Auburn University Top Questions

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

David

If I were able to go back in time and give my high school self a piece of advice, I would have told him that success is only obtained when preperation meets opportunity. Going through high school, preperation was easily achieved due to structure. During college however, structure is no longer forced upon you as it was in high school. By forcing discipline upon yourself to create a structured enviroment, you will be prepared when an outstanding opportunity arises. If I were able to give myself this piece of advice, I believe that I would have had an even greater college experience than the incredible experience that this University has given me already.

austin

Try harder in highschool to prepare for college. Mostly work on time management.

Devon

I would tell my high school senior self to suck it up and apply for scholarships. I would tell myself to spend more time with my brothers, and to build a better relationship with them. I would tell myself to focus some time on myself, to be a high school senior and not to take on all the difficulties of our parent's divorce. I would tell myself to enjoy my relationship with Marcel, my boyfriend, but to not get ahead of myself; for, even though it may seem like that relationship could last forever, he is not the one.

Alexandra

If I could tell high school me one thing, it would be "don't". Don't skip first period tomorrow, you're going to have a quiz on it the next class. Don't go to the volleyball game tonight, you need to study for that test you have tomorrow. Don't make friends with that girl in your gym class, she brings nothing but trouble. Don't join three clubs when you are already a captain of your varsity team, a leader in your show choir, an editor of the yearbook, and an honor roll student who in in national honor society, which requires lots of volunteer work. Don't spend so much of that graduation money, save it for the fall. Don't rush to get your license, it means paying for gas. Don't be so eager to leave home. It's a big scary world out there and you might think independence is the only thing you want, but surviving on your own isn't all it's cracked up to be. Lastly, don't forget to appreciate everything mom and dad are doing for you, and spend every minute with them that you can.

Bailey

A flaming red heat would wash over my face. It would creep up my neck and blossom across my freckled skin. I hated feeling awkward. I tucked my chin quickly, mumbled an incoherent excuse, and high tailed it out of the classroom. That was in high school. My biggest challenge and redeemable quality in college is to smile. It sounds so simple, and truly it is. If you had told my high school self to pick my chin up and look people in the eye I would have cried at the idea of such a confrontational reaction. But now, I make it a point to state my mind, meet new people, and work through social awkwardness without running away. Don't get me wrong, social anxiety is something that I have battled with throughout my childhood, so in one semester I have not been dramatically cured. Smiling opens the heart and body up for acceptance. It takes your bluntness, stiffness, and nervousness and softens it into mutual understanding. I have begun to see my own value. I have seen my own power, which has led to having further confidence and of course, further smiling.

James

Why didn't I apply? Why did I have to accumulate so much student debt from out of state tuition because I didn't bother to apply? All I had to do was log onto these websites and write these essays. Here I am today. A year ago I was a naive high school senior. If I could just wind back the clocks exactly one year, oh the difference it would make! I wish I would have applied for scholarships. I would be close to debt free and the government wouldn't email me monthly reminding me of my pending debt. Oh if my careless high school self could just see exactly how broke I really am. I had everyone nagging me about it. My mom, dad, teachers, friends, and employers, but yet here I remain. I am at a zenith in my career. I can see the next mountain range but I can't reach it without help. Oh this gap wouldn't be nearly the stretch if I had just applied. Oh you naive senior, why couldn't you just apply for financial help, instead of sitting here a year later playing this silly game of catch up.

Tyler

I would tell myself that I should have listened to my dad a little more when it came to studying for the ACT. I found out that if I studied little harder than I did, I could have gotten the 2 extra points needed to receive a scholarship from the Navy ROTC.

Anna

Follow your heart (or your gut) down the path it so chooses. This does not mean to follow others. College is a time to discover what you love doing, and figuring how to make that work for you for the rest of your life. This does not mean the road will be easy, so do not "cop out" of difficult situations when things are challenging. Greater sense of accomplishment comes from greater effort. You will be proud of these accomplishments, and the place that helped you find your way. War Eagle!

Jamesia

If I could go back and talk to my high school self I would tell myself to develop better study habits. In high school I didn't have to study much consqequently causing me to think I wouldn't have to study much in college. However I quickly realized that wasn't the case. I was not prepared to endure the workload of a college student and initially my grades suffered. The quote, "for every 3 hours of class, study 6 hours" is completely true and if I could go back and tell my high school self that piece of advice I would. I would also tell myself to not be so hard on myself. If I know I tried my best I shouldnt beat up on myself if I didn't get the grade I particularly wanted

Aaron

I would tell myself to take my grades more seriously and to treasure the moments that were made with the friends in high school. I would also tell myself to take more challenging classes.

Victoria

Even though it was only a few years since I graduated, I have learned a lot of things. One of the most important things is to keep at it with your dreams and where you want to go. I have been accepted into Auburn University, one of the best veterinarian schools in the country. I know you will soon find out about this amazing school, but you'll immediately fall in love with it after touring around the website. I have yet to go to this school, but I could tell this will be the best experience you will see later in life. Don't be afraid of going to an out of state university, everyone you have meet will be in full support of this big change and it will show you that you can do this change for the better.

Bailey

My personality senior year was very carefree when it came to my career. I tried hard in school because I naturally wanted to succeed, but I didn't know or care what I was interested in. I applied to Auburn's College of Business, switched to Chemical Engineering because my mom suggested it and they gave me a small scholarship, but it wasn't until a year and a half later that I got any direction into what I wanted to do with my life. If I could give advice, I would say to try new things, and figure out what I liked! My plans now are to attend medical school and work (hopefully) in pediatrics. My senior year self would have said she wasn't smart enough for all of that school and that she's too squeemish for blood because in 4th grade she passed out disecting a cow eye. Not only did I not know what I was capable of, I also didn't think to give medicine a chance because I had put myself in the "squeemish" box.

Tori

Study more in high school so I could of gotten a higher GPA to into a Universty right out of high school.

Ana

If I could go back to when I was a high school senior I would tell myself to take all they dual credit and advanced placement classes that I possibly could, because it would have saved me a lot time and money. I would of told myslef to apply to as many schloarships possible, because I didn't take advantage of that when I had the chance. I also would have told myslef to try harder in school, because if I tried as hard in high school as I do now I would have been so smart!!

Nicole

Don't wait to do things, if you wait then thing build up and you get stressed out. Do your assignments well ahead of when they are do and don't put yourself in a negative situation. College is full of great times and new friends, but don't get carried away and forget about your grades.

Fabiola

It is my high school senior year and the day to start applying for colleges has finally arrived. I would surely tell myself that my main focus when starting college will be completing my general education classes. Therefore, I do not have to feel pressurred about what major I want because I still have more time to decide what major fits me best according to my interests in life. I should not be worried about the cost either because financial aid helps students with the costs. It is important that once in college I talk to the college counselor about the classes that I need to take in order to transfer to a university. I would also tell myself to not fall behind in classes because you can only retake a class three times and it does not look good on the educational record. It is important to have a good GPA.

Erika

Last year of high school, I imagine all Seniors thought as I did: "I CAN'T WAIT TO FINISH!" Truth is, that's when your adult life REALLY get's started and its up to you whether you spend your youth working hard to live the life you've always imagined in your later years, or you spend your time enjoying "the moment" that eventually pass you by. Don't let financial stability steer you in a direction too strayed from your educational aspirations. Sure, having money in your pocket feels great but worth feels better. Worth isn't measured by how much money you spend, or save for that matter. Worth is measured in ways of investments. Don't waste time figuring out all the answers at once, but never stop asking questions. Utilize resources at your disposal, manage your time wisely, plan your short and long terms goals, and get it done one step at a time. The only thing standing in the way of you and your future is hesitation. Seize the moment, don't waste it. We spend more time being old than being young; spend your time wisely and reap the benefits of your labor.

Chanel

Dear Chanel, Be happy, dont worry about other students and what they are doing. Focus on YOU. Because when you graduate, you are all you have. Those friends that are with you skipping class, getting you in trouble will not be here in the next few months. Sit in the front of class, distance yourself away from useless distractions because at the end of the day, you will walk across that stage alone. Do the absolute best you can do and try to do all the activities you can, you can never get this time back so enjoy it.! Love it. And just don't forget to be happy. Stay on the right path and help people along the way. But don't allow yourself to be taken advantage of. I love you Chanel, we are all we got!

Micaela

As a high school senior, I would tell myself to follow my heart and don't look back. Many months of my senior year were spent stressing about my college decision. I was torn between moving from Wisconsin to Alabama to attend Auburn University or attending an in-state institution in Wisconsin. Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew that I would regret turning down my acceptance to Auburn, as I had always wanted to travel elsewhere for college. But I was hesitant knowing that it would cost a lot more money than staying in-state. After rethinking my decision hundreds of times, I finally signed the papers accepting my admission to Auburn. In the long run, I'm hoping that the cost of my college decision will not be an issue, but the experiences that I've already gained in my freshman year are priceless. You only go to college once, so take the leap of faith and don't be afraid to expand your horizons. Every day I wake up on Auburn's campus and look around still in disbelief that I am living my dream, and this is the experience that I will never regret.

Catherine

learn some good study habits social life camn wait til work is done try your hadest and dont give up everything wont be eaay but keep trying

Thomas

I would tell the student to go into college with confidence but also ready to study. Compared to high school, you will spend a majority of your time in the textbooks or working practice problems to grasp the concept. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Go talk to your counselor or any academic advisor if you need help. Another transition you will need to make to succeed is to use a planner. Write down what is upcoming and what you need to get done each and every day. It will help you tremendously if you plan in advance and don't get bogged down the night before an exam. Last but not least, go to class. When you are in class, you can pick up on key things the teachers says. Plus, if you have a high B at the end of the semester, attendance may factor into you getting an A. With that being said, give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in all that you do!

Kayla

Before I gave myself advice, I would brag to myself about how much we've grown and about all the cool stuff we've learned. I'd tell her about going into the Army and about the relationship we've developed with our parents and about how much new cool stuff we do, and then I would tell her to keep doing things the same way, but to seriously apply herself to applying for scholarships. I could have warned my old self about the four years it would take her after high school to decide on a university, but had she applied for more scholarships, I wouldn't be frantically trying to make up for it now.

angel

Take time to apply for scholarships, talk with your student advisors and see what help is offered to you. Paying for school is extremly difficult and expensive and having no parents to help you makes it even tough to continue an eduction. My advise to myself would be keep your GPA up and apply for everything possible.

Catherine

As a high schooler senior I wish I could tell myself: BREATHE! I was so nervous I was not going to be accepted into a college I loved, succeed academically, or make friends. It turns out I was absolutely incorrect in all of those assumptions. Leaving home in North Carolina and going to a university five and a half hours away in Alabama was one of the scariest decisions of my life, but by far my best. I wish I had known then that everyone was obsessing over the exact same anxieties about college. I needed to realiz that no matter what institution I ended up at, I would learn to love it! And if not, transferring was always an option. As for making friends, it is hard not to as an incoming freshman. Every single person wants to make friends too. As long as you immerse youself into campus life, it is hard not to love it.

Megan

Hey Senior-Megan, it's been 2 years since we've seen eachother, and I can promise you that the next 2 years of your life will be the most difficult, frustrating, but amazing years you've ever experienced. High school was never a challenge, you know that...just look at your GPA and your ACT score! Auburn is so much more difficult though- you will need to actually study! You will fail a class your first semester; you'll be dissapointed in yourself because you know you didn't try as hard as you could, but also because you let mom and dad down. They'll forgive you, please don't stress about that- but it will take a while for you to forgive yourself. This class failure will make you change majors to to Psychology! Deep down it's what you really love and I think you already know that. You won't make a real friend until your sophomore year, when you move in with Katie, then you make another friend 3 months later. You'll always feel lonely, but you know you have someone there for you. Don't stress yourself, kid. You are loved- Always.

Wade

Dear 2009 Wade, I have come to bring you some words of wisdom that could very well change your outlook on your college experience. College has made you a stronger person, through all of those times when your finances were in disarray. The main thing that you can fix is the problem revolving around saving money and fill out scholarship applications. I know that you are the first to attend college and pretty much don't understand how it goes. In this life that I live now, you didn't take the opportunity to fill out any scholarship applications because of the lack of knowing that they were out there and what they could do. Since you have a 3.76 GPA and heavily involved at your school, the world is yours in that department. However due to you not knowing, you have had to struggle financially, work three jobs, and depend on your parents. I know that this struggle might not be your fault because you didn't know, but that is the best advice that I can give you. By the way, you did pretty well regardless of that worry throughout your Auburn tenure.

Concetta

SAVE MORE MONEY. Understand more financially and what you are really getting yourself into. Save more while you are young, so you aren't crying about money when you are getting into your senior year. Also, study more as a freshman and sophomore. It will pay off in the long run.

Aaron

Make sure that you stay focused. A lot of things will try to get you off track, but do not forget why you are going to school. Study hard and make sure to stay ahead of the game.

Carly

If I could go back to high school and talk to myself as a high school senior there would be three major topics I would address. One, do not give up on yourself. Through high school I gave up very easily when I did not understand. I missed out on learning a lot of things that would have helped me in college. Two, failing grades will follow you forever! I have failed my fair share of classes. I am not proud of this, but I have learned I cannot hide from it. Every college wants to see your transcripts. All of those big fat F's will add up, and trust me, they do not look good. Three, start saving, NOW! College is very expensive and it is not getting any cheaper. You cannot always depend on your parents to cover your finances. College costs surpass what the average American family can afford. Try to save some money, even if it is just twenty or thirty dollars from every paycheck.

Micah

I would tell myself to apply myself more. I never learned how to study in high school and it showed in my first semester in college when I lost my scholarship. However, I would tell myself that hard work pays off. I worked hard, learned how to study and sought help when I needed it and I brought my GPA to a very successful level. I would also tell myself to not worry and stress about adjusting and finding friends. I would also tell myself to enjoy the time I've been given and to enjoy a luxury many people never get to experience.

Sarah

Oh, if I could go back... Sarah, you must have a plan and be prepared. A major part of college is time management. College is challenging, stressful, beneficial, and fun, so you must find a balance between the different aspects of your life, and choose wisely how you spend your time. Get your finances in order now and save, save, save, as much as you can. You can do this, but don’t be afraid to ask for help. Take advice from older adults who have been in your shoes; they know what they’re talking about! This is a crucial point in your life, and decisions you make now could seriously impact your future. Do no let anybody tell you "no", or tell you you're not good enough, because you are. You are talented and passionate, so do not hesitate to take advantage of opportunities that come your way. There will be obstacles and bumps along the way, but remember to keep pressing on. No matter what, follow your dreams, and don't let anybody bring you down.

Jaelyn

I would tell myself to make better grades, enjoy every moment with my peers, stop wishing my life away, know that my family is always there for me, and go to Auburn University when I graduate. I would tell myself to make better grades so that I could get more scholarships to help my mom pay for my education. Enjoying every moment one has is crucial to insure a fulfilling life. Life would have been better if I had not wished my life away because I feel that I missed tremendous moments and events in high school by being too concerned with the future and simply not being in the moment. I would tell myself to be confident because my family is always there for me. I would have told my self that I would see my family soon. I wasted some of my time in college by being unrealisticly homesick. Lastly, I would tell myself to attend AU because I know today that attending AU was the best decision I ever made.

Elizabeth

I would tell myself to learn how to study in high school. I will admit that high school was easy for me, so I put forth minimal effort and still graduated at the top of my class. It has been difficult trying to learn how to handle large, stringent workloads in college. I would also remind myself to break out of my shell and meet new people. It took a while to be comfortable around people I didn't know, and that kept me from making many friendships starting out.

Naren

It is amazing how quick a change can occur when the circumstances are right. In high school I put in just enough effort to slip through my classes, doing just enough, and not taking any opportunities. I used to live by the “put off whatever you can do today, for tomorrow”. My biggest struggle was not going beyond the call of duty, conformed with my situation. My best piece of advice is to take as much advantage of any opportunity presented to you, no matter how small it might be. When you have a positive outlook and a “go” attitude many opportunities will present themselves. Along with the “go” attitude goes NEVER leave what you have to do today for tomorrow, as it will inevitably pile up, and you WILL pay for it whether it be with your GPA, bank account, or sleep.

Tobias

Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, in both your school and social life. In academia, sit in the front of the class and take notes. The professor will notice you and it can help swing your final grade at the end of the semester if you’re at the cusp and he/she knows you paid attention in class. Don’t be afraid to talk to the professor after class or during their office hours if you have a question. Most teachers genuinely want to help you and are interested in your problems. Work hard. Don’t goof off too much and skip classes or work half-heartedly on the homework assignments. Your GPA will suffer because of it and you can lose your scholarship, which is no fun at all. Don’t take life too seriously though. The old adage, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” exists for a reason. College can be the best time of your life if you let it. It’s the only time when you can have the responsibilities and benefits of being an adult and still act a bit like a kid.

Reuben

I would tell high school Reuben to ask all of his new friends at college for help. I would say not to be afraid because they might actually have some good advise for him. High school didn’t prepare him for everything that college has in store and someone he will meet could have the answers you’re looking for. Also, he must study when he knows he needs to. If it seems like a test or quiz might be hard, then it probably will be hard. Auburn is a lot more difficult to get through than his five hundred student public school has been. Finally, I would tell him not to take his video games. It was a waste of time bringing them to college because I almost never used them except to procrastinate. If I could tell me this one year ago, then I would have had a perfect 4.0 my freshman year.

CODY

Stop being irresponsible!!!!

martina

I would tell myself that it is not as hard as it seems as long as I appreciate the path set in front of me. I would tell myself that I am worthy of all the effort and hard work that goes into receiving a higher education. Do not be scared of night classes and weekend classes can be fun. Make a friend in every class you may need to call on them as a study buddy. Getting an "A" is fantastic but sometimes that "C" is your "A" so don't beat yourself up. Definitely communicate with the professors they are there to help and it is an honor to be critisized because it is when they stop telling you what you do wrong it is time to worry. It is acceptable to ask stupid questions the classroom is the safest place for it. there is a lesson learned in every college experience from lines at financial aid (teach patience) to classroom lectures and so on. Since at 36 I am getting my education I would tell myself don't wait so long get moving life can be so busy but never to busy to educate yourself.

Sarah

I would say to be sure to get involved on campus in whatever interests you, so that you have a greater sense of belonging. Don't be stubborn-ask for help when you first realize you need it. There's nothing wrong with not undestanding a concept in a class or struggling with certain subjects-it's okay to ask for help. It doesn't make you any less smart. Keep on top of your schoolwork-it's easy to fall behind. Make time to study and make time to socialize-balance is key to making the grades while still enjoying your time here.

Kristin

Don't regret your choices. You can't take them back, so keep looking forward. College is going to be your time to explore, so don't sit around depressed for the first year. You can do anything you set your mind to, and don't get disappointed because of a bad grade. Let it roll off your back because in the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter. Don't be afraid to get involved, and don't care about what other people think. This is your time and you need to do what's best for you. Your family will be home waiting for you, and it'll be hard leaving them, but it's the right step to take. You need to gain courage and confidence so that you can succeed in the world, and you won't be able to do that without taking this first step. There comes a time where you'll struggle with your beliefs and your life in general, but embrace change and accept yourself for who you are. Don't let anyone or anything stand in your way.

Jordan

Don't be scared to step out of your comfort zone and meet people. Also, express yourself, but don't be over the top.

Jasmine

If I could say anything to the former me, I would say, "Jasmine, make the best of your high school experience and do not take it for granted. Do the best that you can in everything from sports to the classroom. No matter how tough things may become, just remember to stay strong, do not stress, and believe in your ability to be great and achieve great things. Strengthen the friendships that you value because everyone might not still be with you when college arrives. Never sell yourself short or think that there is someone better or more deserving in anything because if you do not believe in you, then you cannot expect anyone else to. Also, never decide to not try something or let an opportunity pass you by for the fear of failing because the accomplishment found in succeeding is enough to overcome any failures that you might attain along the way. Finally, just remember that at the end of the day and in everything you do, to be thankful for where you are, remember where you have come from, cherish your family and lean on them when needed, and do not be afraid to ask for help."

Devon

If I could give my younger-self any advice for the future, it would be pick your career choice now and work with it in some manner.....music? volunteer at music school. Medical? work at a hospital. Business? Ask someone to help with their small start-up. Find something and make it happen now. Practice makes perfect...

Michael

I would tell myelf to work on my study habits. I wasn't prepared for college the least bit. I found out the hard way failing my first couple of tests. I couldn't keep up with the amount of work put out, and the amount of material being covered. I had buckle down and force better study habits and self discipline.

Bryan

I would tell my high school self to finish up high school with good grades in my last semester. I would also advise myself to train in the summer, and go the extra mile to get into Air Force ROTC. Lastly, I would tell my high school self to get to Auburn University well before the Fall semester started so I could acclimate to the school and city.

Kellie

Don't apply to ten schools, stop trying to make everyone else happy, don't go into your second choice school with the mentality that you're going to transfer, college doesn't last forever, give Iowa State a chance, don't wait until two hours before the deadline to commit to a school. I needed a lot of advice my senior year of high school, but my life would be completely different had someone told me that college is about who you're with, not where you are. Every college has the good, the bad, and the ugly; the sunshine, the clouds and the natural disasters (Ames flood of 2010, Alabama tornadoes 2011); the rewarding classes, the horrible professors and the I'm-changing-my-major-after-this exams. But not every college has my Gamma Phi sisters, my fourth floor boys, and the laugh-so-hard-you-cry memories. After meeting my best friends at Iowa State University I know that away from the classes and beyond the degree, you're left with the college experience and most importantly who you spent it with.

Kelly

Study!!! College is alot harder than high school. Take a balance of academic and elective classes so you can maintain your GPA level.

Bryce

I would tell myself that if you could get enough money to go to a four year college, because of the experiences and to meet new people. But if you don't there is nothing wrong with going to a community college because they are still good schools and you can get a good education from them. If you go to a community college it's cheaper and you can get the first two years out of the way and save money doing it. Figure out what you what to do early in life and go after it because doing other things may not be a good thing for you to do. But do what ever makes you happy because what ever you do is not wrong.

Amanda

Dear Amanda, High school has been easy for you, and you have received good grades without having to exert too much effort. However, college will not be the same. Sure, freshman year is a bit of a review, but come sophomore year your classes will become much more difficult. This may come as a shock to you, but you do not kow how to study. Believe me, looking over your notes a few minutes before class is not effective studying. Take the time to skim through your textbooks because your professors will simply assume that you are reading along on your own time (even if you are not). Learn to take efficient notes; you do not need to write down everything the teacher says, just hit the highlights. Begin studying your notes, and learn the beauty of the notecard. Create flashcards and quiz yourself, because there will not always be someone to help you study. Despite what your friends may say, pulling all-nighters in college is a terrible idea. In fact, try to start getting a consistent seven hours of sleep a night (eight is nearly unrealistic, to be honest). You will need it. Trust me. Love, Amanda

Kendall

Going to a completely new place with no body you know can be one of the scariest thing you do in your life. The one thing you have to realize is you are not the only one at this university that knows absolutely no one. From the beginning you need to step out of your comfort zone and be a friend. For the past 18 years of your life friendships have been handed to you, you're friends with the kids in your neighborhood and the the kids in your classes at school, but college is a whole different ball game. You're not going to find your best friend right away but being outgoing and friendly will make the search much easier and less upsetting. Eventually you will have been around enough people to realize who will be a true friend to you. You may meet them in math class or in some kind of organization. But do not expect instant friendship, especially if you are not willing to be someone's friend first.