University of Nevada-Las Vegas Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Nevada-Las Vegas know before they start?

Emily

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to really focus on and establish my favorite ways of studying. This would be extremely helpful to me in the transition from having a high school teacher "holding my hand" through this process going to complete reliance on self for these habits. I would also tell myself to develop better skills in communicating with others and particularly with teachers and those above me. In addition, I would remind myself to learn to manage my time and make sure the priorities get completed. And lastly, I would strongly encouage myself not to stress, but handle things as they come, one day at a time. I would say, "do what you like because life is too short not to!"

Kyle

the advice that I would give myself is to not limit my potential. In high school I was not very focused on which school I wanted to attend. This left me without many choices when finacial aid wasnt available. I limited my potential as to which schools I could end up to increase my opportunity for a better education. Also I would tell myself to establish strong study habits. My first year of college was brutal as in college there is no friendly transition between the sheltered high school experience and real life. It was hard to study for exams, do homeork, and participate in class as well as balance my extracurricular activities. If I had better study habits in high school this would have been a lot easier and I would be able to see the difference that it wouls make in my transition.

Vanessa

If i could go back as a high school senior and know what I know now, I would have prepared myself better. The advice I would give myself would be to apply for as many scholarships as you can, that way I would not have to exhaust myself working full time, worrying about the costs I have to pay for school. I would also advise myself to apply for more than 3 colleges, that way I have options to choose what university I want to go to. I would also advise myself to get involved in many school activites including sports, sororities/fraternities, and clubs. At the same time though, staying focused in school and not getting disctracted by the extra carricular acivities. I would also advise myself to fill out the FAFSA form every year for financial help from the government.

Jenny

Making the transition from a high school senior to a college freshman can be extremely difficult or pretty easy depending on the help you seek out. At my high school there were so many people willing to help me and while I excepted some help there are alot more questions I wish I had asked. I had always hoped to go away to college and a well known college because I am the first in my family to ever go and i wanted to do it right. I had never even realized the actual costs. My senior year of high school I was caught up in clubs, my job and getting no lower than B's in my AP and honor classes that I didnt focus on the financial aid available like I should have. I knew I needed extracurricuar activities so i foused on those. I hadn't realized that once I got excepted it would then be a matter of paying for it. The advice I would have given myself would have been to open my eyes a little more and look at the bigger picture. Its not just getting there its also finding a way to stay.

Gregg

I've thought about this question long before it was given to me on this site. I was always a quiet individual at school. I never had a problem with the content of the course, but I always had an issue talking to teachers about anything I was confused about. My grades were acceptable, but I felt that I should have asked more questions. While I did have a social life, my only wish was that I was more open in class. College requires so much discussion and feedback given by students. I find this so enjoyable now! I only wish that in high school, I would have opened up during discussion and shared my ideas more often to my peers and teachers during class. My advice to myself, in summation, would be to open up and let everyone know my opinion when necessary, because, if I have an opinion but cannot voice it, then that shows a lack of passion I have for my ideas.

Angelina

Attend the school that : most obviously wants you as a student; where you feel most comfortable on campus; where you can be close to opportunities to pursue your career; and where in your heart you feel called to attend. Do not be discouraged by the cost. If you are meant to attend the school you will find the money to pay for it someway, somehow. Be friendly and genuine to everyone you meet and you will find new friends quickly. Focus on your ultimate goal. Keep a step by step mentality because everything by the inch is a cinch, but by the yard can be hard. Study purposefully everyday, but live life! Life does not start when you graduate, it started years ago. Make time for yourself, have fun, and if it is raining, dance in the rain! Live everyday. You can do it!

Lakisha

As I reflect on past decisions I?ve made, I realize the truth behind the saying ?If only I knew then what I know now.? If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would share two important insights: do not view a degree as job assurance and do not be afraid to change your career choice. I entered college with the idea that a degree alone would increase my marketability. In hindsight, I wish I?d known that job experience and networking was just as important as my degree. I would tell myself, ?Please listen to your heart. If you take a few classes and realize you do not like your major, don?t be afraid to try something else.? I successfully graduated with a business degree only to discover that I was happiest when I was in front of a classroom teaching. This realization motivated me to return to school to become a teacher. I would tell my younger self that indecision is a part of growing up; college is a time to discover who you are and who you want to be, and regrets are a waste of time.

Sasha

The first thing I would tell myself is to not be afraid of all the people that surround you. There are so many people in college and for an incoming freshman it could be very overwhelming and frightening. Secondly, I would say to not be worried about these people. Everyone is on their own mission to get from point A to point B and they are not worried about what your wearing or who you know or what you past is. Just like you they want to get in and out of college. I would also tell myself to not be afraid to talk to your professors. As scary as some high school teachers make them sound, professors are willing to help you succeed and give you the tools to pass their class. Finally, I would tell myself to get involved in as many things as possible without compromising any of my school work. It is good to stay busy and meet new people because it gives you a chance to see other peoples points of view and mesh those ideas with your own. The overall thing i would tell myself is to jump right in and not be afraid.

Destiny

I'f I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself to work harder in school. I would have told myself not to go into the military and pursue college after I graduate. I would have told myself that If you work harder you will soon get the life you want.

Pashtana

In high school I was--to put it blunty--ignorant. As an AP student involved in several extracurricular activities, I frequently thought about the wonders of college and being accepted to my dream school. However, I never quite got around to considering how I would pay for college, where I would work, or ensuring that I could take out a loan to attend the schools to which I was accepted. As a result, I found myself a candidate of several wonderful schools without any idea of how I would pay for anything. If I could somehow send a message to my senior self, I would encourage the younger me to apply for as many scholarships as possible. I would also tell myself to focus less on impressing admissions officers and more on discovering what I'd really like to do. It's important to learn who you are and develop those interests. I focused more on building my resume, and I now sorely regret it. I would also spend less time competing with friends and more time doing my personal best. It's necessary to recognize your weaknesses so that you can accept and build on them.