University of Northern Colorado Top Questions

If i could talk to my high school senior-self, I would better prepare myself for the financial difficulties of college as well as the additional pressure of attending college as a minor at the age of 17. The financial burden of college life was always pretty clear but if I could have told myself as a high school senior to save more of my paychecks expecting more of the additional expenses, the financial burden would have been lessened. Also attending college as a teen of 17, there came a lot more stress of what I could or could not do. Taking out loans, getting better housing, rules and laws of a minor, and the restrictions still in place by my parents made it harder to transisiton into the college life. Talkng to myself as a high school senior, I would have prepared myself to accept that it was something that I could not change but had to accept and adapt to. I think with a few words of advice in these two areas coming a little sooner to my attention, adapting to this new life might have been a little easier.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that extra education is important but not a requirement. My high school expected everyone to apply and be accepted into at least one college. I figured that college was required and that it couldn't just be a community college but that it had to be a "normal" big college. I felt then that if I didn't attend a large college or even go to college at all that I would basically be a "failure." Man was I wrong. Although it is more difficult, people can not go to college and still be successful in life. I wish I had known that and would have been willing to accept that fact before I moved up to Greeley and found out that I hated college life. After 1 week I finally realized that college wasn't necessarily required of me and that I wouldn't be a failure if I decided to go to a community college and still live at home with my parents. I now love UNC Denver and am glad I realized it sooner than later.

I would tell myself, take more advantage of the college classes that were offered in high school, because coming into college with some credits put me ahead half a semester.

I would tell myself to gain all the knowldege and support that i could in high school. All the things we learn in high school are just another step of practice for the next studies for success. I should never settle with uncomfort or anything less then my full potential. And no matter what happens, im never alone in my situation because many other people are going through the same thing. Its how you look at your situation and how you react to it that makes us different.

Do not worry, you will not be stuck in a room studying alone and waiting for Christmas to come. There are other amazing people with whom you will become fast friends (And since most of the native Coloradoans go home on the weekend like weak babies, most of your new friends will be other out-of-staters like yourself). Do not worry about the work load either because you will sail through the transition with ease. In fact, college is going to provide the perfect outlet for your intellectual pursuits, and you will realize how slow and insipid your high school curriculum really was. The one downside will be living in the dorms for a year (sharing bathrooms and walls and privacy), but next year you will move to a house close to campus with good neighbors. Good Luck- You'll love college!

Don't put off college....it is much harder later in life! You have alot of years to be a working adult, enjoy being a young adult without major obligations now!

If you are planning to go to a college go somewhere that is interesting and somewhere you enjoy being. This is going to be one of the greatest times of your life and for it to be the greatest you need to enjoy your surroundings and not stress out about homework. Get involved and see where that world is going to take you. Advice that I have wold be to check your teachers out and get advice from other students about who they suggest taking and take classes that will help with your major to get you done faster. Another thing I would say is make time for yourself and make time to get involved, go see a basketball game, get involved in Student Senate, make new friends, and do not go home evey weekend because it is different and fun living away from your parents. Also use your resources because they are there for a reason and that is there job to help you. The main thing is tohave fun and make the best out of things, if you are having a hard day just take a step back ad relax because you are doing fine.

Something that I would tell my self if I was a high school senior again, would be to be ready to spend more money than you think you are going to. The best advice that I have is, SAVE MONEY! Money doesn't grow on trees, and some people work hard for their money, and they want to spend it on certain things. As I am about to finish college, I still struggle with money and as it seems that tuition is going up in price, all I can do now is SAVE MONEY!

I would tell myself a great deal about the college experience. First of all, I would tell myself that I need to have more confidence in my abilities in the classroom and on the softball field because I can hold my own in those areas. Also, I would tell myself the importance of family. One does not know the importance of loved ones until you can not see them whenever you want. I would tell myself to give my parents hugs everyday and to tell them how much they mean to me. Sometimes the greatest gifts are the smallest ones. Also, I woul d prepare myself for the hardwork ahead because college was a shock to me because high school came very easily to me. Overall, I would want myself to go after all my dreams and not let other people decide my fate because once you see your dreams come true it is the best feeling in the world. College is hard work, but I wa determined to make it. Most of all, I would tell myself not to worry so much and to enjoy the years because the moments i am experiencing are some of the best times.

I would give myself the advice that I should have made my freshman year about having more fun, instead of burrying my head in my studies and books. I would have advised myself that the college life is just like high school, for me personally, and I shouldn't have psyched myself out so much. Especially being a senior, I would have allowed myself to be more opened to meeting new people, especially in the dorms. I would definitely make sure that my senior self knew that there were tough times to come, but the transition was definitely worthwhile. And, I would definitely, now, give myself more time to just let go and have fun with the college experience, and get more involved with sports and activities.