Arizona State University-Tempe Top Questions

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

Steven

Save up as much money as possible for college and stay in touch with friends.

Kiera

I would say try to be more independent. And to start thinking for myself. I would remind myself that with God's guidence everything would come out on top.

Matthew

If I was back in high school, there would be some changes that would affect my college life. In my early years of high school, I did not take school as seriously as I do now. I did just enough to get by and graduate. If I could go back I would tell myself to focus on getting good grades so I could get a scholarship for college. I realize now how expensive it truly is, and receiving a scholarship would help greatly. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to get involved more on campus. This advice would also help with me getting a scholarship. Being more involved would possibly motivate me to be even more involved than I am now. I played varsity sports all four years, but never did anything to really change things at my school for the better. Now I know these important aspects of college life, but it would have changed everything if I had learned these lessons sooner.

Philip

Pay more attention to the classes. Once you have everything major decided, like where you want to go and how you're going to pay for it, the next major things are the classes. If you don't pick a good schedule for yourself, you could put yourself behind, especially if you have a rather demanding major(s). But really, the most important thing is that your first semester is a lot more fun when you have a good schedule. You're able to work around it better and have a lot less stress. Also, if you have a schedule laid out for the next four years, that takes a huge load off your mind and lets you relax a lot more.

Stephanie

The transition isn't really as hard as you think it will be. Don't worry about the course loads, they are similar. Expect to change a lot and try things you never thought you would. Try and go to an in-state school because out-of-state tuition is a joke and even though you are an active, involved, and committed student that will go on to have a 3.95 GPA, no one will have any money for you because they are too busy handing it out to those who struggle.

Sarah

I would tell myself to stop procrastinating and do what's needed to be done when it is assigned. I would also tell myself to save as much money as possible because college is very expensive. Also, I would learn better study habits and learn how to take notes better. Just stay focused, because your college education depends on it.

Jose

Keep your head in school it is a big step in life to go from living with your parents to living alone in a big city where you know no one, but with time you will adapt. Apply to as many scholarships as you can because college is expensive and there are a lot of bills you will have to pay and having no money can and will put a lot of stress on you. Stay focused once your in college it isn't hard to succeed do your work, homework, and study for exams it really isn't as difficult as people say it is. Remember to be organized and manage your time and most of all have fun. You don't have to be perfect at everything you do, but do it to the best of your ability.

Katherine

I have always lived in a family where budget was top priority. Senior year I found out that I had recieved a scholarship to Arizona State University that could have paid for my education, but I had chosen to go to Northern Arizona University, and the scholarship went to another incomming freshman. I wish I could have told myself to take the ASU scholarship and forget about NAU, so I could have at least saved a semesters worth of money.

Carmen

If I could go back to my senior year to talk to myself about the college experience, I would say three things. First of all, I would tell myself not to be so excited about the college experience, because once I'm in college, I will wish I had my high school years back. Things then will seem like heaven compared to what it's like when transitioning to living on your own. Secondly, I would make sure I apply for EVERY scholarship available to me, not just the ones I "feel like" applying for, because I could use all the money I could get. Lastly, I would make sure I understood how to create a budget for myself, and how not to spend money so frivolously, because it is true, college students go broke pretty easily, especially the ones paying for their own education, and those unwilling or unable to get a job.

William

I would tell my past self that the future we share is like a tunnel with a large light shining ahead. And though I have not fully reached the end of the tunnel I know that I reached as far as I have through perserverance and a strong work ethic. I would tell my past self that in the end by the time he reaches where I currently am in the present, that everything will be worth it and to lose the worry along his/our journey. My only other advice to my past self would be to understand that life (even in academics) is not just one linear path and so that he/I should not be panicked when things don't turn out the way that was expected. I would tell him that even if that happens things still have a way of working out in the end, to perhaps greater results then previously thought.

Jessica

I would tell myself "Get in the habit of working hard in school." I didn't really take school serious until my junior year of highschool. Before then, I sorta skated and got good enough grades without trying. Even when a junior and I took things serious, I got straight As but I still skated to an extent. I didn't have to struggle with anything but Math, which I avioded religiously, and so I didn't get in the habit of working hard to earn a good grade. However, once I got into my current major, which is Earth and Space Exploration, I found myself confronted with Math, Science and Engineering. In of itself, it isn't so bad, but I'm not in my comfort zone, I can't skate. It would have been much better for me to have gotten out of the habit of skating earlier, so I wouldn't have been so shocked by the transistion into college. Not to mention, I would have grown sooner. If nothing else, I would have found found I had a Math learning disability much sooner. Maybe math wouldn't have been so hard had I known that earlier.

Tammy

Knowing what I know now, I would tell the high school senior version of me, to follow your dreams instead of what your parents wanted. ASU wasn't the school I had intentionally thought of going to, and to this very day is my biggest regret. ASU is a magnificant school if I was looking into something related to business or graphic design, but they are really weak in their science department. ASU is really big on partying, which I still prefer to stay away from. Don't do stupid things that will get you into big trouble and possibly ruin your future, because right now is the time when your future is being decided. Apply for as much scholarship as you can, or else you will end up frantically trying to apply for scholarship when you have $0 to pay for college. Stay focused in school and stay away from the boys. There is definitely plenty more time for relationships. Other than that, live happy with life and fight for your dreams, because in the end you'll get what you wanted as long as you fight hard enough.

Brittany

Enjoy the sleep you currently get, and the easy homework! Make sure to fill out plenty of scholarship applications, because not having enough money creates a lot more stress. Don't get caught up in the social aspect of ASU, it's really easy to.

Pamela

If I could go back and time, when I was a senior, I would force myself to keep a 4.0 GPA, get involved in extra-curricular activities, visit many universities, attend a summer program for the college you will attend to, and to keep an open mind. An awesome GPA will provide you with scholarship opportunities, while extra-curricular activities in high school will give you leadership opportunities and a higher chance to get involved in college. Attending a summer program before your freshman year familiarizes you with your campus and its resources. Finally, keeping an open mid helps you to assimilite faster to the college experience. which can be overwhelming.

Justin

Take the easiest major possible, cuz in the end it really doesn't matter. Unless you plan on going on to med school then take the hardest major possible

Michael

Go to college no matter what it takes!

Angela

There is a wonderful world out there of opportunity. Do not allow yourself to get stuck. Apply for everything. You have more potential than you now realize. Apply for the schools that you cannot afford and that you do not think you are smart enough for. Apply for study abroad programs. Look into an inernship. Apply for a job in Thailand! Prepare yourself for the goal at the top of your list. Live as if you have already acheived it, but always leave other options open. Things will not go the way you think that you want them to, but if you keep pushing your goals, things will be better than you ever imagined.

Maria

I would tell the students to go talk to advisors at the school or really explore the academic side of the school. I chose my school because it was the closest one to me. If I explored all of my options, I may have made a different choice.

Ashli

The advice I would give myself is to not stress out, that just makes everything harder. The transition between high school and college is not as difficult as some people make it seem. Get to know your peers (the people who live in you dorm , and in your classes), build a network of friends and study partners. Bulding a network early on is a huge advantage, because it will expand your resources and you are more likely to be successful. Make your classes your main focus, but make sure that you make time for a social life, as well. Get involved in extracurricular activities, such as community service clubs, or club sports. Get to know your professors and go to office hours; I gurantee you that you will do better in your classes if you do. One last thing, get to know the campus and where your classes are before the first day of classes; it will make the first day a lot less stressful.

Elise

I would give myself these words of advice: no matter what anyone else ever does or says, trust yourself and stick to your own morals. In time you will see that every choice you make has a consequence and you will live with every one that you make. Keep being who you are and trusting that even though other people may judge you, if you look before you leap like you always have, you will come out on top and respected by others, but most importantly by yourself. Keep in mind also that you never come out of life alive and that every moment should be appreciated and lived to it's fullest. Never give up on yourself and take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself because once it's gone, it might not come back. Have fun, be smart and remember, it's ok to call mom and dad four times a day just to tell them you love them.

Ashley

If I could go back in time and talk to myself (as a senior in high school) I would have several things to say to better prepare myself for college. The first thing I would say is to make sure not to participate in the "senior slide". In college there is defiantly no time to slack on grades. Also, I would tell myself to start getting involved in activities outside of school, such as volunteering, co-ed soccer team, helping out for a church group, now as a senior. In doing this it will help build a good habit of getting involved in outside of school activities and surrounding myself with diverse groups of people.

Elizabeth

Nothing.

Tiffani

I would tell my high school self to try harder. College is the stepping stone to the rest of my life and I can't go through it with one foot out of the door.

Lili

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advice myself studay harder and so be more prepare before I started college.

Nicole

You're moving far from home, so be ready to feel your first bout of real home-sickness. Moving from Maine to Arizona is no easy feat, and things are going to be incredibly challenging. Be ready to face these hurdles head on. Do not be afraid to leap before you look and do not hesitate when someone asks you to go on an adventure. Make sure you study. Do NOT eat cheeseburgers for lunch every day, but get one every once in a while to stay sane. Make sure to take some time out of each day for yourself - you'll burn out too quickly if you don't. Be prepared to miss things you never thought you could miss, like real grass (desert grass is not the same) and the window in your room that always gets stuck. Be prepared to meet people you never could have conjured up in your most outrageous dreams. Be prepared to learn more than you think you're learning. The best advice I can give you is to face the world with your chin up and smile while you're doing it.

Breana

Don't worry so much about the money. Sure, ASU is giving you what is essentially a full-ride, but still apply to those other places. You know more about what you want than you think you do, trust me. Go for it. Yes, academic competition is scary. Yes, student loans are frightening. But you know what? There's more to college than student loans and tests. To get the most out of your education, go for something challenging and go to the best place you can for that challenge. Look into opportunities like studying abroad as soon as possible and prepare for them. Talk to your lab partners, talk to the people near you in class, form study groups, and, probably most importantly, don't be intimidated to talk to the professors. Look into internships, research opportunities in labs on campus, and summer programs. You don't need a definitive answer to where you want your life to go, but you can certainly trod down some interesting paths as you try to find it. Take a chance, please. Do what makes you happy, even if it makes things just a little bit harder.

Christine

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would drill the concept of time management into my brain. I would make sure I knew how to continue to have a social life, but keep my grades up as well. My freshman year of college was really hard because I never truly buckled down and used my time wisely. I just let it waste away. It took me a whole year to realize what I needed most and if I had learned it earlier I would have had a better financial situation going into college.

Phillip

I would tell my self to not give up. to keep pushing forward without slowing down a bit. it would only be four years and it goes by so quickly. to stay on task and to keep my grades up. and to also keep up with the course material such as reading and homework, and to study, at least an hour a day.

Sarah

Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and introduce yourself to people around campus. Making friends is one of the biggest parts to transitioning to college that a lot of people don't do right away.

Jeffrey

Don't care what anybody thinks about you. No one cares. You can be whoever you want to be in college and you will not be judged. It's extremely easy to make friends.

Lindsay

I would start off by telling myself that social lifes are not everything. Don't pick your college by what you think will be the most fun or the "Coolest". Pick your college by where you feel you will learn the most and what feels like home to you--because pretty soon you won't be home. Cherish your friends and family because once you move away from them you will regret every last hurtful thing you might have said or done. However keep in mind friends are not always forever.. so pick yours wisely. Make sure you make friends of both sexes and do not lie or stretch the truth to try to make friends or fit in. In the end that will only get you the opposite of what you want. Most importantly, stay true to your faith and beliefs no matter what others think.

Kylie

If I could give advice to my senior self, I would most definitely tell myself to both apply myself more and to have more fun. I feel like I just breezed through my high school experience without fully enjoying it or really preparing myself for college. I would recommend that my senior self become more involved socially and within the community, which is something I am trying to work on right now as well. I think that I would have been much better prepared for my college academic experience if I had taken more AP courses and set up and stuck to a study schedule instead of just winging it all the time. Lastly, I would tell myself to spend more time appreciating my family. I moved out of my parents' house as soon as I could and enrolled in summer school at ASU to get a head start which has been very beneficial to me, however I do miss my parents more than I had expected and I wish I was there to watch my younger brother grow up. My senior self could have been much more productive and prepared for my college experience!

Carolina

I would say never give up even if the classes are difficult because there is a lot of resources around campus that can help me succeed. It is hard to live away from home but I have to be strong and tell myself that I'm going to make it through these four years. No one else is responsible for what I do or not do so I have to be disciplined and do my work on time and make my own decisions. Attending a university is a big deal especially when your away from home but I'll get used to it and it can be the best experience I've ever had.

Ashley

Knowing what i know now, I would work more hours in high school and save more money. I would also have taken a few more dual credit classes. I would also register sooner so I would be able to get the classes that I needed for first semester. I would also think harder about the major I wanted and the specification to go with it.

HyunJu

Just be excited and write down everything you want to do when you go to college. It's easy to forget the initial mindset you have when you had just come to college. Write it down on a nice piece of paper and put it up on the wall so you can remind yourself everyday what you really want out of your life. Other than that, don't skip classes more than once. Remember. You're the one who's paying, not the school. So it's your loss if you don't commit yourself to school 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}.

Jacquelyn

Take more classes that you are curious about just to learn.

Travis

I would tell myself to get into the habit of studying more and reading more. I have struggled with the amount of studying and reading (or lack there of). I would also have told myself to respect my mom more because now that I live on my own i know the struggles and what not of living on your own, paying the bills, keeping the house clean, etc, etc. Also working on the time managment studying instead of playing videogames!

Nicole

The most important things to consider when choosing a college are the academic programs and the overall feel of the college. Students who know what they want to do should look at schools that have good programs for their intended majors. Those who are unsure may be better off attending a university that has a wide variety of programs to choose from. Another important aspect to think about is the atmosphere of the university. A large university may not be for everyone; some students are happier in a smaller environment. Ensuring that you are in a setting where you feel comfortable will help you thrive and get the most out of your college experience. Getting involved in things you are interested also makes the college experience more exciting and beneficial.

Matthew

Look at all different kinds of schools all over the country. Theres a place/ school for everyone, dont stop till you find the right one.

Chris

Just go with the flow. Once you make your decision of where to go, stick with it. Do not transfer it's a waste of time and you can easily lose valuable credits. Some people think they will be happier at other schools, but really they will either be happy or unhappy wherever they end up.

Robert

I would have to say that parents and the students need to make sure they know what they are getting into when they are choosing a school. They need to make sure that there students will fit and suceed in the given school. They also need to make sure that they understand the schools programs and the way there systems work before they get attached. Oh, and if a meal plan is to be purchased i would advise that you make sure you know what your food choices are.

Danielle

Make sure your kids become involved in school to make great friends and have a good college experience. Make sure your kids are fully prepared to go into a new world and experience a taste of what real life has for them. They must pick a college that suits them the best and make sure if they are living on campus they are prepared for it. Many freshman return home after their first year so make sure they are ready and have the maturity to depend on themselves. Teach your kids to be well manered and maintain respect for their leaders and their peers, and have fun in a good way. They must know their limits and know that their number one priority is their education, and they are not going to school to waste time. Money must be well spent and is better for them to have a straight mind about where it goes. To take life by both hands and grasp a new chapter of their life and be the best they can be.

Kirsten

College is all about finding yourself and making a career path. It is important for students to find a campus where they feel comfortable both socially and academically. If you begin school knowing that you will attend a graduate school, I would strongly encourage you to attend a school of high enough credibility to get you accepted into that graduate program. If you are not seeking a graduate degree, the school's ranking and your gpa will be very important. I would encourage every student to live on campus first year. This makes the transition more pleasant and you will find it is much more convenient going to classes. I would also strongly encourage new students to look at the school's library facilities, greek life, and similar clubs and activities. It is important to be able to break up study time so you don't mentally exhaust yourself, and those friends will be a support system throughout your time at the university. This should be a students choice, and you should attend the university that will make you feel comfortable and where you believe you will receive the education that you desire.

Kelsi

My best advice to give someone on picking college is to really explore your options. Find a college that has your best interests in sight and pick somewhere that you think you are going to have a great time. College is supposed to be the best 4 years of your life, so pick somewhere you are going to enjoy. Don't worry about distance either and always remember that everything happens for a reason.

Justin

The years spent at college can be some of the most infuential in an individual's life. When looking for the college that fits you best it is important to focus on the right things. In my experience, the most important aspects of a students' college experience are the education he/she will recieve, how career focused the university is, and campus involvement. We attend institutes of higher education in order to achieve the goals/dreams we have so it is important to find a university that is going to equip you with the knowledge and tools to succeed. Also, a campus that offers advising, internships and workshops that are going to better prepare the students for their future careers is extremeley important. Finally, the relationships we form during the years in college, both with other students and faculty, will last the rest of our lives, so it is important to find a university that has a large variety of clubs/organizations, athletics, and professor-student interactions. A campus that encompasses all of these features will prepare its students not for their careers but for everyday life situations. Take advantage of every opportunity and get involved on campus.

Ryan

Do research on the colleges that you are interested in attending and make sure they offer what you are interesting in majoring in. Then make sure to check to see which colleges are well known for their teaching skills and degrees in your particular major. Apply for scholarships, because that will be a large part of helping you financially through college, and if a college offers you a decent scholarship it may just help you make a decision on where to attend. In order to achieve the most out of your college experience I would say to join clubs/activities, meet new friends, and go to the sports events. At the same time just make sure you don't overload yourself so much that your grades suffer in the end. Overall college is a great experience, but if a major or college doesn't seem to fit you, don't hessitate to try something new before you get in over your head.

Melissa

Parents should be involved with helping their young adult when it comes to selecting the correct college but ultimately the final decision should come from the student. Choosing the correct college is extremely important. It can be a stressful for the student but by breaking down future goals and personal interests the process can become fun and exciting. If a student is already aware of what they would like to be in the future the next step would be to research colleges that excel in that particular field. From this point students should seek a school that includes a number of their personal interests like location, cost, academics, activities, and the college?s social reputation. Finally visiting the college and speaking with administrators and representatives should help students make a final decision on the correct school for them. When a student has made up their mind it is important for them to get involved and make the most of one?s college experience. In order to do this students should explore all opportunities provided by the school; this would include on-campus housing, sororities and fraternities, academic and or social clubs, athletic activities, and getting involved in the surrounding community.

Samantha

Deciding which college to go to is one of the most important decisions in any student?s life. The student should visit the campuses of colleges he/she is planning on attending and talk with current students. While I don?t believe the parents should make the decision for the student, I think they should support them in whatever conclusion they reach. It may not be the college the parent desires most, but if the student genuinely wants to be a part of that campus, they will flourish far much more than they would anywhere else. Studying somewhere where you love to be is the best environment for mental and emotional growth. The student, should and will, take advantage of every opportunity the college has presented them with and become something much more than just a student; they will be a member of a tight knit community. The student will participate in campus activities, and make lifelong friends. They will study and work hard. Learn more than they ever thought possible. They will be intellectually stimulated and be well prepared for decent into life after college. They will bring change to their campus just as it has changed them.

Luis

Find a college that fits your personality and goals. Finances are very important but dont make it everything like me.

Lauren

As a student, selecting a college is the first step into adulthood. Find a campus that you could call home and feel comfortable at- this is extremely important. Make sure the university offers programs for degree programs that appeal to you. Take advantage of all the resources available to you, and immerse yourself in learning about what you enjoy doing. Overall don?t forget the whole college experience is about finding yourself, and defining who you are as a person. Furthermore don?t be afraid to go out on a limb and stretch yourself to try new endeavors as well! You?re only young once, so live it up, enjoy, and get as much out of the experience as you possibly can.