Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Top Questions

If I could go back to my senior year in highschool and tell give myself advice based on my current knowledge about college and the transition, I would tell myself that a GED is not really equivelent to a highscool diploma. I would also inform myself of the hardships of getting into a university after taking a "break" from school. I would tell myself to interview the most successful people I know and find out how long they stayed and school and how long they would have to work before retirement. Most importantly I would tell myself that I am more than worth all of the extra effort.

First of all...relax and enjoy your senior year! You'll never get to go back! Secondly, be realistic about how far away you want to be. I moved over 1200 miles from home, and to be honest - at first it was too far. I've adjusted, but in retrospect, I wish I would have considered how difficult it is to be so far away from home. I miss out on getting to see my littlest sister grow up. Thirdly, I would suggest not putting off getting prepared until the last minute. I didn't pack for my by move until the night before I left. I forgot many things, which I truly needed upon arriving, and getting things mailed was difficult. Lastly, keep yourself open - right away - to meeting new people, and staying on campus as much as possible. Several friends I have met live nearby, and tend to go home alot...they miss out on so much fun because they don't stick around. Don't let yourself stay in your dorm for extended periods...get out and socialize! Once you meet a few people, it feels much better!

Although high school was an amazing experience in which I developed an innumerable number of undying friendships, it was during that time that I should have taken advantage of the academic resources available through the school. I attended a magnet high school, and it was easy, especially toward the end of my high school career, to take for granted the preparation for higher education that my teachers and counselors provided. As I began my trek through college, I quickly realized the mistake that I made in not thoroughly utilizing the resources available, seeing that I would not be very successful in college if I were not to take advantage of the on-campus tutoring and counseling provided. It is sometimes difficult to willingly set aside time and go speak with a counselor about academic issues that I am having or ask the math tutor for help on a calculus assignment since I had never done it before, but it is essential to my success and is therefore something that I have to get used to.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior and knowing what i know now about college life and making the transition I would tell myself to train on how to study alot better. I also would tell myself to play more sprots and interact in more clubs in high school. By going back in time to talk to myself as a high school student I would convince myself to take a class on how to manage money. Lastly, I would tell myself that when I enter college I should meet more people and stay focus.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the biggest piece of advice I would give to myself would be to learn how to study. High school was a breeze for me and I did not need to study for any of my classes, and that would be an issue for me in college. Though high school does prepare you for college, you never know what it is like until you get there. You have to take a different approach to studying when in college because there is so much more material. I feel if I knew this now, my grades would be better because I would know how to study.

Get involved. Exposing yourself to all kinds of people will help you figure out who you are and what you want out of life. Your high school world is so incredibly small in comparison to the world you are about to discover. College life has so much to offer; take advantage of it. Don't be seduced by the fun and excitement that results from living on your own for the first time. Your irresponsibility will catch up with you. Learn everything you can. Remember that, in college, it is not all about the grade. You will need to know the material well enough to be able to use it in your chosen field. Mediocre knowledge will not be sufficient. Most importantly of all, remember that this is your college experience. You are not going to college to impress your family, friends, or even a significant other. Do not worry about what other people think of your college career. It does not affect them; it only affects you. If it is something you really want to do for yourself, then you will succeed.

If I could talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself not to take advantage of the freedom I received by being away from most of the authority figures in my life. In my first semester I felt that I abused this by going out with friends and playing video games during free time. I wish I could have told myself to study more and to keep up or get ahead in my classes. I would have loved to hear this before I had to play catch up in a few of my classes. I would have told myself to read the chapter that we were going to talk about in class the night before and to do homework in the afternoon instead of sacrificing sleep in order to get it done. I wish that I could retake my first semester in order to provide a better background for my future classes. I know that if I heard this message from myself I would have taken it to heart and not just brush it off as something that everyone says just to scare you.

It is hard to believe that this time last year I was entering the final semester of my high school career. As I enter my second semester at LSU, I realize that there is a lot more I could have done to improve my scholarship and financial aid options. I never filled out a FAFSA or applied for any scholarships because I thought I could work throughout college to pay off the remainder of my tuition. Of course, as a senior in high school I didn?t take into account the simple costs of living such as food, clothing, and rent. Also, college books turned out to be a lot more expensive than I ever expected. In retrospect, even if I had held a minimum wage part time job during my last year of high school, the money I earned could have helped a lot this year. Of course, hindsight is always 20/20 and all I can do now is work my butt off and apply for generous scholarships such as this one.

The advice i would give my self would be dont be afraid of the real world. All you have to do is payattention, work hard, and study. Make friends later your education is the most important and at the end when you are succesful pat your self on the back be happy and proud that you made a great person of your self.

Knowing what I know now with 2.5 years of college behind me I would tell myself not to worry. You will make great friends in college. In college there are more people to get to know and alot of these people will have the same dreams and interests as you for future careers. It is these people that you will become friends with and some will remain life long friends. It is these people that you will go through all the trials and tribulation of college and classes. These people will help you study and do well in your classes. It is with these friends you will colaborate with and not only will you learn from them but they will learn from you. You can help these people through their problems and when anything ever gets you down whether it be school related or personal, it is these people that you can lean on. College is not this big scary expirience but rather a fun, educational life changing one. Just follow your heart and do what you love. Never lose sight of whats important to you! With your knowledege, perservirence, college education, and friends, you can do anything!

Since I am majoring in a Liberal Arts-based major (International Studies), I would tell myself to take Spanish III and European History AP instead of Calculus AP and Physics AP. Taking Caluclus and Physics AP was pointless for me. I did so poorly on the exam that I didn't receive credit for it. Those classes also would have greatly prepared me for the courses I am taking now. I am entering my upper-level courses without having prior knowledge of the subject matter, whereas if I had taken the courses I would have been much more prepared and would not be struggling as much as I have been lately. I also would have told myself to not work 60 hours per week the summer before my freshman year of college, because I burned myself out early and slacked off my first semester of freshman year. That semester of slacking ruined my GPA and it is extremely difficult to pull up. Had I not worked myself to death that summer, I would be much better off now; I have to struggle to make as many A's as possible in order to try to bring my GPA up.

Find a college experience you feel comfortable with. Do not put yourself in a situation you feel half-heartedly about because there is something out there for everyone and every lifestyle. Once you get to college, dive in headfirst. Put yourself out there to meet people. Sit by someone new in class; meet new people in your residence hall. As a freshman, so many people are going through the exact same thing you are and may need a friend or companion, too. If you attend college with a lot of your high school friends, maintain those relationships, but do not become dependent on them. You want to make new friends and have new experiences. Study more than you think you should, but have more fun than you think you should, too. Good classes are more beneficial and enjoyable than you may think.

Enjoy the college life and have fun. Life's hardships will come sooner than you may think so enjoy the freddom and scoial activities available at college rather than growing up too fast.

To get certified for something such as a hair salon stylist so you won't work at a fast food place, or to have a job in general to gain experience outside of school so when you get to college you will have a lot of outside experience. It helps to have a part time job to help pay for expenses such as food, gas for the car etc. Apply for scholarships would have been helpful as well.

Live on campus. Don't be afraid of loans. You can't do it alone make friends and make many, because at some point your going to need eac and every one.

Allow yourself enough time to study. The classes are huge and the student-teacher relationship is not like it is high school. Be prepared to be extremely independent.

Get more scholarships, and know why managing money is important.

I would have to tell myself to stay focused. The fun times will come with out looking for them. I would also have to say to live in a dormatory, instead of off campus. Most importantly, I would tell myself to go english instead of psychology in the first place, it would have made life much easier.

I would tell myself to get my act together and get ready to do some of the hardest work. Even though it will be worth it in the end. I would tell myself to be diligent and work hard, to go out and find some study habits. Studying early is the most important thing. Also, I would tell myself to find out what you wanna do and go for it full-force and one hundred percent.

College is nothing like highschool. Every student should learn the proper study skills in highschool because they are very important for college. Most students breeze through highschool; I know I did. But even as Valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA, I was not properly prepared for college life. You are now independent. Make yourself study, even when it does not seem like the "fun" thing to do; it will never be, but it is important. You must be the one to decide that you are going to work hard. Do not procrastinate. There is a time for work and a time for play. Do not confuse them; they will both come. Get active, make friends, involve yourself in good, quality programs. College can be fun, but these years do not last forever. The decisions you make now affect the rest of your life. Set goals for yourself and aim to meet them. Work hard and do your best. It is your future.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I'd tell myself to choose a college based on actually academics, not reputation. I'd make sure and tell myself to focus on classroom size and alumni satisfaction when choosing a college. I'd make sure I remember to let myself know to pay close attention to my GPA in highschool and start great study habbits. I'd tell myself to remember to enjoy the experience, and make sure to learn something, instead of just making the grade. College is important, and choosing one is difficult, but what matters most is what I take from the experience. Big colleges, especially those with huge reputations, usually aren't as involved in the classroom as outside. Check where the tuition money goes. Find out what's important to the college's heart and future. Lastly, Id really emphasize to myself to follow my own heart, and not strictly the advice of my parents'. I have to be happy most of all.

Stop stressing about the little stuff. College tests can be so difficult and stressful on their own that there is no need to freak-out about things that won't have much affect on you. Also procrastination is your enemy, and sleep is your friend. As long as you prioritize you can have a fulfilling and stress free college experience with the perfect balance between academics and your social life.

Follow your heart and trust in God to put you exactly where you need to be in order to grow into your best self. Stop questioning and worrying because you will be taken care of by those who love you. I love you!

Don't give up. Although finishing highschool is a sigh of relief, you need to stay strong through college. Do not stress so much about finances. Even though your parents cannot help, you will find yourself stretching dollars like you couldn't imagine. Go to class. Many of your friends will find themselves with C's in a class you're easily making A's in due to skipping. Don't drink! Not only is it unhealthy, but inefficient. You'll feel tired and it won't help in your studies. You can attend parties without getting drunk. Stay healthy! You may find yourself worrying about how you will maintain your healthy lifestyle in college, but don't - you will find that many healthy foods in bulk are cheaper than pre-made meals. Live near campus - you will be able to walk to school and work without the hassle of traffic. Get an on-campus job! They pay pretty well, and much of the time, you can study. Don't slow down! The faster you finish, the faster you can move on with your life and out of Louisiana. Don't change and you'll find yourself on top!

Try harder freshman year and meet more people!

If I could go back in time to talk to my former, younger self , there are only a few, yet important, pieces of advice I would give to him. First, find out who you truly are. There are many people who will challenge this. Take time to figure out what you stand for and what you believe in, and stand stong in those values and beliefs. College will probably be one of the toughest experiences of your life, but never give up. Never give up when the whole world seems like it turns its back on you, keep fighting, keep pressing on. When things get rough, fight harder. When you feel like you want to give up, stand firm. College will push you to your ultimate breaking point, but in that moment is when you get up and remember what you stand for, what you are fighting for. You are fighting for a reason, and every ounce of effort you give will all be worth it in the end. There is a light at the end of the tunnel which shines brighter with each passing day. Once you get there, the light will shine brighter than ever before!

Don't waste your summer job money, savor every last high school memory, and be preapared for college to kick the heck out of you. You'll be beat down, lifted back up, have your dreams dashed. It's seems impossible looking forward to your "best years" as a graduating senior, but its going to happen and you could be better for it. Your parents mean well.

Get involved in as many activities as you can. I'm in the Student Government right now but it took me a while for me to finally be accepted, and I felt like if I had more leadership skills in high school then I probably would've gotten in faster, cause I had to prove my leadership in college then apply for SG again. Also, I know people say this alot, but you really have to make sure you graduate with really good grades and stay focused on your high school subjects. I did great academically in high school and I got a large number of credit hours in university for my grades. And, the first few subjects you take in college will be relatively easy which is always a good thing since you won't be bogged down by bad grades.

If i could go back in time and talk to myself when i was still attending high school, I would tell myself to take as many AP courses and take as many of the AP college credit tests as possible. College is expensive and being able to be ahead of everyone and spend less money at the same time is a huge advantage. With the way things are now, college is a competition. A competition for your job and you need to do anything and everything possible to come out on top. I would also tell myself that my procrastination habits need to die out. In college you can't procrastinate or the weight load of assignments will be the end of you. Staying on top and ahead is the key to success in college. I would make sure that I knew all of this.

Samantha, I know you worry about grades and losing your TOPS Scholarship in the first year, but you need to let loose. Have some fun. Make some friends. You will find that if you have a little more fun and de-stress, your grades will get a little better. Stress isn't good for the mind or body. On weekends, don't study on Friday nights, wake up early on Saturday and study until noon or 1pm at the latest, and study Sunday nights. That will allow you to have just the right amount of studying and relaxation to prepare you for the week ahead. Don't worry, you're doing fine!

If I could go back the number one thing I would tell myself is that there is little room for error. Also in most classes you only obtain four grades and each of those grades need to count. Lastly I would make sure I had a relationship with a consuelor whom could advise me.

good school

Go where you feel comfortable and you can afford.

I WOULD ADVISE THE PARENTS AND STUDENTS TO VISIT A FEW DIFFERENT CHOICES AND SPEAK TO EACH ABOUT THE MAJOR OR PROGRAM THE STUDENT WANTS. I WOULD SAY PART OF MAKING THE BEST OF THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE IS BEING INVOLVED AND MAKING NEW FRIENDS.

There are four very important factors that contribute to making a decision about a college or university. Academic performace, location, extra-curricular interests, and financial requirements. Students would want to pick a place in which they will be able to receive a quality education that would prepare them for a career in the field of their choice. The college or university should be close enough to family so that you can receive assistance from parents or other family members. The college or university should also be within your capabilities financially and a place with activities present that you would enjoy.

That no matter what obstacle you are faced with to never lose focus of your main goal and reach your goals!

The advice I would give to parents and students about finding the right college for them would be to not let the distance of your school and hometown deter you from making what could be a great decision. Although it would be hard at first, you will eventually make friends and have a great time. As far as making the most of your college experience, my advice would be to try new things. Whether it be attending clubs or associations, greek life, intramural sports or an on campus job, you'll never know whether you'll like something unless you try! My senior year in college, I tried-out (for the second time) as an entertainment anchor for our on-campus news show. I ended up getting the postition! Not only did I learn a lot about the field of news and reporting, but I also had to learn how to produce my own show. In the end I treasure the experience that I had. I met many great people, learned that I could overcome my fear of speaking in public, and that I could do well in something that I had never tried before. The experience was priceless.

Take your time, and make sure you think about this very large decision.

The best advice that I could give to parents and/or students trying to find the right college is to just go with your gut feeling. I knew when I was little that I wanted to go to LSU and knew I would have to make exceptional grades to get in. I worked very hard throughout high school, so that I would be accepted into LSU and would receive the TOPS Scholarship Award. If there is a university you have dreamt of going to, go for it! Don't let money be the reason for not going where you want to go. There are always scholarships and financial aid available to help you!

The best way to pick the right college for you is always to visit. By visiting, you can decide whether you'd enjoy the climate, the environment, the campus size, any of the major factors that can make or break your college experience. If you don't visit prospective colleges, you could end up unhappy with your choice. Once you start college, the best thing to do is to make new friends. College is where most people make the majority of their lifelong friendships. The best way to do this, especially if you're shy, is to participate in campus sponsored activities. Most colleges offer a lot of these during the first weeks of school in order to aid in the adjustment period. They REALLY do help!! But most of all, the best way to make college the best 4 (or 5!) years of your life is to simply be yourself. After all, if you don't be yourself, who else is going to?

The biggest problem that I see with people about to go to college and even some people who are already in college is that they worry that they picked the wrong school. They think that if they'd gone somewhere else they'd be having a better time, learn more, or have already accomplished some incredible feat, and that by going to the wrong college, they have ruined their lives. What these people fail to realize is that it is not the college that makes that person's identity, but the person's experience and personal choices that makes the person who he is. College isn't some academic soul mate, where there is only one choice, one outcome, and one chance to do both perfectly. College, simply, is a place that the student chooses as his environment of growth, education, and residence. It is the student who makes his college experience great or not so great by his choices, his outlook, his hard work, and his own unique talents. College does not make your life what it is; you, as a student, are the designer of your own present and future.

My advice to parents would be to give their children the freedom to distinguish the needs and wants that they want to be achieved by the school of their choice. Of course it is perfectly fine for parents to voice their opinions; however, their opinions should only be opinions and not demands. Because those who are happy tend to strive better than those who are not, parents should not force their children's decisions if it conflicts with the child's happiness. The parents' opinions are solely to influence the final decision of the student. As a student determines what college that he or she desires to attend, he or she is displaying his or her first major role in adulthood by making a responsible decision. Even though one might discover that his or her decision is not the best decision, parents should allow their children to correct the mistake instead of criticizing them for making the mistake. Life is a journey and not a destination, and the journey progresses through learning. Learning to independently distinguish which paths to take and avoid during college smooth the course of the road that students will travel as they journey farther into adulthood.

Look for a school that you can feel comfortable at. Talk to some of the professors if you can to see how they approach their subject matter. If you cannot do that, then try to talk to some other students that go there. You want to try to go to a school that has professors and students that have a real passion for their subject. You will learn more and have much more fun. It is also a lot more fun if you get involved in a campus organization. I was a part of the marching band and joined a fraternity on campus. The band acted as a family and over 300 instant friends and a great family. My fraternity has acted as great brothers and a wonderful support structure anytime that I have needed it. It is important to do the schoolwork and study but it is just as important to have fun around that. The balance between those is difficult to find, but it will make your time at college much better.

Being able to find the college that best suits you can sometimes be the toughest endevor in a young person's life. The decision will not only affect what he/she does after college, but his/her four years in college will shape how he/she turns out as a grown person. The options and doors opened to the students are far and wide, whether they realize it or not. Student organizations, clubs, teams, social groups, and many other things can make a lasting impact in a young person's life. That is why I believe one should best choose the college that they feel closely aligns with their personality. If you are a quiet, shy person who values their free time, a small college might be the way to go. If you are loud and love to party, a big college is your answer. I think that by picking a college that best suits you, the acedimics will follow not only because you are happy where you are and with the decision you have made, but because you have not overwhelmed yourself your put yourself in a position of uncertantiy. LSU was the best decision I made. No regrets.

To students: It is important to visit as many schools as possible; then, find the school that feels the most comfortable overall. Don't worry about leaving friends because there will always be new people to meet and befriend. To Parents: Support your child in the school of their choice even if it seems unrealistic. Help them search for scholarships and grants for your child to attend their dream school. Who knows they might actually get enough money.

If you're looking for the right school, you'll know it once you're there. Go visit everywhere you apply! Make sure you go on a weekday when class is being held so you can get a real feel for the campus environment. That way, you can see what the school will really look like everyday when you're going there for the next 4 years. You can talk to the deparment heads if you know what programs you're interested in and see if the school offers classes in your major that sound interesting to you. I visited alot of schools and even the one I picked I had been to many times before on the weekends or for events, etc. The day i did an official campus visit at my school while classes were being held, I was sold. Don't pick a school based on where your friends are going. People change alot in college, and you want to be open to new experiences and new friends and getting a great education at the same time. Just relax and choose the school that just feels like it "fits." You'll definitely know.

In order to find the right college, you have to decide what you want to experience during your college years. There is more to college than just academics (although it is the most important). You want to pick a college that will allow you to discover and express yourself as an individual. For me, I chose the college that I grew up loving and knew the most about. If you are already very social, a big college will be a great experience for you. If you are a little shy, smaller colleges are the best bet in my opion because they offer smaller classes and the students tend to be closer to one another. Parents have to let their kids go and make sure they live on or near campus during college. I lived at a dorm my freshman year and it allowed me to grow as a person who takes personal responsibilty for my actions while allowing me to discover the person I was, and the person I want to become. Also, living on campus allows you to use the university's resources to their fullest extent enabling an easier transition from high school to college life.

Everyone says that your college years are the best time of your life, and they are right! My best advice for choosing the right school for you is to make sure it is your school and your choice. Its not your parents or your friends and especially not your boyfriend or girlfriend decision. It is YOURS! You are the one who will be spending the next four or more years of your life here not them!

The best peice of advice I can give is to pick a college where you will be most comfortable. I grew up on LSU football and have always known that I would go to LSU. Most of my friends went as well, but I made a lot of new friends. Even though the expression "time flies" is overused, there is really no other words to describe college. It went by so fast and I just encourage others to enjoy every minute of it. Cherish your memories because before you know it, you have graduated, and the memories are all you have!

Be sure to visit the campus before attenging. Also, if you know what your planned major is, be sure to visit that department and visit with students who are currently in that field of study as well as faculty. Also meeting with a advisor who will help you set and work towards your academic schedule to make your educational and career goals possible. And most of all, do not limit your choices in the beggining of your search for the right college for you. I limited myself in the beginning and ended up transferring to the college that I am at today and to say the least I am so much happier where I am today.