.

The biggest piece of advice that I would give myself about the transition to college is the idea that college is a place for you to find your voice, to learn the most about yourself. I would tell myself: "Hey, you've made it this far, which has been a long way. But the best is truly yet to come. Keep going strong, never give up, and make the most of the next four years, because this will be the greatest learning experience of your life so far. Don't fear it; enjoy it. Don't let it intimidate you--let it drive you. You have a voice, and you have the ability to do well as long as you believe in yourself. Get involved, make friends, experience life. Learn, grow, evolve. Find your voice, then use it." Of course, as college is a learing experience, I'm glad I had to figure everything out on my own. It taught me a lot about self-discipline, about learning, and about life. I've loved my time at the University of Michigan. I've never been happier, more motivated, or more inspired. I want to keep striving where I am.

The experience is different for everyone and no matter how much advice people give you, you have to make your own choices and learn from the mistakes. Network with as many people as you can and get the most out of your time spent in college. It all pays off in the future.

If I could go back to high school there would be a few things I would definitely tell myself. First of all, I would tell myself that high school is about as easy as it gets, so I should make the most of it, and maybe take a few more AP courses because they will definitely come in handy. Second, I would not focus as primarily on what I thought my major was going to be. Now that I have been through a few years of college and grown as a person I realize that medical school is not the only option for me. I would tell myself to explore several options, and look into many fields because you will never know what is or is not right for you unless you try. Finally, I would tell myself to always keep the things that are important to me insight, such as my goals, family, and close friends, and do not worry to much about things that probably are not as important, like a high school relationship or not being able to buy the latest trend in clothes. Never give up your goals and always stay positive, happy, and healthy.

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Dear Peyton, As you head off to college in the fall, remember this simple phrase: Be You. As you transition into college life, which consists of lengthy exams, impossible readings, and wild frat parties, remember to be you. As you bump into deadlines, heartbreaks, and financial woes, hurdle over them and remember to always be you. Don?t let someone else try to dictate the way you are going to live your life. If you want to make things happen, don?t stand by and wait for someone else to say it?s ok. Like Nike says ?Just Do It?. As soon as someone steps in and says you can?t do something, walk away because they don?t support you. They cannot judge your highest capacity because only you have a say on what you can do. There is no can not. Yoda once said, ?Do or do not. There is no try.? Also, one last pointer, apply to many scholarship opportunities over the summer because one day you?ll need the money. Trust me.

Dear High school Senior, I suggest being more prepared by taking challenging classes or taking a class at a community college during the summer. College really tests your knowledge about the material you're learning and memorization won't help. By taking harder classes, you will be able to push yourself and really test your knowledge. Learn more about time management and don't' procrastinate. Time management is key to learning in a short time and handling all of your classes and other responsibilities. Your responsibilities will double once in college because people expect more from you. Start making a calender and keeping track of or writing down important things you need to do and allow yourself enough time to accomplish those things. Time management and prioritizing what is more important is the key to success. One more thing, just relax and have fun senior year! This is the last time you get to be a kid and not have important responsibilities. Don't stress too much or worry about your future. Enjoy the last stress free moments in high school. You still have plenty of time to learn and experience new things in college and figure out your future.

I would remind myself that it is better to try and fail, then to not try at all. I think I missed out on a lot of awesome experiences my freshman year because I was too afraid that I wouldn't be good enough. I would also remind myself to seek out resources. This university is so large, that it is easy to get swept up and overwhelmed in regards to academics and financial aid, but the truth is there are dozens of resources, at your fingertips. You just have to look for them.