University of Oregon Top Questions

I would definetly tell myself that it is extremely important to start out on a good foot. Getting good grades in the beginning will help you be more successful later in life. I would also tell myself that studying and attending all classes is very important to, and pertinent to your academic success.

Going back in time, I am very glad I took AP courses in high school. Not only were they structured similarly to a basic college course, but they helped me to prepare myself to think critically about what I was learning. Knowing what I do now, I would advise myself to really look ahead. I had a few career/major paths I wanted to go, I would have researched more about them in high school. I would also advise myself to not be afraid of just putting myself out there. I would tell myself to get involved quickly, but don't push it. Maybe get involved with one volunteer group and an IM sport, or even join student government. Another piece of advise to myself would be to figure out a study method that works really well for me quickly. Even play around with some methods in high school, so I would know what works for me. The last thing I would tell myself is to get a planner/calendar and write everything from the stuff on my syllabi to extra curricular activities on it and STICK TO IT. Time management is very important. Lastly, have fun and enjoy it!

Don't worry. College is going to be the best time of your life. You will make friends and settle down into college life much easier than you think. You're going to love your classes. The professors here are dedicated to their students and want to help you learn. Everyone at this school is here for a reason, and that makes it great atmosphere, both in the classroom and around campus. You will have to work hard to do well, but you'll enjoy it so much that most of the time you'll hardly feel like it is work. Take the classes you want; you'll do better if you're actually interesting in the material. Go to the football games because they'll be some of the best memories you'll have of this school. Get involved with other students as much as you can because they'll help you through the difficult stuff. Overall, you should relax and not worry about the transition to college. Always try your best and don't forget to believe in yourself.

The most important thing I would tell myself is to search high and low for scholarships. Paying for school and finding ways to do so is so much more important than I had thought and this search hadn't been something that I really tried to submerse myself in. Now that I know about study abroad programs that I plan on utilizing next year, I have to search harder than I had thought one could in order to pay for experiences that could shape my life. I would also want my senior self to know how different people are outside the world I have grown up in. I would want myself to be fully open to meeting people with different experiences and be ready to envelope those people with whatever friendship I could give. Coming into school I don't think I realized how many people I would be meeting and how different their life experiences are from mine. Having said that, I would want myself to take in the stories that these people tell and appreciate the differences between us while being grateful for the experiences my life has given me.

Take what you've been given and make the best of it. I know this school may not be your first choice, it may not even have been your second choice, but realize the opportunity you have in front of you. Take all the positives and understand that no matter where you go, it's going to be different, it's going to be new, and it's going to be hard. Keep your mind open to what your classes have to offer and keep your ears open to what the world has to say. Everyone you meet has a story that you can learn from. Some of those people will become some of the best friends you've ever known because they're growing too. They understand who you are now and who you want to become. At this school, you can become that person if you open yourself to all that's offered. And don't forget the most important thing of all - just breathe.

As a masters student now, looking back at the beginning of my collegiate career, I would tell myself to calm down and embrace the experience. During my undergraduate work, I did not get to know my professors nor sought out the stores of knowledge they held. I did not fully utilize my rich library, a failing I am frantically making up for now. I did not engage in the classroom as I am now required to do. My shakey voice confirms my inexperience. I sincerely wish I would have breathed deeply and stretched each experience, each class, each text, each party for its own wealth of adventure. I would breathe in deeply and allow myself the luxury of learning. Letting wisdom sink in with each steady learning experience instead of moving on immediately to the next deadline, the next requirement. I know these things now: calm and breath and adventure. I hope my graduate experience will reflect my effort to overcome this past regret; not allowing the regret to overwhelm this new stage, but to instead use it as a catalyst for the educational experience that will thrill me for the rest of my life.

I would tell myself to stay focused and not to procrastinate on enjoying my college experience freshman year. College is about more than school, but school is a huge part of it. I would make sure and tell myself to learn a little bit more about taking care of myself and about work ethic. You have to work hard, stay focused, and spend any extra time you get on doing schoolwork. That way, when it comes time to participate in something social you want to do, you have the time to do it. Get involved in everything that you can and tryout for the rugby team. I would tell myself to work incredibly hard at school, learn as much as I can, enjoy the college experience, and make as many lifelong friends as possible.

Knowing what I know now I would tell my high school self to major in psychology right away. I would also tell them to explore all the resources my college has to offer. Join clubs, get involved in student groups and department opportunities. I would also tell my high school self to look into studying abroad early on.

It is ideal to choose a school where you personally feel the most comfortable. You shouldn't choose a college or university simply based on what major will give you the best job or make the most money. Instead, choose a college or university that has a major that you are personally interested in. Even if you want to major in something unique like art or dance or literature, you shouldn't feel ashamed or embarrassed. People may tell you to major in something very practical like business or journalism, but college is really the time in your life to try something new. It's not necessarily about what is the most practical, but instead it's about what you personally want to do. In the end, you will find that college is a place to experiement and find something that you are passionate about. It is completely understandable if you are having financial difficulties, but I would encourage students to move away to college instead of staying in a hometown. Don't stay in your hometown if you don't have to, and DO NOT stay because of a boyfriend/girlfriend. This is your chance to see something new.

First, I would make absolutely sure that you want to go to college and it's right for you. Otherwise, you're just wasting a lot of money. Then, take the classes you want to take. Don't worry about what courses will get you the degree that will make you the most money in the end. College is for the joy of learning.