Iowa State University Top Questions

I would tell my high school senior self too be more realistic about my college search. I toured schools across the country looking for my "perfect school" but in the end I finally came to my senses and realized out of state tuition is unbelievably expensive. I know everyone says follow your dreams and anything is possible and it is, but at the same time be aware of reailities boundaries. Sometimes doing the rational thing now will allow you to take some seemingly irrational risks later on to achieve your dream.

Don't try and please everyone, do what makes you happy even if it means you are getting a degree where you wont make a lot of money, because it's your life and if you have to work, do something you love. Also remember to study, don't put it off because you just wont do it then, and working hard for good grades is actually a thing that has to happen now, sorry, making it up as you go doesn't cut it here.

If I could go back to my senior year of high school, there are so many pieces of advice that I would give myself. First of all, I would convince my younger self to not apply at any other University or visit any other college except for Iowa State University. I would remind myself that even though it is a hard transition, and I will miss my home and familiar atmosphere, that I am about to embark on an adventure. I would also remind myself to take advantage of all the amazing opportunities ISU offers, but also to focus on my coursework as well. I can honestly say that Iowa State is the perfect college and the place where I am meant to be. The lifelong friendships I have made and the profound experiences I have been through already only being a sophomore, have completely changed my former self. Lastly, I would tell my my senior self that no matter the obstacles, I am going to meet such a diverse community of students and teachers who genuinely care about me and want only the best. Iowa State is more than a school to me, but has become my true home.

When you graduate from high school if your really want to go to college right away, don't jump into it with a full course load if your unsure you will be able to adjust to it right away. Take two or three classes that interest you, and stay focused. Don't let others pressure you into taking a full 12 to 15 credit course load right away. Most schools have less then a 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} graduate rate because most freshman don't make it the first year. I didn't make it and if I could do it again I would be more conservative, you shouldn't take on a course load like that your first semester of college. You have to know what your getting yourself into first, and you want to establish yourself into the college way of life. Don't yourself get to distracted with the social aspect of it, you will have plenty of time for that believe me. Go ahead and make friends and get to know people, but don't make spending time with them a priority over your studies. Be especially wary of the time you spend with the girls, and be safe.

Work hard and fill out all the scholarship applications you can. I know it is hard now and the people here are cruel but it does get better. The other students don't care about the petty things that seem so important to your current peers. The good thing is, you can be involved in several activities where you are treated like you matter and you don't have to talk to the idiots from high school again if you don't want to. It gets better, the work is hard and the social life that you love so much, practically disappears, just remember to have friends for life and not the week or month.

Some advice I would give myself is to really take my freshman first semester classes for seriously. I took a Math, Chemistry, English, Engineering, and Music class. I would tell myself that no matter what may come up outside of class I really need to make sure that I put in the time to study and do homework. I show myself more effective ways to study rather than try to learn multiple chapters in a few weeks times before finals. I Would also tell myself to set a side time for some fun time, it sounds unproductive, but during my second semester I found that I am more efficent after i get a small break in between classes and homework. My most important thing though I would tell myself is to put a side 15-30mins of studying aside for my classes each day. This time would be just for reviewing my materials cause then I wouldn't have to cram when it comes to the weeks before finals. That is what I would tell the me from the past to be more aware of when I enter my first semester into college.

I would have taken as many college classes my senior year to get as many college classes out of the way that I could. Taking the class at college compared to high school is a big difference English 150 at college is ten times harder then taking it your senior year of high school. Also taking college classes in highschool you are saving thousands of dollars. Another thing I would have done is filled out for grants and scholarships throughout the year so I would have had a hundred or so grants filled out so winning them would have been a better percentage. Filling out for grants is very important to my continuance in college.

I would tell myslef not to stress out about the little things that seemed like a big deal then because in the end they don't matter that much. Your ACT score can be helpful for scholarships but it doesn't reflect everything about a person as a student. How one does in school all depends on how are they are going to work to acheive what they want. I would have also told myself to do what I want, if I wanted to apply to another school do it don't let my mom talk me out of it. Although she always knows what she is talking about if you don't do it then you'll always wonder "What if I would have applied?". Independence is a thing that really comes out when you being college. Taking steps on your own will get you far and can lead you to a new whole aspect of life that you never would have thought about.

Save up your money! College is really important for your future, but also really expesnive, and it is not fun to always have to worry about money and not conectrate on your school work.

learn how to study, study more, and keep your gpa up. also that college is a big rip off, especially for the price.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to study more! I think it's really good to get into the habit of studying quite a bit because college tests require a high amount of studying. Also, I would tell myself to review my notes from every class, at least 20 minutes every day. As I have learned in one of my psychology classes, reviewing for as little as 20 minutes a day can reduce your studying time the day or so before the test. I feel that this is a really helpful tip that I am working to improve on and wish I would've started doing earlier. I would also tell myself appreciate the friends you have in high school. When you go to college, you lose a lot of the people you talked to in high school and make a lot of new friends, which isn't a bad thing. However, in college, you go by your own schedule and may see differnet people every day, where as in high school you might see your friends every day at the same time.

I would tell myself to become more involved and meet as many people as possible. When I first came to campus, I was a bit afraid that I wouldn't meet anyone because I was from out-of-state. But, as fait woul have it I met many friends that first week and I would now call some my best friends. However, that has changed and I have become a bit more selective when really I wish I was more like that first week me who accepted everyone. i would also tell myself to get more involved because in my first few weeks I was hesitant to join clubs, but now I am in many clubs that fill my schedual. I even joined a fraternity, which i never thought I would do in a million years! So if i could I would tell myself these things to make my overall college expierence better, earlier.

If I could re-visit my high school self, I would tell freshman Kayla that soon youll find a group of people that are your kind. And that those people will be your friends for the future years of your life. I would tell high school me that college IS an option and not to be afraid of what the future holds. Fear will always be a struggle; but just keep telling yourself that nothing is permanent. I will tell high school Kayla, this too shall pass; but enjoy this part of your life for its entirety.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to really study hard to prepare myself for all of the studying I will be doing in college. I would warn myself that school, homework, and tests aren't going to be as easy as they were in high school. I'd be sure to tell myself that making friends might take a little time, and to not get discouraged so easily because then the college experience isn't as enjoyable. One of the last things I'd be sure to tell myself is to try to get a job as soon as you can; in college you're on your own and money and work experience is definitely a necessity.

Don't ever take the easy route in high school. Slackers in high school meet a rude awakening when they go to college. Also, get more involved with activities. Being able to connect with different people in different places is one of the most useful skills in college. Strive to be your best, because the competition in college is much tougher. Practice good study skills, and ALWAYS read assigned readings. It makes classes so much easier and more enjoyable. Prioritize tasks efficiently, and avoid things that can be distracting (and detrimental) to your education. Always have the attitude in your mind that you should not be wasting any opportunity to learn in college. Finally, take advantage of everything college has to offer: make friends, play sports, be independant, and most importantly, learn what you love.

I would definitely go back and tell myself to prepare more for the classes but also for the life on your own. It is a vast change going from living at home to going ot a big sprawling campus with tons of people all around you at all times. That big of a change takes a while to get used to and being prepared for it just makes it a bit easier. Getting better study habits would also be a big help because things that you could use in high school does not work as well in college. Also being able to start to operate on less sleep than normal was a big thing that is semi neccessary to function and do everything you want to do.

Stay on thosescholarships, they're important. Definately live in the dorms, you meet tons of people. Don't be too intimidated by the large class sizes and all the people, you'll still meet tons of people who share your interests and are fun to be around. Classes are hard, but all of the work you did in high school set you up to succeed so don't worry and work hard.

I would tell myself to relax and not be so stressed out about leaving home to go to college, it is so much fun. Don't be afraid to be outgoing and talk to new people, you will be so happy when you make lots of friends. TAKE YOUR HOMEWORK SERIOUSLY! It is as hard as everyone says! Above all, remember to have fun and be yourself!

First of all, enjoy your senior year! As anxious as we all are to get out of high school, and as fun as college really can be, don't rush yourself! Participate in school activities as much as you can, and make sure you stay focused at the same time. As far as moving up to the next level, it's okay to be nervous! College is a unique experience for everyone who tries it. Be proud of yourself for being one of those people, and make a story of your own. Get involved as much as you can, meet a ton of new friends, work hard in the classroom, and one day, when your kids are looking at colleges to attend, you'll have plenty of good advice and stories to share with them.

STOP! Dont take that full-time job and stop worrying about the little amount of money you owe presently. Use every resource that you have available and believe yourself there are many. Time will fly by before you know it and the sooner you take the leap into the college life the better off your going be finacially down the road. Do all the work involved while attending every class and you will find wonderful results regardless of how difficult a class may be you can work through it. You will find many challenges throughout your life that require difficult decisions and i will tell you from experience that going to college directly after high school is not one of them. Your education is the key to your sucess regardless of all the things you will hear pay very close attention to this one. Thank You!

I really wish that I had been more ready for a four year college and had not been afraid to branch away from the community college in my hometown. Making friends at a four year school is more difficult as a transfer student who does not live on campus than it is for a freshman living in the dorms. I also would have made sure that I paid more attention to the proper steps in applying for student loans and grants and knowing the limits of my financial situation. Preparing myself academically would have played a much different role in my college life today, as well as taking more college courses during high school.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that college is very different from high school; some aspects are easier, some are harder, but the transition is the most difficult. Make sure that you get connected with a good group of friends; it's hard to survive very long without the influence of good people in your life. Be organized on the front end when it comes to classes; it will help you throughout the rest of the semester if you start out right. Don't be afraid of the professor, and don't be intimidated by a lecture hall with hundreds of people. If you have a question, ask; get help for yourself! Getting to know the professor can help with this, they're people just like you, that are paid to help you learn. Make sure you get out of your room often enough; it can be easy to let yourself become a shut-in. Take advantage of the free gym, and get your blood pumping at least a few times a week! And lastly, remember that it's your choice to attend college,so don't let it pass by you; seize the day!

Don't worry and DO NOT STRESS. I was really stressed out and put a lot on myself the first semester. It was a great learning experience, but I wish I had known I didn't have to do all of that right away.

I would give myself no advice, because that would change the future. There are people in my life right now who I could not imagine life without, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. However, assuming that I could keep them in my future and still give myself advice? I would tell myself to seriously consider other majors besides my current one. I would let myself know that years down the road it's going to be really hard, and I'm going to be committed to it for the sake of graduating. I would also tell myself to help my friends work harder at school. There is nothing worse than having them move away because they failed out of school, hearing their own disappointment in themselves. Finally I would tell myself to move out of on campus housing sooner. It's expensive!

I would realize how important school is and that what you are doing will affect your future. I had a family and never went to college. I took a short course. I wish I would have made college my priority. My parents never went to school and never talked to me about going. Now I am 39 and my children are older and I can make that time and use some of my energy to finally fullfil my dream of going to college.

If I had the chance to go back and talk to my high school self I would encourage the past me to take up summer classes and get a head start on college credits. I did not want to do it before because I thought they would be useless or the credits from our community college would not transfer over. That is not the case. If I could have gotten previous general education courses out of the way then I could have more time to take the courses I enjoy pertaining to my major. I would also tell myself to be more prepared for classes. College classes are not as easy as high school ones, but I would also tell my high school self not to worry about it. I came into college so stressed about being on my own, making grades, finding new friends, and finding a job, that I forgot I was supposed to take time for myself and have fun. After a while the classes get easier and everything picks up a rhythm, it is more comforting and feels normal after awhile. Overall I'd let myself know I can succeed in college.

I would tell myself to work at saving more money, and try harder to get scholarships to help pay for school. I would also advice myself to get a job at school. Last thing I would tell myself is to get more involved right away and to be less of a hermit. Oh and not to date the girl that I dated freshman year, that's all.

If I could go back in time to when I was a college senior, I would tell myself not to stress so much about my future in college. I used to worry all the time about being able to make friends and fit into college life, but the transition was one of the easiest parts about college. I would tell myself how much I love being responsible for myself and that even though I hate to admit it, Mom and Dad were nearly always right whenever they gave me advice. Another piece of advice I'd give myself is that I should do all those stupid scholarship applications that Mom tried to make me sit down and do. Even though they may not be the most fun way to spend a couple hours, it sure pays off in a few years when you don't have to work a crappy minimum wage job, and instead can hang out with your friends.

I would tell myself to be more social the first week and not lock myself in my room. To work harder then I think I need to. Stay up with the work and not get behind. Also to be preapred for homesicknes a lot.

I'd tell myself to make sure to talk to people during the first week. It's extremely important to go out and talk to people on your floor, since those are the people that you'll see the most of during the school year. You can make some lifelong friends by being friendly during the first week of the year. Also, get involved in clubs as much as you can. You'll meet a lot of people through clubs, and you can learn some really cool stuff by being involved in clubs.

Going back in time to my senior year, I would advise myself to take school seriously right from the start. I would tell myself to get involved in more clubs because these clubs are not only fun and interactive, they help students find friends that share similar interests. I would also advise myself to develop a strong relationship with at least one professor at some point in school. Professors are not only good for helping you study for classes, they can provide connections to you in the work place in which you may seek an intership or future career. Professors can also provide recommendations to these employers and can really help you even after your time at school.

Number one piece of advice? Time management. There is no one going to babysit you here in college. A lot of the things we take for granted at home are no longer in play. Things such as 'dinner at 6:00' or 'lights out at 11:00'. To start to prepare for this transition, I would recommend to become familiar with using a calendar frequently and also getting homework done early and thoroughly.

Congratulations on making it this far Jessica! Now GO TO COLLEGE!!! I know you really don't want to stay in school, but small colleges are the way to go. They are more intimate and less stressful. We should avoid the huge universities unless you want to be lost in the system and not really matter. The smaller classes allow you to really become involved and get to know your teachers. Don’t be afraid of failing because no one is better than you are (and you won’t). Don’t spend 40 k a year to attend a private school when you can do your General Ed requirements in a community college just as easily and much cheaper. Don’t lock yourself into a program until your second year because you are going to change your mind and maybe even change it again. File for as many scholarships and grants as you can even if you don’t think you qualify. Less is more when it comes down to loans. We like history now so dive in and explore all of the fun facts. You are smart and deserve the best so go out there and get it!

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell her to work even harder. I would tell her to take those community college classes during my free periods. That way she wouldn't feel so behind when she comes to her new home at ISU. I would tell her not to worry about losing friends when she moves to Ames, because she will meet so many new and different people. These new people will give her strength to grow and experience new things. Although I wish I could go back, I don't regret not doing these things. Since i never took extra classes on my free periods, I got to have great times with my friends and enjoy being the senior I was at the time. Even though I fretted about keeping friends forever, I found even greater ones here at my new home. Sometimes I wish I could go back and change the ways things turned out, but I know that then that would change the woman I am today. And this is who I want to be.

I would tell my self that I would need to work harder in High School and get into more clubs. To do more community service and help others out. To not things I would need to do like Financial aid and when are the due dates. To be a more social person so you will be able to meet others and maybe become friends with them.

Before coming to college, I wish i would have taken the time to explore all my college option instead of settling on ISU just becasue my dad and brother went here. I let other people pressure me into choosing a school I wasn't 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure about and now I regret it. I also wish I would've better prepared myself for the transition to college. I had no idea how homesick I would be after just the first week. It really made me realize just how much I took for granted during my grade school and high school years. No one tells you what to expect when you come to college. It's a whole new life. I feel like a completely different person. Although there have been ups and downs, I have learned to make the best of it and be greatful that I even had the privilege to further my education. All the hard work will be worth it in the long run.

If I were to give myself advice coming into college I would say: Even though it may seem like a simple thing to make friends and be social with people, its actually a bit harder than you think. Don't be afraid to talk to new people and socialize with people you don't know. It may be a little uncomfortable at first but it is important to make friends soon. This is not meant to scare you, but instead incourage you. If you keep quiet and are too shy then other people will start to make friendships and you will wish you would have done that as well. Don't wish for that anymore and instead just DO IT. It may seem easier for other people to speak up than for you, but just try it and once you have your best group of friend you will be glad you spoke up too :).

If I could talk to my high school self I would say, "Hello beautiful, you can breath easy knowing that we are finally at a satisfying and fun time in our life. I know things are rocky, and you are struggling with a desicions about college but relax. Trust your gut, that is the simplest way to help you out. It makes things so much easier. You know deep in your soul what you want to do, so make us both happy and trust yourself. I know you are sad since you are moving away from your family, but chin up dear, they will be there for you no matter what. You will soon take pride in yourself and your work. Finally, just love yourself and have some fun... it is your senior year after all."

If I had the opportunity to speak to my high school senior self I would advise him not to go to a large public university. I would make sure he understood that he wouldn't have as many opportunities there as he would think. I would encourage him to sit in the front half of every class he was in, because when you sit in the back you get lazy. I would also tell him to talk to everyone he gets the chance to. I'd tell him that he will learn more from other people than a higher education could ever teach him (but it will teach him a lot). I would make sure to tell him not to be dissapointed if he doesn't meet people right away, because he will find the group he's suppose to be with. I'd tell him to try to make a friend in every class just in case you have to miss and need notes. I'd remind him to go to every single class; never skip! You will so much! Besides notes, he will miss opportunities!

I would tell myself not to stress over the small things. I would tell myself to stay focused on the big picture and keep my eye on the prize. Keep focused on yourself and what you need to get done while you are here or you will regret it. Write in your planner every little thing that you have going on and manage your time wisely. Set high goals... high enough that they scare you. Manage your time because you have your whole life to party. Try to meet new people but make sure they are people who won't get you into too much trouble with the law or academically.

That I should have taken some college coarses at the community college while I was in high school.

College is very exciting, but can be extremely scary because it's such a big transition! One of the biggest pieces of advice I would give myself would be to really put myself out there and to never be afraid to go for something. I would tell myself to not be afraid to introduce myself to the person sitting next to me, or to join that club, or to join that intramural soccer team. I would tell myself to keep my options open, as far as academics go, because even if you have your heart set on a certain career you may go to college and realize it's totally not right for you! College is an exciting time and if you are willing to be open to all the possibilities it has to offer, then you will gain the most out of your experience. If you just sit back and try to "get by," chances are you will become overwhelmed, homesick, and stressed. So just enjoy this time while you have it and act like a kid while you still can!

Deciding which college to attend next fall is obviously one of the few major life events we experience growing up and my goal is to make sure that you all take this decision seriously. Forget about what your friends and girl/boyfriend are doing and focus on how this effects you. Pick the college that made you feel at home. Make sure that the college offers the major you're interested in, allong with clubs and activities you enjoy. Live in the less appealing dorms your first year because you're more likely to socialize with others more in them. Don't pile on too much course work because it's a huge academic change and if you go in unprepared you'll most likely be on academic warning your first semester. Schedule lectures back to back, hour breaks are rarely productive and you're less likely to skip lectures this way. There's also nothing wrong with saving money and attending a community college first to get your core class credits prior to attending a university

Do not shy away from anyone or anything that interests you, opportunities multiply as they are seized!

I would definately have told myself not to worry so much. If I had taken stress off of the decision making and just went with what I knew was right, I would have a much better end of my year. I would also tell myself to get more involved right away, as the beginning of the year is the best time to do so.

Prepare yourself for loads of work. Everyone says that there is hardly ever homework in college, but that is not true at all! My work load now is really heavy. Also, let loose! Make sure that you get to know other people, and make lots of friends because they really do come in handy later on. My biggest mistake was not making very many friends, and I often regret that I was too shy at the time. Start actually reading the assignments, because it really does help you out in the long run! Also, spend LOTS of time with your family. You may not realize it now, but you really will miss them, and they will miss you too. You will need them for many years to come, for their love and support. Lastly, even when things are tough, you just have to hold on and keep believing in yourself. Take everything day by day, but don't procrastinate! Remember to breathe, because EVERYTHING will be alright.

Everyone has something they would like to change. I wouldn’t change a thing. I am who I am because of the trials life has placed on me. Although there are things I wish I had a heads up on. I would tell myself to keep up with math. Find someone who is patient and can teach you. When you get into MJC, go to all of your classes. Take it seriously. School is a privilege, not a right. Don’t worry about where your life is going; you’re on a good path. The years ahead will not be easy. Your heart will be broken, and the people you meet are not always good. When you meet Casey… spend as much time as possible with him. Take lots of pictures and keep him as close as you can, no matter what he says. You love him; you just won’t realize how much until life happens. Just remember you are becoming a strong, independent, wise person. You have a lot ahead of you, trust me. Never be afraid to take risks, and keep an open mind. Keep strong, and remember who you are. That’s what is important.

You have to study more. You have to get into the habit of using all the little in-between scraps of time to study, read, do homework, and be productive. If you don't get your work done, it's going to be a huge struggle. Don't start watching all the tv shows that you watch now. Just stop it! It really isn't as important as you think. Actually, it's not really important at all. What you should be doing is studying hard and hanging out with your friends and family. You won't get to see them while you're at college, so make the most of the time you have.

I will advice myself to keep going even though sometimes things seem hard for me since the English is not my first language. Life fill with opportunity keep on working hard to get where i want to be 5 to 10 years from. When i was in High School i was struggle with the FCAT , ACT, and SAT because English wasn't my language. When I graduated High School I did not receive a diploma because i didn't past the ACT, SAT, or Fcat reading I feel so umbarassed during that senior graduated. After graduated high school i was very stressful because i did not receive diploma but when i think about it I study more and more to get my diploma. After going through so much I graduated may 2011 and on April 2012 i had received my diploma I was very happy that day. Looking back from high school as a senior I realize that i should not stressful during that time I didn't receive that diploma because there is a time for everything. At some point in life I have to be struggle with something cause everything in life is not easy and keep going.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to make sure I schedule things from the beginning. Putting things down on paper or otherwise organizing them is critical. Without an idea of where your week is going, you can get distracted easily, missing classes, assignments, and even fun activities. By establishing a means of routine, you make sure you're not wasting time. Even by planning things like relaxing and watching TV, you'll actually find you're having more time to relax than if you just did things as you saw fit. Since I work so much, I have to be diligent about not wasting time unncecessarily.