University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

Josh, I know that you think football is everything in this world and that you haven't discovered your ambition yet, but I would implore you to take your studies more seriously. The oppurtunity presented to you is astronomical. You have an intelligence and capability that you are wasting. Utilize athletics, get those scholarships, buckle down and work hard. Life is not just here and now it is also what you are building for your future. I wish I could go back and say those things to myself nearly ten years ago. I wouldn't be 25 trying to work two jobs and go to school full time. I could be the doctor that I hope to be someday. Knowing what I know now I could have utilized all of my talents, focused, and achieved so much more. I do, however, believe that it is not too late and will take this advice into my current self and achieve now despite any obstacles there may be. Still I wish I knew then what I know now.

I would advise myself to start learning a study habit, to get accostumed to doing homework right away and not waiting until the last minute. Not only should I study right away but also get to know my professors as well. Professors are key to getting good grades in school and for recommendation letters in the future. You want to make yourself known by your professors, you want to stand out. I would also advise myself that when I am choosing classes that I don't only look at the next semester but all the semesters until I gradaute to make sure I would graduate on time and have my difficult classes spread out. Also, to not overwhelm myself when it comes down to the exams, breathe and take it slowly and start really early. Enjoy college and make time for a social life and join clubs that you have an interest in and do your best to stay involved in the organizations without allowing it to affect my grades. Socializing is key to making sure you don't go insane and it makes you feel at home.

You need to find more scholarships buddy, because Michigan is taking you to the cleaners. Don't worry about making friends or any of that stupid stuff, trust me, you've got some of the best people around. Everything is going to be okay, just make sure you stay true to yourself, and you'll do well.

If I were to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say "teach yourself that life is full of adversity. You will be facing it for the rest of your life so you need to step it up and be ready to prove everyone wrong! Everyone else says your too young, but just show them that you will use your youth and use it to your advantage." I am glad I finally learned this my first year of college, but it would have been nice to know this my senior year. Because of it, now I will be graduating with an LPN in March 2012 at the age of 20.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself in high school, I would give myself a couple key pieces of advice. First, I would let myself know that high school is the time to develop good study habits, so that when yo transition into a harder learning program you aren't struggling to maintain the grades you want. I would also tell the senior me to become more independent and learn to do more things on my own. Most everything you do in college is on your own so it's better to have some type of knowledge of what is going on. Lastly, I would tell the younger me to be open and optimistic about the new experience. Let yourself try new things and don't automatically shut things out, because there is a whole world out there that is full of great new adventures. Of course I would also tell myself to enjouy every moment, because all this only happens once.

Don't go into college with a fixed mindset of what you want to be doing. Try and get involved in campus life first semester, because through organizations, first-hand acitivities, you are bound to find something you love. Go with that gut feeling, and take a class that will get you thinking critically and learning more about that experience you just engaged in. Do not wait for the opportunities to come to you, because it is tempting to let that happen. You are on your own for a little now, so take it all in slowly, making careful decisions. This year is about exploring, not finding your major or getting straight A's. This WILL be different from highschool, harder, in enviornments you aren't used to, so you need to stay strong. So when things are getting difficult don't keep it all in like you have been used to doing, lean back a little and find comfort and your friends and family. You'll do great, and when you are stressed, just take a deep breath and sit out by the back stairs near your future dorm, I think that will help :)

Two words: BE PREPARED. Be prepared to work--hard. To cry. To negotiate for grades. To let go of things out of your hand. To help friends and let them help you. To deal with uncooperative individuals. Be prepared to have your complete foundation of who you think you are shaken. I wouldn't have imagined how much college could change a person after just one year; but it did. I would have like to know that the University level is nothing like High School, could never compare. I would have told myself to take those AP exams, just to give them a shot (even if the score wouldn't be high) anything could help. I would also stress the importance--even more so--of paying for college. It definitely doesn't pay for its self. I would say to myself, "Scholarships...I repeat scholarships will save you." All of the previous things I stated would be what I could have heard before leaving to college, but even then no words could prepare myself or any others for such a beautiful and eye opening experience that is college.

Dear self, I know you're nervous right now, and also compltely thrilled for college in the fall, and I also know you feel like you know what you intend to do, but sit back and look at the bigger picture. Selecting to go into pre-med may seem like a good way to go about helping others, however, you're really only choosing this to maintain a status quo. On television you see doctors everywhere, and in movies you always hear about the wealth and benefits of being a part of the medical field, but you shouldn't let this blind you to what else is out there. Think about what you truly love, which is helping people, and though doctors do this, you're definitely someone who would excel working with nonprofits. Not to mention, you hate chemistry, so what are you thinking?! Another valuable thing to think of when going to Ann Arbor is give yourself time to adjust. Don't try to jump into everything at once and overwork yourself! Sincerly, Yourself p.s.- Make sure you have plenty of warm clothing. It seems like Ann Arbor is eight months of pure winter and wind!

To study harder Not work during study wait to have a baby a little bit more

College, especially competative professional programs such as engineering, is difficult. Even if you attended a highly competative high school program, you will still face challenges, primarily transitioning from a small school where support is given without request, to a large school where help must be sought when needed, and still may not be given. When this happens, it is easy to lose confidence. Students feel that they are incapable, and unwanted, and as a result cease to seek help and become unseen by classmates, faculty and staff. This is disastrous, as many students will then fail, drop out, or turn to very dangerous methods of coping. I will not say to keep asking for help when you are not getting it, which will happen at least once, but more than anything, do not let these experiences take away your confidence. Do not stop participating in class because you feel your professors and peers do not think you are worth the effort to help. Do not stop applying for scholarships because the financial aid office refuses to help any further. Do not skip informative programs because you were not invited. Stay confident. It will be critical to your success.