Michigan State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Ashley

I've become a well rounded individual as a result of my college experience. Not only have I recieved academic support but I have had the opportunities to explore jobs that are flexible and professional. The positions I had during college made me further realize my strengths (and weaknesses) and helped me develop a strong set of skills that have prepared me for life after college.

Benjamin

I knew for three of the four years in high school that college would be the best time of my life. I didn't know why exactly but I knew it would be. Looking back at the three years spent at Michigan State University so many areas of life that I have grown in and learned in really shine through. They hold lessons learned, knowledge gained, friends made and friends lost. In addition to the double major that the University knows I have, through living the rest of my life I've picked up nearly a dozen unofficial minors, most of which apply to living life in the real world. I am completely thankful for what college has brought me and I will continue to embrace the time I have left to bring me many similar lessons.

Halie

I have not yet experienced College, i just graduated High School and will be starting my Freshman year in the Fall of 2010 at MSU. I do think it'll be the people I meet and how I will have to challange myself in the long run in studies, and situations in which I will find myself, and knowing what the correction answer is to my problems without causing more for myself. I know that being an indiviual is going to be the hardest thing while at a university of 45,000 students - not including staff and campus workers that are non students. Overall, Indivuiduality will be the most valued and I believe that I will completely establish myself as a person in this first year and for the rest of my life. It takes forever to build who you are, and you can ruin it in one night, and that just isn't for me.

Leah

I have gotten a lot out of my college education so far. I have learned that high school can not prepare you for all the obstacles you are going to face in college. No matter how many Advance Placement or College Prep courses you take, its still not enough. College is not just about studying the material and making the grade. You have to understand what your learning and you must be able to apply it. What you learn in college and what you take away from it is your choice. The professors don’t tell you what is going to be important in life that is your choice. I have also learned that getting a high grade is not that important. A grade is a grade and that is all it will ever be, but the knowledge that you learn will be the power you need for life.

Trevor

My college experience has so far demonstrated to me that my learning style and plan is up to me. Although I see many people who are solely motivated by doing anything in their power for the highest grade possible, I have taken it upon myself to focus on enjoying the learning experience and trying my hardest on each assignment. This allows me to learn for the long run, rather than what I observe my friends doing, which appears a lot like watching a person very quickly tear open a present so the surprise and splendor of the gift is ruined in a matter of seconds. I am very grateful that I have found several people on campus who think like me. Together, my several friends and I strive to live balanced lives that include exercize and study. If too many eggs are placed in one basket, I have noticed in other students that things quickly spiral out of control (i.e.: partying is not a good habit to start or maintain). I try to remind myself how fortunate I am to receive an education and that there are people elsewhere who would give anything for an educational experience like mine.

aayush

Attending a college has shown me how too much freedom can be bad for a student. When in highschool, there would always be someone looking after you, and helping you to get back in track, but once in college, the professors dont care weather you do good or bad in class. Students have too much freedom in classes, meaning they can do what ever they want to, and no one is going to bug them out anymore, which can be a very bad thing for a college freshman.

Samantha

My experience at Michigan State University is nothing like what I expected it to be: it's been so much more. As a high school senior, I had no intention of considering MSU. However, I decided to visit, and I knew within minutes that I could easily call this my home for the next four years. My college experience thus far has exposed me to so many people from all walks of life: racially, culturally, physically, academically...I've interacted with and learned about more people than I had ever encountered in my life up until this point. In this respect, I feel that attending Michigan State University, with such a diverse student body, has really opened my eyes and enabled me to embrace the differences among us. The other aspect of MSU that swept me off my feet was the overwhelming school spirit that is evident in classrooms, stores in town, in the dorms: everyone "Bleeds Green" in East Lansing. There is this indescribable connection that you feel with anyone in MSU apparel, and just knowing that wherever you are, you can yell, "Go Green!" and somebody will proudly respond, "Go White!" It's the Spartan way of life.

Jessica

I grew up in a small school district. I graduated with 200 students and everyone seemed to think the same. My first year at Michigan State I came across someone selling a newspaper that was very contraversial. It would have never been allowed or accepted where I grew up. That was oneof many times that I encountered situations where differences were acceptable, even encouraged. I have learned about the world, diversity, and acceptance at Michiagn State. This is not something that can be taught in a classroom - you have to live within it to understand it. I feel that my college offered me valuable experiences in diversity and cultures that will make me a better citizen when I leave the college. My world went from very small to very big in a matter of months just by encountering new people, differenct cultures and a diverse group of people, learners, and eduators.

Jordan

College over the passed year has completely changed my perspective on life, and what it has to offer. I attended a community college for 3 years that felt like an extension of high school, and I just went through the motions. Last year I was accepted to Michigan State University, and feel I have found my calling. I am finding and connecting the tools of Electrical Engineering to real life applications that truly intrigue me. I must admit that a lot of this motivation comes from the cost of secondary education, and the fact that if I am to earn a degree I must come up with the money. Working full time in the summer and 25 hours a week during a full load of school is very challenging. I have come to the realization that if I am going to spend my hard earned money I am going to get everything I can out of my studies. My intent now is to receive loans and be able to end my job to focus all my energy on school, and to get the full affect of college life and all its attributes.

Amy

I have learned how to be a much more openminded person. In the past I was sheltered culturally and, though I did not hate anyone, had suffered from not understanding other points of view as much as I wanted to do. Additionally I have learned to think critically about everything I believe. There were some things I did not question when I was younger, but college has taught me that asking questions is not only healthy, but in fact absolutely indispensable for becoming a mature adult. I have learned how to budget my time so that I can make sure to spend time with the people I love, let loose and have fun, go to my classes and get all of my work done, exercise, and still sleep and eat every once in a while. Without my college experience I would not have had the opportunity to live with a Spanish-speaking family in Ecuador for a whole semester, climb the Andes while talking about women's issues and culture with other students, or see the soaring of the human spirit through all trials. In short, without college, I would be only a fraction of the whole I am.

LeMarcus

My college experience has given me insight to the world around me. Things about our economy our culture and how things work the way they do. I have had outstanding professors who have taken person einterest in my success and who i will continue to use as a reerence and business guide. I have learned from other people about things and places that I have yet to explore. I have made a lot of friends some are even twice my age. Overall I have gleamed a lot of life's experiences phrases and ideas I will take with me for life.

Alec

Up to this point I have been attending a Texas junior college, Tarrant County College, in order to complete the necessary core curriculum I need before I can continue to my four year University. So far my experience has been great, I have been lucky enough to have really great teachers who I can tell have a true passion for the respective subjects. In going to college I have an increased sense of responsibility. I feel that this new environment has forced me to become more independent and self-reliant. The traits that I have obtained by going to Tarrant County College are incredibly valuable and I believe this school will prove to be an important stepping stone to my future college pursuits.

Daniel

Over the past two years of my college career the newfound knowledge and friendships I recieved have brought to me oppourtunities that would otheriwse be lost forever. Sure I graduated high school, but attending college has allowed me to finally explore the topics that are true to my own unique personality and meet new peers that are equally interested in my preffered fields of study. With these new peers I am able to use their own knowledge of the subject to further progress my own. College has been extremely valuable for me to attend in part because I know that with this education several career opportunities will be open to me. Also, life may strip an individual of everything they own, but nothing and no one can take an individual's education.

Christina

College has been so valuable in that it has exposed me to many different life lessons which will help to mold me into the better person that I want to become. Michigan State University has instilled in me the importance of taking risks, being pushed out of my comfort zone, becoming a mature and responsible young adult, and being my own leader which are qualities that are essential in my future. By attending college, I have learned more about myself personally which has given me insight to how I want to contribute to society and the value of giving back. The road to medical school has been difficult, but MSU has created amazing opportunities through research, forming new friendships and teamwork, (just to name a few), that will stay with me for life. I am extremely grateful to have attended MSU as an undergraduate and am looking forward to the many years of medical school ahead of me.

Mary

My first year of college was a life-changing experience with many valuable lessons. Coming to a large university, unlike the small schools I attended in the past, I was challenged to step outside of my comfort zone. I did this by joining the Pre-Physical Therapy Association, Holmes Excursion Learning Program (HELP), and Freshman Class Council, by becoming a Eucharistic Minister at my Church, by meeting new people in my dorm and classes, and by getting to know most of my professors on a first-name basis. This past year, I have learned how to better deal with stress, how to handle my time more wisely, how to balance school work with a social life, how to make a difference and get involved on campus, and very importantly, what I would like to do with the rest of my life. I was able to look further into pursing a career in physical therapy and take more classes that interest me.

Benjamin

My college experience has been filled with excitement and countless life lessons. The most important life lessons I have learned is time management. Time management is important for whatever field or line of work a person goes into. I found out very quickly that I was no longer in high school and that I needed to prioritize my time. As a freshman, I began using a planner to manage all the day?s events. My schedule became much more hectic once I started working in the cafeteria and increased my involvement. Being a full-time student, working ten to twenty hours a week and maintaining involvement in the Supply Chain Management Association, I realized that I had a full plate of activities and duties. My planner has always been a part of my life and helps prioritize my time effectively and will continue to be vital to my future success. This I consider the be the most valuable part of attending college. I also feel the connections and life-long friendships are a valuable part of college. A have developed a strong network of both social and professional that I plan to take with me for whatever life holds.

Nate

I have gotten so much out of my college experience. I think the best part of the experience has been the number of friends I have made and people I have connected with. The size of MSU has allowed me to be self-selecting with my friends, and I feel that I have found a fantastic niche. State has also provided me with great opportunities to do research in a psychology laboratory setting, and the academic reputation of my school was certainly well earned. I love State, and am very thankful that I decided to attend school here.

Jourdan

Learning how to survive independently and to search out opportunities in life

Lucas

What I have gotten from my college experience is a set of skills that will make me successful in the future. Skills such as time management, critical thinking, how to cope with stress and how balance work and play. Michigan State University has helped me practice these skills, make them better and apply them outside of the class room. By doing what I have just mentioned I was able to make the Dean?s List here and plan on continuing to grow academically. Michigan State has helped me to become a better student and a better person.

Michelle

An education is something that is irreplaceable in the development of a person. Sure, people can be self-taught and capture great information from books and career experience, but college is more then what you learn. College forces you to open your mind to new people, places and experiences. I am studying retailing but I have gotten the opportunity to take electives in things such as casino management, US diversity, and creative writing that introduced me to new interests. Being at a diverse university students such as myself are encouragesd to work with others from different backgrounds, races and religions. This has taught me to be more understanding of others differences and also appreciate them. The most important lesson I have learned in college is how to be independent both physically and mentally. I wouldn't trade my opportunity for education for anything in the world!

Bareil

When graduating high school it is the normal routine to hear all your friends, family, teachers and supporters to tell you how much you should enjoy college. Usually the phrase "these are the best years of your life" comes up at least a dozen times. It is their way of telling you to live college to the fullest and make the best of your experience. Looking back they are right, I know for me it took me twice to apply an undergrad college to appreciate that, but I sure do realize it now. College is a time of growth in so many areas. I have detail with cerebral palsy all my life and I am a survivor. As for me I applied to the same college twice,paying off a debt that I owed to a previous year that I attended. It was not easy with no funding, working fulltime and attending classes. I found myself just crying at nights and prying for a better tomorrow. My life is better with the support of husband and our children. I am shown by my children that being mother an a fulltime student and wanting a brighter future for my family.

Shelby

It is often said that attending college is an experience that is insurmountable; I agree with this statement. Having the opportunity to attend such a scholarly school as Michigan State University has opened my eyes to a world of possibilities that I had no idea existed until I came here. Making the adjustment from living at home with my parents and attending a relatively small high school to being at Michigan State was difficult at first, but as I familiarized myself with campus the adjustment became quick and easy. From my experience thus far at Michigan State I have been able to meet new people, begin an interesting course of study, and I have been able to mature and transform into the person I am going to be for the rest of my life. Being at Michigan State has been an amazing learning experience for me and I would not trade what I have learned for anything.

Lucas

So far in my college experience I have learned better time management skills, how to cope with stress, and how to put the things that mean most to me first. These skills have allowed me to make the Dean's list here at MSU and have helped me enjoy my time here rather than loath school. I have learned a great deal about my major and find myself turning the page looking for more. This school and my experiences have been valuable to me because it is teaching me not only how to be a successful student but a successful person as well.

Kelcie

My academic goals have changed dramatically throughout my first two years at Michigan State University. My original aspirations were to become a nurse, but quickly learned that wasn?t my calling. The decision to change my major to Elementary Education has been one of the most amazing and gratifying. I discovered that my true aspirations are to become a teacher, and great mentor to my future students. As a resident mentor at Michigan State University, I have had the opportunity to directly influence students? lives. I have worked with hundreds of students supporting, encouraging, and motivating them as they embark on their undergraduate careers. I am learning it requires more than I thought to develop these skills, and allowing ideas to be formed, broken down, and built again is essential. I want to be the encouraging force in students? lives, and MSU is helping me achieve this goal. I believe that my struggles and path throughout my own education has allowed me to cherish each opportunity I am given. My goal is to become a great teacher, while transforming the ideas, lessons, and curriculum into a meaningful, wonderful experience for my students.

Aarti

I have gotten a lot out of my experience at Michigan State University. From all the experiences the most valuable one is that I found myself and who I am as an individual. Growing up I always had values and morals, but it was at Michigan State that I had began to grow as an individual and create my pathway towards my future. With the academics provided, I was able to identify which areas were of interest for me and which were not. Being the first to attend university in my immediate family put a lot of pressure on me, but with the university's systematic ways of delivery, I was able to complete my program of Dietetics successfully. The amount of exposure I had received to different ethnicities and cultures was a great eye-opener that the world is such a large yet small place. With that exposure came friendships, and I can say with guarantee that the friendships I had made at MSU are going to last me my lifetime.

Samantha

My college experience has been absolutely amazing! I love coming to school to learn about things on a higher level. In my art degree, I get the chance to experience college in a different way than people who are going to school for business or other degrees. I feel priviledged that I get to be here and I wouldn't give it up for enything. I know that having a college background will allow me to live my life the way I picture it because I will have a job that pays well, but more importantly I will have a job that i enjoy going to everyday. I hope to be able to go to the highest level of education, or atleast my masters degree so that I can become a proffessor and teach other students so that they can succeed as well.

Anne

What I have gotten most from Michigan State is excitement. I'm excited about the future because I've been able to find internships and seminars and other opportunities that relate to my Linguistics major. I'm excited about my coming years in college because I'm going to be involved in a Study Abroad program and clubs and protests about the things I care about. I'm excited about meeting new people because I know everyone around me is different and can give me new outlooks on life. I'm excited about volunteering because there are numerous organizations that set up fun, fulfilling programs for me to reach out to my community. And I'm excited about finding a career because I know MSU will prepare me as a well-rounded, educated person that employers will want in their staff. It has been so valuable to attend MSU because no matter what I choose as a major, there is help and guidance to lead me on the best path to finding a career that I will enjoy my whole life.

kerin

I am still attending my college so I hope I haven't made a mistake in entering this contest. If I have, please forgive me. It just sounded like fun and something that could help me get through school. So far, however, my experience in returning to school after so many years of living and working is an unfathomable rush to me! By that, I mean that when I open my eyes in the morning to face my school day, I am filled with so many new revelations about life and education and the contribution I can make for our world and our human kind. I have always been an independent thinker and a non-conformist, but until I came back to school, I would often mistake my unique thoughts for rebellion or for some other type of non-conformist behavior. My self image was less than flattering or productive. Now that I have gone back to school, I have a new appreciation for the concept of opposition and a new perspective on almost everything I have ever known before. Its wonderful. I am grateful to all powers for these revelations. I never knew how many things I never knew.

Meagan

After I graduated high school, I attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas. My expectations for college were definitely different from what I expected. The most important thing I got out of that experience was personal growth and awareness. Being away from home and just being in college in general allows you to really take a look at who you are. And from that I was able to become a better person through working on my weaknesses and focusing on my strengths. Even though high school was just a year ago, I had become a completely different person; more disciplined, more independent, and ready to take on any challenge that stood in my way of success. College changed my life because had I not gone I would still be the same person I was in high school, and with lack of growth your bound to fail. I used to be afraid of change, but if I could tell my self one thing about college while I was a high school senior it would be ?Don?t be afraid of change?

Jasmin

In my college experience I have learned that success is in the eye of the beholder. Before coming to college I was focused on what would make everyone else around me happy. I knew prior to entering college what I was passionate about, but I felt as if the career I wanted to take was not satisfactory to others. I went on believing this until I finally entered college. In my first meeting with my academic advisor, she explained to me that I only have on life to live and I should live it doing something that was going to make me happy. Therefore, the most valuable lesson I learned in college was to pursue my dreams and the money will follow.

Holly

If I could go back in time to when I was a senior in high school I would tell myself to stay more focused in school and take each class seriously. I would advise myself to read and write more and change the way I study. I would also tell myself that the experiences that I will encounter will change me for the better and I will eventually figure out what I really want to be. I would advise myself to relax and to keep plugging away with summer classes because it will all be worth it in the end. I would also tell myself to stay focused on my volunteer work and improve my people skills. Other advice that I would give myself would be to take everything one day at a time because it is very overwhelming to think about how many credits you need and what you to do in order to get volunteer hours in and raise your GPA at the same time. I would tell myself that with dedication and self motivation that I will get the career that I want and I also will have the most challenging yet beneficial time of my life.

Caryn

I would tell myself not to worry. I remember constanty worrying during senior year about too many different things. "What if I don't get the grades I want?" "What will happen to my relatonship with my friends?" "What if I can't make new friends?" "What if my roommate is horrible?" The questions were endless. Looking back now, however, most of those questions were over-reactions. I would tell myself not to worry about my grades and just do the work I'm required to do and study and everything wil work out fine. I would tell myself to just try to stay in touch with my friends and nothing will change. I would tell myself I wil be able to make many new friends as well. I would tell myself not to worry abotut my oommate because it's only for two semesters. But most importantly, I would tell myself to have fun and enjoy the small things in life.

Jon

Knowing what I know now, I would most certaintly slap the younger me in the face and tell me to keep my head on straight. There will always be girls, there will always be friends and there will always be parties, but there won't always be the opportunity of college. If you don't take advantage of the resources presented now, then all the hard work leading up to this opportunity was for nothing. I allowed myself to believe that I deserved to do all the fun things I was doing, while in reality, I wasn't accomplishing any of my real goals. I stopped caring about school and more about my social life, not realizing that if I wanted to live a comfortable life as an adult it was my education that mattered most.

Samantha

If I could go back to my senior year in high school I would tell myself to be more patient, open to new ideas and learning new things, and to take advantage of more opportunities. I wish I would have been more patient because patience is part of maturity that helps you to realize the value of yourself and your actions for the short term as well as the long term. If I would have been open to new ideas and learning new things I would have a better understanding about the world around me and could help make it better. I wish I would have taking advantage of more opportunities to help myself as well as others. I have learned these things over time. But I know the older I get the more I will learn and the more I will grow and I?ll keep striving to be a better person than I was the day before.

Jessica

If I could talk to my senior self, I would definitely warn her. I would let her know that the work she does in high school does not cut it in college and that studying the night before an exam is not gonna cut it. I would also tell her that she needs to keep up on her work and that procrastination only makes it harder in the end because catching up is extremely difficult. I would also let her know that even though she was one of the smartest students in high school, she should not expect that in college. I would let her know that in college, she is the underdog and there are so many people that are much more intelligent than she is, but that shouldn't discourage her. She should still try her hardest and in the end that is what matters. No matter what, she is going to be successful.

Kristina

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior the first thing I would tell myself is to explore. During my senior year I only applied to Michigan State which I thought was exactly where I wanted to go. But after being at MSU for a whole semester, I'm struggling with not only my program being cut but also realizing just how much of a party school MSU really is. I don't drink and I find it very hard to find friends who don't enjoy that aspect of college either. Ultimitely, these two things have encouraged me to explore other universities for next year. On a positive note however I would encourage myself to investigate all the on campus groups. During the fall semester I found my niche at a co-ed, community service oriented Fraternity called Alpha Phi Omega. Since my passion in life is volunteering and helping others, I felt as though I fit in and gained so many fantastic friends. If I could dedicate one word to my high school self it would be Explore.

Christian

Christian, you might think what I am about to tell you is strange, but I am you in the future. Just bear with me, and hear me out, since I am only allowed to pass on a small amount of information. First, you think that because you are an athlete who trains and competes nationally, as well as being a 4.0 student, that you will have an advantage learning to budget your time appropriately in college. While it is true that you had to do a lot of "time juggling" in high school, in college it will be even tougher, since you will play Division I tennis. Do not stress about the work load though; you will get through it. I would suggest, though, that you try to squeeze in a little more sleep and trust after studying countless hours that you know the material so you do not feel compelled to get only an hour or two of sleep on many nights. Second, please choose to room with Charlie, your high school friend. As it turns out, he will be a great friend to you, and good friends are invaluable in college. Enjoy the adventure!

Gregory

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a senior I would tell me (him) to take more AP classes. Just do it. I remember hating going to the AP classes because they are...well, hard. Now that I am in college I realize what I missed out on by only taking three. I paid for only $200 to get credits that would have cost five or six times that much. Of course, knowing myself, I would not listen to me. So I would have to account for that by using strong language (probably swear at myself to TAKE AP CLASSES YOU DUMB ****). Only then would I understand, mostlikely.

Jordan

Be open minded about everything. You know what your ideologies are on the current paradigm of high school, but when you get to college just let yourself see everything with an open mind. That way you'll enjoy everything with far less skeptism. Also, yes you will want to party every night. If you are looking to go out every single night, you will always be able to find something, however, DON'T. It is very easily to get distracted here, but everyday when you wake up at 8:30 for that early 9:10 class you have to remind yourself that yes the option to sleep in is attractive, but you want to be a surgeon. That takes hard work, studying everyday, and proper prioritizing. Yes, have fun, but you must do it responsibly! I know it sounds like I am preaching what Mom and Dad have been saying, but listen, from yourself, that you do need to be responsible. Don't worry, the fun will come :) . I know your working your butt off to try to ace those APs right now; just keep that up through undergrad. You have no idea how great college is, You

Frank

If I could go back to being a highschool student I would charish every school day like it was my last. Now being 24 years old and backstepping in life to go forward, I see if I would have focused and listened to the positive people around me, I wouldn't be struggling today. I am leaving loved ones behind, the life I am used to, just to better myself and establish a CAREER, not just a year to year job. My advice to myself would be explore every aspect of life in every angle especially the continuation of school; because the angle you may have looked passed, could have been the light at the end of the tunnel. The sky is the limit, you can do anything you put your mind to, school is very important these days and in today's world you need education to move up in life.

Elizabeth

College is one of the final stepping stones to entering the "real world." While the priority of college is receiving the best education possible to go on to a successful career, it is also suppose to enable you to grow socially. When your looking at all of the colleges out there, keep in mind practicalities such as finances, location, size, degrees offered, etc. but do not toss aside the other aspects like the social atmosphere, the intermural programs, and the housing. Picking the right college can be overwhelming but its crucial to know what you want. It may be cliche and over-used, but there is significance to the phrase "be yourself." College can be a fresh start from high school but the only way you can fully embrace that experience is by really thinking about whats best for you, not anyone else. After all, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend college. If you only focus on the academics and do not stop to consider other aspects, you may walk out with a solid degree but have passed up living your four years of college to the fulllest.

Brenda

Life is full of instances where I reflect upon the good old high scholl days. Now, as a undergraduate studying psychology I realize that hindsight is deffinitely 20/20. I think about what I would tell the teenage version of myself about college, if I had the chance to step back into time. One very important piece of information that would have really helped me through this sometimes difficult journey is that, "you are never alone". With this statement I simply am referring that there are many campus counselors chomping at the bit to help any student transition to college more efficiently. Another thing that I would advise about would be, that it doesn't matter what other students think about you. Choosing to work hard at school may not allow you to have the best social life now, however it does help to shape it in a positive manner in the future. If the time spent with my teenage self were short, the aforementioned would be the essentials that I would teach myself. I ponder if the past version of myself would heed this truly important advise...

Breanna

If I could go back and give myself advice before college I would tell myself not to worry about all of the small issues that may come to the surface and not to stress about getting bad grades during the first month of my freshman semester. I have always been a worrier and coming to college didn't change me. On my first math test I got the worst grade that I have ever gotten; I can't even begin to describe how I felt after reading the e mail that enclosed my grade. I worried enough about my grade that I made myself sick. Now, after my first semester is over, I look back on that time and wished I would have just relaxed. I know now that life is so much more than a test score!

Keith

I think I would tell myself to do the proper research. If you have a list of schools in mind figure out what they are about and what their programs are about. You do not have to know what you want to do before entering school but by doing the research you may get an idea of some of the things that are out there. Doing the research will also allow you to figure out if these schools fit you and your needs. It is important that one has a feeling of being accepted in any aspect of life. Someone that has a negative feeling about this situation may find themselves struggling in their first year of adjustment to college. Another word of advice is be open to the experience. It is alright to be afraid of new things but college is about the challenge of stepping outside of your comfort zone. This is a chance for personal growth and in order to truly do that you have to be open to new people, things and experiences. Sometimes you do not find out what you are truly capable of until you are put into a difficult situation. So enjoy it!!

Elizabeth

I would inform myself that study skills are a must. One of my biggest problems in coming to college was that I did not know how to study. So far I hadn't needed to know. High school was a walk in the park for me, I graduate with Magna cum laude honors and not an ounce of proper studying technique in me. Freshman year was not easy and I learned a lot about studying. I would also tell myself to not be afraid to experiance new things. When fear over takes, you spend a lot of time holed up in your room, not making any friends or socializing. Most college campuses have tons of extra curricular activities and events that you can partake in. It is also a good idea to get out. Studying is a must but there is also a needed to party, safely and responsibly. It helps eliviate stress and helps you meet new people. Being safe and responsible is important, I know too many people who have recieved MIPs/ruined their lives because of a night out. It IS possible to still have fun and not drink, you just need the right set of mind.

Michael

As trite as it may sound, get involved. Even though there are times when it seems like there is too many choices, it is important to take advantage of the ones that are germane to your interests and ambitions. Never take anything for granted and never put anything off because the only experiences that will be regretted are the ones that are never attempted. And make sure to keep an open mind when examining various opportunities in classes, clubs, or careers. Though it may be seem like you have it all figured out and you know exactly what you want to do, the truth is you have not even discovered your ultimate passions. So remember to loosen restrictions on where you will go and who you go with and you may find through the good and the bad, things you never even knew about. As long you open your mind to the experiences all around you, you will not only discover things about yourself you never knew, you will also help other students in their own self improvement pursuits. For as others are influencing you, you are also influencing them. Make sure you are one of the positive influences.

Kenyetta

The advice that I would give myself would be to stay focused on academics first and social life second because friends will always be there even after you have your degree. Also, pick a major in something that you know you will be happy doing and in which you will be very successful . As far as making the transition into college the advice would be to get to know as many people as you can because you can make lifelong friends and this could help with networking in the future.

Keriann

I know we've all looked back at life at one point or another and wished we could go back and change something. I know if I had the knowledge I know now about college I would have been much more prepared freshmen year. IIt's important to step out of your shell and get acquainted to new people. early on. I also wish I had known about all the resources available to freshmen as well as all students when it comes to academics. You're not alone at college and there are plenty of students, advisors and resources available to anyone who needs help. Another thing I wish I would have known was a better knowledge for the credits and classes that I should be taking. Being able to decide your major early on makes a huge difference in your freshman year. The sooner you decide the sooner you are able to enroll in classes that are specifically for your major. Why waste your time and money on useless credits that won't benefit you in the end? Overall I would say that you must come to college with a good additude and an open mind.

Taylor

As a High School Senior I had no idea what college life would be like. I had older siblings who had attended, but I knew that my experience would not be the same. I had so many expectations and plans. College life was exactly what I imagined. It's having the ability to decide for yourself, to grow up, to have a different learning experience everyday. If I could go back and give myself advice I would say this; GO FOR IT. Don't be afraid to take some risks, go to student meetings, talk to that friendly guy in your math class, enjoy being exactly who you want to be. Embrace every moment, be careful with your head, and your heart. Remember you are there for one very important reason: TO LEARN. Go to class, talk to your professors, work hard during the week so you can reward yourself on the weekend. Just like high school, you won't get these years back. Experience new things, do something you would have never attempted in high school. But lastly don't be afraid to mess up, fear will hold you back. Don't rush through life, live it!

Erika

If I could go back in time, I would plan my decision on what university to attend based upon my future goals and not soely on financial aid and location. I feel that students in high school, especially during economic times like these, are faced with a stress of how they will afford school. The best advice I can give to that is to worry about that when you get to where you want to be. If you are happy where you are, and you are doing the things that you want to do, you are more likely to work harder and be more acadeimcally successful. With that being said you can find ways to assist the financial aspect of your education, but getting the degree and being satisfied with the time you spent working on it is far more important than how much it cost.