University of North Texas Top Questions

I would probably tell myself what i wanted to major in. I spent so much time deciding my major I took classes i didn't need. It would have saved me a lot of time. Also not to take eight a.m. classes freshman year. That was rough.

If I could go back to talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself that everything is going to work out and not to stress too much. I spent so much time worrying about everything from how would I graduate, where would I go after I graduate, and what would happen if I got sick again. Worrying about what could or might happen won't help me at all, it will just drain my energy and cause me added stress. I would tell myself to enjoy the time with my friends and family because the dynamics are about to change drastically, and that I do not have to be friends with everyone. Having a small group of close friends is better than a large group of acquaintances. I would tell myself that things get better and that I am stronger than I realize. Also I would tell myself that it is okay to not be okay, I do not have to be the strong one all the time and it is okay to let other see that I am human.

High School Ashley, I know this is a rough time for you. Believe me; I've been there. What you don't realize is that it could be so much better. You know all of those people that you're "friends" with that you don't actually like? Stop talking to them. You'll be happier in the long run, I promise. Try being friends with smarter people who will like you and encourage you to be better. Try actually doing your math homework, because you really will need it later on (if only to get you through College Algebra). Equations of circles, especially. Apply for scholarships. All of them. Don't balk at the essay-writing, because you're good at it and you're definitely going to need the money later on. Every little bit helps. $100? That's a textbook. $200? That's a class at community college. Look for the people in your life that love you and that are always there for you. They are going to make the next few years better for you. Always remember that you're beautiful and wonderful and that you have a bright future ahead of you. Love, Me.

I would most definitely advise myself to go ahead and take just one class at a time at a community college, because every effort makes the difference.

I would pay closer attention in picking my professors. I also will consider the best school for my major and not because it was a last minute decision

Dear Stressing Senior, Relax. I know what you're thinking. "How could I relax at a time like this?! I have millions of decisions to make and the rest of my life depends on the decisions I will be making! Plus, this is supposed to be the best year of my life! That's a lot to live up to!" Forget it. I know, I know. Everyone is pressuring you to make decisions and to make them fast. In fact, the rest of your life can't start until you make them, right? Wrong. Don't get me wrong, the decisions you will be making in the following year will affect your life. However, this is not a reason to rush. Instead, take your time. Explore your options. Get to know yourself. Enjoy this time. Oh, and start saving money! You'll thank me later. Sincerely, Slightly More Experienced Sophomore

Rebeca: Visit more college campuses and compare before making a final decision about where you want to be. This will save you from dealing with transfer issues later. On another note, it is a VERY bad idea to do a potluck roommate because things could get ugly. What if she never brushes her teeth or stays up at night on the phone in the shoebox of a room that the two of you share? This would be a very bad thing Rebeca. Speaking of bad ideas, remember that you have to pay for two semesters and possibly summer sessions with that financial aid, so don't go on regular shopping sprees to Forever 21. Also, don't eat Ramen noodles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day because you could end up with a rare disease induced by sodium overload that causes you to have severe episodes of vertigo. That would definitely interfere with your studies! Do not, I repeat, do not schedule morning or night classes because you will have a strong urge to skip them. Above all, remember that Professors are your friends. The more times you show up in their office, the higher your grade will be!

I would tell my younger self to go to college right away and not to make excuses because there are scholoarships out there to help you. I would use the famous line from Forrest Gump to encourge me, which was "Life is like a box of chocolates you never know what you're going to get". Also, there will be difficult moments in college life but to think of those chocolates in the box and realize each one will challenge you and in the end it will define who you are and it will inspire you to move forward.

Do your homework. Really. Had I known the importance of a good GPA, I would have been at my dream school. Great SAT scores only get you so far. Also - take AP tests. They're worth it.

Ultimately, college isn't just about classes and books. It's a journey that you take to get yourself where you want to go. Take the time to know yourself because if you don't know yourself on this journey, you may find yourself in a place where you may not want to be. Being in college gives you choices that you wouldn't otherwise have, but if you don't take your time you won't see clearly what those choices are. Slow down, enjoy the experience, and learn.