Iowa State University Top Questions

I would give myself the advise of doing what you want. Yes, studying is important, but have fun and meet people while you're at school. You will only go to college once (hopefully), so have fun while you attend school. Dont' be afriad to ask for help; it will help you later on.

I would tell myself to go straight to Iowa State University. I transferred to ISU after playing Division II soccer in college for a year. I would have told myself to not spend the money on that year, save it, and go stright to The College of Design.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would encourage myself to be more appreciative of my family and friends. Being away at college now, I never realized how much I relied on their constant support. It is hard to be over three hours from home, but I take time to call them and tell them about my day. The advice that I would give myself would be to not sweat the small things about leaving, but to cherish the time you have with your family and friends back at home. It is so hard to say goodbye at first, but once you realize that they will always be there to support you, the transition is so much easier.

Dear Self:You weren’t a bad student in high school but there is always room for improvement. Now that I am a college student, I find myself thinking back to what I could have improved upon while attending high school. During high school I studied, but only studied to “get by” and pass tests. Now, I study to gain and retain knowledge for my professional career. Second, you shouldn't have gotten caught up in the drama of your high school peers because that's not what life is all about! Where are those so-called friends now and how important are they in your future endeavors? Third, save your money. You don’t realize how expensive education is until you begin to pay for it. Fourth, I’m glad you had fun in high school, but you could have been more disciplined in managing your time. Fifth, I have a newfound respect for school faculty. In high school, I always felt like faculty were parents – the necessary evils in my education. Sixth, I wished I had the self-esteem in high school that I have now. Seventh, stay away from the dating game and stay focused!

If I could go back to being a senior in high school I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships. It is so expensive to go to college and I don't want to have to pay for college for the rest of my life. I would suggest going to a community college first and getting any classes out of the way that you can. It makes it a whole lot easier when transferring to a uniiversity. I also think that if you are not sure what you are wanting to do for a career you should save some money and start at a community college.

The advice I would give myself would be to expect more to be demanded of a college student than a high school student. I was able to breeze through high school without giving much thought or care to taking significant time out of my life to dedicate to actually understanding material for a class. It is extremely important to create a schedule for completing coursework to avoid falling behind. Often in high school one could get by without fully understanding a concept but in college every topic discussed in a class is likely to show up on exams, including the cumulative final. Do not be afraid to fail; persevere till the end. Also, I would tell myself to be more open to making friends and finding activities to relieve stress. College life is not purely academic and I struggled my first semester to find a way to unwind. This idea falls under taking care of oneself. In college there is help, but quality of living is entirely up a person. If one is not responsible for their diet and sleep habits then he or she will crash and burn. Many of these ideas will eventually be learned the hard way.

I would tell myself not to be so worried. I would also tell myself to keep up the good work and socialize while at college. I would also tell myself to make sure I have my priorities straight and focus more on school than work.

I would definitely tell myself to slow down and examine all of the opportunities that Iowa State has to offer, especially in concern to area of study. I would slap myself in the face and say that my studying habits from high school aren't going to get you anywhere in college. I would say just because you think you don't have enough time to get involved, get involved right away anyway. I would say, talk to the professors. They are like big teddy-bears with PhDs. I would say to apply for every single scholarship there is, not matter how it seems unlikely to go to you. Everything makes a difference, and a lot of money goes unrewarded. I would say to go to the career fairs, even as a freshman. They help you prepare for real, professional interactions and possibly will land you an intership or job in the future. I would tell myself to not be afraid to go talk to the advisors whenever you have a question. They really can help. And last of all, I would tell myself to not worry so much. There are a lot of things you cannot control, have fun.

I would tell myself to apply to all the scholarships you could. Your parents weren't lying; college is expensive. Remember when you quit your second job because you wanted a life over summer? Yeah, shouldn't do that. Eighty dollars a week doesn't sound like much, but eventually you'll have a cell phone bill, a car insurance bill, a food bill, and a dozen others. And don't be so shy. Life is too short to worry about what anyone else is going to think. In twenty years the things you actually tried for will mean a great deal more than what you hadn't tried. Lastly, going to community college was a good move. Don't listen to Kelly or Ryan or all the rest, because right in the future they'll be facing the panic of student loans. Trust me, I know.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self I would tell myself to become more social. I focused a lot of my time first semester on academics and didnt make as many friends as I wanted to. Also, I would tell myself to get a job because college is expensive and having a budget is tough to manage when you dont have any cash to back it up. Lastly, I would tell my self to have fun because no matter what school you go to you'll always have a good time and meet new people.

I grew up without an education so I never went to highschool. If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself, I would tell myself to get my GED as soon as possible and attend college as soon as possible as well. Look for scholarships as much as possible and don't be afraid to ask advice about how to get them. Also even if your not sure if you qualify, apply anyway; the worse thing that could happen is they say no and you don't get the scholarship.

If I could go back to high school I definitly would make sure to take as many college credit classes as possible as they are way cheaper, easier, and also you just have them done. I would make an even bigger push on scholarships because it is a pretty good feeling when you have a smester without any tuition. I would also try to get involved in organizations above the school level as a way to expose myself to new people and also work on leadership skills. I would also do more career building activities in high school to put me in a better positon for interviews while in college.

Trust your insticts! Dad has raised you well and you are prepared for whats ahead. The impossible courseload you have now is worth every tearful night! Make sure you solidify your friendships early this year because you don't know it yet but Spring term as a senior is all about finishing hard and beginning to break away with your friends and become your own person. You will excel and grow at college like you can't imagine. The diversity of people and cultures is unlike anything you have been exposed to but the way you have been raised will help you flourish. Take it easy on dad it is going to be hard for him to let you go!

It will be good if you already have good study habits, good work ethic and are ready for anything that is about to come your way. Stay focused, prepared, and know that you WILL graduate. Turn in all of your assignments, be prepared, on time, and always be accountable. Don't try to fit in, hang with the wrong crowd, party, and do other things that will deter you from your goal. It will be rough at first, but if you try your best, you will succeed. Especially since you are in the Early College Program, you already have a little bit of experience. You've got this!

If i could go back in time and give myself advice about college life, and making the transition from high school to college i would tell myself yes college is important. Yes college is hard and time consuming but its well worth the time and effort. I would tell myself that it takes a little more effort than high school because most general education classes are eighty to one hundred students and the teacher does not usually spend one on one time with them. i would tell myself that i would have to learn to be self motivated. Don't be affraid to change your mind. If you pick a major and realize you don't like it or it does not interest you the way you thought it would pick another one. College is a lot of hard work and self discipline, but it is also fun. It is a chance to meet new people, make new friends, and learn new things. It is a serious thing but if you take it too seriously you will never enjoy it. work hard but also have fun. College is when you learn who you are and who you want to be.

I would give my self the advice of filling out as many scholarships as possible because it is hard to pay for college mainly out of the money I make from work. Also to make sure to keep track of your schedule because with all the classes it is hard to keep track of what needs to be done and when it needs to be turned in. Also put aside plenty of time to study for each class. When having work and school it can be hard to balance both.Also take plenty of good notes in your lectures so that later you can refer back to them and understand what you learned. Even though school can be busy make sure to also get involved in organizations too so that you can meet new people while also getting experience to put on your resume. College is about experiencing new things and learning from it. Don't be afraid to try new things and to meet new people. Another important thing is to not wear yourself out becuase it can be bad for your health and make it hard to do your best.

One important piece of advice would give myself would be "College is not all about the parties and the social life. It is about finding yourself, but at the same time gaining knowledge that will help you find a career path later in life." Coming into college, I was looking for a chance to branch out and make ner friends. However, I quickly learned that although making friends is important, the education you get coming out of Iowa State is what really matters. I would also tell my self to start making good study habits in high school in preparation for college. As a high school student, I hardly ever studied and managed to get a 4.0 cumulative GPA. But now looking back on that, it is so hard to make good study habits now when I've been used to just being naturally smart. It is imperative to realize the importance of studying in high school, and find the type of studying that is best for YOU.

Go to school. Don't think that you can go out and find a job and figure out what you want to do. You don't have the connections to be able to start a career with just a high school diploma. You're smart and intuitive and good with people - don't allow your self-doubt to get in the way of starting your life.

If I could go back and speak to my high school senior self, I would have a few pieces of advice to give. The first and most important is to try and work hard. College is not a joke. It is not easy. It is the rest of your life, and by not working hard, you only hurt yourself. It is all about full accountability. The only person who can decide your own fate is you. Only you can decide exactly how far you go in life. The beauty of this country is that you can be anything or anyone you want to be. The only factor that can stop you is how much effort you put in. While I hadn't always worked my hardest, I now realize that if I had applied myself more, I could be at the top of the world now.

Be frugal with your money, and spend it wisely. In additon do not over commit yourself to activities such as Yell Like hell, focus more on classes your first few years and start assignments early.

You will not party every weekend. You will not meet lots of cute boys. You will not get by without studying. However, you will meet amazing people and live on an amazing campus. Also, get a job early in the semester and apply for scholarships like no other.

If I could time travel into the halls of Spingarn SHS when I was a student and have a conversation with little Kendra, it would definitely be life changing. I would start by asking her not to freak out because I know how super paranoid we are and that I was only here to help. She of course would think she was dying before deciding that the idea of meeting our future self is actually quite cool. I would begin by telling her that Michigan will be a good decision because of the memories and to not worry about having Shan as a roommate because you guys will settle your problems. More importantly, I would tell her that the idea of taking a break from school is not only the worst thing we've ever done (along with not applying for more scholarships), but probably the reason for our feeling of fulfillment in life. I would tell her to never let the idea creep in our mind to rest. I would tell her to study more and save money. That networking is essential and to change the crazy flip hairstyle on yearbook picture day. Seriously!

If I were able to give advice to myself about college and life in general, I would focus on one idea; change in inevitable, how you deal with that change is what determines your success and happiness. The fall after senior year is the begining of a new chapter in life, when that change happens it is crutial to determine what is important to your own life. Who are the people you want to be there for the long haul? What do you want to do with the remaining years of your life? What kind of person do you want to be? These questions were very difficult for me to answer before I was thrown into a new and different environment; college. If I could go back and talk to myself last year, I would tell myself that there is no deadline for finding the answers these questions. I would say how much one year has taught me that life goes on around you whether you're standing by watching others enjoy it or if you're enjoying it for yourself. Knowing what I know now, I would encourage myself to become an active member in my life.

I would tell myself to not pack all of your clothes at one time. I would tell myself to not judge the school based on how it looks or how many people attend it. I would say that it is hard to make friends in the first month if you don't keep your dorm room door open and that there are hundreds of kids just like you if you make an effort to find them. Lastly, every freshman is going through the same thing, so don't be embarrassed to eat in the dining center alone.

Having the opportunities to experience such diverse experiences that many will not as fortunate to experience as you will is an awesome feeling. There is something new to be experienced every day here at Iowa State and new faces around every corner. By following your dreams and never losing hope, you will accomplish great things. Iowa State University is the right choice for you because there are so many options of study here for you, the student body is great, and you can live your dream of studying abroad quite easily. College is a lot of work, but it has proven over and over again to be worth it.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the most important advice I could give is to take opportunity to gain leadership experience. More leadership experience would have provided me with the confidence necessary to make a smooth transition to college. Leadership experience is one of the main things the majority of employers and other organizations are looking for and it definitely gives you an edge over your peers. I feel I would have had more opportunities to be involved with employers and organizations faster if I have had this experience in high school. It also would have been an easier process to actually do these jobs that require leadership because I would have had skills to build off of instead of starting with nothing. Transitioning to college can be a stressful process so it's helpful to eliminate the anxiety provoking factor of not having leadership skills before attending college.

I would explain to myself that you need to get used to sticking up for yourself; think of yourself not so much for others, take care of you. You won’t have anyone to hold your hand and lead you to success. Don’t be afraid to tell the people you were raised to respect “no”. In this time you are what is important. You are at the front door to the rest of your life. The easy part is over. The hard art is just beginning. You can’t let your worries of the people you are leaving behind stop you. This is your time. Not moms, not grandmas, yours! Do not hesitate to grab it and run with it. Run as far as you can and when you trip, get back up! You will stumble, we are not perfect, but you will have the skills, know-how, and determination to push on. You will laugh so hard you can’t breathe, you will cry so hard you think the world is worth giving up; I’m here to tell you that it is worth every struggle. Daddy is watching from heaven and our baby sister needs us.

In all honesty, I was the typical high school senior freaking out about anything and everything about college. Being the first to fly out of the home nest, my parents were also scared for the transition.The biggest piece of advice I would tell myself and my family is to calm down--if I didn't know what I was doing, I could call or email someone to find out the answer. Many resources are available to seniors in high school, and I had no idea where to start. I was also pretty worried about how expensive college would be. It turns out hours upon hours of filling out scholarships really does pay off. It seemed like they took forever, but that money is donated therefore I don't have to pay it back. One of the other things about college that worried me was the social life. I am definitely a non-alcoholic, and I was scared people would pressure me into bad decisions. It turns out once people knew that I didn't drink, everyone laid off and no pressure was given.

Given the opportunity to go back in time to give my 18-year old self advice, I would tell her to recognize her potential and to exude confidence in all that she does. As a junior in college, I have found myself looking back on my early college years, and realizing that I came into college a very self-conscious and diffident individual. After battling an eating disorder in high school, I had a lot of room for growth in the areas of self-love and self-discovery. It took me over a year to finally recognize my true potential as a leader and to go confidently into new experiences. My freshman year was full of excuses, seeking of approval, and doubt. I can now say that I have held leadership positions on the biggest student run organization on campus as well as other major organizations, and I can attribute that success to my newly found self-confidence. Had my 18-year old self discovered the power of confidence earlier in college, I can only imagine the positive impact I could’ve made on my education, campus, and overall college experience.

My advice to you, self, would be develop good study habits and better time management skills in general. I CAN NOT STRESS IT ENOUGH. High school has so much less homework than college, and there's also so many more opportunities for you to take advantage of, and without good time management, you waste most of those opportunities! Not to mention, you end up staying up way later than you planned, which makes you more tired the next day, which can result in poor performance in class or even missing classes. In order to avoid all of this and get the most out of college, learn to use your time wisely. This means, for example, if you have a class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, don't leave Tuesday's homework for Monday night. You had all weekend! And something might come up on Monday night that you'll be forced to miss due to your procrastination. Work on projects a little at a time, instead of leaving it all for the last few days. If you are able to take this advice to heart and make use of it, it may be the greatest thing I ever did for myself.

I would tell myself that college life is not as scare as i first thought it was. Sure it is hard being away from home, and your old friends from high school, but you will develop you many friendships that will last you a life time. These friendships will help you on your worst days to bring your spirits up and they know you would do the same for them. I would also tell myself that i need to stay focused when times get tough in my major. Sometimes projects are harder than expected, or you have to stay up late to finish homework and projects, or study for an exam, but doing all of these things will pay off in the end when you are applying and accepting your dream jobs.

I would tell myself not to waste time worrying about the details and stress of the transition into college. God has completely provided everything that I have ever needed. There are amazing, genuine people here and they truly want to invest in me. School is harder in many ways, but easier in others. I would tell myself that classes are tough, but you have all the means necessary to succeed--it just depends on whether you put the time and effort into using those resources. Also, every other freshman knows exactly what you are going through. Do not be ashamed of feeling a little homesick or scared. Everyone is in the same transition period. It is okay to branch out, meet new people, and experience what life has to offer-- just take a leap of faith.

As a senior in high school, I was absolutely ready to get out of "small town Iowa" and begin attending the university of my dreams. I thought that as soon as graduation was over, my hometown would merely be a reflection in my rearview mirror. Howevever, there are so many things that I miss about living at home. Namely, I miss my family. The transition from seeing them every day to seeing them maybe once per month has been the most difficult thing for me. I have never considered myself a homebody until now. I want to tell the me from a year ago to spend more time with her father, rather than worrying about her friends and relationship. Family is forever, but friendship can be extremely fickle. Despite all of the bad stuff, I would tell "senior" me to stop worrying about her career so much- that everything will work out. I want to tell her to let the pieces fall where they may and to just "follow her gut." My hometown may be miles behind me, but so many great things have yet to come.

The transition between high school and college is unlike any other that you will experience in your life. Now, you're on your own. You can spend your time any way you'd like, and I suggest you spend it wisely! The first few weeks will be rough, but once you get over all of the newness, it is truly the greatest time of your life. You're in control now. No one will be telling you what you can or cannot do. The possibilties are endless, and it is a whole new and exciting world. Be careful, though, because if you thought high school went by fast, I can guarantee your time in college will flash before your eyes, so enjoy every second of it.

I would tell myself that education is really important and its everywhere in life. Push yourself, Tai! Work hard & study hard so you dont have to worry about anything! Learn as much as you can and try you best in everything you do. With education, you can have a better chance than others at applying for a job, finding a house or even buying you own car. Dont give up now, keep going and constant remind myself that in the end its all worth it!!

To my high school senior self, you should have worked harder and believed everything will turn out well, since it really did. I am at a four year institution, where I may be able to potentially graduate with two majors in four years. It could've been even better if I kept pushing myself harder, since I believe that you are able to do that. Regardless, I am still proud of you with all of your accomplishments.

When I was a high school senior I thought I was going to a completely different university. Iowa State was not in my radar. But as the other school fell through with working alongside me, I had to find alternatives for a quality school that would benefit me. One of my big concerns was how I would fit in at any other school. So the advice I would give myself to transition into Iowa State would be to relax. People are really here to help, and asking for advice is nothing to be ashamed of. I would also tell myself that exploring the different activities is important, but if I'm not comfortable in a group, there is always one that will fit better for me, I just have to keep looking. All in all, I would tell my high school self that college is an important part in life, but if I don't slow down and enjoy it I won't get the optimal amount of the experience of college.

Federal loans=Good, Private loans= BAD! Take a year and go to school not on full time for one year, that way you can get in-state tuition and save yourself from a life of college debt payments. Also, get a job and pay off while you attend.

If I could go back and give myself advice it would be don't be afraid. I was scared coming to college and into a bigger city. I was afraid I wasn't going to make friends. There is no reason to be scared because everything works itself out to be the way it was meant to be. Now I am comfortable living here and love my college.

If I were to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself the advice of study more. In high school I wasn't the one who would study for a test or quiz. Looking back now I wish I would of gotten into the study habbit, as college is harder than it seems. Now in college I am trying to get myself to study more, but it still doesn't happen as much as I would still like it to.

Assuming this is possible, I would tell myself to be better and stop slacking and focus on math, as it was my weakest subject. Also, enjoy and have fun with friends once in a while because college isn't high school. Telling myself to read more, and start understanding the world outside the walls of a high school classroom. I would also tell myself to have more confidence and self-esteem as it would greatly impact myself in the future.

I would tell myself to try harder to make friends here, meet people outside my dorm floor, get involved in clubs or organizations, pledge a sorority, and study harder.

Dear High School Me, Get out there and get involved right away! Don't focus all your time on studying! Meeting people, forming connections in your major and classes, and enjoying your time as a college student are all just as important as the grades you recieve on your finals. The more activities you get involved in the less stressed out you'll be. Plus go to bed early because all those 8 am lectures can be killers! Don't worry about the classes you have to take because you have four years to take them all, and your advisor is always there to help! Always ask questions if you don't understand. Finally, don't give up when you get homesick, and always have fun! Love, Sara!

I would tell myself to not skip class all the time and to trust that going to Iowa State is the right idea. I would also tell myself that making new friends in college is easy and that living in an all girls, non air conditioned dorm is not that bad and it makes for so many fun memories and stories to tell about really "roughing it" my first few weeks at college. I also would say something about how expensive the bookstore is and to check online for books before spending hundreds more on books than I needed to first semester. I also did not have a major picked coming into college so I would say that it would be important to remember that being undecided the first semester is okay and it saved me from pursuing a major in something I wasn't passionate about.

If I had the chance to talk to my 18-year-old self about college, I would tell her to wait. Instead of rushing into college and away from home, I would tell her to take some time and really think. College is a confusing time for so many people, and that confusion is perpetuated by the pressure on young people to decide their futures at the age of 18. Many people, like myself, end up changing their minds - sometimes multiple times - until finally deciding on a major or career choice. When I was 18, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do in life and exactly what college I wanted to go to. However, that choice turned out to be the wrong one. Now that I'm a bit older and much more attuned to college life, I wish I had taken a semester, or possibly a year, to explore different fields and have new experiences before going away to college. I know that this would have saved me a lot of confussion, frustration, and money.

You have all the tools you need to succeed; you just need to utilize them. Don't be so worried about impressing your peers and teachers because you are already an inspiration to those around you. Be sure to make good use of your time and take advantage of all the opportunities you are given. There are a thousand groups to join and many people to meet, but be sure to keep in contact with those who have been there for you through the past. If you're ever feeling down, know that you are not alone. College seems like a big scary monster trying to tear you down, but college is trying to build you into a stronger version of yourself. You will face challenges that you won't know how to overcome, but they will help you learn and grow. Enjoy the experience.

I would tell myself not to worry as much as I did and to get involved right away. I didn't get involved in anything my first few weeks on campus and I really regret it. You need to realize that you're not alone, other freshman are just like you, they're scared, don't have many friends and are most likely having trouble adjusting to college life. The first few weeks is them best time as a freshman to get out and make new friends because everyone needs friends to help them get through college and deal with problems in life. I would also tell myself to develope better study strategies because I never studied untill I got to college and it deffinately hurt me, luckily I made good friends that helped me pass all my classes, which is another reason I would emphasize making friends on campus right away!

I was a ward of the state from a young child until the age of emancipation. No one ever cared if I studied, did my homework or even learned. Uncharacteristic of foster youth, not only did I graduate high school but I did so with amazing grades and an unblemished behavior record. I did so independently and without any praise from anyone. If I could go back to that time I would be the one person that supported my high school self and tell her how very proud I am of how she has risen above the life that was dealt to her! I would tell her that I will be the one person in the stands that will come and watch her walk across the graduation stage. Unfortunately I was not there for her and cannot be. So I will say, continue on with the good work throughout college, do it for yourself, carry on being your own cheerleader and know that education is what determines the type of life you will have, not money, who your parents are or what is in your past. Your future and your happiness is what separate the victims from the survivors!!

I would give myself one important advice and that is: find yourself and be yourself. To explore life during my senior year and find what I want to do with my life, what gets me going and what makes me happy. I think the most important advice is to know yourself and know what triggers different types of emotions and responses and how they affect me. This is a great advice because it would help me find my place in society, at school, at work, within family and within social settings. I would know that college success is only possible through personal responsibility and dedication, because nobody can know anything for us, nobody can learn anything for us and we have to walk through the doors ourselves even if the teachers bring us there. It’s our lives and we live with all our consequences and our decisions in the short and long run. So work hard your senior year and don’t forget to enjoy it and enjoy with others, because after all we all want to be happy and enjoy the journey because each moment counts and the present is all there is.

If I went back to my senior year of high school, knowing what I know now, I would change a few things. First, I would make sure to take a couple of college-level classes related to my major, because that was the biggest adjustment for me in my first semester. Other than that, I would just make sure I knew that classwork always comes first, but there will still be plenty of time for fun. Don't become depressed or overly worried if you do poorly on one test, just make sure you study hard and make up for it the next time. College is about more than just maintaining a 4.0 GPA and it is important that you know that before your first semester.