Arizona State University-Polytechnic Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Todd

Try to figure out what degree you want before you go to college.

duncan

Learn to be patient, and ask for help when needed. While teachers will give lectures or do examples in class, only you know what you don't know, and only you can go out and find it. Whether it be from a teacher, another student, or some other resource. No one will just walk up to you and say, "Hey, here's this thing that you need". Learning how you learn is another key thing, not everyone retains information the same way, so figuring out the best way for you to take notes, or study, or even frame questions in class, will give you a big leg up. Being patient is the biggest piece of advice i could give myself. College is stressful, lots of deadlines, lots of pressure, it's important to take my time and not let myself get bogged down. The less i manage stress, the more it will take effect on my life.

Samantha

The advice I would give myself when I was a high school senior wouldhave been to start doing scholarships at the beginning of the year. That would probably made me avoid the situation I have been put in now, with not being able to pay for school. I would also tell myself to not be afraid to get to know new people or try new things. If I had of stayed the same shy girl I wouldn't have joined Campus Ambassadors and became a Christian. That was the most amazing thing I could have ever done in my life, and I met great people. The last thing I would tell myself is not to change my morals for anyone even if they were my friends or even in a relationship. I should let peopleloveme for who I am and not who I can be.

Skyler

I would tell my high school self that it is never too early to plan ahead. I would tell myself to go ahead and choose a college rather than waiting. I wish that I would have taken advantage of the dual-credit options at my high school and I would have been farther ahead in college by now. I would tell my high school self not to worry about what school your friends are going to; choose what is best for you. You will still be friends with people even though they aren't at the same school. I would tell myself to choose a major that you love and not to worry about what major would make you the most money. I just recently changed my major but I was reluctant to do so. I would tell my high school self not to worry about college. It's going to be the best time of your life! And last but not least, I would tell my high school self to get pumped about getting an education!

Mai

If I could do it all over again or advise myself about college when I was a teenager, I would tell myself to seek financial guidance and career counseling early on. I've learned everything the hard way by going through the experiences myself. I would tell my "young self" to go to a community college and take general courses there at a more affordable cost then transfer to a 4-year university. Prevent taking out loans if at all possible to avoid incuring debt. I would have also liked to explore many community service jobs to gain various experience to build skills and determine the right career path for me. I would have loved to have had a mentor in the career field of interest to job shadow or learn from. I wish I had the opportunity to have gone over seas to help the various orphanages and assist in the medical camps in the third world countries. Having these experiences and exposure to other worlds out there would probably make me a better clinician. But I am a firm believer that life happens just the way it is intended and now I know better.

Derek

I would tell myself to have a little more fun in high school, since college is so fast paced that you often have little time to stop and just relax.

Katie

DO NOT rush into college. That is what I would tell myself. So many young adults, where I grew up, felt the pressure to go immediately on to college. I believe that I was not ready for college and that I was not alone in that fact. I would have told myself to take a break from school. Get out and work, travel, grow, and mature a little more. College and the the money it takes to participate are no small matter. I went on to college and now have debt and nothing to show for it because I was not ready nor was I mature enough. To sum it up, college is important, but it is also important to make sure you are ready.

Michelle

If I had the ability to go back and speak to myself as a high school senior (at seventeen years of age), I would definitely encourage myself to continue my education within the military. Since I focused solely on promotion within the military system, my education was not what it could have been had I maintained continuity. Time management is much more difficult as an adult student with a family, full-time career, and student responsibilities to juggle. I would also encourage myself to focus onthe bigger picture, meaning work toward the end goal and take advantage of opportunities that will lead in the right direction. In the end, the hard work will all be worthwhile.

Rogelio

Know exactly what I want in my life in a profession that I would love to be in and help people at the same time. Also, be sure what profession I am going to be in and take the requirements exactly for that profession, because a lot of students including myself took classes that I didn't even need, and I take my own personal experience to tell myself as a senior high school student to focus on really what I want and not jump from profession to profession. Before graduating from high school go to a college advisor and ask them anything that will help me decide better what course of life to follow. Start thinking now about my future, and start taking the requirements for the program I want to be in. Love what I do, which is nursing.

Patricia

I never had the opportunity to be a high school senior. After being assaulted by a youth group leader I spent my senior year living on my own, disowned, raising his baby and working a menial job. If I could go back to that time and talk to myself I would tell her that times will change and that I should take financial aid and it will not make me a "welfare whore" like my mother told me it would. I would tell myself how amazing the opportunity to go to school is and that I should find a way to do it sooner no matter what. I would help explain the process to myself and I would let myself know how worth it will be in the end. Mostly I would let myself know that there was more to the world that that awful little town and all of the people who told me I was nothing and judged me and denied me opportunities without knowing anything about me and I would strongly urge myself to leave sooner. I'd also tell myself that my son has Autism to spare him the years of torture undiagnosed in public school.

Alexandra

First: take a deep breath. Things are changing, but you can handle it, I promise. College is different, but you it's nothing you can't handle. There are people who can help you in every aspect and I promise the world won't end if you need to ask for help. Secondly, don't stress so much when you're that freshman who doesn't know what they're going to be majoring in. Chances are that more than half the people in your class don't. If they do, then I bet half of those people are going to change majors at least three more times anyway. When you do pick your major, go for what you want to do and what you're passionate about. Please, please, please do not let people around you talk you out of the major that's right for you because of the economy. You're capable of accomplishing anything you set your mind to, so don't settle for a different major because you don't think you're good enough for the one you've been dreaming of for the past few years. You're worth more than you know.

Janet

If I could go back in time, and we are talking way back, the first thing that I would say is that college learning is different than High School. The learning is a lot more focused and I found it easier. A lot less drama too! Out of high school, I was not ready for more education. As I look back at my life I think of how many times and in how many ways my life could be better, if I had just stuck with it or even went back to college early. I have an associate degree in Early Childhood Development that I got in my 30’s. I would also tell myself to feed my creative side more. I have always found ways to be creative in any position. All my hobbies are creative as well. Now I want to focus on getting back to college and finish my degree in Digital Design and Graphic. One last thing that I want to tell myself now is that I can still go back to college and I can get the education I need to lead me to my dream career.

Ben

I would definitely tell myself to get involved! Join organizations, play intramural sports, or get involved with student government. My life on campus changed for the better when I got involved with organizations and events on campus. Studying became less stressful because I knew my resources better and because I was able to network more effectively and find good study groups to help me with the tough stuff. I made new friends. My appreciation for the school grew immensely because I got to see what happens behind the scenes and see the hard work that it requires to organize and coordinate events on campus. My school spirit increased because I made an effort to support more social and sporting events. Being an involved student gave me the confidence to seek out opportunities for leadership in my community and at school and gave me a better understanding of how to seek help from professors and other faculty. I believe that my involvement at school ultimately gave me a sense of my responsibility on campus and off of campus to continue to improve my community and be an advocate for progress and learning for life.

James

My grandfather, James Harry Hartman Senior, experienced an extremely harsh life growing up during the Great Depression and was forced to withdraw from elementary school in order to work and provide for his family. He worked his whole life building the highways in the north eastern United States. His son, my father, James Harry Hartman Junior, was the first to graduate from college in his family. My father also found himself in extremely difficult circumstances in providing for his family and putting himself through the university to obtain his degrees. My desire to pursue advanced education and research has also not been easy. I have had to deal with significantly difficult financial circumstances, which created a roadblock to my academic progress. I overcame these obstacles by working various full-time day, night and university resident assistant positions while maintaining a full academic load. This scholarship would help to pay for my PhD in Aviation at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and fulfill my lifelong dream of teaching and doing aviation research at the doctorate level. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say endure and you will succeed!

Clayton

So far I have gotten a lot out of my college experience at Arizona State University at the Polytechnic Campus. I have met lots of other people who want to be engineers just like I do, which is cool because I never met anyone else that wanted to be an engineer. There are also a lot of really intelligent people. I was used to being one of the smartest kids I know but ever since I started attending Arizona State, I realized there are much smarter students than I am, which actually encourages me to work harder. I have also seen what it is like to live on my own as an adult. I live 300 miles away from any family or friends, so I know what it's like to be out in the world on my own. This will be very beneficial to me once I am out of college.

Alexandra

I have gotten many things out of my college experience. I have been able to make many connections with not only people already in different fields, but also with many people going into different fields in the future. I have made many friends that are in my study as well and I know i can go to them for advice on many things. Things like homework and notes to where we are going in the future. I know that I can go to these people not only now, but also in the future. I have also been able to leanr many things from my proffessors. They can teach you many things about their experiences and about the proffession that they are in. For me, this is only the beginning of a great college experience in the years to come.

Marshall

College has definately reinforced my already strong belief in hard work. It is so important to continue your education and gain the knowledge you need for the future, but college isn't all about getting your degree to guarantee yourself a career. It teaches you the hard work you will need once you graduate. You aren't guaranteed a career right out of school, uless you are willing to work for it. Many people believe that if you get your degree you will be handed a wonderful career right out of school. I have learned that if you put the effort into something you will be rewarded. It always takes effort on your part and a degree is just a helpful tool to use to make it a little easier on yourself. I have also learned how important it is to give back. I have been on a few humanitarian trips to third world countries and have worked with successful college grads. They have been examples in showing me that I need to work hard to become successful and then be willing to give some of it back to those who are less fortunate.

Tresor

Since i moved here to ASU to start my college it has been a blast. i am really glad i choose the campus were i am right now because i have learn alot from my advisors, teacher and the pople in the community. i am able to get my work done, get help form the help they offer here at poly, and having fun. Here at poly it might be a small enviroment but there are over lots thing free of charge like getting your lab top fixed, getting your bicycle fix, and many more. every day they try to make sure they is somthing going on that way if you got nothing to do and you feel like you want to do somthing they offer lots thing.

Brooke

I feel since the beginning of my college career up to now, the middle of my junior year, I have become an entirely different person. This transformation is due to all the experiences I’ve had so far in college. Most importantly, I have gained independence and responsibility. Moving away to attend school has been one of the best decisions of my life. Now that I live in a different state, I have to do everything myself in order to complete my degree. This includes my loans and financial aid, providing for myself by working two jobs, and going to school full time. All of this while balancing extra curricular activities and a social life. These experiences cannot be gained any where else besides in college life. I have been given this wonderful opportunity to better my life and the lives of others around me.

Deondray

I have learned many valuable lessons while being at college, such as time management and other valuable skills. But I would say that the biggest lesson I have learned would be that in order to have fun you do not need to get drunk, or use any other substances. At the Polytechnic campus something is always going on that gets people out of their dorm rooms and involved with other people. Its's a great way to bring introverts, like me, out of their shell and have them meet new people. I also learned that the most important things to surivive in college is to do your homework and go to class--i know it sounds simple but it is really easy to get distracted. Professors tend to like it if you show up everyday for class and pay attention, not so much if your not in class because there was a raging party last night. Which reminds that it is easy to procrastinate and give in to temptation. Very easy. But i realized that while I am having fun i could be doing something more important with my time, like turning out the term paper due in the morning.

Samantha

Many friends and you can not trust everyone

Metshafe

The biggest advice I would give myself is to be a respectful and open-minded person. When entering college you will meet new people and ideas so be prepared to encounter things you might not like from other people but also keep in mind that you must always be respectful and talk things over while keeping an open-mind on certain things because not everyone agrees on the way you think. Likewise as the "Golden Rule" states, "treat others the way you want to be treated", you must always respect others and accept the way they are, even if you don't really like it. Try to find a solution in which you both benefit from and thrive normally. If in any way what someone else's actions affect you in a negative way, you must be able to be mature and talk it out peacefully among the person wronging you and if worse comes to worse, try to notify a higher authority. As college students we are all responsible of our actions, so while in college stay cool, be open-minded, and respectful to others because you will find that many people will appericiate you.

Anthony

Going back to the beginning of my senior year I would tell myself to be more focused. My job and video games are not as important. More of my money should be saved for my education rather than energy drinks. I would need to organize my homework and paperwork better so I wouldn?t lose my homework points. AP Physics and AP Calculus AB/BC will be your hardest classes. Apply for more scholarships, because every dollar counts. When you get your books; renting is cheaper. Try study groups with fellow students in class prior to important tests. Start English essays as soon as possible and peer reviews can help out a lot.

Stuart

First you need to sit down and set some goals, you need to have a plan as to the direction you are going to head so that you can start off on the right foot. I didn't have a plan and I have now gone back and forth as to what I really want to do and now that I have been in school and out of school due to work and providing for my family, I know I could have been so much further ahead. I could already be in Dental School but I am not because I second guessed everything. So now that you have the chance to do things right get into school and see it through and don't stop until you are done. You know you want to be a Dentist, now go straight through and you can be done in a few short years. Don't give up and push to the end and you will be so much further ahead, it will be so worth it when you are a Dentist doing what you want to and living the life that you want to live, taking care of your family. Be Strong!

Erik

I would have taken more duel enrollment courses. It is a bit of a downer to have to take simple courses that you already took in high school again. For instance this semester I'm in Chemestry. I took chem my Junior year in high school and did quite well but now I have to take it again. In fact most of my Freshman year was doing classes I did in high school but didnt duel enroll in.

Rachel

There have been days where I wish I could go back with the knowledge I have now. If I could go back and talk to my 17 year old self I would tell her things she needed to know to be successful and to keep her from trying to catch up with the things she should have done at 17 rather than 21. First I would tell my 17 year old self to research Universities and locations she would like to attend. Secondly I would tell her to get involved in her community and school. In doing to so it is going to increase her chances of getting into schools, receiving scholarships and develop her into a better individual. Thirdly I would tell her to apply for as many scholarships as she can. I would advise her that they won?t be easy but well worth the effort. Lastly I would tell her that partying and going out with friends isn?t everything and that there will be a time and place for partying soon enough, but in the mean time she needed to take care of business and that is preparing for the college of her choice.

Leonard

If i were to go back in time to give myself advice about making the transaction to college life is, i would tell myself to be more prepared and start looking for scholorships early. Also, i would tell myself to stay dedicated to any work assignments because in college all you do is STUDY. One last thing i would tell myself is just to have fun and stay commited to succeed in life.

Peter

The only advise I could give myself would be about saving and sending money wisely because no matter what your going to school for you need quite a bit . Schools not cheap there are many expenses that may seem like nothing but it really adds up. Look for a bunch of scholarships and hope your able to get grants because loans suck and I am maxed out already for my first semester in Aviation Maintenance Technology.

Chris

Very simply to not wait so long to go back to school. It is alot easier to handle a family after you finish school.

Bryan

Assuming i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior i would tell myself to stay focused and enjoy the amount of time i had left. Upon starting college my freetime, for the most part, disappeared. Also during high school, i remember complaining about the amount of homework. However, it turns out it wasn't so bad after all. Also, my teachers in high school had it right. All the lame excercises and assignments actually do pay off. So, if i could go back in time, i would tell myself to not complain about the work and to enjoy the high school life while i could because once you start college, things change quite drastically.

Jeff

Nothing

Abbey

I would tell myself to really enjoy my summer, to have as much fun as possible. Go into class with an open mind. Make as many friends as possible--be friendly to everyone. Make connections with your professors and the faculty. Establish a relationship with your advisor. Go after opportunities you want, even if you think you're not qualified. If you aren't enjoying your classes or are struggling, get help, talk to people. Know that your major is NOT set in stone. Get help early. Don't procrastinate! Find or establish a successful study system and STICK TO IT! Have fun, be positive. Work past your fears. Apply for every possible scholarship. Don't settle for anything less than what will make you happy.

Lepolve

understand you child and let him pick the school he likes.

Aleen

Check degree wanted and the classes fit the degree

Charlie

Attending a college shouldn't be decided on the name or popularity of the school. It seems that most people will follow their own parents or relatives and attend the school they went to. Being comfortable with class size and classroom setup is very helpful. It is very effective in aiding on what school you would like to attend by taking a tour of it prior to deciding.

Aleen

Live on campus--at least for your first year. Get the "college" experience, away from your parents, on your own terms. Research degrees; compare and contrast several programs from different schools. Visit campus before you jump in; make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. Be responsible! You alone are in control of your body and mind. Treat them right. You made it to college, now make smart decisions.

Kelly

The college experience is absolutely a reflection of the attitude and energy the student puts into it. The best advice I can give to students is to stop focusing on the grades and how to pass the test and to start exploring how to use their newly learned information in the world outside of college. For most, this is the first opportunity to be an adult without having their parents pull the strings for them. Expect to make mistakes. Expect to be challenged. Enjoy every minute of it. The classroom will not be the only place where the lessons are given. Parents, support your kids as they begin to learn who they are without you and let them fix their own mistakes. The way we handle the mistakes we make are the biggest tests we will encounter.

Allison

Take some time to really sit down and evlaute your comfort level with different size schools and their locations so as to best decided where you would best fit in. Also look at what clubs and organizations are available on campus to get a better idea of what the student body is focused on, to see if you have the same types of interests and concerns. Make sure to do a campus visit to really get a feel for the campus and if at all possible talk to existing students.

Stephanie

Research, research, research.

Melissa

Don't choose a school just becasue your friends are going there. You are going to meet so many people and it is most likely that you will not even hang out with the people you knew before. I would choose a shcool based on your major as well. Find a school with a good program in your field of interest. Even though it is common you change majors, it will at least give you a basic idea where to go. If you don't know what you want to major in, choose a school based on what you may want to do eventually. Don't go out of state unless there is a really good reason to. It is just extra money for the same undergrad education. Stay focused and don't blow off classes. Go to every class unless there is no other way around it. Attendence is really important and taking notes can make a big grade difference too. Most importantly, don't get too stressed, it is only school and if you stay on top of your work and dont procrastonate, you should be fine. Make friends, relax, but get things done.

Christopher

Visit the campus and talk to the teachers in the field that the child is going to most likely pursue. Also talk to students in the field about the teachers as they have the greatest insight as to what they are spending their money on and if it is worth it.

benton

Prepare before High School is over. Try to find your interest in certain degree path before attending college. Plan out your college path before starting it.

Jonathan

The best advice I can give to anyone about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is this: do not sell yourself short. I made that very same mistake when I first got out of highschool and I decided to work at a regular job. After taking a year off after highschool and working I decided I should really go to school to get an education. Soon I went to a City University of New York school nearby and I had no real ambition or thought process as to why I went there in the first place or what I wanted to accomplish after. Spending 3 years of my college life studying a major I hated at a hardly accredited school I decided to go to a State University and not a so called "College." We often sell ourselves short when we don't know what we want or are too afraid of the work process involved to get us to our goals. DO NOT SELL YOURSELF SHORT. Basically, in most simplest terms realize your passion, whatever it may be and find the best school that teaches you to embrace it and never settle.