Florida State University Top Questions

I wouldn't change anything, except save up more money for financial stability.

Dont procrastinate, it will only make things worse off. Make more time to study and work on school work in groups. Make a bigger effort to speak with professors and develope a raport with them. Take advantage of the oppurtunities that are given and apply for an internship.

Be prepared for the time of your life. Be open to try new things and meet new people, but keep yourself grounded so you don't mix in with the wrong crowd. Live on campus the first year. Those people you share gross, smelly bathrooms down the hall with at 3 a.m. during finals week will become your best friends for life. If AT ALL possible, don't work that much. I know that money is really important and a necessity, but truly evaluate how much you need and don't get caught up. Stay for a summer. Get really involved in your major--and yes, you will change your major. :) Keep in touch with your parents, the relationship will be so much better once your out from under their roof. But don't stray from home come spring/winter break, they'll miss you like crazy! Just because you fell like you've got your classes in the bag freshman year, work hard. You'll need those GPA points to keep you afloat when you get into your major. LOVE your major. GO TO OFFICE HOURS. Office hours=MAJOR professor kudos to you. No one else does.

Go somewhere that you will love and be happy.

I would advise myself to take the first semester slowly and complete the required liberal arts studies first before making a decision about which major to choose. Also, making more time for volunteer work and less time for partying; this would have built up my resume a bit more and possibly provided me with greater internship opportunities. Getting to know your professors is always a good thing. It keeps you engaged with your course and allows your professor to notice when you come to class.; they like to see that you're putting forth effort. It may make the difference between an A or a B, or a B and a C come finals week. All in all, it's important to love what you're doing and to have fun with it. While we do come to college to study and attain degrees that will help us find better jobs in the future, nothing is worse than graduating with a degree you don't have an interest in or will never use. College is what you make of it, no matter where you go. So remember to stay focused and let it be the experience of a lifetime.

I would tel myself to not take for granted the time I have left with friends and family. Going ot school seven hours away really showed me how much I miss being surrounded by family and friends from home. I would definitely go over to friend's to do nothing, instead of staying home and doing nothing alone. I would also go on that lunch date with my grandarents that I always used to pass up on.

I would say apply earlier and focus more on act/sat scores because they are important

Don't treat your first year in college like your senior year of high school. You're starting over new! Study hard and make good grades. If you establish this in the beginning, you're setting yourself up for success all throughout your college years! College classes are MUCH different from those you were enrolled in during high school. A lot more work is required. Don't skip class just because you don't feel like going; honestly have a legitimate reason not to attend, otherwise you're just unnecessarily hindering yourself and your potential for success. If you have a question, ask it! If you're shy, wait until after class. You should be comfortable with your professor since he/she is only there to help you learn! If you have a problem, speak up about it. Chances are someone else is dealing with something along the same lines as you. Lastly, just because you CAN go out and party doesn't mean you HAVE to. Choose your battles (or in this case, your parties)! Don't go out when you know you have something important due the next day! There's always other opportunities for fun!

Always, always, always be sure to keep up with class readings and assignments. And always go to class, even if the professor does not always take attendence.

The best advice I would give myself is to not stress out and worry so much about the small things. Now that I am finished with my first semester in college, I realize that there is no point in feeling so much pressure to choose a major right away. People in college change their majors, it is usually not set in stone. I would tell my high school self to not ignore opportunities just because I thought they would not relate to my major or intended career path. There is so much you can learn by trying everything that you possibly can. College is the time to find out what is going to make you happy in life and not just to find any job. It is very important that you stay true to yourself and not let your parents, professors, or advisor's opinion influence what is right for you. I would also let my high school self know that it is ok to not always feel like everything has to be perfect. If you are too focused on making things perfect you lose your unique perspective on things. Always stick to your gut instincts!

You can't forsee everything - that's impossible. Part of the excitement of life is the unknown. Relax, let go, stay focused, do well, but embrace the curve balls. Life requires improvization.

Continue to strive for the best and excel academically. School comes first.

I would tell myself to only become friends with, and hang out with people that are as serious about school as I am. I would tell myself not to feel bad when others go drinking or out to the club while I was in my dorm room. I would tell myself to immediately find some clubs or groups with my same interests. I would also tell myself to make sure I always stay focused on my school work.

I would tell myself to get ready to put myself out there and take advantage of all types of opportunities that come my way, and be very open minded to all different experiences, as well as people that I meet. Also I would tell myself to take advantage of free time to catch up on work, but to enjoy myself as well and hang out with friends and have a great time, because these are the years you will never get back, where you experience many new things. Lastly I would tell myself to take every experience as a positive one and a learning experience

I would advise myself to take my freshman year less seriously. I took seven common freshman classes and studied all the time when I really did not need to stress about making an A in my classes. I needed to take in the college atmosphere and live freely. I also would have told myself to 'just let it be'. I should take opportunities when they come my way, because you do not know how they will benefit you and who you will meet. On that note, no one should ever underestimate the importance of networking. When it comes down to the business world, it is really quite small and surprising to know that everyone seems to know each other. Finally, I would tell myself what everyone kept telling me: "Enjoy. These four years will be the best years of your life!."

I would tell myself to definitley take the Federal Work Study that FASFA offers. It was one of the best decisions I made. Being a part of a group, even at work, makes the transition from high school to college so much easier. Knowing me I probably would not have left my room without my job, and I DEFINITLEY wouldn't have made half the friends I did without my job. The only other thing I could think to tell myself is to make sure that I have a social life. In college you get the saying that you have to choose two of the following three: sleep, do well in school, and having a social life. While it is true, I feel that if I had more of a social life my time here would be much happier, even if my grades weren't as great. While, the grades are important, college is mainly about finding out who you are, and you won't be able to do that if you always have your Trig book between you and the world.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to attend a college in my original state of residence. This would have allowed me to avoid costly expenses. Furthermore, I would have explained to my past self the benefits and negative aspects of dorm life. I would have shown myself that, while it is convenient to have a roommate in terms of social interaction, it must be understood that cleanliness and respect are nescessary. I would also detail how difficult the transition is. Living on one's own, even in dorms, takes time to adjust to. The responsibility needed in order to sustain oneself is much higher in college than it is living at home during grade school.

I would tell myself not to be so scared and to be open tto whatever comes before you.

If I could talk to the younger, high school senior in me, I would tell myself that there is a world of opportunities awaiting me, and that I have no limits. I would tell myself not to be afraid to fail, because the only way to reach my goals, is to put myself out there, volunteer, explore, and never stop searching for answers. If I could go back in time, I would take advantage of the opoortunities presented to me. My only obstacle is the limit that I create for myself. I would tell myself to work hard. Focus more on my schoolwork and future, than on my social life.

I would tell myself to be more social and apply to more schools. I would also try to manage my time nad money better. I would join more clubs and groups.

I would have told myself to try harder in high school. I would have told myself to take DE or AP classes so I didn't have to take them here in college (at FSU) where they are much harder. Other than that, I really do not think I would have changed much. I had a good head on my shoulders as a senior in high school and I have a good head on my shoulders now. I do not get involved in drinking and partying. I am focused on school and my extracurricular activities (with school being my priority, of course). I just wish I had tried harder in high school so I could have had it a little easier in college.

If I were able to go back in time and give my senior year of high school self advice, I would say keep working hard in school and to spend good quality time with close friends and family. For me, it was very hard to stay motivated knowing that college was less than a year away. I wanted nothing more than to get out and experience the next chapter of life. It was hard to keep my head on straight and be driven to work hard and get good grades. I remember not being completely satisfied with my final high school GPA; I would have loved for it to be higher. The two things I miss the most since going to college are my family and friends. Going to school seven hours away from home makes it hard to see the people I love the most. Had I known this during high school, I would have spent more time just being with those people.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would say is that everything is going to be alright. I would tell myself to get involved in clubs and sports because that is how you meet friends. Do not get a meal plan because it is too expensive and it will make you gain weight. I would also say to try to live in a nice dormatory even if it costs more money because it will be worth it. Making friends can be difficult, but you just have to relax and not be so shy. People aren't constantly judging you like they think that you are. Go to all the football games because there is so much school spirit and they're so much fun. Make yourself happy because that is most important. Do what you want to do and not what others want you to do. Sometimes friendships fade and people grow apart, and that's okay. It will all work out in the end. Have fun, but remember to study and keep your academics your number 1 priority.

Dear Monique, I know you are about to make that transition from high to college. This can be a difficult and scary situation. But just remember to stay focus. This is an opportunity to get to really know yourself, your likes, and your dislikes so become involved in almost anything possible to broden your horizons and to get to know people. It is now time for you to come out of your shell and become the shining star that I know you are. So take advantage of this time and do not hold back. Still make good grades but also have fun. You are the prime of your lifetime, so live it and never look back.

Most of the things you're worrying about right now are not worth all this stress and energy. Do not think of this as belittling the situation. You are great as you are. Getting a bad grade or not being cast in a play is not going to kill you. Look at the big picture. Think of all that you do have. Do not focus on what you don't have. Life is more enjoyable that way. Make time to take care of yourself. What other people say or do has absolutely nothing to do with you. It does not have to affect you. Another person cannot make you feel inferior without your consent. Stick with what you believe. Find where your values are and stay true to them no matter what. You'll feel best that way. Putting yourself first does not always make you selfish. Sometimes, you must do what you need to in order to survive. Have fun but study. Study but have fun. It's all about balance. Value your body and who you are. You must realize your own value - it's tremendous. The only thing that will stop you is your own disbelief.

I would have applied to more schools. But I still would've chosen FSU. I would have also prepared for my independence a bit more.

High School Maria- Pay extra attention to your education, it's the greatest gift you can have. To make it easier on yourself later on, take more AP or dual enrollment classes, not only will you get ahead of the game, being able to take more classes you're interested in sooner, but you can challenge yourself at the same time. Pay attention to your teachers now, they teach you a lot of valuable information and keep in touch and a good relationship with them. Always keep an open mind to both new people and experiences in college, you'll meet so many cool, new people that are all different. And do what makes YOU happy, following the crowd won't always be fun. Now's the time to get to know yourself better and to do things you're interested in. Also, cherish your time with family at home because you will have plenty of time to be with your friends while you're away. Be thankful they made you open and kind and gave you the opportunity to go away to school. You'll realize that no one can love you more, they'll always be there.

I would definitely tell myself to take more AP classes in high school when they are free! Not only that, but I would make sure that my high school senior self understood that academics always comes before anything else. Now as a sophomore in college, I understand the balance of schoolwork and fun, and actually contrary to popular belief, my greek organization really helped me achieve this balance. I would assure my younger self that college is a ton of fun, but encourage her to spend more time with the family. At that point, she cannot even imagine how much you miss them later in life. I would tell her to work hard over the summer for more spending money! I would also let her know about CLAST exams and how to get credit for the classes that you test out of. Althought I have a few pointers for my younger self, I am completely in love with Florida State University, and I would never change my college experience here!

The first thing I would tell myself is to learn how to study. In highschool I never had to study for quizzes and tests. When I came to FSU, that was the hardest lesson for me. Classes are not like in highschool where the teacher gives you everything you need to get an A in their class. It does require some work on my part outside of the classroom. It took me almost a year to grasp this concept. I would also tell myself to learn how to manage my time better. As a freshman, I had to learn to balance my academic life with my social life. It is not an easy lesson and I feel that had I learned these lessons in highschool, it would have made the transition into college easier.

I would tell myself not to freak out, and be confident that I will wind up in a place that wil help me to succeed and become a better performer, student, and person. I would say to continue to work hard, making friends and building connections with the people I meet here. I would also tell myself to get a job so that it will be easier to pay for things on and off campus.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself this advice: "Jess, you should take some A.P. classes, get into the dual enrollment program, and try to get done as many classes as possible related to your future major. Keep up with your good work and always stay positive because it is the key to your success. Good Luck and make me proud!"

Don't let others make you feel like you have to be someone you're not. Go through sorority recruitment as a freshman and find a house of girls that will become your family away from home. Join organizations and meet as many people as you can. Live on campus; it's an experience you can only get in college and there are endless benefits to living in a community of new, interesting, and different people. As much as you want to skip class just make yourself go and you will thank yourself when finals come around. Just do everything and anything new that comes across your path this is the time when you can experience things you have never experienced before and won't experience again after your college years.

The advice I would give myself would be to not take advantage of time and get things done in reasonable time.

I would say go into college with an open mind and try everything! Don't judge anyone and write anyone off, get to know everyone you meet. You never know who your best friend will be. Don't slack off freshman year or you will ruin your GPA! Try as many random classes as you can, there is a ton of interesting things to learn. Get involved with as manay organizations as you can, it is fun to be busy. Never doubt or lie to yourself, or you will just be unhappy.

If I had opportunities to provide advice to myself, I would say improve reading and writing skills. A developed vocabulary will improve your reading and writing skills. As you read, write down all of the words you do not know and look them up. This will facilitate correct pronunciation of words, identify part of speech, and provide definitions of words to incorporate in verbal and written communication. Encourage yourself to do better because faculty will not. A strong and developed vocabulary will strengthen foundation strong to support a dissertation without struggling to develop vocabulary as you advance in school. Knowledge is power and keys to a successful education and career. Strong and developed vocabulary will provide confidence to participate in class discussions without feeling apprehensive. This is the advice I would give myself if I could go back in time.

I would convince myself to take the risk and apply to the larger universities out of state that I had wanted to attend and to be an individual so that I can choose the school that satisfied my academic needs, not my social dependencies. I would discuss my anxiety problems since most of your freshman year will be spent on controlling your emotions and organizing yourself mentally or else you'll be running in place like I have been. Then I would emphasize on reaching out and making amends with my family instead of being so incredibly focused on being a rebel. Everyone in college is a rebel, being unruly is no way to get noticed and being self sufficient is not an easy task. You need support and family is the perfect crutch. Lastly, I would tell myself to get over high school, although all the movies concentrate on what a great time high school is, life does not end there. Yes everything was easier to access, but college is a better example of the real world. You need self motivation and confidence, stop being so reliant on others. Learn latin: Carpe Diem!

Completely follow your heart. Only do what will truly make you happy. Trust your brains, trust your instincts, trust yourself.

The first thing I would tell myself would be to do more research -- that four years at a college is a long time, and you don't want to choose wrong. Then I would say that I should look into more scholarships, and keep a tighter rein on my GPA, so I could get more money and not have to worry about fees and loans, like I am now.

Finding the right college is a very crucial start on the rest of your life. I know from personal experience that it can get overwhelming trying to find the school that is the most affordable and offers everything that you want and need. For parents, when it comes to finding the right college, it's important to allow your child to visit the campus and get a good feel of the university to see if its really for them without your direct influence in their final decision -- its important that they feel comfortable. Students, I highly encourage you to get a feel of each campus from your own personal research to visiting and asking any and every question you can think of. Remember there is no stupid questions. And once you get to the college you choose, get involved right away! Get out of the dorms, walk around, smile at strangers and show yourself friendly. Find the organizations that interest you and be proactive in getting involved, you will not regret it! These will be the best years of your life, so don't hold back. Jump in and have fun!

As cheezy as it sounds.. do what feels right. Choose your college based on what is right for you-- wherever you feel comfortable. Don't be afraid to let loose and have fun, you only get one chance to experience college like this so make the most of it. Learn to manage your time and money-- two very important life skills. Parents, I'm sure it's hard to let go, but your kids will be just fine on their own. This is the time to grow up and learn the ways of life. Enjoy!

The advice that I would give the students about finding the right college would be to make sure you remember you are going to pursue your education. A lot of prospective students I feel get caught up in the idea of "being on their own" and forget that they are going to school for a reason - to be on the path to the future that they wish to have. That does not mean that college cannot be about having fun because that is very important to enjoying your school. Finding the right college is one of the toughest decisions that you might ever have to make so just remember why you are going to school and make sure it is a school that you WANT to go to and that you can see yourself there. In order to make the most of the college experience, remember that college is nothing but a learning experience, just like life. So remember that sometimes things do not always work out the way we expect them to but we are in control of our future. How your college experience turns out is all about how much you are willing to put in to it.

I would tell them to visit any and all of the students colleges that he or she was accepted to so they can all indulge in everything that each University has to offer.

Doing extracurricular activities really helps you to build friendships and I always recommend to study abroad for a semester! Such a great experience.

I would advice parents to attend an orientation and see what the school is actually about..... it will help tremendously.

The best advice I could give to both parents and students is to make the right decision for your college together. Make sure you both are on the right track. Visit campus's and take a tour. I know here at Florida State University we have one of the best campus's in the nation. Once your here you will realize that this could be one of your forever homes. Parents, you have to realize that your little child has grown all up, and helping us make the final right decision for our future is more than we can ask for.

Picking the right college should be based on the student's major. If the college is rated high and offers the best in the field that the student has chosen, that is the best way to pick a college. Make sure that scholarships are available for the student. If the student feels comfortable at the school, then that is the right school for the student.

I think the major things to think about when you are selecting a college are the surroundings and not doing the 'popular' thing by going to the school all your friends go to. You need to go visit the area and make sure you know you can adapt. If your from a small town a large school can be overwhelming. One of the biggest mistakes would be to go to the school all your friends are going to just to have people you know around. You need to go to the best school that fits YOUR future plans, and not the future plans of friends!

The best thing to do to find the perfect college is to visit more than you think you need to, especially if you've narrowed your search down to only 2 or 3. I visited FSU 3 times before I knew it was perfect. Go to some events such as games or plays or concerts. Get a real experience of what students are working towards every day. Ask random people where something is and see if they'll help you or turn you away, get a feel for the general attitude on campus. Oh! And don't forget to go to the department you think you want to major in and meet a few professors. It will help to know a few names before you get there.

Some personal advice that I would offer to parents and students is to pick the college that fits you the most. The college that attracts your interest and that you feel will be a good environment. I chose Florida State University because I like a diverse university. It a big university but after stepping foot on campus it was not as big as it seems. When finding the right college, there are many factors that should considered such as financial aid, housing, meal plans. transportation, social activities, sports, and the most important factor which is academics.

Save money, get good high school grades, apply to scholarships