Boise State University Top Questions

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

Jessica

If i could go back in time when i was a senior in high school. The advice i would give myself about college life and making the transition; would be to tell myself, "Jessica, there are going to be bumps and hurddles to climb over but you are head strong, a hard worker, and i know you can make it. Just remeber God will show you the light and the right path your suppose to be on. He has a plan for us all. Life in college is going to be tough but remember to focus on what you want; you will be there very soon. You will have the moments of missing your family and friends but they are always going to be there by your side to help you through. Just remeber one last thing keep your head up even through the hardest times you will make it!!"

Amber

My advice would be to work harder in high school and remember what goals you have. I didn't work as hard as I could have in high school and I feel that if I had worked a little harder I would have been more prepared for college. Also, I would tell myself to be more open at first. My first semester I made a few friends but I made more after a whole year. I think I could have made even more if I was less shy at first.

Christopher

In all honesty, I would not have a lot to tell myself. I feel that my high school and family have prepared me very well for the college experience. However the one thing I would tell myself is to not be nervous and just jump in. I know see that the only thing that could hold me back during college is my mind. If I let go of my fears of what college would be like, I can enjoy college and take the most from it. At the same time I would tell myself that I should never slack in my school work. Not that I do slack in my work, but that never giving up will allow me to achieve my highest goals. I feel that both my future self and my past self would benefit from this experience.

Kristine

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would go back and tell myself a few simple things to start college off right. The first thing I would tell myself would be to go to your first day of class with a positive attitude. If you are positive and upbeat you will be more willing to learn and to get to know new people. You will also pay more attention to the professor. Having a positive attitude will also help you make a great first impression. Last but not least, it will create a fun and enjoyable environment for your classmates. The second thing I would tell myself would be do your very best to make it to every class on time and stay for the full duration of the class. Attending your classes is like a pickle jar, when it is first opened all the pickles are packed in tight, but once you take one pickle out of the jar, the rest of the pickles can fall out more easily, so once you skip one day of class it is easier to skip more classes. Keep in mind the more classes you skip the farther behind you fall.

Brenda

Knowing what I know now, I still believe that college right of high school would not have been the best thing for you. You were too unsettled and not focused enough to appreciate the whole college experience. At this stage in life, you know what you want, you are more focused, and you appreciate the opportunity that has been presented to you. You may have done okay right out of high school, but the outcome would not have been nearly as important to you as it is now. You've now had time to experience the "real" world, you've had time to understand life better, and you now know what you want to do with the rest of your life. Your children are old enough that you don't have to worry about tending to their needs, and are even at the age where you can all sit together doing your homework. They may even be able to help you with some topics. College life is still intimidating, and a bit overwhelming, but it is something you definitely want, and you know it will all be worth the challenges that lay ahead.

Christopher

Get a job and save your money college is expensive ,but it is worth it in the long run

James

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have a few words of advice. The first would be relating to to teachers. You can't always get a good teacher in a class, but if you can do it. Talk to older students, look up different teachers on the internet, or call the department that they work in, find the good ones. It can make the difference in being able to pass a class, or total failure, just depending on which teacher you have. The second word of advice that I would have, is to work harder, and schedule time better. It may seem like there is a lot of time between now and the due date of that assignment, but in reality there really isn't. Every day seems to have fewer hours than you need, and if you keep watching TV, and hanging out all the time, you really never will finish your work. So all I can say is get it done first. This will make the play time more fun, and it will ensure that you are able to pass class, and prosper...

Lauren

My first piece of advice would be to listen to Mom. So far, everything that she told me has come true; the transition would have been so much easier if I'd have simply listened versus throwing it out the window. First of all, the freshman fifteen is inevitable. You'll have to buy healthy snacks to snack on if you want to keep any of that shape you had over summer. Butter seems to be the miracle ingredient in the cafeteria; even the "steamed" vegetables have it. Trust me, my hips don't lie! Second, the syllabus really is your bible. Make copies, transfer dates onto your calendar (or all three, in my case)...just don't EVER lose it! Also, just because these teachers don't check your notes doesn't mean you don't have to read. Read your chapters before lecture; it makes it so much easier. Third, balance social life and academics. If you have too much of one or the other, the one on the flipside will have consequences. Buckling down on 17 credits? Take a night off, or stress will consume you. Too much of a social life? Academic probation will consume you.

Rylie

The advice that I would give my self is to learn more about my study habbits so I would know how to study. The hardest part for me in college so far is taking the information that I learned in class and making sense of it. My biggest struggle is taking tests, and always has been. I wish I would have asked for help in figuring out the best study method that works for me. It is hard to find professors to help you in college and take the time to help you understand and work through your problems. In highschool teachers are itching to help students succed. The only thing is you have to ask and I never asked for help, I was always to narrow minded and thought that if I couldnt figure it out on my own no one could help me.

Alina

If I could, I would give myself much advice about applying to college and the transitions. I would absolutely stress to myself the importance of finding a college where I fit in - a very good academic reputation does not mean that a school is for me. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way. I would tell myself that I had to be ready for everything - from roommates from hell to drunk people in class to cussing professors - and I had to be flexible in how i dealth with things. I would tell myself to take advantage of every opportunity I could to make a good experience. I would be happy if I got involved, if, instead of ignoring the problem, I went through the process of changing roommates should I need to do that. I would find places to go that did involve massive amounts of drinking and irresponsibility. Most of all, I would tell myself that I needed to enjoy myself wherever I was. I needed to be sure to embrace every opportunity I had.

Kelli

Even though transitioning to college seems daunting, it is important to take it seriously. Always apply to more than one college, even if you don't think you want to go there at first. Giving yourself options is the best thing. Always look for as much financial aid as possible, since fees tend to go up every year, and books tend to cost more than five hundred dollars. Find a place where you think you could be happy. Transferring colleges is tough work, and you tend to lose the aid you may have won at the original school. If you ever feel frustrated, just remember that taking the generals will give you time to relax. If things ever seem tough, just think about the fact that a college education will get you farther in life. If you believe in yourself, you will succeed.

Hannah

There are so many things I would tell myself as a senior. I would tell myself the usual stuff, procrastinate less, apply for more scholarships and double check my paperwork and applications. More importantly I would tell myself to find a way to make it to the on campus orientation. It's so important to know people when making the transition to college, and I didn't know anyone here when I made it. I would also tell my senior-self that I need to make more time to stay in touch with my friends from home because during that transition is when I'm going to need them most. I think the most important thing I would tell myself though is that I have to make a stand and fight for myself, because most of the time, nobody else will.

Kyle

I would tell my self that college is more important then a high school deploma.

Lisa

Go to a four year university out of high school, don't take time off and don't go to community college.

Brighton

"You know, Brighton, life doesn't wait for you. The pace picks up and before you know it, you'll be in the race of a lifetime; don't procrastinate! Remember that girl you liked in high school; you know the one with kind eyes and gentle words? The one you didn't get up the nerve to ask to prom? She was killed last month while driving her brother to band practice--didn't see the car turning in front of her. You only get one chance, Brighton! One chance to live and one chance to succeed. One chance to do your best and make your life something to be proud of. Don't wait or put off your desires. Proceed with caution, but don't be so careful that you forget to live...or love. Find the balance of wants and needs to your expectations of the future! Dream big, yet don't get so caught up in your dreams that you forget to put your pencil to the paper and make things happen. You can do it: don't ever forget that success is an attitude. Chase your dreams with all that you have. Good Luck."

Alan

Coming out of high school, I didn't really know what to expect. I had always been told that college was harder than high school, and that you must be motivated to do well. However, this did not shy me away. I had already obtained great study habits throughout high school, and was very successful in every class I attended. I knew for sure I was prepared for college. I enrolled at Boise State in the fall of 2008, and it was not two weeks later that I realized college was demanding. I was taking 17 credits, none of which were easy classes. By the end of the second week, I felt as though my hand was going to fall off. I had taken so many notes, but couldn't tell one course from another. My brain could not keep up the fast pace in class, and I struggled to keep up with the pace. This was definitely a complete reality check for myself, and I wish I would have been more prepared. So my biggest advice would be to learn to take adequate, organized notes, and make sure to set time aside for every class to complete my work!

Tristan

Well I think if I could go back and tell myself about the future I might just pass along the powerball numbers. But in all seriousness I know I would tell myself too work harder at everything and get involved in more afterschool activties, so that I would quailify for more scholorships or grants too help me pay for school. I would also make myself start saving more money maybe get another after school job too help with that. Definitly choose a better school to go to, but that ties into the working harder part. I also wouldn't allow myself too slack off as much as I did, cause that is one of my biggest regrets is that in highschool I always took the easy way out, and now I am paying for it in colledge.

Danielle

As a high school senior the idea of college is exciting and nerve racking at the same time. Being prepared is a key element to making the transition from high school to college. Make sure to have SAT and ACT tests taken early and begin searching for a major that is compatible to your likes and interests. Choosing a major before your freshman year is helpful, but not necessary. that is the beauty of college, you can change it as your interests change. As for college life, peer pressure increases to a maximum. Focusing on your classes and choosing friends that have the same morals and values as yourself is extremely important. Remember, you are not paying large quantities of money to party, it is for your education and a chance to be successful in a career that you love. However, a balance between fun and studying must still exist. Finally, make sure to figure out a way to study abroad. The time to travel and see the world dwindles at an astonishing rate, make time fot it because it will be the experience of a lifetime!

Sean

You may have great friends now, but you will be traveling over 15 hours to go to college. Since you won't know anyone on arrival, get involved as soon as possible. Remember, you can meet new people in any organization you join, but consider a few options: can you see these people as long term friends and will this club take away too much time school. My advice, join Blue Thunder Marching Band and a residential college reflecting your major. You love music, why not keep your hobbies alive after high school and participate in a band that will give you a scholarship even if you aren't a music major. Plus, joining a residential college will allow you to study and bond with students of the same area of study. These people will be reading similar books and working on similar homework all through school, increasing the chance of you developing long term friendships with them. In addition, everyone loves to get along with the people they're living with. Can't you see these people as those types? If this doesn't work out, remember that there are over 200 organizations on campus. Just get involved!

Melissa

Remember your focus. Live on campus the first year or two so that you don't have to worry about paying bills. In time you'll be an adult with bills and responsibilities. Enjoy the full college experience but don't have so much fun you forget why you're there. If you need help ask for it. There is a large support system that wants to see you succeed.

Stacia

Dear High-School-Self, I know senior year is getting to be very stressful, but don't let it overwhelm you. I know it will be tempting to slack off at the end, but don't give in. It's not worth it. You will thank yourself later when your hard work pays off. Mom and Dad turn out to be right again as far as friendships go; it is true that you will meet your best friends in college and form lasting relationships that you will cherish for the rest of your life. Don't give up completely on your friends in high school, but when those little dramas rear their heads every week, don't let them get you down. Just keep in touch with your closest buddies. You will love living in the dorms! Although you doubt it at first, BSU is the perfect place for you to go right now. Be yourself and get out there, get involved, and meet as many people as you can. There are so many people that are so different from you, and you can learn so much from them. Don't be shy! Good luck! College-Self-Stacia

Kelsey

If I could go back and give myself some advice while I was a senior in high school, I would first and foremost stress the importance of time management for test preparation. In high school, a grade is cumulative based on a semester worth of work and a final exam. I now know that college courses may be solely based on a final exam and knowing how to effectively study for a single all or nothing test would result in a more successful outcome in many college courses. I think it might be useful for high schools to develop some kind of course for students who are going on to college that would expose them to the college classroom experience. This would not have to a be a credited high school course but it could expose students to the lecture style classroom, deadlines without reminders, exposure to the blackboard experience in completing assignments and the all or nothing final exam. I feel that test preparation advice would be the best tip I could give myself as a high school senior.

Delanie

I would say to myself that it can be tough at sometimes. College life is a little harder than high school, becaused even if you live with your parents, you still are on your own sometimes. I have to set my own schedule, ways to study, and how I want to work on my degree path. I also would say to myself that I should enjoy every minute of it. I am in the Marching Band, and we just finished a semester ending with a trip to a BCS game and also a football season that ended as 14-0. Not many people got to enjoy what we did during those days, and I think getting such a rare opportunity is a gift that if you can go after it, you should.

Jakob

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to keep working hard. The transition into college is not a hard but it is a huge change that takes some getting used to. The advice I would give myself is to actually learn what teachers are teaching, don?t worry about the letter grade so much. This is the biggest difference between college and high school. In college you are much more motivated to learn the material because what you are learning is going to become your life and how you sustain it. The last thing I would tell myself is to keep your morals strong and don?t forget to have fun with life - those are the most important things.

Cori

I wish I would have stopped to smell the roses! As a high school senior I was very focused on getting the very best grades and obtaining the very best job. I worked after school as an intern at a bank and then spent most evenings doing homework. I didn't get very much "play" time. If I could go back, I would tell myself to not take everything so seriously... you're only a teenager once in your life and for a very brief time. While it's very important to get good grades, be involved, and find a good job, life needs balance. I wish I would have gone to high school football games. I wish I would have spent more time with friends. I wish I would have focused more on what I wanted to do and less on what was expected of me. Now that I'm in college, I do still get very good grades. If I get a "B," though, I try to remember that it's not the end of the world. I try to remember that life requires a healthy balance and I do my best to keep it balanced.

Kayla

The advice I would give myself is to go explore and travel. Go on exciting adventures and unique experiences. Get out of Idaho and get unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Meet new people and see new places. You are so very young and have all the agility and curiousity to learn the world so go out and do it!

Mathew

Mathew, get your head out of that script and listen for a few seconds. I've got a few words for you. Don't sell yourself short. You're a great kid, and you don't have to "just go to the state school". Don't worry about the money, you'll come up with it, you always do. Keep your boundaries open, and don't be afraid to talk to people, they'll like you just the way you are. Sign up for everything! There's always something to do around campus, and you know you need experience. Keep in touch with everyone, don't just use your dayplanner for writing down assignments. Keep writing. I know it's hard, and that you'll think you'll never have any time, but you will, and those scripts will pay your rent one day. Love yourself, love your world, and remember not to give in so easy. You've got your whole life to play it safe.

Garrett

If I could go back in time and give advice to a high school senior I would tell them these things. First make sure you know how to follow a budget because books and fees add up quickly as well as the little things that you will need. Second make sure you look into the Greek system at your school because they are not all about parties and getting drunk on the weekends. They can serve as a great way to give back to the community through community service and they can also help you with your studies. The third and final thing that you should know is to balance your time between work and play. You need to find a balance that works for you. Because staying in your dorm room all the time is not fun and you will not gain the full college experance. Those are my words of wisdom that you should take in and apply them to your college carreer.

Garrett

If I could go back in time i would tell myself that the most important thing is to take your school work seriously, because if you dont then you wont be at the school for a very long time. Also the teachers know what they are talking about so take lots of notes. They really help when your getting ready to take a test. Also you need to go to class, no one but yourself can make you go to class. But you have to go or else you wont pass your classes.

Rachel

Senior year will be here and gone in the blink of an eye, it's the time to make your mistakes and learn from them. The time for you to grow up and realize their is a different world outside of your football games, cafeteria gossip, and class skipping, A world that would like to see you fail. Keep your close friends closer and forget your enemies, they don't matter anymore. Most of all, view your future with a kick butt attitude, don't live a life with regrets, and when the opportunity arises to do something out of the ordinary, by all means go for it! Live out your dreams, accomplish your goals, and believe in yourself. High school is the end of one road and the beginning of another, choose your path wisely; this decision marks the beginning of the rest of your life.

Rose

I wish I wouldn't have slacked off so much and would have taken harder classes. If I would have tried harder I may have been able to raise my GPA more and get more scholarships. The moment I knew I was accepted to Boise State I didn't care about school anymore. I just wanted to get out and move to Boise already. I took a lot of easy classes and had an off campus hour every trimester. I should have looked and applied at other schools instead of just BSU. I should have looked at other options than just knowing I could get into BSU and stop caring after that. I wish I would have done my trigonometry class instead of just saying I would and then not doing it and wasting the money. I guess everything happens for a reason.

Aimee

As a college student now, I now understand the importance of financial aid and staying on top of payments. Everything has a price tag and a deadline. In high school, my parents nagged me to the end of the world to look for scholarships and I kept telling them, "Don't worry, I will get to them this weekend, I promise". Well lets say, I'm still regreting that and I wish I would have listened to them and just looked. My laziness has lead to endless headaches and frustration. And now that I'm suffering, I'm forced to apply for financial aid without much time to work with. If I could go back in time, applying for scholarships would be my number one focus. Unfortunatley, money controls our world . Without money, stress and complications form and misery endures every crevasse of one's life.

Rustyn

Rustyn, the college life is laborious. Your diligence has never failed you and it mustn't fail you now. To succeed in college and for a smooth transition, you're going to have to know thyself. When you finally realize your true potential and who you are, from there you must begin to be optimistic and think positively. College is a time for personal growth and optimism. Once you've decided what you want to study, you must be thorough in your direction and feel strongly about your major. In order to actualize your academic goals, you must focus painstakingly. Academic soundness is one of the most obvious but crucial things that should be on your conscience. This entails going to class, taking thorough notes, completing homework, studying, and developing a relationship with your peers and professors. Not only must you think positively but you must act positively. A thorough grip on your physical and emotional needs can provide you with the energy and stamina you need to succeed. These ideas are subtly implicit when you think about it. A good diet, exercise, and positive associations are all extremely important catalysts to achieving enlightenment. Positive actions lead to positive outcomes.

Holly

Holly, College will not be much more difficult academically than high school, so do not worry about that, nor should you worry about the difficulty of the professors. The only advice you should seriously consider is the fact that you cannot be lazy, a procrastinator, or a class skipper just because Tyra Banks is on during math class. Your first year of college should be fun, but it also sets the tone for the rest of your college career. Failed classes will haunt your GPA until you fix them, which may end up taking more time and effort than anticipated which will inevitably prevent your acceptance into a competitive academic program. So focus, work hard, and get good grades your freshman year, because it will be the foundation of a difficult journey towards your professional career goal. The hard work will lead to great accomplishments, so don?t let bad breakups or ex- best friends ruin your motivation. Don't let anyone or a lack of self drive get in the way of an education that will take you far in life.

Matthew

College is nothing like high school. Start taking classes the next semester out of high school, even though you have no idea what you want out of life. Taking a wide degree of classes will help you figure it out. The main thing is do not be afraid to fail. You are a very smart and gifted person that can acomplish anything you set your mind to and you know it. You know just how fast you learn and how well your mind works, when you apply it to a problem. The only failure is to never try.

Eduard

get good grades, study alot, and stay focused. This education is for the rest of your life!

Guadalupe

I would tell myself to become more involved with campus activities. The activities not only expose you to various ethnic background but various ways of thinking and doing. This allows for learning things that can not be learned in a classroom. They also connect you to some wonderful talented people that may never be in your classes. Also "don't be so afraid to try because you might fail. " Something good always comes out.

Megan

Dear past self, College is challenging and tricky but here are some pointers to help make life easier. Give yourself time. Time for goodbyes, applications, and even vacation, it is of the essence. Don't settle and reach for your dreams while remembering to believe and stay true to the most important person, you. Our dream college isn't that far away. Logically consider living and transportation arragements. (Actually ALL arragements.) Get rid of any unecessary belongings and pack up the significant ones. Lastly, breathe and enjoy the ride, the future is expecting you!

Jayde

DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! Get the ball rolling, if there are things you need to get done, get them done, if you don't you will only end up hurting your success in the long run. School is part of the real world, don't goof around, take it seriously. Lastly don't depend on others to get things done for you or even to help you, take things into your own hands and just do it, you will much better off that way.

Tori

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior I would say one word organization. I feel that balancing study time, social life and work is a true battle. Being organized is a very important factor in actually learning and passing classes. My first week of college was very stressful, but if I had been a little bit more organized I believe that the stress level of that first week and the entire first semester would have been significantly lower.

Chasity

If I were to go back and give myself advice as a high school senior I would say to calm down. That high school is a place to finish being a kid and that it should be fun. I would have told myself to take more AP classes and get college credits while they were more affordable and mom and dad were still helping to pay for stuff. I would tell myself to hang out with my friends more because once I started working and going to college there wouldn't be enough time to hold a strong relationship with them. I would have told myself that dating was something that should wait until I was older and knew myself better. I would have said to experience all the things that I could and never skip out on something fun to do while I had the chance.

Collin

I would tell myself to do everything possible to relieve stress and take everything in strides. College has opened my eyes to the world and has shown me that I do have the potential to achieve greatness, I just have to believe and try. I never would have thought about going to medical school, or even going down a medical pathway until I realized my potential when I started at Boise State University. The experiences i've had and the ones im sure to encounter have already changed my life in one semester, so I can hardly wait to see what 3 and a half more years in this atmosphere will do for me.

Emily

I would say not to worry about what anyone else thinks of you. Be confident with yourself and go for your dream. If you need to, take a break and travel. Just make sure you stay true to yoursell and not let anyone influence you.

Sarah

As advice for myself being a high school senior again, I would say to realize that college is not like high school. It is very different and you really do need to take responsibility for everything. There is no one but yourself to make sure you stay on track. Another big advice tip I would give to myself would be to try and live on campus. You will not experience the full "college experience" without living on campus. Also, if you decide to live in the dorms you are more likely to go out and meet new people at the events held nightly on campus. You will overall be more involved and enjoy yourself more. Another advice tip would be to apply for those scholarships early! Because I am paying for college on my own, it makes it very difficult with no scholarship money when tuition each semester keeps rising. Work hard at them and you might have enough to squeak by.

Joy

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a high school senior I would tell myself not to go on that blind date. I would educate myself about birth controll and tell myself that it is not that important to have a boyfriend. That there is plenty of time for that. I would let myself know how important an education is and that it is key to a better lifestyle. It is never to late to go back to school, but it is better to have a college education when you are young before you start a family.

Jessica

After careful thought and consideration I decided that if I could give my younger self any advice to prepare for the future it would have to be "stay involved". All through my prior academic adventures I have been active and involved in my quest for haltingthe ongoing destruction of our oceans and protecting the massive ecosytems they support. After high school, while preparing for college, I was the victim in a life changing assault. This delayed my education several years and altered my enthusiasm, not for my cause, but for my involvement in the process. I love being a student and I encountered my hardships head on. I now strive to do the best I can but at times I still feel withdrawn a bit. I would tell myself to "stay involved" in order to utilize the knowledge gained as I proceed through my academic career and incorporate my knowledge and passion and become more active in organizations, clubs, discussions and events.

Rachel

I would tell myself not to worry so much. Things will turn out okay in the end. I would also tell myself that the school you end up at is the most important part of college life. In order to succeed you have to be happy and comfortable where your at.

Wendy

I would suggest taking more math and science courses. Also, learning to balance your time and homework is a huge step in succeeding in college. I would suggest talking with an advisor in high school about which classes to take to be prepared for your chosen field of study. Overall make time for friends and downtime since college can be overwhelming at first.

Jenell

Knowing what I know now, I would go back and prepare myself for what college is really like. I went from high school to a community college, which wasn't a difficult transition. I finished my Associate's Degree there with no problems. I then transfered to a university and was not mentally prepared for what it was like. If I could go back, I would tell myself to take a semester off before going to university and to prepare myself for the type of work I would encounter.

Brittany

The first thing I would definitely tell myself is be prepared to study a lot! I made the mistake of taking 18 credits my first semester, and was not prepared for it at all. All my class grades consisted of tests and essays and I found myself having no life during my first 2 months of school. By being more prepared and delegating my time better the transition would have been much faster. Another thing I would make sure to tell myself is to research your professors before hand. By knowing what to expect from them with things such as their teaching style, how hard they are, and other peoples opinion of them would allow for me to make an educated decision of what professor would work best from me. There is nothing worse then being in a class for a semester with a teacher you can not stand! Lastly I would tell myself to be outgoing and friendly. It is definitely different than highschool and harder to meet people. Everything from the grading process, to the atmosphere, to the class sizes is drastically different. By having people to study with and interact with in class will make things easier.