Marquette University Top Questions

Marquette is a great place to go to school. I love going to school here and the community I have chosen to surround myself in. Thesense of spirit that fills the air during basketball season is amazing, and the basketball games are so much fun. Marquette is a great school to go to if you are looking for a fun, Catholic, decent sized, co-ed school. The teachers are extremely friendly and want all students to succeed. They are not out to get students, and their enthusiasm and love for teaching are apparent every day. In addition, the Catholic aspect is a great aspect that I value. Students are given the opportunity to grow in their faith in the Marquette community, and they are encouraged to practice their values and morals on a day-to-day basis. The Catholic aspect and the small class sizes sets Marquette apart from other large state schools. I know my quality of education that I am receiving is definitely worth the money that Marquette charges people to attend here.

Once I graduated high school, the surrealness that had taken over my life had transformed to fear and anxiety. I was truly terrified to make the transition into my new found life as a college student. I was afraid to be away from home and on my own in a foreign city. Thinking back on my transition and what I know now about college life, I would give myself the advice to not be afraid. Fear brings down confidence and arriving in a new place without your maximum level of confidence makes it harder to fully prosper. Since it takes time to regain your confidence after it is lost, you miss out on opportunities that end up making your life so much more fulfilled. Also without confidence, it is hard to be yourself. Throughout my transition and beginning college experiences, I was so terrified of what people would think of me that I wasn't able to display my real personality. If I hadn't been so afraid, I would have met way more amazing people and the wonder of how my life would be if I initially retained my confidence would be less agonizing.

I remember, back when I was a high school senior, my parents were very worried about how I'd make the transition to college life. They were afraid that I would not be able to take care of myself or live on my own. Admittedly, I was also a little scared. I had no idea what college life would be like, and I found that unnerving. Presently, I am now halfway into my freshman year at Marquette University. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I'd simply tell him and his parents not to worry. It is true that college life is different from living at home. However, I've been here half a year already, and I've been able to take care of myself. I'd assure him that he's already got what it takes, and I'd tell him to believe in himself. If you can believe in yourself, then everything will turn out okay!

Don't worry about not wanting to drink. Although there are many students who do choose to drink, there are just as many who choose not to. Also there are so many activities offered by the University that by doing them you will be too busy to drink. There are numerous sports, clubs, and volunteer organizations to join that do not involve drinking. Don't worry about peer pressure. Although some may nag you about your choice, the people that will turn out to be your true friends will not care what you choose as long as you stay true to yourself. Just remember who you are and why you have choosen not to drink, and that will help you get though any troubles that come your way.

The advice that I would give myself would be to not worry about being so far away from home and to go with my gut instinct about choosing the school that I feel is best for me. I would tell myself that college life is a lot of fun, but also a lot of work, even though some people say that it is easier then high school. I would say that it is important to take an opportunity and run with it because college seems to be the best years of your life. The transition is a little difficult at first, but it is really easy to find support if needed. Do not worry too much about getting a bad roommate, because although I have heard of some situations since I have been at school the majority of the roommates I know have worked out. It is always important to remember that when making the transtion you have to be yourself, because that is the only way that you can open up to the people around you and be given opportunity to get involved. It is important after the transition to manage your time and stay on top of things.

There is so much advice I would give myself, and any other high school senior on college. To start off, there's the selection process. When I was applying to different schools, I was extremely worried that other kids would think that the schools I was applying to weren't prestigious enough, which was the completely wrong mindset. In fact, basing a life-changing decision on the opinion of kids that you might never see again seems so ridiculous to me now. Choosing a school is all about yourself, and I was wrong in thinking of others' opinions. Now the next piece of advice would be on transitioning; realize that there will be times where you'll feel miserable. Don't expect everything to always work out perfectly. But also realize that there will be times where you're going to have a blast. These ups and downs are all part of the college experience, as well as life. Because college is so much freedom, this is where we truly see what kind of people we are, and we have the opportunity to fix anything we don't like. Last piece of advice: live it up!

I would tell myself not to be so lazy and apply for every scholarship possible!! As a senior, I didn't really take scholarships seriously. I figured that my parents would pay for my school anyway, so I wasn't worried at all. Now, I am paying for my mistakes. When going to college, most teens move away from home. I stayed in the same city for college as I live in so when my parents saw my tuition bill, there was no way they were going to pay for me to live in the dorms! Sometimes I feel as though I'm missing out on things being a commuter. Whenever there's a big event at school, I have to use tons of gas and drive all the way to campus. Or I have to wake up super early so that I don't get caught in traffic. If I lived on campus, I feel as though I'd get the complete college experience!! For my sophomore year, I am definitley taking scholarships more seriously because I MUST live on campus!!

Looking back, I see someone looking to make his mark on the world. Unfortunately, he had the wrong ideas in mind for what he wanted to do, and how he wanted to do it. Now, however, I see that these ideas and wishes he held were not far from the true possibility. I dreamed of becoming an athlete, who could one day cross the finish line at the NCAA championships. I wouldn't have to do especially well, but I would want to be competitive and be able to say that I hung in there with the best of them. Now, I know that such a feat is almost too much for someone like me. These days, I would just go back and remind myself then and there that the most important thing to me wasn't the sports, or the glory, or the stories to tell friends and family. What was most important to me then and now is just what my gifts and my wishes and desires for the world can bring society. If I simply stuck to my thoughts and ambitions, everything would have been easier. The aspirations to be something other than myself were too much.

College is such a great experience, providing you with the chance to showcase your independence and responsibility, as well as meet new people and make new friends. The classes will be challenging, but they are nothing you can't handle with a little dedication and hard work. The most challenging aspect of college life is balancing academics with social activities. It is great to be involved, but don't spread yourself too thin with activities and social events. Enjoy your free time and new friends, but don't forget why you are in college to begin with. It is perfectly acceptable to stay in for a night every once in awhile to relax or work on homework in the quiet of your room, especially if you have a big test the next day. Sleep is important, so don't lose track of the time. Just because no one is here to tell you to go to bed, practice self discipline and make sure you get a good night of sleep so you can be alert and prepared for class the next day. Lastly, enjoy yourself...college is a great experience that won't last forever!

I would tell myself that I shouldn't have been as nervous as I was. College wasn't as scary or as exciting as I made it out to be. I would have told myself not to worry about keeping in touch with old friends. Once in college, I realized which of my friends were really important to me. I keep in touch with five or six on a daily basis and a few others regularly too. I now know that those will be my life long friends. As I changed my major radically, I would've made myself think a little harder about what is was I actaully wanted to study. I'm very glad I swtiched from engineering to accounting and looking forward to my classes. I now have a plan for the future that I actually like and I think that's what my main goal for college was from the very beginning.

If I could go back in time and speak to my senior self, I would say to go into college with an open mind, especially when it comes to making friends. College is one of the only opportunities you will have to meet a variety of people. When you step onto that campus shaking with nervousness, know that everyone around you is in the same boat. So instead of waiting for people to approach you, go up to someone and start up a conversation. Sit down and talk to someone that you would not normally talk to. The more diverse your friends are, the more diverse your college experience will be. College is about stepping outside of what you normally do, and start living your life for the sake of gaining new positive experiences. This is easier to do if you have a widespread and diverse group of friends to go on the journey with you. Diversity will help you even more as you move past college because knowing how to interact with different types of people is essential for any profession. So as you begin your journey take a deep breath and dive right into something new.

In a quick and simple way, if I could give myself advice as I entered the college life I would say just follow your gut. There are so many different decisions and options as you experience more freedom than ever before in your life. Sometimes, all of these different opportunities cause people to become overwhelmed and worried that they won't choose the right activities, classes, friends, etc. However, as I enter my second semester of college, it is clear to me that whatever you choose to do, you will have fun as long as you enjoy it for you, and not for anyone else. In other words, don't go somewhere just because your friends do. Don't just take a class because your roommate is taking it and you can compare homework. Take classes you think sound interesting, and do something different once in a while with your extra-curriculars. Don't think so much about how you could be making a mistake. Instead, think about how you can make this experience one that you will enjoy. You have to try reall hard to dislike college, so just go with your gut, and do what you enjoy!

Lacey, you will be going to Marquette next fall, so there are some important things you should be practicing and learning during your senior year at Merrill High school, so here goes!! First of all, keep up the good work in the classroom. Sit in the front and ask questions of the teacher; go in after class if necessary and always start the assignments early so don't have to panic the night before it is due! Keep a calendar of due dates in a prominent place. Take time to go to the gym to work out - you will feel better all around. Eat good meals and get enough sleep. Before you go, learn how to do your laundry and make mac and cheese. Buy shoes that are comfortable, for you will soon learn that those heels will not cut it walking down Wisconsin Avenue to your classes! Be sure your know how your alarm clock works and the snooze - and maybe have a back-up! Stay safe by calling the limo at night for rides and never walking alone. Stay the same independent, strong person you already are and you will be successful at Marquette!!

I would tell myself that college is not the frightening and lonely place that I envisioned, but a place and time for great growth--intellectually, socially and emotionally. College is a time where we have freedom that we will never again enjoy, and this is the time to do things out of the ordinary--study abroad, join clubs, take classes for the knowledge and enjoyment, not just because its required. Don't be afraid to take risks. Do things that will make you a better person such as volunteering in an area that uses your talents and makes a difference. But it is also a time where we learn about ourselves. Mom thinks I should be a counselor; Dad thinks I should be a nurse....We all need to have the courage to decide ON OUR OWN what we want to become. If you think you would like accounting, take a class. If you think you might want to study in Spain, take a class. But think ahead and plan. Sit down and chart your coursework so that you have time to explore new areas, but that the path ultimately leads to a degree and career you will love.

If I had to talk to myself as a senior in high school I would tell myself to relax. Judging from my experience and the experience of my friends here and abroad there is a right place for everyone to be and once you find it you will know. Don't stress about tuition money and meeting people because if you have a dream you really want accomplished you will find a way to make it happen.

As a high school student I worked very hard, but I never fully understood what was to come in the future. I often felt that certain classes I took and certain experiences were irrelevant to my future. After coming to Marquette University, I realized how much high school attempted to prepare me for what lie ahead. If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself the advice to take advantage of every opportunity possible. I would tell myself to join more clubs, make more of an effort in my classes, and get the full extent of every lesson I learned along the way. I would also make a point to tell myself everything happens for a reason. Sometimes plans do not work out the way you want them to, but that is because something better is coming in the future. Not everything worked the way I wanted it to from senior year until now, but I would tell myself to be grateful for that. If all my plans had been successful, I would be not be the person I am today.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to keep my room door open and not be afraid to meet new people. I thought it would be so easy to meet people but when I actually got to college, I didn't meet anyone from my floor until the end of the semester. I was sharing a bathroom with these people and didn't bother to get to know any of them. Now I love having people just two doors down that I can go and hang out with. The reason I really did not like school at the beginning of the year was because I didn't know very many people. I would sit in my room and feel so lonely and hate every minute of it. But I found that when I'm with other people, I am so much happier. The change was astounding. Basically, I would just tell myself that you can never meet too many people. You'll find out who your good friends are in due time, but in the beginning meet people! Plus it's okay to be homesick!

I had many advisors in high school. Counselors, teachers, parents, friends and family were always giving me advice about life beyond high school. The first thing I would tell myself would be to take heed to all advice. Some is very useful right then and some very useful later. College life is a different world from high school. I could praise myself as a senior in high school for not feeling the need to conform to cliques or groups that didn't contribute to my academic success and for contributing to Spirit Club and Black Honor Society. I could tell myself that being a nerd actually gets you where you want to be in college and doesn't make you a social outcast. Most importantly, I would tell myself to not worry about the myths of the university atmosphere at an ivy school being pretentious. Don't let your fears of non-social conforming be the reason for not attending a prestigious university. What is most important in academia is one's ability to open the mind to endless possibilities and to train the mind to aquire the skills of our predecessors and exceed their expectations.

Make sure you go to a college that is not in your home town. I found that the experience of going away from home allowed me to grow into an independent and confident person. It was hard for me to adjust at first because I am a home body. By attending Marquette University, I am far enough away from Chicago, but close enough to visit home easily. I recommend choosing a school that fits your environment. If you a very active person and love to take adventures on your free time, choose a school in the city. The most important thing I wish someone would have told me is to be open minded and to leave those you love behind. I came to college starting a long-distance relationship with my boyfriend. Although I loved him, it was harder for me to adjust to campus and become involved because I was busy planning my free time on when I could visit him. College should be an open experience that builds ones character. I wish I would have enjoyed my first year rather than spending my time on the phone with him each night.

I have no doubts that Marquette University was the right choice for me, even if it took awhile to arrive at the final decision. However, I decided to enter a professional degree program (Engineering). Jumping into a program when I was still unsure of what I wanted to pursue was a mistake. As a high school senior, it would be nice to know that one does not have to decide right away which program he or she wants to enter. There was stress in trying to initially decide. The only result of being unhappy in the program was more stress. Engineering was not what I thought it was going to be. Exploring my other interests is the next step in my education. While there is still some stress present, excitement also plays a large role in my self-discovery process.

I would tell myself to stay focussed on my school work. The more you learn in high school, the easier the transition to college is because your classes start out as a review of thing you already know. I would also let myself know that the time I spent I my five AP classes during high school was well worth it. By earning credits before you start college, you don't have to take credit overloads once you get to college in order to graduate on time. This is important because I am paying for college on my own, so an extra semester or year of tuition is out of the question.

I would tell myself that the transition to college life is going to be a lot harder than expected, and not to push away those from home, because they could have made the switch much easier and comfortable. While college is a time to start over and meet new people, having those you already know during the first couple months can really make school feel more like home and take away a large amount of home-sickness. You can have friends from home and new friends at school at the same time. Also, it is okay to feel homesick. You are not weak because of it, and acknowledging it and taking time to call your family will really help, even if it seems like blocking them out will make things easier. It will not. Stay connected to your loved ones, even if it hurts to be away from them. They love you and want to hear from you, and talking to them WILL make things easier, not more painful.

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself that being self-motivated is very important, more important than I thought. For example, a lot of times homework is not graded which made me think it was optional. It is not. It helps tremendously and without a grade incentive you have to be your own motivation to do it.

Now that you are a senior in high school getting ready to join the real world of responsibility and higher academia there are a few very important tips that if followed will lead to a better and more successful life ahead. First thing is to put in at least 5 hours of studying every night during the week and at least 8 on the weekends. At the same studying straight for 5 hours is not good either it is more important to break up the five hours with little 10 minute breaks in between. Second, grades and volunterring are the key to success one can't be done without the other. Both need to be done to have a strong foundation and to make a better all round person. Third, not only doing these two things but also getting involved in some fun social clubs and networking is important. Mistakes can't be erased but there are ways to ensure mistakes don't repeatedly occur. College is not only a time for higher education but also a time to realize every step made for this point on will impact our lives.

Knowing what I do know now from prior exposure to college, and what it may entail, would vastly increase the likelihood of me not making the same ignorant mistakes. If I were to tell myself that college is just as life in general and that it should be taken slow and given much thought into, then chances are that i would still be enrolled and not searching for what my options and routes are to a higher education now. I would have had a plan layed out, and carefully thought out, to determine where i want to be at the end of my collegiate stay, then perhaps i would have found college to be enjoyable, however; now that i have found out the hard way what to do, I am reconfiguring a failed idea to support a new idea and a new bountiful future. Also, now that I do see past mistakes that I have been learnt from, I may pass this invaluable information on to my children as well as those still in high school or those seeking further education so that they too may view at an opportunity instead of at a heartache.

Going back and talking to myself as a high school senior I would advice myself to look closer at the classes that I chose to take and when to take them. I would put a very strong emphasis in becoming more than familiar with the agenda given to me as a freshman, which in detailed covered all the required classes for my major and the university as well. I'd also be very stern about looking at time management, the priorities in college, and the purpose of it all. Sadly in the transition of high school to college it is viewed as just another level of education, but on the contrary it is the begining of the rest of your life. As an advise I would try to explain how fast time goes and that there is no room for taking care of it later rather that it needs to be accomplished as soon as possible. Other than academic advise I'd also give advide on being wise in chossing who to select as friends, and who to study with to have the most productivity academically.

The second my parents went into their minivan and waved their hands with tears in their eyes, they faded away in the distance. At that point of my life I realized I am at a new environment with no supervision. In the first semester I went through experiences and distractions that tested my foundation academically and as newly independent person. These mistakes I made in the first semester by myself affected my grade point average and even my social life. But, these mistakes molded the new and independent me. The lessons and the advice I would giver are; never to quit, never to loose faith, and learn from ones mistakes. As the end of the first semester went on I held these three concepts close to my heart and practiced them. By never quitting I realized I could reach anything if I put my mind to it and it was proven through my improvement of my grade point average. Through my faith in my self and in God I became confident and courageous in my social life. Plus, learning from my mistakes made me understand to learn to balance my free time with academics.

Get ready, Nikhita. Oh, I know you think you are getting ready as we speak. You're working diligently on scholarships, turning in your applications on time, and researching piles of information about your top school choices. Still, get ready. Get ready to embrace your "nerd" self as you enter college. Get ready to happily spend every night in the library, even Saturday nights when all of your friends are drinking. Get ready to use words like "precocious" and "ostentatious" during an English discussion. Get ready to debate with a classmate over the arrangements of Dante's "Inferno." Get ready, Nikhita. Get ready for two a.m. coffee runs with your best friends. Get ready for floor meetings and basketball games and late-night chats. Get ready to miss your family like crazy, but learn that no matter where you go, they are always waiting for you at home. Get ready to balance your high school friends, college friends, schoolwork, boyfriend, extracurriculars, and a job. Get ready for college, Nikhita. Let me tell you, it is going to be an amazing ride.

As an incoming freshman, I was nervous about the transition to college. If I was to give myself advice about it, I would tell myself to stop worrying and keep an open mind about what was to come. There are many new faces at college, and you may find yourself becoming friends with people who you would have never been friends with in high school. This is not a problem at all, but is a very exciting experience, because its a great way to try new things. Also, do not jeopardize your values and beliefs just to fit in. There are plenty alternatives to the partying lifestyle at college, and there are people who will not make you change your beliefs to make them like you. College is what you want to make of it, and you can spend it however you would like. It would be great to go and explore the city, and get involved with as many activities as you can without becoming overwhelmed with academics and extracurriculars. Plus, make sure to talk to mom and dad, because it makes the transition easier, and they miss you, too.

The best advice that I can give you is to be yourself. College is a completely different lifestyle than that of high school, but don' sacrifice yourself and your values to fit in or make friends. I didn't do this when going into Marquette University, and you don't have to. Things naturally fell into place, and I found the people on campus that I fit best with. Marquette is my home, and it's one that's accepted me for me, so keep in mind that you will find your place without unnecessary sacrifice.

Although the transition to college brings about all sorts of stress from both major and minor concerns such as getting along with your roommate to not being able to find your classroom on the first day of school, I found myself worrying most about my social life. I was worried about not making any new friends. Therefore, if I were able to go back in time to when I was a senior, I would give myself the following advice: Picking up and moving to a place where you do not know any other person among eleven thousand is admittedly terrifying. But you have to keep in mind that hundreds of other students are doing the exact same thing. You are not alone as you start college. And although it may seem easiest to change the way you act in order to fit into a group of friends, you will risk losing yourself, and those qualities that make you ? you. So be you, show people your true colors, and by doing so you will find friends to laugh with and friends that will stand beside you as you face any other obstacles that you encounter while in college.

If I could go back, I would tell myself that everything is going to be okay. Many people go off to college, and although people can give you advice, no two college experiences are the same. I had many people scare me and tell me of their horrible first semester freshmen experiences, and horrible roomate stories, and about the horrible food! After getting through my first experience I realized that no one person can tell you exactly what college is going to be like, and although scary, you need to believe in yourself. I would tell myself to compare my books on amazon, move in early, and get to know a lot of people who are different from yourself. I would also let myself know that college classes are different than high school classes, but after the first exams you have the hang of it! I would let myself know that even though I struggled academically in highschool, college motivated me to work really hard and I got a 3.7 and made the College of Health Science's dean's list. Most importantly, I would tell myself not to stress, relax, and enjoy the end of senior year!

You have no idea what college to choose. You are hesitant about your future. You are apprehensive and overwhelmed. Take a deep breath, go visit your top choices again, and look at one thing-- doors. Notice everything about those doors from the grainy color to the thickness to the words on them to the dull doorknobs. But most importantly, notice how people at that school act around those doors. Do they hurry through them? Do they smile as they open them? Do they hold the doors open for the next people? You will pass through countless doors throughout your college career. Pick a college with good doors. Pick a place where people hold doors open. Pick somewhere that opens doors for you. Doors get us from one place to another, and so, too, does the right college. And once you are there, smile every single time you pass through a door; be it upon entry to a classroom or a dorm room, that room has potential to teach and inspire you. Open doors for others and return the favor. The wooden panels are much more than they appear-- they are a bridge, a dream, a means, a connection, a future.

Reflecting on my first semester of college and the mind set I had entering, knowing what I know now would have helped immensely with some of the choices I made, but a lot of things I feel were things every college student learns on there own. The advice I would give myself would break down into three categories; school work, social life, and personal relationships. Your school work is not a joke, or something to procrastinate. Take it seriously and always read and study, even before notices about quizzes or test. This continuous reading and studying will you keep you on top of your classwork and ahead because playing catch up is difficult and quite a struggle. Your social life will always exsist, do NOT put it before your school work. But do not forget to enjoy yourself, while making smart decisions. Do not overlook all the precautions you here about college parties and the dangers that come along with them like alcohol poisioning, rape, and drugs. It is all even more real at school. Finally, do not fall for the first guy you meet. Learn to read people and discover who they really are; it prevents a broken heart.

I would tell myself to put more thought and time into the process of looking and trying to find the right college that fits me. I thought that I would get into some where just based on my grades only and get a scholarship but that didn't happen so easily for me. I would had worked harder on exhausting my resources to look for money and a school that I liked and was able to afford. During my senior year of high school I wasn't thinking about that the next decision that I was going to make could affect me for the next four years. Now I know that when it comes down to looking for schools, it s a long term process and something that you really have to put more then just a few thoughts into.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would have a couple things to tell myself. The first thing I would have done was told myself what I would be going to college for. I then would have told myself exactly what classes to take my senior year that would benefit me in college. Instead of taking a fine arts class in high school, like my guidance counselor strongly suggested, I would have taken anatomy, like I had originally wanted to. Once I made sure I knew exactly what classes to take, I would have told myself exactly how I should go about paying for my schooling. Financial problems have caused an immense strain on my schoolwork. I have been constantly worrying, for the past couple years, how I am going to pay for school. If I knew exactly how to pay for college before I even graduated high school, I would be able to ensure that my time is dedicated to my studies.

I would advise myself to start improving my study skills to adapt to the rigorous college curriculum. I would also tell myself not to take my last year of high school for granted. I would enjoy my family and friends and make the most of my teenage experience.

I would tell my former self to trust that things always work out the way that they should. As a high school senior, I, like my classmates, was focused entirely too much on the image that my college would purvey. I was obsessed with what eventual employers, current teachers, friends, and even family members would think about the college I would be attending. Once I entered college, I learned that the most important part of the application process is researching the individual universities so as to get a good handle on what kind of people chose that school and why, instead of just focusing on the big name, ivy-league schools. I would go back and tell myself to stay strong when I was rejected by schools that I thought would be perfect for me, and instead to keep my mind's eye open to the idea that I did not know exactly where I would be happy. By choosing a school where like-minded people would surround me, I ended up being happier than I ever knew was possible. I would also tell myself to search for a route to pay for my own education through grants and scholarships.

If I were given the opportunity to share some advice with my high school senior self, there is much I would want myself to know. First of all, I would encourage myself to become involved in an organization to make new friends. As many of my friends will say now, I am the first person to refer to my freshman self as a ?hermit.? I was exactly that. I rarely spent time with new people, and I never even considered going to a party. Looking back, I wish I had at least made an effort to meet even if many of them would not become my friends. To go along with this advice, I would tell myself that even though starting college is a scary concept it is also the perfect opportunity to try new things and to think outside the box. There are many times in the last three years that I wished I had joined an organization, like Habitat for Humanity or Students Taking Active Roles. While I have finally overcome my shyness somewhat, I would want my high school self to understand that college is the perfect time to start fresh and to branch out.

As a college freshman, I recently experienced the difficulty of walking into a room and not recognizing a single face. After move-in, when my family left, my life changed. I was living in a world completely unfamiliar. It was a life in a strange city where I had no friends, no hangout spots, and no family. It was a place where I was completely alone and disconnected from all that I had grown to love. But for some reason this place was great! It was a place for a new beginning. The best advice I could give to my high school senior self would be to go out there and make it a great one. That first week of college feels empty . . . unless you take the initiative to get out there and meet people. Never be afraid to walk up to a table to strangers or the people living next door and introduce yourself. Most likely these will become some of your closest friends. So my advice to you is to take the risk and get to know the person sitting beside you in class. Because its the people you meet who make college great!

College is what you make it. College can be fun and exciting but only if you throw yourself into it whole-heartedly. No matter where you decide to go, there are so many places that you could be happy, there is no one correct campus or major or set of friends; this decision will not make or break you. Meet as many people as you can and get involved with clubs and activities, the people you meet here will become your friends for life. You are never alone, whatever you go through, whatever you have gone through, someone else has gone through it too. Seek help when you need it. Talk to your teachers, they were students once, some of them still are, and they can help you more than you could possibly imagine. The most important thing I can tell you though, is to live it. Enjoy college. Try new things. Discover who you are. Live with no regrets, this may be your only opportunity.

First of all, I would tell myself to relax! I remember how anxious and nervous I was the summer before my first semester of college. I had such high expectations for myself and I did not want to let myself or my parents down. I made sure to keep on task of upcoming events and stayed organized even before classes began. I would tell myself that studying is a lot different in college; information is easy to cram in high school. I would recommend to read the text book assignments before class, attend every lecture, take good notes in class, ask professors question either after class or during office hours, and discuss information with fellow students. I would confirm to myself that partying in college will have negative effects on grades. When I decided to stay away from alcohol when my friends were going out to party, I ended up with a much better GPA than they did. This is especially important for pre-med students like myself because any alcohol violations result in denial into medical school. Overall, I would recommend good study habits and to relax because college is manageable and good things will come from hard work.

In hindsight, there are many bits of knowledge I wish I would have had before coming to college, some pieces I had acquired, but chose to disregard because I thought I knew better. Studying wise, there isn't much difference. If you don't put enough time and effort into your grades and become wrapped up in other less important endeavors, students won't receive the grades they want. I knew that I needed to get good grades, but making friends and finding good people was something that had scared me, and continues to scare me. Looking back, I would remind myself that judging before you know someone is never the right way to go because you could be missing out on a genuine friend. On the other hand, if someone you trust tells you that a certain person is not genuine, it is probably best to take their advice. College is all about learning, but not just academically, and even though I woudl love to have had words of advice as a senior, it would not make me the same person I am today.

Going back to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would tell myself is, "Relax." I was spending a great deal of time worrying about where I would go, what I would do, and how I would pay for it. I filled out countless applications for both college acceptance and scholarships. While I am very glad I applied to many schools, expanding my options and learning new things about myself from each application, I wish that I also would have taken the time to fully absorb my senior year. I would tell myself to slow down and take a look at the bigger picture: you will ultimately decide on a path that leads you to happiness. I would tell myself that friends and family would truly help when making the final decision, and that they were the support I needed then and now, and to make sure to thank them for all of that support. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that everything will all work out, no matter where you choose or what you do.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself this, ?trust your gut.? Trusting and believing in myself will carry me through the rest of my life. It all began when I visited Marquette University. Walking through the campus and watching current students walk to class made me want to become apart of the Marquette Community that my tour guide raved incessantly about. Then, when it came to orientation week and making new friends I became friends with people who made getting to know them easy. Everything just felt right. I know, trusting my gut will continue to assist big decisions in my life throughout my academic career and also throughout my future career achievements. Trusting my instincts and believing in myself will get me far in life and I am determined to become successful in my field. Especially in high school, when self-esteem is low and some relationships are rocky, it?s comforting to now know that everything I chose was right for me and listening to my higher conscious led the way to a promising journey I am just beginning.

Make sure you get involved. There are so many things Marquette offers to students so take advantage of that. They can be fun and life changing, so make sure you use that resource to get involved. Also make as many friends as you can. These people will be your friends for life so make bonds that count.

Going back I would point out that the idea of only caring about the fun in senior year is not the only thing in the world. I would prepare myself for change and to be solid and comfortable with whom I was in high school, but in turn also be ready to find a new chapter in my life. I talk about the fact that things learned in the past come together in ways that one may least expect (and that is not just on the television show Jeopardy). I would also mention that I have to take the time to look back and reminisce on the moments that makes me who I am; in that present moment and how in the future the moments will be important. I would also point out to myself that the only permanent thing in life is change, and sometimes that change may be intense and frightening but it all pays off and creates a greater future than one could never expect.

If I had the opportunity to go back to when I was a high school senior and give myself advice, I would tell myself that, ?College is a roller coaster because of all of its ups and downs. When I start my first week of college, I should calm down and take it all in stride. I shouldn?t worry about making friends because through extra-curricular activities such as choir and community service projects, making friends is extremely easy. Even though college classes may be difficult, the professors are there to help and they welcome the interaction with their students. Everyday of college is a challenge and no matter how stressful it may become, the hard work will eventually be worth it. Finding quiet places in residence halls or libraries is important for peaceful and relaxing study. Also, honor the views, thoughts and sentiments of all individuals that you come in contact with.?

If I could go back it time, I would tell myself that the drama isn't worth it. I would tell myself to keep reading. There is nothing more shocking than coming to college and finding out on the first day that you have four chapters that need to be read by the end of the week. Also, just have fun. I was already set for college I just needed to do enough to keep my grades up. Otherewise, just keep being yourself.

Karen, This is your senior year. Congratulations! I know you've worked hard in high school and you're excited to graduate, but you really should consider the expensive cost of college. Your father will lose his job this year and money will be suddenly become tight in your family. So apply for even more scholarships than you think you should. If you don't, you may not be able to continue your education at Marquette in the year 2010.