Marquette University Top Questions

In high school I was always afraid to take chances considering I was in a four year relationship. My junior year I was heartbroken and going into senior year I was in a shell not wanting to talk to anyone or do anything. My advice to myself would have been never to get in a serious relationship in high school, there is so much time for all of that in life. School was never a problem for me, I was always pushed by my parents so I never struggled with any of that, thank God! Also I would say to pay very good attention in hisory because once you get to college, it's fast pace and there's no time for your professor to explain to you what happened and why. You have to already know what is going on the whole time. And just try not to be so uptight in college, no one gets out alive that way!

Do not doubt yourself. You are your own person and you are responsible for everything you do. It's time to see yourself as the awesome, grown up chick that you are and own it. You are not a freak, nor a supermodel - not everyone is staring you up and down, judging your every breath and eye movement. Calm your anxiety and know you will make it through everything. You will cry, you'll even consider dropping out and living in the woods, but YOU CAN DO IT. Your father did, so did your mother, and so can you. Carry your camera with you and pursue your dreams. You have a talent and you are of the very few who have been lucky enough to discover their passion so early in their lives. You will succeed. http://www.dearzoephotography.com

If I could go back and talk to my senior self, I would have a lot of things to say. The most important thing I would say to myself is to not be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone. College offers many opportunities for growth and self-discovery, but only if you step out of the box you've always lived in. I would also say to try something you've never done because not only would it be a new experience but also an opportunity for getting to know yourself better. The second most important thing I would say is to control your finances. College is very important, but if it means bankrupting your family and giving yourself a life time of debt, it might be worth it to reconsider your college choice. Lastly, I would tell myself to really take my studies seriously. Don't go into college thinking its all about you and your new freedom. As a pre-med student, the knowledge I will be learning is not just to benefit me, but also the people I will hopefully help in the future.

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would say to not worry so much about what others think about you and have fun. Worrying about what others thought about me often distracted me from other things that I should have been focusing on in class, and in my life. Also, I would tell myself to be more optimistic and have a more open mind because college is such a drastic transition from high school and you meet all different sorts of people from all over the country, or even the world. By being more optimistic I could see the good in all challenging situations, and relieve some stress. Being a positive individual brings out the good in life, as I have learned by developing these traits while in attendance at college, and can lead to more positive outcomes and achievements in life. College brings about many changes that are external to us, but along the way causes internal changes that affect our ways of life and outlook on teh world around us.

So you're a big bad high school senior, ay? How did it feel to pass (almost) all of those AP tests? Just a little 'FYI', Anatomy and Physiology is going to be a lot harder than Physics was. In fact, college courses will require more attention than you're ready to give at first. Transition is hard. Make sure you call mom and dad as often as you remember. They will appreciate the calls home and spontaneous visits. Your brother and sister will miss you a whole bunch more than they initially let on as well. Call your friends when you think about them, but smile at everyone new you meet and ask them questions about themselves. College in a new place with new people will be what you make it. Stay confidant in all that you've known and grown the last four years. Academic, extra-curricular, and personal battles will all require your best effort. Be ready to commit to each day with a positive attitude and strong work ethic. Talk to your professors! Don't chill too much. You'll have a lot of free time. Always remember to get up, dress up and show up.

FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS! That is the key in college. I'd tell myself not to worry, with there being nearly two thousand other new freshman who are just as nervous as you. I'd say, "I know you're still going to do it, and you'll regret it, but make sure you STAY ON TOP OF THINGS. You want friends? BEFRIEND your PROFESSORS-- they aren't sharks. They truly yearn to help you when you need it. But how would they know, if you just slip out of class first, crinkle your eyebrows, and stay silent in class? REACH for their intellect!!! It'll help, I'm one THOUSAND percent sure of it. Stop playing 'League of Legends' all night, and stop visiting your boyfriend every day. At least, finish your paper before anything else. Shut your noisy cell off and actually DO WORK!" I KNOW I'm the "lazy type" of student, and homework would get me by in class with an A. But NOPE. In college it changes, dear. Know this before it's too late (it's what your favorite future professor will say a million times over again): Eat well. Study well. Sleep well.

Hey! This is your future self and I'm about to give you some words of wisdom. I know transitioning from high school to college is becoming more real as each day ends. And I know that you are both excited and nervous as too what to expect from the entire college life. But pay attention to the AP classes, forget hanging with friends, PAY ATTENTION. Become more well rounded, look at yourself now and realize you will never be as young as you are, also never just go into something looking for a job. You want a career, and wasting countless hours in something you don't care for isn't worth it, find a solid dream now and reach for it. The scholarship your going to recieve, don't initially take it, broaden your horizons. I know you have applied to 52 colleges and universities, so look into programs and scholarships that will help you get into the field of study I know now that we both enjoy. Also always learn never let information no matter how irritating and time consuming it may be go in one ear and out the other. Lastly have fun, life isnt scary.

I would have told my senior self to listen to apply to more scholarships. Although I applied, I did not take them as seriously because I thought that my tuition would not have as big of an impact on my family. I would have told myself to apply to local, national, private, and random scholarships that varied in amounts. Some assistance in funding my education is better than none. Having a job, being a full time student and still being under financial stress was not something that I expected as a senior in high school. I feel that going back in time, I would be able to communicate this to myself well and would have tried harder to accumulate funds. Through working, scholarships, grants etc. One last thing that I would have told myself is to begin organizing your weeks ahead of time. Write everything down so that there is less stress in your life. The more organized you are, the easier it is to balance studying, volunteering, work, and socializing in your life.

Dear high school me, Procrastination is a complete waste of time. If I could speak to myself as a senior in high school, I would advise myself to prioritize my time. Procrastination is never beneficial, because majority of the time it is used to waste important time. To be successful in college, one must be able to master of the art of time. I believe that this is an essential key to learn before entering college because transitioning to college can be difficult if time is not a priority. I know I wasted numerous hours thinking I had enough time to study for an exam or finish homework. If I could go back in time to speak to myself, I would remind myself that your college years shape you to become the person you desire to be. It is my desire to become a Pharmacist. This career choice requires that tasks are completed in a timely matter. I would remind myself that your future foundation is supported by the decisions you make now. Perfecting time would enable me to be prepared for the difficult obstacles that occur in life, especially in college. I would meet deadlines and be less stressed.

I would tell my self the simple phrase: quality over quantity. In high school, I was after quantity with trying to do as many extracurricular activities I could in order to have a stout resume. After suffering through the sleepless nights and countless cups of coffee, I realized that it does not matter how many after-school activities one is invovled in; but rather, the quality of one's position or the stature of the extracurricular activity is what counts. Instead of cramming in as many clubs as I could, I should have taken up leadership roles in a few clubs that I enjoyed most. This way, I would not have been as stressed and could have done what I loved with building my resume at the same time.

You're going to think you know what it's like to see poverty, but you don't. You are about to enter a suffering city; one of the most segregated ones in the country. Keep your heart open, and force yourself to get invovled in the community-even when the thought terrifies you. Some people will not be friendly, but many will. People just want to see that you care, and volunteering is the way to do it. For some of your classes, they will pick the service site for you, but for some you will be able to pick your own. Choose sites that put you out of your comfort zone. I encourage you to work in all parts of the city; make connections and build relationships. Not only is it fufilling, but it will help you narrow down your major. Embrace the good sites and the bad. So when you walk past those cold faces on Wisconsin Ave., smile at them. Don't look down. Don't act like they don't exist. Just smile and be on you way. Worst case scenario--they don't smile back. At least you're participating in the community.

All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was. I accepted their advance, though they were often in contradiction. I was naive. I was looking for myself and asking everyone except myself questions which I, and only I, could answer. It took me a long time and much painful past to realize my expectations. I have come to a realization, that I am nobody but myself. Knowing what I know about the college life and making the transition if I could go back and give my self-advice in high school I would say, “Shana do not fear what tomorrow may bring. Live your life and take chances! You will face so many hardships but you will overcome each and every one of them because God has a plan for you! Your heart will always be full of love”. Shana your dreams won’t be broken, goals will be set, your plans are unstoppable, you will give back, and Shana you will find yourself to be a very successful woman. Remember the bible verse John 14 "I won't leave you as orphans. I will come to you."

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the best advice I could give myself is to better manage my expenses. I am currently in my third year of college and receieve no financial aid whatsoever. Although I had a job and saved up a good amount of money, my foolish spending led me to spend it all in one semester of college. I would especially tell myself to not worry about having the newest unused book. Used books have been helpful in so many of my classes and saved me a fortune. I would also stress the importance of focusing more. High school tends to be a careless time and although you may succeed academically, it cannot prepare you for the challenges you face in college. Develop good study habits now, while you have the time and figure out what system works best for you in order to succeed. This is an important skill to learn. In college you need to be able to adapt, no matter the subject, and know what method works best for yourself as an individual. You are the only thing in control of your success.

Knowing what I do now about college life and academics, I would have taken high school classes more seriously and not worried about cliché high school drama. It is a universal truth, whoever said high school was supposed to be the best years of your life probably never experienced college life. “I've learned one thing, to quit worrying about stupid things. You have four years to be irresponsible here, relax. Work is for people with jobs. You'll never remember class time, but you'll remember the time you wasted out with your friends. So stay out late. Spend money you don't have. The work never ends, but college does...” (Tom Petty) Looking back a year ago, I never thought I would be where or who I am now. Four years ago, everyone tried to be something they weren’t. It got to a point where I didn’t even know who I was, so how could I live up to someone I wanted to be, much less who I wasn’t. The fact is, high school is a time you are just beginning to figure out who you are. College is the place where everything comes together.

Work harder. Get a job sooner and one that you can see yourself doing in a year. Ensure it has benefits and pays good. Don't take any classes before 10am or else you'll need to wake up at 5am to catch the bus. Apply for tons of scholarships and financial aid you're gonna need it. Don't take the english class taught by Tyler Kessel he is the hardest teacher you'll ever have. Hangout with our friends more it maybe the last time you see them (for a while anyway). Email transfer counselors for the schools you want to attend because the counselors here won't be of much use. Work out as much as possible between then and now. The freshman 50 is no joke. I'm heavier than i ever was. Work on your study skills they'll get better the more you do it. Get plenty of sleep it will be horrible if you're tired during night classes. Sign up for classes as soon as possible or other people will fill the spot. Check ratemyproffesor.com to organize classes with the best possible proffesors.

College life is difficult to adjust to-- no one can make decisions for you anymore. You have to grow up and take care of yourself. Mom will not be around to take care of you. You will have to work much harder than you did in high school. College classes are not easy. In fact, the work that you put in for an A is the same as a college C. Do not let this discourage you. Thousands of people have gone to college. You will be just fine.

i would tell myself to follow your dreams. i took so long to go for what i wanted and wasted so much time not believing that i could do it. now i have a wonderful university, great advisors and a bright future ahead of me in classical archaeology!

Plan out your four years, like you are, however, remember that nothing is set in stone. Be flexible, take advantage of the myriads of opportunities that will come your way. Break out of your shell early on; you don't want to miss a thing. Academic have been and always will be the most important, however remember to take time for, most importantly, your family and also your friends. You need a support system. Being able to ask for help and guidance is a strength, not a weakness. Get enough sleep, drink less coffe, exercise, and do what you love.

College is very different than high school and you are expected to take on many more responsibilities. You're old enough to take responsibility for you actions and the consequences of those actions. College is very expensive so start saving up early. One of the expenses that sometimes sneaks up on you is the cost for you textbooks. In highschool it seemed as though you were able to be in numerous extracurricular activities along with schoolwork and your social life. However, in college, school work takes up a lot of time, so make sure not to overload yourself with too many commitments, especially first semester. You will need at least two to three hours outside of each class to study the material learned, plus there is a substantial amount of reading and writing. It’s up to you to read and truly understand the material; professors do not care if you can simply regurgitate information. They want to know that you have a complete understanding of the material. College is definitely a change from high school but if you manage your priorities in the right way, the transition will be smooth.

Do the best you can while you are in high schooll so you don't end up like a 31 years freshmen like I am now

Hello high school senior me. I'm the you who decided to major in Nursing at Marquette University. Don't stress yourself too much during this time. Enjoy every bit of it with the people close to you because even though you're only two hours away, you'll miss them a lot. So don't stress too much about not getting into a good university. You're smarter than you think you are, and you're more than capable of overcoming any obstacle that gets in your way. Just put in the extra effort and be confident; believe in yourself. So do not stress too much about that, but there is one thing you need to worry about and start working on now. Choosing Marquette University will cause you to be in debt, lots of debt. Now, don't start looking for other universities now. Marquette is a great school for you. Instead, go look for lots of scholarships. Yes, I know, it gets annoying when parents and counselors constantly tell you to look. I've been there, but as the future you, I advise you to look and apply to as many as possible. Just give it try.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself a lot! Knowing what the college process is like, I would have definately told my high school self to start applying to colleges and scholarships in August of 2013. I would alos prepare myself by telling my high school self to be more on top of myself about my work. I wouldn't wait until the last minute to complete my work to turn it in. I would also study a lot more and pay more attention on the placement tests that determine what level of college classes I can take. I would definately prepare myself for the future.

Get more involved in the begining and do internships in your field. You quickly learn that the connections you make both personal and professional are essential for success post graduation. Also, build a connection with professors because when it comes time to get letters of recommendation, those connectios would come in handy. Finally, make the most of every aspect of college life. When they say it goes by quickly the mean it. Enjoy every experience, make mistakes, do something crazy, take a trip. Once senior year comes is when you are truly starting to become and adult, and that is stressful. Have fun while you don't have any real responsibility other than to learn.

The first thing I would tell myself as a high school senior is to apply or scholarships. There are so many scholarships available to undergraduate students that will help to releive the financial burden on midle class students. I would also tell myself to make sure that I complete an internship before I graduate. It is important, post-graduation, that you have some sort of experience that makes you more favorable to employers. I would also tell myself to pick a major I like, not one that sounds good. You never know where you will end up in life, but you can't go wrong with a degree you like. Finally, I would tell myself to not allow being a commuter student to be an obstacle. Socialize as much as possible early on so that you can build riendships and assimilate to the campus.

The advice I would give myself is don't think college is that much of a step up in difficulty. It is tougher than anything you can imagine compared to what you had to go through in high school. The closest thing were all of ther AP courses you took and even to some degree those can't compare. The independency you've been asking for for a while is waiting for you, and it is not going to give you a free pass. No one is going to be there looking over your shoulder to make sure you are doing everything you NEED to be doing. And no one is going to feel sorry for you if you start to get behind in your work. Step up and take it on with a work ethic you are definately capable of achiving and you'll be just fine. Also choose the right freinds, the right friends can make all the difference in your college life. Associate yourself with lazy no-bodys, and sure enough you'll become a lazy no-body.

Dear Tyler, College is an experience and an investment. It is an investment in yourself, an investment that allows yourself to grow and to discover what life means to you. I know right now that you believe you are in your prime, that you own the world, that you have conquered all intellectual and physical struggles and the burdens of being under the care of your parents. I know that you are satisfied with your intellectual abilities and past endeavors, but college is just your starting point. It is important to be open-minded and wide-eyed because a great amount of opportunites surround you and sometimes they will be under your nose and others will be more than a reach. Mom and Dad may stress academics, but don't get me wrong, that is important, but finding a group of people that support you is just as important. They become your strength and common place, and being comfortable in your own skin is the foundation for future success. College is made up of experiences, both good and bad. It is your choice on how you will use those experiences to develop into the woman I know you can be.

Before applying for colleges, investigate the tuition further and the other expenses that come with the education.

I would tell myself to stay focused. Social life will come, and you'll have to take it for what it's worth, but that school comes first. Try not to get burnt out, and try not to let outside life affect your grades because one slip and your world could change. Never let yourself get too down about grades but definitely don't think they'll come easily because college is not high school, it is something you must try at to succeed.

If I could go back in time and give advice to my high school senior self, I would tell myself that the medical field is not for me. When I was in high school I was very convinced that I wanted to be a part of the medical field (surgeon, to be precise). However, after a semester of college, I now know that I want to be a teacher. I would tell my high school senior self to take education-specific courses. It would have saved me an incredible amount of time and effort, since I ended up taking some medical field-related classes during my first semester of college. I'm still kicking myself about takign some of the courses that I took. But, it's all part of the experience, I suppose.

My advice to my high school self would be to not worry so much about the transition to college. There's no reason to worry about things that you can't change, it's just a waste of time. Focus on the present becuase your time at high school is limited, so enjoy it while you're there; and then focus on college when the time comes.

If i could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self I'd probably say a lot of things like invest all of your networth (300 dollars) and half of mom's networth in bitcoin , study harder for the SAT, and apply to more scholarships. Even though Bitcoin's price had a lot of volatility these last two years,the price has increased price tenfold since last year. So to save my current self all the hassle of applying for scholarships, I would set my high school senior self with some good investments so that he can pay for college and have some spending money for himself. Unfortunately, I never really studied for the SAT well and only got a 1950. So I would telll my former self to take some princeton review courses so that I could do better. Last but not least, I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships. Just incase me going back in time and telling my former self about Bitcoin alters the future in which Bitcoin's price crashes.

As a high school senior, I thought i was really prepared for college and really did a good job selecting the right university for me. Looking back, I realize that I really could have done more. One thing I would tell myself is to take advantage of even more advancement opportunities. Despite taking numerous AP courses, there were other courses and other ways I could have strengthened my study habits and prepared myself for college courses. Second, I would tell myself to look at other colleges. I love a lot about Marquette University, but i only applied to 3 schools without even really looking at them, and no schools that perhaps would be better for someone going into teaching or which would be less expensive. Finally, I would tell myself not to be caught up in the drama of choosing a college. Once you get there, you may not like it as much as you thought, but you can always transfer. Don't agonize, but go with the flow and be proud of yourself no matter where you choose to go. These are just a few points I would tell my high school senior self.

Trust in yourself. You know who you are and where you want to go best. Be open to change and ideas that are different than your own - this is how you will best grow. Be ready for challenges and dive right in to them. This will make you stronger than ever. Work hard constantly - your hard work ethic will not go unnoticed. Stay resilient, always. Take your education very seriously because in the future it will open many doors for you. Be kind to everyone and continue to believe in the good in people. Follow your passion.

You should always make the best out of your circumstances regardless of how bad they may seem. It does not matter what type of reputation your high school has or lack thereof, but you should put to use all of the resources you have available to you. You may not have had access to advanced placement classes that could have helped you excel in your college career but that should only push you to focus more on the classes that are available to you. This could mean taking your learning into your own hands and suggesting that your teachers challenge you more than usual. Also, don't take your less challenging classes lightly because you will be surprised how many things come up again in your college courses. Your transition into college will not be as easy as expected but it will be the stimulating experience that you need to make decisions about your future. At the end of the day, your decisions will outweigh your regrets and you will be happy with the path you chose to follow.

Attend Marquette University instead of Florida Atlantic University.

Knowing what I know about college life after this first semester, I would tell my high school senior self to take relax. As a senior, I was super nervous to go off to college. Being the first in my family to go, I didn't know what to expect. I had only heard stories from friends. Also I didn't know anyone going to my school with me. I thought I would be all alone. College is obviously harder than high school, but there is nothing to get overwhelmed about. Time management is the key. I would tell myself that everything will be okay and that I'm working myself up over nothing.

There are many tips that I would give to the highschool version of myself. First, I would let myself know that memorization will only get you so far in classes. In college, the professors want you to understand the concept and be able to apply it to different situations instead of just memorizing definitions and facts. Second, I would tell myself that time management is a huge part of college life. The professors do not remind you about every assignment that is due so you need to make sure that you are on top of everything. Investing in a planner is a good idea. Also, make sure that you set aside time to study your material everynight. Cramming before an exam never works. Lastly, I would let myself know that the homesickness will occur but it does go away eventually. The first couple weeks are hard being away from home but you get used to it and soon the pain will become less prominant.

Don't be so nervous. High school was great but college is so much better. You are smart, you are friendly, you make friends easily....it's going to be great. And good news: you picked a school where not everyone gets drunk every weekend. Leaving home is scary, too, but Marquette makes you feel at home right away. There are on campus get togethers for freshman so you can find others you connect with...and you were right...the men's basketball games are awesome. The school spirit is incredible and you feel like one big family...just like in high school. You picked the right college for you. Good work. It is expensive and there are very real concerns about the huge debt you'll have when you graduate. Take a deep breath and take things one day at a time. It iwll all work out. You can do this. You will have a blast!

When I think about the process of applying for college, I remember a vague, constant feeling of terror. I had no idea what kinds of essays to write for my applications, I was intimidated by the task of declaring a major, and I was afraid to leave the safety net that my high school and my teachers had become. I was worried that college was going to be too hard, that I wouldn't be able to make friends, that I would be pressured into drinking, that I wouldn't be good enough to get cast in any shows. I didn't trust people when they told me that college would be better than high school, and the only person I would have believed was a future me. So, given the chance, I'd tell myself to chill out. That I function better when I feel confident, and that I should play to my strengths, like leadership and the desire to give back to the community. That scholarship committees and college admissions officers eat that up. But most of all, I would tell myself to relax, and that college actually is fun, both inside and outside the classroom.

Looking back, if I knew then what I know now, I would tell myself that the years in college are some of the best years of your life, but also the harderst. You have to buckle down and put everything you have into your education because you only get one shot. I would try and reason with myself that college is not as scary as it seems- and you make friends quickly. If I could go back I would make sure that I studied harder and applied for more scholarships sooner. But I would never choose to not go to college. College matures you, it helps you grow as a person, and it makes you more independent. During college you learn so much about yourself and the world around you- I would never want anyone to miss that oppourtunity. If I could go back in time and tell myself anything it would be that college is hard- but it's worth it.

I would give myself two pieces of advice. The first thing I would tell myself is don't be afraid to stand out. Be yourself and you WILL find people who appreciate your qualities. The second thing I would tell myself is take every single opportunity you are even slightly interested in. College is shorter than you realize and if you don't seize these opportunities you will regret it.

As a student who decided to go to a community college my freshman year and transfer to Marquette University my sophomore year, I would love to go back in time and tell myself to stop worrying about money and start focusing on what makes me happy. Although the saying "If you do what you love, you never have to work a day in your life" is overused, I believe that it holds a lot of value. In high school I was not ready to decide what career I was going to have for the rest of my life, and that scared me. If I could tell myself to stop worrying about money, I could have realized that college is there to prepare me for my future, and where I will begin to find out the person I am and the person I want to be.

Assuming what I know now about college life and how hard it is to make a successful transition in your first year I would tell my high school self to ask as many questions as possible on how to be a successful college student. I would also tell my self to talk to teachers, family, and friends who have been in college and ask them how did they succeed in getting their degree. I would tell myself to fill out tons of scholarships because there is so much money out there that people dont even attempt to obtain so take advantage of it. Another reason I say this is because college expenses from books to feeding yourself can be tough to deal with, so try to obtain money through working and scholarships. Another reason you'd want to do this is because taking out loans and borrowing money will leave you deep in debt once you graduate and thats the last thing you want to worry about once your done with school. Staying on top of your grades and responsibly handling expenses are critical components to being successful in college life, especially in your first year with little experience.

The transition into college was not particulary bad; I knew for the most part what I was going to experience having spent summers living at Marquette University for a special program. However, I made the mistake of going to a college where I did not feel completely comfortable; I went there to prove that I could handle it. But, by the end of the first semester, I knew that UW-Madison was not for me. I would tell myself to not feel swayed by the fact that that is where my friends would be, and where I would have a multitude of opportunities awaiting my arrival. I would tell myself to follow my heart and go to Marquette University first and make an impression there. I would also let myself in on a new way of studying- one that does not involve cramming the night before a test. College exams are of a much higher caliber, and require studying over a period of time longer than three hours. My final piece of advice to myself would be to be happy and push yourself to succeed.

Dear High School Laura,First of all, PLEASE get a haircut; believe me, you will regret ever stepping in front of a camera during those years for the rest of your life. Scissors, now. Secondly, calm the heck down. NO ONE cares about ACT scores or how many AP classes you took. What you need to focus on is being yourself and making a difference in your community. You think numbers on paper are going to be what makes you? That is wrong. You need to close that textbook, step outside, and get some real life experience with which you can make something of yourself. Get more involved, join the clubs you are too chicken to join, be there for those that you love, take more chances and don’t let anything or anyone get in your way because once you do that, you are unstoppable. Perfection isn’t interesting in the least, so stop trying to be perfect. You aren’t good at a lot of things, that is true, but do them anyway because they will make you stronger. Be imperfect. Stand out. And as your future alma mater says, “Be the Difference”.Sincerely,Older, Wiser Laura

College is largely about networking, and I wish someone had told me in high school. Practically everyone on campus has something to offer you, whether it’s friendship, homework help, or job connections. Professors are an ever present resource, and should be sought out for any and every reason. Building strong relationships with my professors has helped to make large lecture halls smaller and the transition to college easier. The jobs I have acquired are due in part to friends of friends. I have met countless people by going to study groups. These experiences have helped to enrich my college life. There are so many opportunities just waiting to be utilized. In college, what you put in is what you get out. The more you open yourself and embrace change, the more you will be rewarded and the further you will go. If there is an activity you’re interested in, talk to someone. Figure out how to make it happen. There should be no regrets in college for something you’ve failed to do. Being at Marquette makes me feel like there are infinite possibilities for my future, all of them positive. I won’t let them slip by.

The best gift you can give yourself is faith. I don't mean religious faith or spiritual faith, though I think that is important. What I mean is faith in yourself. The transition to college is hard. You are leaving your family, your friends and the places you have known for so long. That being said you are embarking on an adventure that will surely change your life. Give yourself some credit. You can do this. Have faith in yourself and the choices that you have made. Everything you have done so far has gotten you to this point. All of the hard work, the hours studying for ACTs, the countless college essays written, they have all brought you here. Have faith in your actions and know that people will love you for who you are, not who you were in high school or who you pretend to be. Be yourself and trust your choices. College may be hard- its a different life. No parents, no curfew, lots of social opportunites, but trust yourself to make the right choices and to do what is best for yourself.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about college life and making the transition, I would be talking to myself for hours! Most high school students are excited to take the plunge into college life and believe they know what they are walking into. They think to themselves, college can't really be that much harder than high school, can it? I know I asked myself that question before I stepped foot into my new, diverse life at college. The answer I have now learned for that question is....yes, college is A LOT harder than high school. You have to make decisions for yourself now, which is something I love to be able to do, but it is also has a great deal of responsiblity behind that which I wouldn't have expected. Choosing what to eat, when to study, where to study, HOW to study, who to live with, where to live, what classes to take, how to get to certain places around campus, how to save money efficiently, and many more things. College is the best time of my life so far and I don't regret anything!

If I could talk to myself as a High School Senior, I would tell myself to focus on looking for well rounded schools and to study hard for AP tests. I would encourage myself to look at schools that fit every single one of my personal interest and not settling for less. Going to a very diverse high school, and coming to college in the most segregated city in the United States was not a mistake but a hard fact I have to deal with. If I could go back into the application process I wish I would have paid attention to smaller factors such as the diversity of the school. Also, I would tell myself to really focus hard on studying for AP tests because they become very valuable in college when you don't have to take the same course again and waste a semester.

Most students who go to college choose to be there. I'm sure there are some exceptions, but for the most part, people aren't writing thousands of dollars' worth of checks to a college if they don't want to be there. So, those kids in high school who ditched school or spent the school day smoking behind the dumpster probably won't be attending college. One of the biggest changes between high school and college is attendance. In high school, kids are penalized for missing class. At least at my high school, we were only allowed to miss a certain number of days. Some teachers at universities count attendance, but the truth is most don't. A lot of professors couldn't care less if a student shows up for class, although a lot of professors offer extra credit or will bump grades from Bs to As for students who attended class every day. There are even some classes where the attendance of a certain class doubles, maybe triples, on test dates.