Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

I think there would be many things I would want to tell myself if I could go back in time to before I left for college. First of all, I really would want to stress time management. When you get to college and are on your own for the first time, it can be overwhelming trying to experience anything and everything all at once. There are so many things that you have to balance all of a sudden such as more challenging schoolwork, friends, clubs, activities, sports and many others. I remember first semester of my freshman was very hard on my boyfriend and I. Our relationship needed a lot of work and we were really tested. Even though we went to the same school, and our dorms were right next to each other, it just was not as easy to have a good relationship in college. It definitely took a lot more effort, and luckily we were able to make things work. It is easy to get caught up in all the other things on campus you can get involved in besides schoolwork. If I could go back, I would want to prepare myself more for my first semester.

Don't take 19 credits in one semester! Make lots of friends and socialize more to make up for the mounds of homework and practicing you're about to get into. Apply for more scholarships and get more involved in volunteering so you have something to do that doesn't involve music. Visit the local schools more often to observe how different music directors teach. And finally, practice piano A LOT.

College is about exploration. You need to explore every piece of the puzzle to really figure out what pieces make up who you are. Try all different kinds of majors, don't be afraid to pursue multiple degrees. This is the time to take your passions and make them count. Distinguish yourself. Be who you really are, and that is how you will experience college to the fullest.

Love yourself always and trust in who you are. You are young right now, so if the concept of "who you are" isn't exactly clear yet, get excited because college is a great opportunity to discover what makes sense to you and what brings you joy. In college, each day brings a series of choices, and sometimes this autonomy can be overwhelming. However, you can obtain peace and success by creating a routine that fosters balance in your new surroundings. Two adversaries to your mission of success in college are the two P's: Partying and Procrastinating. There is always some sort of party happening at Indiana University, so don't feel like you're missing out when you decide to stay in. It may seem tempting to procrastinate your studying until the last minute, but don't. You'll be calmer and more sure of yourself if you review your notes after class, and visit your teachers if you need extra help. Overall, find a routine that allows you enough time for the right amount of sleep, exercise, studying, friends and a extracurricular club. Above all, pay attention to what interests you, and have faith in yourself.

I would tell myself to enjoy college life and make the best of it. There are many wonderful opportunities that are provided for students. If you know what your major is going to be then take those courses to see if you are interested in it. I knew what my major was going to be which is Business. It is important to do well in your classes right away so your GPA starts high.

Be open to seeing and getting to know different cultures. Expand yourself and open up to others. Talk to people that are on the bus, get to know them, even if only for a few minutes. Outside of the classes and school work, there is a world of people out there that would love to know you. There are people that are lonely, that need friends, and you could be that first friend that could make college life a whole lot easier than going about life by yourself. Even though there are at least 40,000 people at this knew school, few of which that look like you, and even fewer from the same place, know that you have a voice, you can make a difference. You can have a large impact on someone else's life, even if just a smile. Keep in mind that a small stone can create ripples in still water. What you contribute to other peoples lives counts. What you contribute to this university counts. You have influence.

Do whatever you can to get to Indiana University- Bloomington freshman year! I know your parents want you to be home for the first year, and attend your local branch of Indiana - but IU is too good of a place to miss one year. Transferring can be an issue, and credits may not always transfer. Take an abundance of classes your senior year in all fields. You have a love for business and writing, don't just sign up for that Marketing class - take Journalism! Being involved with DECA, Homestead TV, and Student Government are great choices of clubs to get you ready for the Bloomington campus. Also, talk over financial situtaions with the academic office of Bloomington. It becomes overwhelming, and the advisors can guide your through the financial aid process, because money is tight. Save all you can. Keep n contact with IU alum to ease the transition. You are definitely ready for the IU campus, being involved in high school will help you come out of your shell, and being a apart of Leadership Fort Wayne was your best move in high school allowing you to make friends from all places will help you network at IU!

My advice to myself in college would be to apply to a lot of places that there aren't people I went to high school with. I really enjoy the fact that I could go off and enjoy college without being stuck in the same routine and group of people that I had already spent so many years with. I love that I can be myself and then reconnect with friends at home during breaks. Do not choose schools based on other people and make a choice for yourself.

I remember sitting in my favorite teacher's office for hours, just discussing how nervous I was about moving out of my comfort zone to a new, unknown place. That fear of the unknown and not fitting in kept me home for the first year of college. While all of my friends enjoyed and made a plethora of new friends, I was at home in my safe zone. I really regret that decision today. I wish I would have just been brave enough to break free and experience the dorm life, meet new people, and engage in a new environment. I am envious of all my friends that actually took the leap because I know they had an extra year of college experience that I will never be able to get. A campus such as Bloomington is just so welcoming and friendly to anyone, I have no idea what I even feared. College is all about the experience, in and out of the classroom. While I got my in-class experience my freshman year, I definately missed out on the out of class experieces. It's a shame that I couldn't convince myself to grow.

Invest in 401K, Money Market Account, and Saving Account. Take Honors classes and AP classes. Get good grades. Start searching for scholarships ahead of time, and applying for universities. Consider marriage and children later say at 33 years old. Become a more established person to have a family and children. Finish my degrees all of them push myself more than I should, and don't start chatting because leads to classes and other things being missed.

Live to Learn and Learn to Live. Try to learn something new every day, but most important learn to have fun, you only have one shot. Life for all we know is what you make it, so make it wonderful.

I would just tell myself simply to be open and pursue every opportunity you can because it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As a high school senior I was a very high strung individual Not only did not want to go to college directly after high school but I thought the decisions I made about college were life altering decisions that would make or break the rest of my life. I based many of my decisions on what I thought was expected of me. If I could go back and talk to my self then the most important thing I would tell myself would be to relax; yes the decisions we make alter our lifes path but rarely are they 'make or break' decisions. I would suggest taking a year off and discovering what I was truly passionate about. I spent two and a half years in a major I hated, if I'd known as a fresman what I wanted to do I would have had a much different college experience. Lastly, I would tell myself to enjoy life, especially the little things; to not take life so seriously, and that it's okay to make a few mistakes in college as long as you learn from them. I am not perfect, nobody is and trying to be so is futile.

Though I seemed to have transitioned well from high school to college, I would have told myself to focus more on my schoolwork regardless of the fact that Indiana University provides several opportunities for extracurricular activities which can be distracting towards academics. I would have assured myself that college is difficult, but not impossible, and that I should initiate myself in the more difficult classes before my sophomore year. I also would have encouraged myself that regardless of financial situations, to always remain positive; in fact, several other individuals do not have the opportunity to attend college, nor a university with such high standing.

If I could talk to myself when I was a senior in high school, I would advise myself to be open to new things. During my first year in college I was timid and did not try to experience the university as much as I should have. Specifically, I would tell myself to begin taking classes or join a club that is different from what I would normally find interesting. There are many things to be learned from stepping outside of one's comfort zone. Going along with being open to new things, getting involved with the community is very important. In high school I never made an attempt to help other people, which changed once I started college. By tutoring local high school students and volunteering with the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, I learned how rewarding it is to help other people. My overall recommendation to myself would be to experience new things and to help others whenever there is an opportunity to do so. After doing these the rest of your college career will successfully fall into place.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior--I would first say, "Way to be brave--it paid off!". To prefice that, I came to Indiana University from California not knowing anyone and leaving a full ride scholarship to UCLA. I wanted to try something new so I took a chance and now I love IU and am doing well. As well as congratulate myself, I would warn myself. I would question my original major choice and making me realize that it was something I was doing for someone else and not for me. While I have changed my major, it took me a year to realize what exactly I wanted to do during my collegiate career. I would also tell myself--LOOK FOR SCHOLARSHIPS! I undersestimated the out-of-state tuition and it has come back to haunt me. Despite the amount of money IU has to offer, unfortunatley most of the scholarships are available to only in-state students. Lastly--I would tell myself, don't stress out! Stress does more bad things than good and has the potential of getting in the way of my collegiate career goals.

I would tell myself not to get too stressed out, put classes before socializing and don't be afraid to open up to someone new. I would tell myself to get involved more with campus activities so I could put them on my resume and to study as hard as I could.

Many of us would change numerous things if there was a way for to go back in time. Personally, I would tell myself not to slack off in college. High school is like a pond where teachers spoon-feed you in order for you to succeed but once you are out of this pond and into the big ocean like college there is no spoon-feeding. Everything that you learn has to be on your own and the professors are there to guide you but not to be your walking stick. If only I knew how different college life is going to be before I got into the big ocean, I would have been more successful and on the top. I am learning everyday from my mistakes and telling my siblings not to make the same ones I did. I had no one there but they have me. Also, If I knew I was going to do pre-med and a psychology major I would have taken courses in psychology before taking harder courses at Indiana University. These are some of the things that I would tell myself if I had a chance to go back in time.

Take a variety of classes your freshman year to help you determine what you want to major in. If you think you know what you want to do after college still give yourself other options and explore your interests and a variety of careers. If your campus has a career development center make good use of it and the resources there. Don't limit yourself in your freshman year. There are many opportunities available. Take advantage of them. Be sure to get involved in a few good organizations and build friendships. Lastly, work on developing your leadership skills.

Don't hold back. If you want to try something, try it. If you want to talk to someone, talk to them. The only way you will know what something is like is by trying it. I know it sounds cliche and out of your comfort zone but college is a time for change. You won't know who your really are or who your true friends are without seeing who you aren't. You're going to make mistakes, you're going to feel overwhelmed or feel that everyone knows what they are doing in life except you but that's not true. Don't rush in to figuring out what you want to do and make sure it is something you love. Meet new people, you never know who will become your new best friend or who will help you out in a tough time. Don't forget the people you leave behind either, you've know them for what seems like forever so they deserve a place in your life even if you don't see them everyday. Finally, don't procrastinate. It's not worth the stress and worry when it comes to crunch time.

I can't say that I would give myself any advice. I worked hard throughout high school, and the choices I made throughout my time there ultimately put me in a school and community that I love. My college experience to date has been surprising, intriguing, exciting, and eye-opening, and the greatest thrill was making these discoveries without knowing what to expect next. Even if I went back and told myself what to anticipate I never would have understood until actually experiencing it. As a college student, I have learned much about myself, the people around me, and the workings of the "real" world. A significant portion of this learning was derived from making mistakes and taking risks. To advise myself against making such mistakes would put me in a completely different place than I am now, and I can't imagine that I'd be as happy.

Knowing what I know now, and that all that I am and all that I have come to realizeis because of previous actions and thoughts, I would not disturb the natural flow of how things have come to pass.

I would tell myself to figure out who I know that is going to the same school and the get to know them so you already know people on campus.

I often think about this very question, and would love to go back and be able to transfer the knowledge I have gained to my 17 year old self. At the time, I did not know anything about college and majors or anything like that. All I knew was that I was expected to go because that what people do after high school. The first thing I would tell myself to figure out what I wanted and not what everybody else expected of me. I followed a path chosen for me, and I would say to follow my own way instead. It keeps you motivated in the hard times if you actually enjoy what you are doing. The second thing I would tell myself is that realize the decisions you are making at a young age are so important to where you end up later in life. I assumed those decisions were not very important because I would have so many years to change things and figure out where I would go. The truth is that time goes by so fast, and so getting on the right path as soon as possible gives you a significant advantage. Live for yourself!

I did everything right in my high school. Wouldnt change a thing.

I would look myself in the eyes and say "kid, you have an iron backbone and you need to use it damnit. don't worry so much what other's think, you just go forth and conquer."

Budget your money!

I would tell myself to hav tried a little bit harder in high school. My overall high school GPA was a 3.45. Since I did not receive a 3.5 I was not a direct admit to the business program at Indiana University. This has added so much extra pressure on me that I should not have. There is a high possibility that I will need to transfer since there is a chance I will not be getting into the business next semester. The extra .5 GPA could have been achieved by just doing better in one class.

When preparing for school, it's best to not have to many expectations about what college life will be like since the media portrays it much differently than it is in reality. The transition from an every day 8-3 class schedule, where you attend the same classes five days a week, to going when you schedule class and having mainly Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday classes is something to get used to and helps to make an individual more responsible and "on top of things" in a short period of time. It is very important to get out and meet new people right away, whether you have come to school with friends from high School or not. People tend to change very rapidly when they get to college and sometimes good friends grow apart, which is just another part of life. Lastly, take advantage of the many courses offered and try out a few different areas of study to make sure that when you graduate you are fully confident in your career direction. Try everything the campus has to offer! College is a wonderful opportunity to grow in yourself and you don't want to regret anything!

As a student attending college at Indiana University, I would tell myself to take a big breathe and relax. Yes, college is a stressful transition and can be extrememly scary at times, but there is so many great things that come with the college life. I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed every second that I have been at Indiana University. Not only have I been able to experience having an excellent education, but I have made friends that will be with me forever. I would tell myself to definitley do some shadowing and figure out the area of education that I would like to study in. I came into college as an exploratory major, and wish that I kind of knew which field that I would have wanted to start off in. This would have only lessened my work load, because I would have already started to take classes that would directly count towards my major. I would also tell myself to take every day at a time and to not rush the college experience. Do not get discouraged, because there will always be a friend to help (especially at a school with over 40,000 people).

I feel that I made the right decision going to IU. The level of competition and academic excellence exceeded my expectations. I was fortunate to join a club affiliated with my major, the Sports Marketing Club, allowing me to attain internships both the summers between my sophmore and junior years with baseball teams both at the college and minor league level. I pushed myself to become involved at IU, both academically and socially. I can't say that there is any advice I could give myself, since I really think that what I expected while in high school, doesn't compare to the college experience I have had at IU. I couldn't be more happier and am looking forward to obtaining a career obtained by my education at Indiana University.

I would take advantage more of scholarships. I didn't realize how much money college would be costing my family, and I wish that I would have applied to more. I think as students it's harder to realize how much money goes into a college degree. You have to pay for housing, food, tuition, buses, weekends and etc. At the end of the hear it's a really big bill. Take the time to fill out applications and even if you think you don't need scholarships, with this economy it's better to be safe than sorry. A lot of scholarships are for high school students going into college and now I have lost a lot of opportunities to do so. High school seniors don't get too caught up in fun, funding your college education is just as important too!

My most important bit of advice I could give myself as a high school senior would be to RELAX. Do not take such small things and blow them up into huge delimmas. Remember that each and every day only happens once so enjoy high school instead of taking it for granted. Learning to appreciate the small things in life will make the transition into college all the more grand. Each new experience that college life brings changes you and allows you to grown as a person. Go with the flow and study hard, everything else will fall into place without being forced. If something does not go as planned, do not stress. Let it go down a different path; it could turn into an adventure you never expected! Talk to everyone you can and learn from them. Indiana University is full of interesting and diverse people who are so eager to share their stories. Basically the advice I would give is slow down and always be yourself. As every chapter and life, college only comes once.

This is the most important decision in your life up to this point, so spend every second you can afford with this! This will decide whether you graduate from school excited you landed the job you wanted or in a company you wanted, or dissappointed you will be a clown or forced into something you are not comfortable with. Go to the colleges you are deciding between and take campus tours. Do not just ask the tour guide questions about the school; stop and ask students what they think about certain things. The tour guides are going to give you answers the colleges want you to hear while the students will most likely give you their real opinion. If the student takes the time to give you their opinion is also an indication of how friendly the students are on campus. Take the time to sneak in and sit in a class and see how you feel about it. Once again, where you go to college will determine the rest of your life. Do not just cram the night before like a test in high school, take the time and make the best decision for you.

The advice that I would give anyone on finding a college is to visit the actual campus and choose the school that feels the most like home. Also, it is good to make a list of things you like about your town or city that you currently live in, and if you find yourself putting that you like that it feels like a community or that the town is small and cozy, go with a smaller school. It is a really good idea to talk to students that have attended the school to see what they think of the faculty, financial aid, and classes. To make the most of the college experience, I would say to get involved in clubs and volunteer services. All colleges have them, but doing some research about what your potential college has to offer in those fields is extremely helpful as well. Overall, the best advice that I have ever recieved is to picture yourself in 5 years and go to the college that you feel will get you there and be enjoyable at the same time.

Do not send your child to IU.

Students and parents should maximize the amount of college visits and research all possible scholarship opprotunities. Once a student finds the college that best fits him or her, then getting involved as early as possible is an excellent idea. Students who get involved in numerous groups, or activities have the best chance at a fulfilling college experience. Even though college is an amazing experience full of fun things to do, students need to stay focused on grades or else they will have a very short experience.

Make sure to visit the campus and talk to the students. Not only about the school but also about things to do socially.

Base your choice on the majors the university offers with the students interests. Look into the faculty and dedication of the university.

My best advice would be to branch out and try new things. It's easy enough to the same college as all your high school friends and have a great experience, but I personally think it's worth it to put yourself out of your comfort zone and go your own way. I did and now I still have all my friends from high school and an amazing group of friends at IU. I went random with my roommate, and now I am extremely close to her and know that we will be friends for life. Be social and outgoing. Joing groups. Get involved. This is the difference between having a great first year experience and being miserable at your school. Pick a school where you will feel comfortable- size wise, whether it is urban or rural, and at what level it is known for "partying." Most importantly, go with your gut. If you like you're meant to be a certain school, you probably are! When I visited IU, I immediately new I belonged there, and so far it has been a great decision!

Don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone. College is all about new experiences. You can be anything you want to be and you should really get involved. College is very different from high school. In high school you are getting good grades to graduate, while in college you are getting good grades to stay in school. Lastly, I would tell the parents to support their children in whatever they decide. Let them live THEIR life because they deserve to be happy. And, don't lose faith in them if they have a rough semester or two, just help them stay groudned.

I would tell parents and students to simply visit the colleges. Not only on public visitation days, but just go to the college on an average day, find some regular students who go there and talk to them about what they think of the experience. If the prospective student feels compatible with the people there, then he or she has found a school that works. The classes are important, but if the student does not feel like they belong in this new college, especially in the first couple days, than they will eventually want to leave for that reason. A healthy social life with lots of friends and activities can supplement a good academic life so do your homework on the schools, and actually go there before hand to get a taste of what it will be like.

Start early, keep an open mind, and know what you are trying to accomplish during the process.

Make sure to create a list of the things that are important to you when choosing a college. You may not realize it now, but proximity to hom can be a very important factor, as well as the costs and the toughness of the school. You must make sure you're prepared to handle all that is thrown your way and the coursework you receive.

To parents, I would say allow your child the opportunity to go to any college they would like and study anything that they wish because it is their future and its what makes them happy. Give them the best opportunity to succeed, even if that sets you back a couple thousand dollars. College is one of the most important times of your life. It is where you will choose the career path you would like to take. It's where you will meet your future husband/wife or best man/bridesmaides. It is where you will gather memories and stories to tell your grandkids. The college decision is very important and should be done very carefully between the student and his or her parents. Once the decision is made, it is then up to the student to fulfill his/her aspirations and study hard, but leave time to branch out and get involved on campus.

Visit as many schools as you can and when you find the right one, get involved with something and find friends that make you a better person.

Speak to a college ahead of time and make sure they can provide your child with the right classes and opportunities that will conincide with their major. Don't get distracted by the flashy lights of what a big college has to offer, but instead what will fit your child's individual needs, they'll thank you one day for your help. Be open-minded.

Research what is most important to you in a college, and then visit them during the school year to get a feel for it. Talk to students who go to the college instead of just reading books. Real life experiences tell you a lot more than a book can.

As soon as you step on the campus you as the student may be inclined to hold back form being yourself or be to over the top because of the freedom and just looking to fit in. Just make sure to take heed to the advise that your parents and councselors give you. Pick a school that you believe will give you the best chance of reaching your career goals and allow you to grow and learn as a person by challenging you. College is a melting pod that is not like what you came form and not like what you will be steping into after you graduate it stands on it's own. Be sure to soke up all that you can form the new and diverse surroundings you will encounter. Parents allow yourselfs to take a few steps back knowing that the morals that you have taught your child will come into play, and know that they where listening and more often than not they will make the right decision. But also know they will make mistakes just be there to give them an adult talk when they do, we are no longer the kids you can protect.

Don't choose a school based on where all of your friends are going. I was in a high school of over 3,000 kids, and only three attended my college of choice. I made so many new friends, and was able to escape the idea of high school all together. Make sure to choose a school based on what courses they offer and what school would be good for whatever it is you want to go into after college. Just because a school is small doesn't mean it is a perfect fit, and the same goes for one that is large.