University of Utah Top Questions

I would say don't quit. Although it seems too big, too hard, too much, don't quit. I never gave myself the grace of knowing too big, too hard, too much, so I quit. I am 28 years old now with fours years left to finish my doctorate, and I just now figured out don't quit. Had I knew this when I was in high school I could have saved myself some precious time. Don't let the mistakes of yesterday predict your successes of tomorrow. If you make a mess of your plans, clean it up, and try not to make that mistake again. Oh, and you will make mistakes. Just remember it is what you learn from them that will set you apart from the rest. Take time and truely understand what it is you want to do with your life, and don't waste your parent's money. You will find out soon you are going to have a better appreciation of a dollar. Love will come and love will go. Just remember when the world, college, life gets too big, too hard, or too much, don't quit.

I would tell myself to pay more attention in class and to try not to take the easy way out. Choose classes that are going to better prepare you for college so that when you enter college, you won't have to begin at the bottom. an example; while a freshman in high school my classes were chosen for me and pre-algebra was one of those classes. My next year I could choose the classes myself and instead of going on into algebra, I chose to go backwards and take math II. Big mistake, because I done well in the class and could have passed algebra, I believe, as well but never tried. I took the easy way and now I am having to start over in math which has set me back and therefore taking longer to earn my degree. What I know now would have helped me in high school as well as college, but I wanted to take the easy way out. The easy way is not always the best way especially when it comes to your education. If I could go back and change that decision I would.

If I could go back in time to high school and offer some advice that would help me succeed, I would say make sure to enjoy the moment. Carpe diem, sieze the day. I remember thinking that I could not wait to get out of high school so that I could begin my life. I did not take high school too seriously and just went through the motions of going to school. I was not involved in many clubs, sports or volunteering. I could have got better grades then I did or made more friends then I did. I was just not thrilled to be in high school and looking back, I could have made my high school experience much more enjoyable. If I could go back in time, I would participate in as many clubs that I would have time for and put more effort in my schoolwork. Another thing that I would change is that I would put more emphasis of figuring out what type of activities I love and ultimatley find out what I would want ot major in. These things could have saved me more time and money which would have assited my overall college experience.

If I could go back and tell myself advice now, I would tell myself to take off a year or more prior to starting college. College is not just about learning a field, it's about discovering who you are. However that is really expensive if you don't know what you want to study. I really wanted to study writing and literatue but thought I should study something I could make money in instead. I am now quitting that job in the sciences after twelve years to go back to school to pursue the degree I wish I had the guts to get in the first place. I would tell myself to study what makes me happy, not what makes money. Money will come if knowing how to make yourself happy is there first.

The most important thing to do to get ready for college is to study hard and get good grades so that you have the chance to get good scholarships because it is really hard to pay for college if you do not have these scholarships. It is also important to continue to work hard so that you can keep your scholarships. Get to know your professors and students because they will help you through your school years and can help you in the future to get a good job. Never give up and focus on your school work.

Almost everyone could say that high school was centered around pleasing those around you. Always trying to fit in or get in with the cool kids. If I could go back to when I was in high school I would tell myself not to worry what other people think. Nobody cares when you get into college. Going to school in sweats? Great! Everyone and their dog do it in college. Don't worry whether someone is going to think you're weird or a genius or crazy. You meet so many new people every single day, you're bound to find someone who appreciates your craziness or the things that make you unique. I would tell myself to never hide who I am and always express myself how I want to express myself. I wasted too much time worrying what people would think if I made certain decisions or did certain things and it was all for nothing. You get to start fresh in college and the more you share your true self the more people will be drawn to you.

If I could go back and give myself advice at the perspective of a high school senior I would inform myself of many things. For one I would express the need to hang in until the end and continuosly try your best because it will be very worth it in the long run. It would appear that I somewhat 'gave up' at the end of my senior year. I would want to tell myself to hang in their and work my hardest until the end. I would also want to tell myself to truly do some investigating before actually going to College. Exploration of many options is needed at that age in life. Even for those who are set on something that interests them, they need to make sure that that field of choice will hold out for them in the years to come; if its income could support a family, if that field will continue to give them enjoyment, and if it will continuosly be dependable? Nobody likes getting into the position that I am in now and realising that their field of choice just is not going to work for them. At length choose wisely and work hard.

Live it up while you can because this time in your life only comes around once. Find something you enjoy doing, then stick to it even when the going is tough. Soak up all the experiences that come your way and always look for the positive. Study hard, but find time to have fun. Find those that have similar goals for school and form a small study group and within that you may discover a few friendships. Hold onto those. Living at home is great to save money but, if able, move out. You will gather a completely different experience from college and even more opportunities to make lifelong friends. Take the chance to live independently and gather life experiences that will help you in your future. Most importantly, always respect and be honest with those you associate with. Professors, fellow classmates, roommates, etc... you're life will be better off because of it. Life happens, so enjoy it.

I would tell myself to "know yourself". Knowing who you are and what you can and can't do is important. It is also important to know what you are and aren't willing to do to achieve your goals. There are many opportunites in college to learn and grow, but there are also many opportunities to get lost. As a college student, your life is much less structured than high school so you need to stay focused and keep your head up. Talk to your professors. Use them as resourses not only for your classes but also for any other questions you might have. In other words, find a mentor. Don't be shy. Be willing to explore. Don't be so fixed on getting A's that you don't have fun. Finally, relax and just do your best.

I would let myself know about the major I am now in and some class ideas. I could have made less mistakes if I didn't have to change majors and fit courses in.