Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

I would tell myself to take choosing a school much more seriously. I only applied to two and neither were any school I was really dying to go to. I would tell myself to do more research about city schools and focus less on "college-town" schools because I have learned that it's not the kind of school for me. I would also tell myself to be more open to trying new things and get out of my comfort zone a little more. I would tell myself to be more optimistic about the school I chose and make the most of the time I had there. I would really dig deep to find out what I want and where I want to be. I would still live with no regretts but I would spend more time beforehand to really figure out what I want

IU is a place for becoming who you will be, not discovering who you are. You will have to apply yourself academically, socially, artistically, mentally, and emotionally to this process. Your college experience is about forging a new "you" out of the areas of study you blindly stumble into. This is not easy. You will combat apathy and inaction, from both yourself and your friends, along with criticism from those who do not share your developing outlook on life, your hopes, dreams, desires. To build yourself up into someone new, someone better, you must steel your will against these obstacles. They will not cease, but, in time, your will inure yourself to them and be stronger for the effort. Concentrate your efforts in one or two areas, but always keep your senses alive to new information. Learn pieces of everything, as this will help you stitch your budding knowledge into a whole, instead of a part. Listen to those that hold more experience in a field than you do; however, this is purely to gather information. It falls upon you to form your beliefs. Fall in love, make friends, socialize, play music, protest. And, for heaven's sake, smile.

Take in every opportunity you can and never be afraid to try new things. People aren't going to have the same ideas as you but don't judge them harshly and make as many friends as possible. You're going to miss your family but take that chance to build close relationships with the people around you, they'll become your home away from home. Finally, never lose sight of your faith. People will try to challenge you but listen with kindness and hold onto your beliefs. Out of all these things HAVE FUN!! Freshman year flies by and I can only imagine that the rest do too.

If I could go back a few years I would tell my high school senior self to think in the now. Don't plan everything out because when you set your sights on one path you miss out on numerous other routes and opportunities that might be better. Don't get stuck in a mind set of a life you think you 'should' have. The only life you need to live is one that makes you happy. Loosen up a little bit, don't be afraid to make mistakes. You can't control everything and the more you try to control your future the more you'll lose control. Instead of trying to find and define yourself, let yourself develop as you go. Be spontaneous. Know that college is about learning but not all of that comes from the classroom so don't get stuck in the academics. It's ok to not get perfect grades because a worthwhile education is formed from all aspects of college life. Stop being afraid to do things on your own. It's your life, so get out there and be YOU not the person you think you should be.

If I could go travel back in time and talk to myself about college, I'd let myself know that everything I was going through at the time, wouldn't matter later in life. I'd tell myself to stick it out, to be strong enough to let go of the people that were making my life harder than it had to be, and persistant enought to never give up on my dreams. The most important piece of advice I'd give myself, however, is that no one else can live your life for you. It doesn't matter what your teachers, parents, and friends want for your life. All that matters is waking up every morning and knowing that you love what you're doing. I'd drill this into my own head, so that maybe it wouldn't have taken so long for me to realize I didn't want to live my parent's dream of me being a doctor, and I could have gotten started towards my life as a teacher much sooner.

Emma, You are ending one chapter of your life and starting a brand new one. I know you are scared, but here is the advice I have for you: Relax. Breathe. You will be fine. All the things you are scared of are unimportant. If you strive to achieve your goals, as you have done the past four years in high school, then you will be fine. I am living proof of that. Stand up for what you believe in and get involved on campus! There is an amazing linguistics club you could join or several other groups I know would interest you. Go to a lacrosse match! I know you have always wanted to, and now you can. Finally, I know meeting new people is scary, but you can do it. Before long you will have a great group of friends that will help you though your struggles along with old friends from high school. Again, Relax. Breathe. You will be fine. Love, Your Future Self

I would tell myself to appreciate my family more! It is crazy how much I miss them a lot of the time, and I wish that I could have spent even more time with them! I would also tell myself to not be so nervous about the transition. Things are meant to be and I found the right group of friends very easily!

I would tell myself to listen to my teachers and the advice that they offered about managing time. I would also listen to some of the studying techniques that they gave to me and use them so that I would be better at them now. The classes I took in high school also that were AP I would have taken them much more seriously so that I would not have had to take my first year and have to worry about another class that would be difficult. In all I feel that my senior year would totally different on account of my experiences here in my first year of college. It has shown me the error of my previous ways and the things that I have to change

If I could speak to my high school self, I would tell myself not to limit myself. When I was a senior in high school I didn't feel like I was ready or capable of leaving home to pursue my education. It took a lot for me to push myself to leave for a school three hours away from home, even though I knew I would be getting a better education. I didn’t want to let go of the life I had there with my friends, family and job. Given the chance, I would tell myself not only to take that step and go away to school but also to immerse myself in college life and the whole experience. I would tell myself to get involved because making friends in Bloomington is what has made it feel like another home to me and made me feel like I had another family. Ultimately I would want to tell myself how right the decision to go away truly is for me and my bright future.

Advice that I would give myself would first be to not procrastinate. Although the classes are easy and you don't have to put much effort into the work, you need to study and work hard on your academics. A high GPA can open up opportunities for more scholarship money, which means less student loans. Another piece of advice would be to prepare yourself for a new environment. IU is a big school and was extremely overwhelming, don't be afraid to get involved in clubs or other activities. Not only do they give you something to do in your free time but you will also be with people that like the same things as you do. The clubs also help make the transition a lot easier on you because all the students understand what you're going through and welcome you to the club and the school. The last bit of advice is to enjoy your senior year. Don't wish for graduation or to move out of your house, once that time is gone you're not getting it back. Don't worry about petty problems, just enjoy the time you have with your friends, family and teammates.

I would tell myself the most cliche thing that any high schooler could possibly think of when it comes to getting advice, and that would be that you need to study as much as possible, pay attention, and do your best to retain as much knowledge as you possibly can. I had a hard time studyin in high school. I absolutely hated it and always got A's and B's without having to so i figured it would be ok. I now know that I could have gotten so many scholarships and have better study habits if I had just tried to do so. I had no problem paying attention in class but just telling myself that would have helped a lot. Lastly, I always did retain quite a bit of the things I thought were important but if I did not think it was important then I usually forgot it; big mistake.

I would tell myself to continue to follow my dreams and not give up. To keep confidence and remain solid in my education. Education has such a fundametal value out side of school and I use it everyday in my adult life. I would also make sure to tell my self not to sweat the small stuff. To get out and have fun while I'm still young. Enjoy my life while I can because I only have one. Meet everyone and get involved. Some of these friends you will have for life. Staying happy and healthy but yet grounded enough to succeed in my education. Don't focus on one thing with your education. Experience other areas and really explore talents, hobbies, and passions because you will find other things you enjoy and can learn from. College was daunting at first but now that I look back it proved to be some of the most valuable years of my life in so many ways. Remember not to take things for granted and be truely greatful for the opportunity to recieve a higher education.

If I could go back in time and talk to yourself as a high school senior, I honestly wouldn't give myself any advice. I look back at my high school years and I realize that I got good grades, I turned my assignments in on time, and I was sociable. I took all AP classes from my Freshman year in order to get a good feel on what college classes will be like. Wirh the AP courses that I took, I've gotten credits that have boosted my class level up a bit. Now I won't have to take certain classes that other Freshmans are taking. I was sociable in high school, so now I can even put that to skills. College is a bigger environment and this skill will help with making new friends and joing different clubs. High School was exceptional for me.

Make sure you take your education seriously. Don't think that high school is all about friends and fun. This is the pathway to your future and what you make of high school will determine what happens in your adult life.

I would tell myself first of all to take the ACT again! I know I had science fair and will never know if the science fair awards were more beneficial than getting that one extra point! I would also tell myself to relax, everything happens for a reason. You chose IU based on what you wanted, not based on anything else. I would also tell myself that college is more laid back than what I imagined. I'll make plenty of new friends and shouldn't doubt myself.

My dear self, once upon a time your late Junior year you made a decision. You realized your emotional struggles, and you sought a means to help your final year be happy. You adopted a mantra, a goal of sorts: to live with as few regrets as possible. All through your Senior year you held true to that goal, and the result was the most amazing year of your life, with more friends, experiences, and joys than ever before. Yet the start of your freshman year was vastly different. You forgot your mantra. You struggled--not academically or physically, but emotionally. It was only through the help of some truly amazing people that you would remember to live with as few regrets as possible. Soon after, you had to lay one of those girls to rest, and it was only through your mantra that you would overcome that new struggle. Do not forget, for there is true happiness in your little life goal.

I would advice myself to try things I'm uncomfortable with, participate in things I never have, go out of my way to be around new people and to be excited for all the different avenues available. The best advice I ever recieved was that I was just going to have to get nosey.

Don't be afraid to be yourself. Join clubs, volunteer, and study hard. The chemistry will be awful, but all of your other classes will be enjoyable, and dare I even say, fun. Don't stress over little things or even big things, you'll figure it all out. Call your parents at least once a week to let them know what's going on in your life and find out how they're doing. Don't worry that you don't like to party, there are others too. Talk to people in your classes, they could turn out to be lifelong friends. Don't freak out about the first time you get a poor grade... It won't be the end of your life and you will recover. Enjoy the time you have here... It will go by so fast.

Don't take studying for granted. Pay attention to what the teachers tell you because they are giving you important information that you will one day need.

Know your own limits. Don't over extend yourself or take on more than you can handle. Base your decisions on what you can realistically accomplish, according to your particular strengths and weaknesses, rather than trying to do what you think is expected of you. If you allow yourself to excell in what you are good at and work on overcoming your weaknesses at your own pace you'll have the confidence to accomplish your goals.

Knowing what I know now, I would definitly have expanded my horizon. I think that I would have applied to more schools and applied to scholarships. This is my first time trying to scholarships and hopefully I get accepted for some. I would also change not going to a community college. I feel like I am not experiencing the real college life. I would go to a dorm and live on campus. But again, the reason i didnt do this before was because nether my family or myself doesn't have enough money. So I'm crossing my fingers that I can get help this upcoming semester.

I want you to know that I am very proud of the person that you've become, it sure has taken a lot of work and dedication for you to get from there to here. You have shown yourself to be very responsible by never missing classes and always having your assignments prepared ahead of time. When you didn't understand an assignment you took the initiative and asked for help, and have even helped your classmates at times. Outside of classes you have stayed focused on your work, not allowing yourself to be drawn into the drama of boys and parties that is causing so many of your friends to fall behind. Sure, sometimes it is a bummer and you feel like you're missing out, but you understand that college is a wonderful opportunity for you to have so much more in life. You are learning the skills which will enable you to be more successful than you ever imagined. Stay on the path, and keep up the good work, it is not going unnoticed! P.S. I'm glad you've decided to put your whole heart into this, I just knew we could do this!

If I could go back in time to high school I would definately have payed more attention to myself to realize I had a learning disability that was not being treated. I was recently diagnosed with A.D.D. (Attention- Defecit Disorder) my freshmen year of college. In highschool I never thought it was serious because I had that preconcieved notion that everyone is a teen and has a scattered brain. I thought it was due to immaturity and phase of life. Little did I know, my learning disability could be treated with medication which I have been taking since my diagnosis. If I could have treated my learning disability I would have been able to balance more in my schedule with taking on more extra-curricular activities while taking higher classes that would have looked wonderful on my transcript. I have had the determination and knowledge to excel in my academics. I just needed that boost of discipline that could help me organize my thoughts and retain my focus on what was necessary.

If I could give my high school self advice, it would mainly be to tell myself to stop procrastinating. Back in high school, I never did an assignment earlier than the night before it was due, and that was good enough to get straight A's all of the time. Once I reached university, I was expecting to be able to do the same, and boy was I wrong! I would also tell myself to stop being so shy. Living on a campus as big as IUB can be a big challenge when you are afraid to talk to any new people. My hometown was small, and I wish I could have realized just how small. I was so used to depending on the same people that when I reached IUB, I was not quite sure what to do with myself. Luckily, I live close to home so the transition became easier. In the end, I would warn myself that college life is nothing like I expected. It is a place where I have completely changed who I am and have become stronger in trying to be who I have always wanted to be. Good luck with the change, Brooke!

Transitioning into college life can be a very difficult thing, especially when you go to a large college. When there are 40,000 other undergraduates, it can be difficult to create a social life. Back in high school, I had known everyone since 1st grade, and never had to worry about making new friends. I liked the friends I’d had since I was little, but they’re not here. If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would tell myself to get involved as soon as I get on campus. If I had known how difficult it would have been to meet , I would definitely have gotten involved much sooner than I did. It took me eight weeks in college to realize that I really did need to start joining clubs and doing activities that I’m interested in to meet people that I can truly connect with. With so many students, it is easy to find people who are like you, but you really do need to look. And I’m sure I would have made a much faster adjustment to college if I could go back in time and give myself this advice.

I would definitely have checked out more schools. I had two schools on my list and when I didn't get into one, I just took the other. If I could go back I would have done more research and tried to find a better fit. Also, I would have worked harder for a better GPA. I always felt like my GPA didn't matter, especially because I tested very well on the ACT's. Looking back, if I had better grades I probably could have gotten into a top 10 business school.

If I could travel back in time, I would give myself a lot of advice. Foremost, I would tell myself to take more International Baccalaureate classes. I wish I had known how much college credit these classes were worth and how much money they could save me. I would also tell myself to apply for scholarships early and to be sure to complete my FAFSA as soon as possible to help with tuition. I would emphasize branching out and trying new things. I have probably missed many opportunities to meet new people because I was afraid to experience different things and get involved right away. Most importantly, I would stress the importance of going to office hours for extra help. I felt intimidated by my professors during the beginning of the year. Had I known as a high school senior how much my professors want to help, I would have been sure to attend office hours from the very first week of college classes. Finally, I would tell myself to continue to stay close to my family and explain how the transition to college can be tough, but a strong support system can ameliorate the adjustment into college life.

Looking back if I could give myself any advice it would be to apply for more scholarships. Senior year and the summer before you start high school the last thing you want to do is sit at a computer and write scholarship applications, but I wish I had. In this economy choosing to go to an out of state college was probably not the best decision financially for the daughter of a small business owner, but IU was the school I fell in love with. With my parents support I made IU my home, but it hasn't come without a huge financial burden. If I'd been more diligent in applying for scholarships when I was starting school I might not be scrambling and scouring the internet now for scholarships for college undergrads. By not applying then I simply put off the inevitable and made more struggles for myself.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first advice I would give to myself would be to always give a hundred and ten percent no matter how tough it gets, giving up doesn't get you anywhere. I also would tell myself to take the time and find yourself, and figure out who you are. You have a million things to worry about when you transition to college, and the last thing you need is to be worrying about figuring out the kind of person you are. Also the most important advice I would give myself would be to never ever live for other people, trying to impress them and such. Always, no matter what, live for yourself. You are the only person who knows what makes you happy.

I know it seems scary to move to a school that has more students than the population of your entire town, but don't worry you will get used to it and actually enjoy it and discover all the great things about going to a Big 10 school. Also, don't worry about making new friends or if you will get along with your roommates. You have to remember that everyone is in the same exact boat as you are, and you will make new friends without even realizing it. Don't worry about classes either, your professor will always be there to help you whenever you may need help and there will always be another person in your class that will be willing to be your "study buddy." I know you're worried about the rigorous academic plan you have in store for your major, so relax and take a breather you will be perfectly fine--you've prepared your whole life for this. Most of all, remember to take time to have some fun and make the best of your college years at IU!

IU is a really big school. It's huge, over 32,000 students on campus. Your incoming class will be about 8,000 people. The easiest way to shrink the school is to get involved. Join a club, an activity, a team, just join something. It's an easy way to meet new people and create a place to belong in such a big school. I joined the Ballroom Dance Team here, and I've never regretted my decision to get involved. They are my family! We help each other when things are tough, and it makes the school seem much smaller.

IU is a really big school. It's huge, over 40,000 students on campus. Your incoming class will be about 8,000 people. The easiest way to shrink the school is to get involved. Join a club, an activity, a team, just join something. It's an easy way to meet new people and create a place to belong in such a big school. I joined the Ballroom Dance Team here, and I've never regretted my decision to get involved. They are my family! We help each other when things are tough, and it makes the school seem much smaller.

I would love to go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior! Knowing what I know now, I would definitely tell myself to not be so uptight about being in the highest level classes that my school offered. I would allow myself to have more freedom from academia and go out there, taking every opportunity that comes my way and never letting go. I would remind myself to never forget what truley matters to me and the inspirational hope and support that comes with surrounding yourself with people you love. Additionally, I would go back and let myself know that whatever you end up doing in life, wherever you choose to go, you will be successful as long as you have the ambition and passion to succeed. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Instead, prove them wrong. Lastly, I would tell myself to cherish every moment with anyone you encounter. Those memories last forever and no one can take them away from you, ever. As a last bit of advice, I'd tell myself the time old saying of enjoying your youth, as it doesn't last forever!

Set your goals high and work hard.

Learn how to study and manage your time better.

I view life as a consistant learning experience. With that beind said, given the option to go back in time when I was a high school senior to inform myself about what is to come, I would simply turn it down. I would not be the person that I am now without everything that has happened in my life in the passed few years between the two. I embrase everything that has happened to me, and that I have done full heartedly, and I will continue to use this philosophy on life until the day I pass. I strongly believe that if I altered my viewpoint on college when I was a senior I would have a higher potential to miss out on the beauty and wonderful experiences that I have gotten to be apart of already, and that I will not have!

Save, Save, Save. The economy can change faster than you know it. Loans and financial aid is not promised. Even if its $10 week. However, the opportunities available our endless. As a senior you may have thought the farthest you ever wanted to go was Florida but there is a whole world out there and college offers study abroad programs that are to die for. Italy, Africa, Australia, everywhere. Not only can you visit these places but also you can earn college credits for them. Traveling will open your eyes to ideas and other cultural experiences that cannot be replaced by anything else. Cultural experiences will open your eyes to be more knowledgeable about yourself and those around you. You will earn to be more accepting of everyone else in the world and learn that there is more out there than what is in front of you. Keep your head up and remember the world is yours to take.

It's a scary thing to turn from a page where everything is familiar to one you have never seen, but changing a page rarely means the book has ended. For all you know, you may be clinging to the introduction when the real story has yet to come. I haven't seen the end, so I don't know if you're embarking on a comedy or a tragedy. It very well may be both. Do not fear what lies ahead because, in all honesty, you're going to make mistakes. Not everyone will like you, you can't be perfect, and you can't have everything; don't waste the precious minutes you have trying to make impossibilities into a false reality. There are some things you will have to pass on, so be willing to let them go. Instead, be happy with who you are and take pride in yourself. Use the opportunities college offers to grow your interests and find others like you. Be content with where you are in life, and it will all turn out alright in the end.

The advice i would give myself is to train hard everyday and do everything up to your full potential because you only have four years to enjoy and suceed in your undergrade career.

Life is completely unpredictable and embarking on a new path is scary, just trust yourself. You need to believe that you know what is best for you. You need to always trust your gut instincts and do what you feel in your heart is right. You need to be more outgoing and not care so much what other people say or think. You need to take risks and not just sit back and wait for things to happen. You need to not be afraid to make mistakes, and understand that after you make one, it takes a great amount of courage to correct it and set yourself back on the right path, but you will feel better about yourself for having done so. However, the thing you need to remember the most is that time flies and life is way too short to be anything but happy. Keep yourself surrounded by your family and your friends because they are the ones who will always be there for you and believe in you when you don't believe in yourself. You have all of the tools to create a happy and fulfilling life for yourself. Work hard, but have fun too.

No high school can prepare a student for all the challenges of college. Every single college class is equal to that of an advanced placement class in high school but taught with half the time. Also the professors do not put effort into individually helping out a student. The number of students that a professor has is too great and students are treated as adults. The best thing to do as a college student is to manage time. Time management will make college seem routinely otherwise a college student will be overwhelmed with all the diverse hardships of college. Also, do not take any class lightly. Some students have a certain dependence on the curve that a certain class will have. The curve does not help much if you are on the lower end of the curve. Another temptation of college is to skip classes and study on your own because the teaching method of the professor does not suit to your liking. Do not skip classes, even though retention might be minimal in a class but there is still help you can receive from the professor. Lastly, get to know all your professors, they are extremely helpful.

It is often said that life is a journey, not a destination and through the course of the journey, an individual makes several mistakes that later enlighten him and fabricate his personality. If I receive a chance to revisit my high-school senior self, one message I would surely convey is: do not let the stress get to you. Even if worse comes to worst, do not let social pressures and conflicts with others affect your performance in school and do not take anything to heart because it will only further depress you. I would also remind myself of the goal I have been working towards ever since the age of four, of becoming a doctor. If I let minor conflicts affect my performance, that will deter be from my goal and I will feel unaccomplished. Therefore, as I have learned now, I will strive towards keeping the stress level minimal and reserve it strictly for school purposes. There is no need for me to be overwrought and tense due to those that only have served as obstacles in my path. I will continue on this journey, determined to achieve success and inevitably, make a positive difference in this world.

Senior year is quickly coming to an end and your closest friends are loneliness, confusion and heartache. Many peers have let you down and you are not sure what a true friendship looks like. All that matters to the people surrounding you is their looks and advancing their popularity. You view yourself as a shy, average-looking girl that has never been accepted. Your biggest fear is that college will be exactly the same, but with more strenuous classes. I’m here to tell you that you can hope in a brighter future. Let go of all the feelings that are weighing you down and find joy in knowing that you have so much ahead of you. You do not need to care anymore about what people think of you, because you have been created as a beautiful, unique individual. “Fitting in” will no longer cross your mind, because you will be provided with honest, long-lasting friendships. However, it is important to be prepared for school work and to expect your patience to be tested. “A’s” will not come easily, but keep on working hard for the reward! You are capable of succeeding!

Jessica, if you want to go to college, that’s great. However, make sure you are REALLY ready. I know people make college seem like one big party, but that is not true. College is hard work. You are not going to have mommy telling you to get your homework done and the temptation to go out and forget about homework is overwhelming at times. You will need to be prepared to have some serious motivation to get assignments completed. Please do not wait until the last minute, because that is when everything will go wrong. Make sure you study ahead of time when you know what you will be going over in class and be ready to ask any questions you may have. Teachers do not mind helping you out if they know you are really trying to do well. I will be praying for your success and I know you will do well if you apply yourself and manage your time.

The first thing I would tell my high school senior self would be, "Take more science classes, you!" Specifically, I would tell myself to take AP Physics, since that would have helped me a lot this year. I would also say to work harder on getting scholarships. As a high school senior, I did not realize how many generous people there are out there just looking to give money to people going to college. I would tell myself to do more volunteering and community service, since a lot of scholarships seem to focus on that. That being said, as a high school senior, I spent a lot of time worrying about paying for college, what I would major in, if I would make friends, if I would like where I live. One of the biggest things I would tell myself is, "Calm down, keep working hard, and try to enjoy yourself once in a while, because things worked out for me, so that means they will work out for you."

I would have joined the RPS services group after my freshmen year. It offers positions including an RA and CUE that help students with the transfer process and help with financial support. It is a great experience and I have learned so much about my surroundings and about other students. I would have volunteered to tutor for more classes. Giving back to students who are stuggling and helping them achieve success is a great feeling. I would have walked on to the IU wrestling team and played more football.

Looking back after four years I wish I could tell myself to not take life so seriously. College is four years to get to know youself, to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes. My four years at college made me the person I am today, a strong young woman looking to earn a graduate degree. I would tell myself to laugh more and worry less. Remember that Universitys have so much to offer, take advantage of all of it all, you won't have it forever! Most importantly, don't forget who you are and where you come from. You might "find youself" in college but don't forget who made that person you found.

I waited 6 months to go to college, because I tried to get into a university that I knew was not taking international students at the time. I wish I had gone to my current community college right away to save time. Although I got some work experience in the mean time, I feel that joining my community college sooner would have been a better choice for me.