Arizona State University-Tempe Top Questions

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

Jamie

"This isn't a dream, I'm your future self, here to help both of us." Literally, go to the introduction night of clubs, look at all the classes, and pick one of each that is just for fun. No one has met you before, and the best way to enjoy yourself and the college experience is to find that niche, the place or acitivity that you love, and live it. It's not about changing who you are after high school, but allowing yourself to become the person you've always been. So what if some people think Shakespeare is lame, you love it, and you are not the only one. Who knew there was a Pancake Appreciation club? Why not? You don't have to try everything, but sometimes, you won't know until you try. Take a chance, you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Sara

If I could give myself advice about attending college I would say to take more time to learn how to study more effectively. I would spend more time looking into scholarships that I might be eligible for so that I wouldn't have so many student loans. And while I was in high school I would take advantage of the dual credit classes that were offered by my school. I think that this advice would provide me with a advantage as a college student.

Miranda

I would tell myself to make sure to get more sleep, study a lot more, and be open minded to learn new things. I would say, save more money while working during High school because there is so much more to do down here and everything is very pricey, and it is very difficult to work while going to college. Don't worry either! College is so much better than high school and the people down here are really sweet and is as nervous as you are. I would also say to be careful and don't follow the crowd to much because there is a lot of thing you will lose if you disobey the laws within the school. But other than the negative stuff, just have fun and start making great, wonderful memories about your college life.

Brent

Don't spend so much time worrying about tv who playing what sports on tv or on campus. Make sure you give 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort for each class, and study often for tests. Don't put off homework for even a day, and if you can't afford to live on campus that doesn't necessarily mean you can't get the full "college experience." Apply for as many scholarships as possible, and look at every internship possibility that will add strength to your career resum?. Get to know as many people as possibly, learn their names and something unique about them - you never know when your relationship with them will come in handy or when you can help them with something that only you know, or vice versa.

Andrea

The first thing I would tell myself is to get involved in just one club to prevent becoming overwhelemed. This way, you will commit yourself to only one thing. If you feel like you can take on more, then you already know what to expect when joining a new club. Another thing that I did at the beginning of my sophomore year was join a sorority. As a freshman, I didn't think it was for me. However, after having a lackluster freshman year, I decided to give it a shot and I LOVE it. It has brought me closer to other girls who are smart, driven, and heavily involved in organizations on-campus outside of greek life. It has opened up new opportunities for me, and if I could do it over again, I would have rushed my freshman year. Also, I would tell myself that studying is important. In high school, I got three Bs and As in everything else without ever sitting down to actually study. It was a shock to me when I realized that in college, studying and your grades are positively correlated.

Ireti

Spend time wisely!

Sarah-Rae

Within the few months I have been a college student, I already learned multiple lessons. If I could turn back the clock, I would tell myself that above all, academics come first. Time management is very important, have a good balance between work and play. I would also tell myself that my family was not as far as I thought they were. Opening up to them and giving them a call will make the transition easier. Also it is important to keep your old friends close but be sure to make new friends and keep the door open. College offers a whole new pool of people where valuable lessons can be learned. Above all I would tell myself to stay true to who I was. There is no use in lying to myself and putting on a show for others. College is a time to find myself, try new things. It never hurts to try and if it?s not something I like, well I should be happy that I tried it. I would make sure that my high school senior self knew that she always needs to follow her heart and not loose courage.

Ruby

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high schol senior the advice I would give myself would be to work harder. College is much more harder than high school and is mostly made up of knowledge when the grades come from mostly exams. I was in the top 2{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in my high school thinking I could learn anything by not studying that much and well that was how high school was, pretty much a joke for many people. Now that I am in college and I have to work four times harder then I did in high school maybe due to the fact that I am majoring in Engineering and never have been exposed to the kind of math I was taking in high school. The second advice I would give mself woud be to research the majors I am thinking about majoring in college, the better informed you are about what you want to do in life the better decision one is going to make on what is best for them. If I was in high school now I would work much harder in my studies and research possible majors.

Shanley

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would definitely tell myself not to worry about going out of state for college. In fact, I would tell myself to be confident that I could handle whatever is thrown my way. I would reassure myself that change is a good thing and I should fully embrace it. As small as high school was, it still had prepared us to face our next phase of life. The reason I would tell myself this is because, while it was hard during the first few months to be away from my family and home, everyone else was in the same boat as I was. The adjustment we went through together helped start stronger friendships and developed my independence. I was fortunate to choose a university that made every effort to provide opportunities to meet other incoming freshman. They also provided small group interaction within our studies with people with similar majors. All in all, college is a fabulous extension of high school and will help complete my journey into adulthood.

Raizy

Listen to your teachers. You want to be educated. You won't have another opportunity to be in high school. Enjoy school as long as it lasts.

Eric

Relax going to college is a big step in life, and you will grow immensly as a person so stop stressing. It is easy to be caught up worrying over college during your senior year, wondering which college is right for you, how will you afford it, and the whole 'what is this FAFSA people are telling me about?' situation, but relax there are answers and everything is not as critical as you're probably making them seem. Start by doing research into the colleges that interest you most, visit campusdiscovery.com, and make a visit to them, you'll feel it, if it's the school for you. The FAFSA isn't a great mystery go to fafsa.gov and there will be tons of information. While your learning about the FAFSA apply to alot of scholarships many will turn you down but don't be discourage because some of them will turn out good, so relax you are a senior and seniors have the most fun.

Ashley

As a second semester freshman at Arizona State University I have had the opportunity to experience what college life is all about. Looking back on my life as a high school student there are several things that I wish I had known before entering college that would have helped my transition into this new and demanding lifestyle. Moving three states away and having to live without the help of my parents in the next bedroom, it would have been nice to know the cost of daily necessities and how important it is to learn how to create and maintain a budget. If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a senior, I would stress the importance of saving money, getting a job, and learning how to budget for myself. Since I decided to go out of state I moved into an entirely new environment, knowing absolutely no one. If I could talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself to stretch out of my comfort zone and close-knit circle of friends to constantly be meeting new people so the transition to adapt to a new setting would have been easier.

Daniel

I would tell myself to be thankful for everything I have. When you get to college, you can realize how quickly life changes and how much work it takes. In high school, most things are given to you without much being expected in return. You have lots of friends, everyone at school knows your name, and it's a fun time. When you get to college, things will change. Enjoy the time you have now, and make your memories last. Many of your friends will move off to different colleges, and you have to take on one of the biggest challenges of your life without many of them. Stay the course, though. Be prepared to work hard, and don't give up. No matter what anyone else tells you, you can do it. Remember that you are now in control of what happens to you. Hard work and dedication will get you through anything. Stay focused, and work hard!

Qrystylfeather

Select a college major now. That was my first mistake. By selecting a major then would have really helped me out now. I would tell myself to keep my head up, and your on the right path. Its gonna be a hard path but in the end it would be totally worth it. Living poor is part of the college life experience and applying to as many scholarships as possible would really help you out and save you the stress later on. Also, i would recommend not getting a job the first semester because, you have to begin making an everyday routine. Once, University life is settled then you can begin applying for a job to get that extra spending money. College life is difficult but you appreciate it more when you work hard for your money, as opposed to money just being given to you. Thats one lesson I have learned recently as a college junior. Also, having a vehicle is even more difficult so begin saving money for parking permits. Also, smile so you can make friends easier and remember that they are just people who are there for the same reason as you are....an education.

Bridget

Prepare now for the future. Choices made today determine a lifetime. There are so many possibilities dream big. Take time to decide your path but once the decision is made bring a relentless passion to be the very best.

Luis

To choose wisely on a degree and really focus on school starting my freshman year.

Brent

There would be a lot of things to tell myself about college. During my senior year I became arrogant and big headed because I was a senior. However, a semester of college has changed that thought in me. There are so many responsibilites that college students must take on in order to make it through college. There are of course the cliche warnings of "time management" and "become friends with your professor", then there are a slew of more subtle warnings to know. Of course, the cliche warnings are crucial too. I would tell myself not to brush off those warnings. It would benefit myself to be on a first name basis with my professors. Professors will be more lenient when grading if it is a student they know personally. I would tell myself to definitely take advantage of office hours. Then there are more subtle things I would have to tell myself. Checking blackboard daily is a must do. Professors will not warn you of some assignments or some required reading. Instead, they will post on blackboard and expect you to be responsible enough to check the postings and to complete the task.

Lawren

There are so many things I wish I could tell the high school me! I would start by saying, "Take a deep breath... it's ok if you don't know what career you want yet. Plan out your goals even if their little ones, and it will help you feel more in control. " I would tell the former me to never be afraid to ask for help because there are students all around that feel just as scared and homesick when they get to college. I would tell myself to make a real effort to keep the friends I already have, because they will help you through the loneliest and most stressful times. Also, make new friends because all you've known is your little town, so here's your chance to expand! Especially on ASU's campus, keep your open-mindedness and your world will grow. I would tell myself that this is the start of a whole new life and it's complicated sometimes, but stay true to who you are as a person then you'll be fine. As for academics, you'll be fine, I know you're a smart girl.

Jerica

I am proud to look back on who I was in high school. My grades were to my satisfactory, my friends were who they were temporary company, people to relate to while I was on break. I should have praticed healthier eating habits, which would have given me enough energy to continue juggling sports and my academics. I believe I did everything I could to prepare myself to graduate. My parents were a big influence, they are biggest part of who I have become. I like that I wasn't very social, because now I am highly self disciplined. Being self disciplined is knowing when I am stressed and doing something about it that does not have to do with any substance or subscription. I feel like I've been groomed and trained to be a professional. I used to never speak to adults unless I was spoken to, now I work in a mangement office where my co-workers are adults and I have to communicate everything. I feel like I learned at my own pace and allowed my self to make mistakes and learned from them. At work my supervisors tell me they think highly of me.

Randy

I would go back and have more fun. During my entire High School career, I was assured by my parents that they could pay for any school that I got into. Upon gaining admission to NYU and realizing that they would be under a $160,000 burden, my dreams were very quickly crushed. I spent my days during 9th-12th grade studying, trying to get good grades so I could get into the best school. I gave up a lot of my social life in pursuit of the grade, and I really shouldn't have. I don't believe it takes a lot to get into ASU, and I could have done it while having more fun at my High School. I would have told myself not to aim so high, because you fall a lot harder. Just have fun day by day, and while the future is important, it's not everything.

Chad

Having the chance to go back and talk to myself as a senior in highschool I would tell myself that you can't not mess around once that your in college. It's hard, tough, and very rigorious. Patience is a virture so take the down time that you have go and study as much as you can. The parties are not worth throwing your GPA and studies down the drain. Take the most out of every opportunity that comes your way and run with it, if you do well the possibilities are endless.

Fredrico

There wouldn?t be much advice I would have given my self. I would have chosen to have sat down with my past self and listened to the things I would have had to say in high school and learn from that to help make me a better person. The experiences learned from college then and now are something only experience can teach. But if it was true advice in life it would to be budget your money wisely, and never burn bridges.

Shannon

I typed a truly extraordinary essay on what advice I could give myself if I got the chance to look back, and I would love the opportunity to share it with anyone willing to read it. The website won't allow me to enter it because it's more than 200 words, but it tells a story of hardship while still completely answering the question asked. I did it in an extremely creative and out of the box way. My mom cried when she read it. If there's anyway I can enter it, or even have someone read it, please do tell me how. My story is the complete reason why I needed to transfer out of Arizona State University, as school I absolutely adored. Sincerely, Shannon Murphy 284 Goose Rocks Rd. Kennebunkport Maine 04046 (207) 251-6999 Currently a transfer student at University of Maine [email protected]

Laura

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have several pieces of advice for myself. First of all, I would definetly tell myself to take every opportunity that presentes itself such as to help with the transition into college. Apply for many scholarships no matter what the award amount is, every cent is more than what you already had. I would advise myself to visit the campus and become familiar with all of the resources available to use at my advantage. The most important thing I would suggest myself would be to ask for help. We all are not born knowing how to apply for scholarships or what it is like at a university. Going to my councelor or school teachers for help would be a great idea. I believe all of these are important to achieve a successful transition into university. College can be tough but asking for help can make the process less painful.

Catherine

Take a moment and breathe. College is going to be fast-paced, exciting, scary, and it absolutely has the potential to be some of the best years of your young life. Oftentimes, there will be a great deal of pressure on you, as a freshman ? so many people watching you to see what you will become. However, in all honesty, this is the time to free yourself from expectations and look at what you want most in life. Forget about the grades, the classes, and other trivial matters that can be such a pressing concern. In the big picture, they are not the significant things. Significance will come when you pursue a degree in a field that you are passionate about ? when you explore, reflect, and work hard. Most importantly, free yourself of fear. Do not stress about the ?what ifs,? rather, have the courage to spring into life.

Estela

Go to college because it brings you many opportunities in life in order to succeed, and you find out that it is possible to make your dream come true, like becoming a doctor.

David

My advise would center around: 1) Be more curious - not just superficially so. 2) Ask more questions about posibilities 3) Search deeper into whatever answer I am given 4) Aware of the world, the options open to me Like the twilight between sleep and being fully awake, I would speak with every teacher and every counselor to learn their view of my possibilities and what options they suggest I consider. I would ask them this very same question and learn from them these very lessons that I have had to learn for myself. "Wake up" would be the call-to-arms, and a concerted effort to understand better what the world consists of and what is my place in it. I think that about says it. What do you think I should have said? Funny question, eh?

Amber

If I knew as a senior in high school what I know now, I would definitely feel a lot less stressed out about college. Neither of my parents went to college, so I had little to no idea what life would be like after graduation. However, if I had the chance to talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself several very important things. First of all, don't worry about how you will pay for college, because the financial aid department will help you find a way to do it through a variety of resources. Second of all, don't stress about the classes or workload you'll have, because the professors and academic support are there to help you- the school wants you to succeed! Lastly, have fun! Expand your social life by making new friends and join a club or activity on campus. You're not the only one feeling new and nervous! Talk to the person sitting next to you, because they're probably feeling the same way as you. Most importantly, don't sell yourself short! Try new things because you'll never know what could spark a new interest!

Matthew

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would tell him to prepare for the upcoming changes. College life is much different than high school and requires a lot more patience, diligence, and most importantly planning. I would also tell him to get a job over the summer because living on your own requires a lot more money that diminishes quickly into nothing.

Carla

I would tell myself go to college right after I graduate rather then waiting until "I know what I want to be." The 1st 2 years are basic so get then finished ASAP then you can deside on what your calling is. Also, make sure you apply early and often for aid because the longer you take the hard it gets and waiting is no fun when you have books to buy but no money and your professors assign reading and other assignments the 1st day. Lastly, I'd remind myself to be a 1st rate version of myself rather then a 2nd rate version of of someone else or who I think other want me to be. Life is about risking it all and the younger you are the greater risks you are able to take so take them often and learn from your mistakes as they will guide you in the future. Oh and smile no matter what you feel like inside. Eventually, the smile will be what you feel.

Heather

The main advice I would give myself is to prepare. Take the time to attend the visits of representatives from the school to learn more about the campus and to learn more about scholarship opportunities that they have. Start developing a better work habit so that I will not constantly procrastinate with assignments. Don't worry so much about popularity, worry about your education and if you're doing all that you can to get the best that you deserve. Those would be my main words of advice to myself to help me make the transition to college life.

Candice

After completing my first semester on campus, if I had the opportunity to go back to my senior year, I'd definitely encourage myself to work a lot harder on finding scholarships and enjoy my friends and family. Living in dorms on campus is definitely a learning experience in its own. You go from living at home with your family and close group of friends to living in a community with people you've never met before, which can be really intimidating. I'd probably tell myself to stay focused on school and not to get too wrapped up in all the drama. Have a good time, try and experience every opportunity thrown my way, and never lose sight of who I am. Always stay positive.

hayden

Be prepared to grow up quick. College is the real life experience that you need. Do better right now so the transition to college is easier on you. Enjoy the rest of your senior year, play hard work harder.

Jordan

I would tell myself that I need to be prepared for the craziness that will accompany this new season in my life. Everything will change, you need to have things put in place that help you stay organized, focused, and engaged in your education and future. There are lots of distractions, but you need to remember why you are there in the first place. Some practical things to keep in mind would be; get a planner/schedule, choose your friends with discretion, put studying first, and talk with your parents often. Once you get familiar with your calsses and know what is expected of you, then you can start doing some of the fun activities around campus, but always put all of your effort into your education and gaining experience.

Kenneth

If I could go back, I would explain to myself the importance of staying committed to college and studying to perform the best that I can. Do not get frustrated with the core classes that have to be taken and respect the willingness of my parents to pay for college. Had I followed these words and stayed in school 15 years ago, I would have completed my college degree and would have a better opportunity for finding employment in these tough economic times. The college degree provides a "foot-in-the-door" to potential employers and will get you to the interview process. If I would have known all of these previous failures would come back to haunt me, I would have stayed in school and finished my degree 15 years ago when I started. It would have also allowed me to be more committed to the baseball career I started when I was in college.

Chad

If I could go back and advise myself about college, I would tell me that it is going to be nothing like I would expect. I would expect the dorm life to be more like a summer camp, then I would put aside my studies for fun and activities. I would tell myself that I should put my studies first and that I should make a daily calandar and stick to it. I would also tell me to watch my eating habits and to be sure to schedule time for the gym in my weekly planning between homework, classes, and sleep.

Ashton

My high school senior year went by really fast for me and the next thing I knew, I was graduating at the top of my class. I am a simple, straight to the point type of guy as most describe me that get along with almost everyone. I was really busy with my academics, sports, competitions, youth volunteer on weekends, and family time. My advice to myself would have been learning how to cook for good nutrition and spending my summer earnings on school electronics and supplies. I also wish that I had took more time out to search more scholarships that would help me a great deal.

Jenna

Don't give up on going to Arizona State University for one second. Mom an Dad will notice and if you aren't persistent about it 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time they won't let you go. Just keep nagging them about it 24/7 and they will be so sick of you they will want you to leave. Not really, but you will have proven to them that it is what you really want and it is worth every penny they spend. Also, don't forget to bring facial tissues with on the way to the airport, otherwise mom will stain your shirt with tears.

Matthew

I would tell myself to learn as much as I can about my biggest interests. Since my major is political science I would tell myself to become as most knowledgable about related topics as much as I could. I would also tell myself to become the best possible public speaker I could and develop as many social/people skills as was possible. If I desired to play any type of sport in college I should practice as much as I could during high school. I should also get as much college credit as I could during my last high school year so that I do not have to deal with the stress or bad instructors in general study classes. I should also save up as much money as possible as it is much harder to do so in college, especially the first couple of years. I believe the biggest piece of advice is to become familiar as possible with my interests.

Ross

When I left high school I went out of state. I made friends and experienced a different place out on my own which was certainly an adventurous move where I really learned to stand on my own two feet. I returned to an in-state school after two years near where my parents live mainly due to our realization that the out-of-state school was certainly not worth the extra tuition. When I was getting ready for college, I distinctly remember my peers and I aching to get away from the place we all grew up . When I returned after two years I realized most of the people griping ended up staying here. I would tell myself that leaving home and going someplace new for the sake of itself can lead to some fascinating opportunities, but I wouldn't immediately place that over one's home. Affordability and proximity to one's roots is nothing to immediately discard. If I had to do it all again, I'd stay in-state and go to a school in a different town far enough to be my own person but close enough to visit the community where I became an adult.

Sean

College is not something to be taken lightly. It demands more devotion to studying, completing assignments on time, and similar things. At the same time, however, college is a very enjoyable experince, much more so than high school, in my opinion. As a high school senior, I was very nervous about making the transition. If I were to travel back in time and give my high school senior self advice, here's what I would say: "Being nervous is understandable. You're about to dive into something new. However, it's not COMPLETELY new. There are many things about college that are similar to what you had to deal with in high school. You need to study dilligently, and devote yourself to your projects. You need to get involved in clubs and social gatherings. Go out and meet new people. Make friends with them. Share your interests with them. Go above and beyond what you accomplished in high school. Finally, don't forget to have fun. College isn't all about busy work, after all."

jesus

The upmost important thing i would tell myself would be good job, because i tried my best and achieved to go to a university where i would get a higher education and become something of myself. I would give myself a tap on the back and tell myself to not give up because my education has only just begun and i must thrive to keep going and become the most educated in my family.

Tylar

It's not as far away from home as you think - Mom and Dad wil still be there. Drink lots of water and eat your vegetables. Be nice to your new floor-mates, and when they ask you to watch a movie at midnight, or go to IHOP at two in the morning, do it. The experiences with them will more than make up for losing the sleep. Be nice to others, but don't stand for any of their crap. Be true to yourself. Walk softly and carry a big stick.

Rachel

Well, coming into school I was very open minded already about making friends. I was excited to get out there and meet new people, and I would tell myself to do that sme thing I did before in that aspect. Although, I would tell myself to meet people on my floor in my dorm sooner, because now I am close friends with them, but I could have had even more fun with them for a longer period of time if I had met them earlier. As for school I would tell myself to work hard, pay attention, study, and SLEEP. While always attending class and still maintaining good grades, I did not sleep enough and was often exhausted and sick. Last, I would tell myself to relax and have fun. It is college, and it is very important to get a quality education, but it is also a lot of fun, and it's not as scary and as hard as everyone makes it seem.

Meghan

Attending Arizona State University has provided me with more opportunities than imaginable. I have been fortunate enough to take advantage of these opportunities. If I were to give my senior-year-high-school self advice, I would insist on the importance of getting involved both inside and outside of your major. Being involved within the business school has provided me with many resources and friends. Being involved outside of the business school by giving campus tours provides balance and a change from the "typical" business students. I have learned who I am, learned what I want to do, learned my strengths and weaknesses, learned about others, learned professionalism, and learned communication from my on-campus involvement. Other advice I would suggest is to be as friendly as possible. As cliche as it sounds, everyone is looking for new friends so why not make as many as possible. It also changes the entire university experience into a more positive one. Overall, involvement and kindness can get you anywhere.

Linsy

If I was able to go back in time and give my self advice during my senior year I would tell myself that I need to get better studying habbits and that I should get involved with campus life. I never have been one to study but I found out quickly that I could not get by without doing so. Studing is so much more important now and its necessary to learn. It would have helped me out if I would have known this before. Another thing is that I really regret that I didn't join any club or really do anything that dealt with the social life of living on campus. There is still time left to do so but I believe it would have been benneficial for me to start my freshman year.

Morgan

Dear Morgan, Relax. You're going to be just fine. You need to start working your procrastination issue now, because if you start as a freshman in college it's going to be much harder. Next year your professors won't accept excuses for not turning in work on time, so always be prepared. Keep up your grades this year and practice being a good student so that it's a more natural habit next year. Tell mom and dad that you love them more. Thank them for doing your laundry and for cooking your meals because next year your on your own. Have fun with your friends, make amazing memories, and take a ton of pictures. Just breathe, it's only high school. I promise you can do it. I know you think your having the time of your life being a senior, but just wait, the best years of your life are right around the corner. Get ready for an amazing ride! Love yours truly, Morgan

Crimson

I would tell myself to prepare to do a lot of planning, a lot of walking, and a lot of reading. I would also tell myself to remember to talk to my family back home and let them know what's going on so that they don't worry about me as much and let them know that I appreciate them. Also, I would tell myself to get a warranty on my printer and keep up with deadlines a lot more.

Megan

I would tell myself to not be afraid to ask questions and to get the help needed to succeed . To have a game plan of how I was going to pay for college and how many classes I wanted to take. To stay at community college for as long as you can, to take all your easy classes so when you get to a university all you have left is your upper division classes. Save my money and apply for scholarships to help pay for school. Work hard and don't let the little things in life bring you down. Focus and set goals for yourself every semester and take it day by day. Take summer school classes when you can to get a head. Don't work so hard and make time for yourself.

Stephanie

The transition from high school to Arizona State University was very smooth, and I would tell my high school self not to worry. Stress from trying something new, moving away from loved ones and living on your own can sometimes be a big deal - but most of the time most of your worrying is exaggerated. High school seniors should remember that there are thousands of other young adults in the exact same position as they are, and that the universities are well equipped and experienced when it comes to making the transition worry-free, so why worry?