Iowa State University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about the ransition from high school to college, I would say that college is a place where you have to want to learn, not just feel obligated to. You have a will and motivation that will come out when you find your passion and career path. It is important to work hard for what you want and stay focused on your goal. You have the power to make the life you want. It is a privledge to go to college, so use your time wisely.

Learn to study in high school and do not arrive at college thinking you can just go to class and understand the material. It takes motivation and time management to succeed at the college level. Also, arrive at college ready to accept new ideas and cultures and be open to new opportunities.

Making friends is more difficult. People are generally friendly but making the jump from acquaintance to friend requires effort. Stick to plans you make and don't flake. You'll have much more free time during the day - use it to do homework rather than doing homework at night. It's difficult to motivate yourself to do calculus problems when your bed is tempting you. And speaking of homework, it can and will sneak up on you. Deadlines seeming far away always arrive faster than expected. Get involved on campus. Run for hall council. Don't sign up for a club if you aren't going to go, you'll get emails and feel guilty about it, but not guilty enough to tell them you don't want to be in their club. You'll just let the emails come. And under no circumstances should you get behind on reading your email. Unread emails are stressful, even though they're 99{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} campus spam. Last but not least, branch out. Explore yourself. Don't stay in the bubble you created yourself during high school. Put yourself out of your comfort zone on a regular basis. Don't forget to have fun.

As I reflect on the rough semesters I had my first years of college, I can think of exactly what I could have done to avoid all of those late nights and sleep deprivation on test days. My first piece of advice would have been to never leave homework for last. Doing homework right after class has helped me understand class material more effectively. Secondly, I would have advised myself to use the library as much as possible. During my first couple semesters of college, I never visited the library and would always try to do homework or study at home. I realized I wouldn't get anything done because of all of the distractions I was faced with at home. As soon as I started going to the library I was able to concentrate and get things done faster.

If I could go back and give myself advice about college and the transition to college life I would explain that being in college is the equivilant of running a marathon. The first weekend away from home will be difficult and getting into a groove will take some effort and time. As the weeks go on though you begin to feel comfortable and realize that you can actually do what you have invisioned since the day you were excepted; as weeks turn into months the individual days that seemed difficult at the time (due to no sleep, to few hours in a day, etc.) have now just become another small part of the bigger journey. At semesters end the relief of finishing the first of many mile markers is overwhelming and joyful, but still prepares you for the next. I would tell myself all of this and focus on the idea that college is a marathon, in hopes of telling myself that even though individual days will seem hard and may take there toll to the point where I will wonder if quitting makes the most sense, always remember to look for the finish line and just keep running.

The advice I would give myself is to never lose sight on what you want for your future. Stay focused and continue to believe in yourself and move forward. I would also make sure that I know to relax and have so fun, and to engage in multiple clubs and organization to meet new people.

There are many career paths and many journeys along the way, chose one that makes you want to get up every morning with energy to learn. Explore your options the first year of college, so that you can truly see what will be the career path that will be life changing. once you get to your second year truly commit to something that you know in your heart will make you love what you do and enrich your life with happiness. Life is not all about money life is about living and making decisions that will better your life and those around you. Mistakes will be made but the great thing about that is its the greatest teacher in life. From every mistake something great will emerge because making mistakes will help shape the person that you will become, be sure to learn from YOUR MISTAKES. Every career can touch someones life in one way or another let your career choice touch you and shape your destiny so when you go on this great adventure you'll have an amazing story to tell, in hopes that someday someone else will be inspired to go out and do the same.

Get involved early! My first semester I was unsure of what all Iowa State had to offer so I didn't join alot of clubs or organizations because I was worried about whether I could handle it. I found everything was completely manageable and it was the best way to meet people who are interested in the same things as you.

Although high school seems like it will never end, it will and much sooner than you think. Treasure the moments you have with the friends you have now, because in a few short months you will be parting in different directions in life so make the most of today. I know your mentors keep reminding you of all of those important deadlines that seem to be of little importance to you, but heed their advice. These people are trying to help motivate and prepare you to succeed. Finish this school year out strong to help mentally prepare yourself for the hours you will spend studying in college. But don't spend too much time worrying about that now, because college life is very fun and evenful. You will meet many new people, some might even become very good friends. Don't forget the support system back home though. You have people on your side hoping you will succeed. School might seem like an endless journey, but in the long-run it is only a small part of your life. You will work your entire life after graduation, so enjoy this wonderful thing they call college.

Although I wasn't the most anti- social student in high school, I tended to be very hesitant when branching out to do different things and meeting new people. So, the first thing I would tell my past self would be to cut the act and embrace college for what it is: a unique opportunity to experience new cultures and adventures. Being hesitant or shy is just a barrier to the college experience that can really put a damper on your time unless you stand up to it. I would tell myself to just be an honest representation of myself and to not care about what others want me to be. Be yourself!

Oh WOW, the advice could be endless. I would keep reminding myself of the goal that I want to achieve, and look deep into the future as to not deter my thinking. Yes, it is nearly impossible to not be faced with trials, but i would just tell myself to not let those obstacles get in the way and learn to go around them. Climb that mountain and soar as high as you can for dreams can become reality, and not am impossibility. I have told myself that I will break that chain (that I've been told) of never succeeding at anything. I WILL BE THERE SOON!!!! I have to endulge in the knowledge that I will become a better person through all the trials and tribulations of school work. If anything...I want to leave a lasting impression on my children of the success and accomplishments that will be awarded to me.

I would tell myself to lean how to study better rather than be thrown into it in college. I would have liked to learn how to study from a text book as well as how to listen to a lecture while taking notes at the same time. Another thing I would have liked to know is that it is OK to ask for help! When I got into Physics 1 and Calculus 3 at the same time, I was very stressed and worried and didn't know what to do. After learning about extra time I could have with the TAs and how to sign up for tutoring, I was feeling much more confident in my ablilty to succeed in the classes.

I would tell myself to try to stay in contact with more of my high school friends and to be more open to making new friends at college. I was a little nervous about making the transition because I was worried that I wouldn't make any good friends, which caused me to be stressed out for the first few weeks. If I had known how easy it was to meet new people at college I wouldn't have been so nervous and I could have done a lot more during my first semester to experience new activities and meet more people that just those in my dorm and classes.

Relax, man! As difficult as your classes are now, you have much to look forward to in college. There, you'll take classes you actually enjoy and it will feel like much less work. Hang in there, for there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Always stay true to your goals, and your college experience will thank you for it. You've made the right choice with Iowa State. Yes, it may be far away, but the learning environment is closer to what you need than any Illinois school could offer. Try and branch out from your isolated status and make as many new friends as possible in your first year. Finish up your senior year strong. It will all be worth it!

Your'e about to have everything change. You may not like some of the changes, but you will see that you are starting to become someone amazing. If you can maintain the motivation to succeed and make the decisions that you know are right you will do great things. Fear not, you are never alone. There will always be someone to help you. Don't be to proud to take advice when people give it to you, it's free, and most of the time there's some truth to it. Don't be afraid to change your direction in life, you may be surprised where you end up and how much happier you are there than where you were. Whenever an opportunity presents itself to you, take it, experience is something that you must earn by trying new things and in the end it makes you a more valuable person. Never be afraid to take on a little bit more than your'e comfortable with, this is how you discover that your limits are much farther away than you thought they were. When you wake up in the morning always remember that there is nothing you can not accomplish.

The year was 2009. I had my hair done, my makeup flawless, and I was out the door at 7:15, forgetting half of my school books behind. The school books that I currently think of as my "golden ticket" to success, were--back then--so easily tossed around and forgotten about. That senior year, I flunked out of my math classes as well as my AP biology class (not knowing that in college I had to work an extra two years to make up those fundamentals that I never learned in high school). If I could talk to my high school self, I would say something simple: Learn about how college works. I had no idea (or interest) about the importance of college and how high school classes effected the placement of my college classes. I wish I would have taken advantage of (and knew the long term effects,) of the free knowledge I was being offered in high school, along with the opportunity it was to advance. I also would have advised my high school self about the program that TMCC offers high schoolers, in which you get college credits while enrolled in high school.

As a high school senior , I would have spend more time preparing myself for the college atmosphere by engaging in independent study more often and taking my time to read every word in every text book. Studying is not an easy skill to pick up in college, but if you can get good at it you'll be more apt to succeeed.

Dear high school Lauren, You think your life is pretty great right now, you love it, and you think it cannot possibly get any better. In fact, you are convinced it will only get worse since you are leaving all those great things behind by going to Iowa State instead of following your friends and boyfriend. Well you are wrong. Not only will you have a great time in college, you will have a better time. But first, you need to stop trying to hold onto the way things were in high school. Sure, you had some great times with some great friends, but this is a new era of your life and it is okay to move on. Do not condemn this school just because it is different. Do not let a few bad experiences ruin your outlook on this fantastic place. When your high school life begins to drift away, accept it. Because once you finally do that you will make some of the best friends and memories you have ever had here. Oh, and along the way, you will also learn more than you thought your brain ever could. And that is fantastic. Love, yourself.

I would tell myself to live my life to the fullest and nothing is out of reach. I was more conservative in high school and was an active member of my community, but now I feel like I have branched out of my comfort zone and tried new things. Stuyding abroad was something I thought was out of reach, but I studied abroad for 6 weeks this past summer. I would also tell myself to budget my money wisely and have "fun money" but make sure to budget expenses from school and payments.

The advice I would give myself in high school would be make as many memories as you can. Live life as much as you can because this is going to the lowest stress yiou will ever be under. Branch out when you get to college and jump into the college life.

My transition and first semester went well. I was confident in my choice, so if I were to go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to keep up the good work and to never give up.

As a high school senior, I was very involved in sports, music and my education. My biggest regret when I came to college was not getting more involved in activities and leadership positions right away. If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not be afraid of new opportunities when you get to college, to take chances and to join anything that sounds interesting. I already knew that I would work hard in my academics, but I really believe that encouragement to get more involved within the university initially would have helped me to get to be the leader I am today sooner and would have opened up more opportunities for me. I am now a Community Advisor, which is similar to a Resident Advisor at other schools, in the residence halls and a supervisor at my job on campus. I am extremely involved and am thriving in this wonderful college environment. I believe that if I would have gotten involved sooner I could have grown even more as person and leader. Nonetheless, I will continue to grow in my leadership skills and will love every minute of it.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely tell myself to take advantage of all the college classes available to our school. We had access to all the Kirkwood Community College classes, and we were allowed to take them at the college itself, off campus of our high school. This would have helped prepare me a little better for the college atmosphere and would have helped with college tuitions cost with the transfer credits that would have decreased the amount of classes I would have had to take through Iowa State. I would also tell myself to fight what everyone konws as "senioritis" and work as hard as possible in my classes to avoid the homework shock everyone has the first semester of freshman year. That would have allowed me to use that extra time that I had to learn how to study, to already know good study habits, create a schedule, and earn better grades right off the bat.

I am a compilation of lessons and experiences that have shaped my perspective. I am twice the age I was as a high school senior. Looking back, I know that I was immature, I lacked empathy, and I was naive. That young man was emotionally stunted, felt compassion but lacked the ability to show it, and was not ready for the world ahead of him. I have been through many painful experiences and I have been the cause of pain for others, but it all has allowed me to develop into a man that is much more thoughtful, aware, and reflective than I was then. I would not have developed those qualities without lessons learned through many sturggles. I needed those struggles so that I could become a man that is pursuing a path which includes addressing injustices and being aware that the world around me is not always as it seems. For this reason, it would be unwise to try changing much by giving advance warning to my younger self. If there anything I would say to him, it would be that he should keep his eyes open, be more emotionally available to others, and stay grounded in today.

Do not rush it. If you do not feel ready, do not rush it just to please your parents. If you need time to explore other options, do so, but keep in line. If you have the aspirations to attend college, it is much better to do so at a younger age so try not to put it off when you are raising a family. Though, do not pass other opportunities that you see fitting just because they are not the social norm. Follow you heart and listen to your mind, together they can achieve the greatest possibilities.

To my younger self, if you can spare a moment in time, there are some things in life you need to know. Wherever your journey of life takes you, don’t follow in the footsteps of others; highlight your differences, individuality, and interests. Focus on these qualities to mold you into an independent adult who can actively think for herself and take pride in the fact of the ability to do so. Live life to the fullest without any regrets. You can achieve this by refraining from hasty decisions and impulsive behaviors, think things through. Heed the advice of some and learn from the mistakes of others. Don’t let people tell you what you “should” do. You have a voice, use it to assert your needs, use it to communicate your opinions, use it to express your feelings, and use it as a tool to carve your way through life’s imbalances and rocky terrain. Challenge yourself every day to be greater than you were the day before. Do not be afraid of failure, because failing means a chance was taken, and sometimes you have to fail in order to succeed.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to just relax. I used to stress a lot about college when I was in high school; way more than necessary. I would just tell myself to stay focused and put school as my number one priority and everything else is pretty easy. I would tell myself to develop good study skills, and to surround myself with people that are supportive. I would also tell myself to start looking at the bigger picture and not worry about small stuff. The transition from highschool to college can be a little difficult, but as long as you stay focused and calm, everything usually just falls into place. I would tell myself not to worry about what my friends are doing, because a lot of them don't make it with you to college and you soon make a new circle of friends. Lastly, I would tell myself to enjoy it! College so far has been great. Way better than highschool. Instead of worrying, just enjoy everything it has to offer you. It's going to be a pleasant experience.

I would tell myself its okay to go to a community college and follow your dreams. Don't get discouraged by what others say about wasting your time. Picking a local community college first isn't a downgrade of education, but a smart way of saving money and staying close to family so renting isn't needed. As you began your journey on this choice, remember there is nothing wrong with asking questions, only stupid question is one not asked. Keep a positive attitude no matter what, God bless you to make it this far to use your special talents. You know yourself very well and know what career you want to pursue in, dont let others convince you its a waste of time. Give everything a hundred and ten percent and a positive attitude and you will succeed! Take on challenges with an attitude of a winner and claim it! You have everything you need to make your dream a reality and keep God first always, to direct your path. Your family also will have ups and downs but what family dont, keep pressing on and love them no matter what. Live life with no regrets.

College life isn't difficult, coming across money is. I would tell myself how to fix my scholarship applications and especially double check my essays for typos to give me a better shot.

Learn to make decisions for yourself and be confident in them, they may not always be wise or what is best but you need to be able to own up to the things you've done. You have to be passive to an extent, especially when living with someone, not everything is worth a fight. But you also need to be able to stand up for yourself when the time comes, people don't get to walk all over you, you're a human being with rights that deserve to be respected. Be financially responsible, I know the shoes are cute but you don't need them. Everyone is important and you can learn something from every person you meet, don't be judgemental or dismissive, pay attention, listen when people talk to you and think before you respond. Go to class, you're paying for school so DO school. Get involved, you're going to meet more people that way and be happier in general. Don't complain so much, it doesn't help anything and it won't make you feel better.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would tell myself to cherish every moment of my last high school year because after high school; the world that revolves around it will come to an end. Another world called "reality" begins. This is where adulthood will come to it's respective play. One will have to learn how to become independent and be in control of his/her own life. Knowing what I know now, I would tell my high school senior self to work hard and to be prepare to establish a long term goal and stick with it. After all, nothing comes for free, everything has a cost and hard work will definitely be rewarded. To make the transition from high school life to college life less stressful, I would tell my high school self to not be afraid of failure; do not fear to step out of the unknown, because unless you try, you will never know.

I would advise myself to be ready to try new things. When I first came to college, I was scared to do new things because I was so used to not having to really try too hard in high school. However, over the past semester I have learned how to put myself out there and meet new people and try something different than I would normally do. When people would tell me that, as a high school senior, I never really believed them. After experiencing college for myself I now know that it really is the best thing you can do for yourself. If you always to the same old things and talk to only the same people you will never get a chance to grow and become the person you are capable of being.

If i where able to go back in time to talk to myself as a highschool senior I would give myself so much advice. i would tell myself that collge is completely different and the transition is key to your success as a student. Hard work is a must, four classes a semester is a lot to take in at once, you will need to sacrifice your free time, and even your sleep to study for your classes, and do your homework. you will also need to be punctual. you need to be in class on time, specially on test day. Also to make sure you turn your work on time. Furthermore, the most ,important thing is time management, if you dont know how to manage your time you will fail. you need to schedule time to study, and do homework for each class, so you can retain more information, and be a succesful student. Lastly i would tell myslef not to be so nerveous, its not the end of the world.

The advice that I would give myself is not to worry about what your fellow classmates think of you. If you would prefer to not drink or participate in risky behavior, you would like to be honest about that with potential friends so that you surround yourself with supportive and like-minded people. Although your parents are not there to take care of you, it doesn't mean that you should feel pressured to be reckless. Having a group of friends that will understand this is important if you want to remain focused on the importance of grades while still having fun in unconventional ways. Participating in quirky sources of fun, such as going caroling during the spring or going on a tour of the "haunted" places on campus, can be more fun than the illegal kinds of activities that other students regularly practice. It may be easy to simply follow what other students are doing, but thinking for yourself is much more empowering.

Dear Julia, Although it is tempting to choose a school attended by your high school friends and peers, think carefully about other choices you may have. The prospect of leaving home for a school 200 or more miles from home may be daunting, but there are so many possibilities! First, check in with your high school advisor - part of his job is to prepare you for your college years and beyond. I know that your heart is set on the field of business, but have you really explored other options? Perhaps you could enroll in a summer class through a community college? Visit other colleges, and spend some time on the campus - don't be afraid to ask passing students what they think of their school, as well as their field of study. Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't worry if you can't find the answers. The one thing I have discovered in the past 30 years is this: Once you answer one question, it invariably leads to at least one more. Embrace the questions, discover the anwers, and don' be afraid to try, even if you fail. Audaces fortuna iuvat! Good luck, Julia

I would tell myself to join more groups. Also to take the time and do more scholarships. The most imprtant thing I would stress would be to do college level classes in high school so I could earn credits for college.

I would tell myself that the transition from high school to college is a lot easier if you make it easier. There realy is no need to stress, because you have thousands of other kids around you going through the exact same thing. Take it as a breeze and it will be breezy but if you want to stress and make it difficult, it will be difficult.

Get invovled in school activities, it helps you build connections with your peers and opens up doors to the real world. Studying by yourself is good but studying in a group is better. Ask your peers who've taken the class to get a insight on the work so that you can be better prepared. And most of all start your homework early. These simple steps not only will help you be more involved in your school but get you invovled with the student body and help you get access to scholarships easier. Making our time in school easier and more entertaining.

Research colleges well and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. College is a great time that not everyone can experience. Don't always follow your friends everywhere they go. Be your own persona and do what you want to do, concentrate on what makes you happy. Don't worry about what others are doing, do the things that are important to you.

I spent most of high school playing sports, I was an all-around athlete, I played basketball, volleyball and badminton and was more interested in doing good in sports than academically. Now that I look back at it, I was so wrong. If I could go back I would not change the fact I played sports but the fact that I should have paid more attention to actually learning. For example I took AP chemistry my senior year and did enough to pass the class but I didn’t put effort to do my best and learn as much as I could therefore not passing the AP exam and having to go to college and take the same class all over again. That is money and time that I could’ve saved, only by paying attention to that class. The same thing goes to my math classes I would’ve been a lot more ahead in college if only I would’ve put more interest into doing better and actually learning. I would’ve been closer to my goal of becoming a chemical engineer if I would’ve done those things in high school.

If time travelling was a real thing, I would tell my high school self to choose Iowa State sooner. I believe that I took to much time to commit what has become the perfect college for me. Right from the beginning, Iowa State has made me feel welcome with the beautiful campus and friendly professors. The day I attended an Iowa State visit, I learned how easy and stress-free the transition to college life acturally is. I would tell myself to just pursue my dreams, have fun, and find out who I want to become both as a person and as a future employer. College is a major part of life and could be a scary transition knowing that your future partly depends on the education you receive, but within the first semester, you will find some life-long friends that will only make your journey more wonderful.

College will have many struggles but go in with your head held high eyes wide and ears predominately actively listening. Obstacles will come but as long as your eyes and ears are engage actively they'll be less of a burden with the amount of connectiions and help you can recieve. Be aware professors are on your side even though they might impede from your social life, don't be afraid to get to know them on a professional and friendly level. Connections won't just come from friends and internships but also professors cause they too were in your postion before so hear what they might advice for you or people they might show to you with your interest. Don't get too involved in the glitz and glamour of the social life and turn it into a bad habit. Remember a social life will be with you for enternity but accomplishing a good GPA currently will leave you with less obstacles and stress presently and in the future.

If I were able to go back in time and talk to my high school self, my main words of wisdom would be to not worry too much or get too worked up about not knowing exactly what you want to do or be after you graduate from college. Most people don't figure that out until after a few years of trying different things and experiencing all there is that college has to offer. The other piece of advice I would offer would be that while you shouldn't freak out about not knowing exactly what you want to do when you graduate, make sure you still stay on track and on top of your academics and don't let all of the new experiences and friends you'll make detract from your overall learning.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the biggest piece of advice that I would give myself is to follow what makes me happy. Senior year is a time of preparing for change. High school seniors experience a lot of "lasts" throughout the year and make many decisions that shape their futures. For me, it was difficult to stand up for what I wanted to make out of my life because it contradicted what many others wanted me to do with my future. Ultimately, I went with what others thought would make me happy, which I learned was a quick way to regret. Finding my voice, I decided to transfer to Iowa State and follow my passions, and it has been life-changing. College is difficult, but when you are in a place you love, and studying something that you are truly passionate about, it seems a bit easier. I learned from my experiences what I really wanted to become, and because of that I have found a way to make these changes positive things that make me extremely happy.

Dear Devina, You will be leaving for college very soon and looking at you now there are some things that you really need to consider before making your college decision. First of all, you need to choose the school that offers you the most financial stability. Not that college is all about the money, but the lack of funds will cause you to drop out of school a couple of times before your adult life. Also in reference to the financial aspect, those are not your parents’ loans – THEY ARE YOURS! That being said, the very first class that you need to get in to is one that teaches you about student loans and repayment. There will be several resources available online, and through your campus. Your counselors (academic, and finance) should be your best friends! They don’t take you serious when the only time they see you is when you have a problem. They are there to build a relationship with you, so you need to extend yourself and ask as many questions about your situation as you can. Your education, and the cost of it, will affect you for the rest of your life, so be responsible!

To my high school senior self, My best advice for making the transition into college is be yourself and not worry about others will think. Given my first semester at college I went in with a clean slate, not knowing anyone. Now one semester in, I have made lifelong friendships with people I may not have gotten the chance to know if I had not put myself out there. One other word of advice would be to stay on top of your studies and keep organized. I learned this one quick because college professors will give you a syllabus the first day of class with all of the due dates for the semester and they expect you to know them without reminders. Sincerely, Your freshman in college self

If allowed the opportunity to talk to my high school self, I wouldn't even begin to know where to start. I would tell myself to remain focused on my education because that's the entire reason i'm in school to start with. I would tell myself not to go out and spend all the money I made from my part time job during the school year and from my job over the summer on dumb things that I'm not going to need later, but instead to save that money for college because I didn't realize how financially challenging attending college really is.

If I could go back, I would tell my highschool self that its not neccesarily the college you choose but it the people you meet and what you individually do to make college one of the greatest experiences of your life. These 4 years will fly by faster than you can even imagine so get involved, take risks, be different and enjoy every minute of it. Don't be afraid or hold onto the past beause college is a fresh start and you won't realize how great it was until it's gone.

Dont slack off on your school work. You have made it this far keep going strong. Have fun this is going to be a new fun and exciting experience.

I would tell myself to remeber that you are here for one reason, and that is for school. You also need to make sure you are happy though, so balance your social life, and don't get more stresse than you need to be.