Ohio State University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Andrea

I would tell myself that college is hard. The Ohio State University is harder than most colleges. You need to prepare for your autumn quarter by studying regularly and do not go out to parties.

kayla

I'd suggest joining as many campus based activities as possible.

Austin

I would tell myself to go above and beyond what the teachers expect on assignments. Also i would tell myself to study a lot more so i would be able to do better on tests now and be a better studier as well. I would also tell myself to not procrastonate so much with my homework. That goes for studying too.

Brooke

I would tell myself that college is going to be harder and focus on your education. I got distracted my freshman year by all the service, leadership and social opportunities . If you stay dedicated and put your education first you will suceed. I also would say get involved in what means the most to you. My involvement in the church has been the best decision that I have made.

Rachel

Coming to OSU from, 'that state up there', was a huge transition for me; not a single person from my smal rural town of Fenton, Michigan was going to Ohio State except for me. At first, it was somewhat of a relief that I was going to be able to get away from the people I had know for 12 years of my life, but as i moved into my dorm it set in that I was not going to like not knowing anyone and having to start all over, over the next two months I proceeded to go home every weekend. Now three years later I can't imagine being anywhere else. To my high school senior self, here are my words of wisdom: Keep busy; if you sit around watching tv and reminscing about your old friends all day, you'll never know all the cool things going on at the best college ever! Also don't go home everyweekend, it's nice to see old friends, but then you realize they all have new friends and you still haven't even gotten to know your roomate! Finally, study before finals, it's never fun to pull allnighters!

Blake

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that studying after class is crucial to doing well in class. I would tell myself that I should study the things that the professors don't cover in class because there would be a good chance that the uncovered material will be on the exam. I would also tell myself that I would be sleep deprived from doing homework and having fun at college. The most useful thing that I have to offer to myself in terms of advice is to actually read the material before lecture. It would have helped me to understand what the lecturer was talking about during lecture. I would recommend for myself to schedule for classes after 9:00 am. I went through a whole entire quarter with a 7:30 am math lectures and 8:30 math recitations. I was averaging about 3.5 hours of sleep for the weekdays and I ended up with a less than satisfactory grade in the class. The most important thing for me to tell myself is to have fun since my undergraduate career only comes once.

Erica

I would tell myself first of all to try to find more ways to get involved from the beginning, when you have nothing going on. This would have majorly helped the adjustment period. I would also tell myself to study a lot more my first year and not get so caught up in the excitement of new people and such a beautiful place. I would have also suggested trying to talk to more people and have an open attitude about everyone. Also, finding a job quickly is important because it is nice to have the extra money later, and it also helps you have more purpose, learn better time management, and also gain even more friends and a place where you belong.

Patricia

As an oncoming freshman, many things may seem overwhelming. The university is large and provides so many social and academic opportunities. It is very important to balance the two of these. Believe ot or not, the majority of college students (especially uppoerclassman) are not party animals, so pace yourself. It is very different than high school, you do not have to work hard to fit in. The campus is so divverse, you will eventually fing your niche. Although there are still some freshman that think they are in High school, and still play the petty games... usually by year two, those same freshman have eithre dropped out or matured. Finally, make sure you focus on academics.... aim high, it is worth it (and in many cases it can pay for itself through scholorships and opportunities before and after graduation... and above all, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP. The university is full of both advisors and peers that can help you through any problem.

Fammy

I would have told myself not to let my financial set backs keep my from trying alternative options and that saving is essential! I would tell my high school self to apply for more scholarships and to be more involved in my community. Volunteer more and don't be so closed minded about what you want out of school. Aspirations are important, but don't let them drive you to be too specific to the point where you are limiting your college choices. All schools are different, but you will find one that will fit your needs, even if it seems the least likely of choices. No matter what happens during your college career, you will still suceed in whatever you push yourself to complete. Mistakes or obstacles may occur but that should never inhibit your goals because you will find the resources you need to avoid or overcome these. Don't get caught up in the little things, because in the end just be grateful that you are able to pursue something that you are passionate about!

Carly

If I could go back to my senior year of high school and talk to myself about the college life and transitions I would tell myself to enjoy every step of the process and to not be afraid to be myself once I get there. I myself saw finding and picking a university as such a long and difficult process, which it is, but it should be joyful and exciting as well. There is a lot of hard work that goes into the prior years and I would argue now that the transition into college life shouldn't be difficult and scarey, it should be a time for a new beginning with new people, new friendships formed, and new opportunities created. College is a lot of hard work, but I believe it will be the best years of my life. I would want my high-school-self to reach out to people and to not be the shy kid in the corner. Focussing on schoolwork is always first, but creating new memories should come second. My final advice to me would be, "don't be afraid to mess up, and enjoy every new experience that comes your way."

Kimberly

As a high school senior, I was extremely anxious to leave high school and have a brand new start. Now a sophomore in college, I would tell my senior self to take it easy, and relax. Not everything in high school is that bad and it really helps build a foundation to prepare you for college. It is important to go into college with an open mind and know you are going to meet a plethora of people. Some are going to be your best friends; others are not going to give you the time of day. I would also tell myself to not be afraid to get involved early on. At first I was hesitant because I didn't want to be overwhelmed, but it is really easy to balance academics, social life and involvement with clubs. Finally, I would just tell myself to enjoy every minute of college. You are going to be challenged and grow as a person in a short amount of years. Embrace the transition and learn from every experience!

Gregory

I would have to tell myself many things about life and school. I would have to tell myself not to waste the senior year and to get involved in some way within the community and other programs within the school to help with scholarships down the line as well to grow some as an individual. I would have to give myself advice about working both mind and body to prepare for the upcoming college challenge as well as preparing for the career that would follow.

Halen

I would tell myself to go for what I want. In high school, there were many clubs and positions that I felt that I could easily excel in. However I was too shy to go after it. Now that I am attending college, I know that opportunities don't just come to you, you have to make the step to go after them.

Courtney

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would talk about the difficult transition from high school to college. I was worried about going out of my comfort zone to attend a school where I knew no one. The main thing I would tell myself is that there will be many other freshman in the same position I am in who want to make new friends too. Do not be afraid to be outgoing and initiate interaction with other students, because more than likely they are also scared about not making friends. I would also talk about the importance of taking courses that are not guaranteed A’s. Challenging courses will not only look impressive on your transcript but will prepare you for difficult courses later on. Finally, I would talk about the importance of getting involved in several student organizations early on, so you can figure out what your interests are. Once you get into your junior and senior years, it is difficult to join and become an integral part of an organization. Take advantage of the programs offered by your university and find your niche early on in your college experience.

Afton

If I could go back in time, I would give myself two tips; pay more attention in class, and save your money! Knowing how college is now, I wish I had paid better attention in some of my more difficult subjects, I did well but I could have done better. College is not cheap, I wish I had saved money for school instead of buying a coffee every morning. Not only do you pay tuition, but you need to pay for books and various other expenses that people don't think about when they sign up for college courses. Paying for college by yourself can be scary and stressful. As a teen I was unaware of opportunities such as this, and I wish I was more aware of scholarships and grants, but I finally discovered them in my second year of college. My other goal besides getting an education is to minimise my student loans, and I'm grateful for the chances I get to do so.

Julie

Being in college has made me realize that doing a few things differently could have made my experiences better. As a high school senior, it is important to apply for schools and scholarships early. Never assume that you won't be accepted into a school or given a scholarship, but also know that you are not guaranteed them either. There are thousands of students going through the same process as you are now, but giving up won't get you anywhere. Also, when applying to schools, make sure that you visit them if possible. Seeing the campus and classes first hand will give you a better idea of what college will be like and you will be better prepared to make the best decision for yourself. Personally, Ohio State was the best choice for me, but just remember that it won't be the best choice for everyone. Choose carefully, but don't get overwhelmed. You can make the best out of every situation and you can make the school you choose fit perfectly. So enjoy college and make friends, but work hard and learn because these years will help you make friends for life and succeed in the future.

Ali

I would tell myself to plan ahead and make sure i have everything i need to live on my own. I would also tell myself to not be so stressed and not to worry so much. Also to make new friends, and go outside my comfort zone, and to just be myself!

Joy

I would advise myself to better prepare for the financial difficulty in the future. Because I've had no help from parents or anyone else, I would suggest to myself to start saving now and applying to every possible scholarship. I would also suggest to do as good as you can in school so Ohio State will give you the best scholarship they can. Also that taking the ACT another time is worth the forty bucks because it could have made you eligible for more scholarship money than you got. Another thing I would suggest is community service and volunteer hours. It's okay to not have a life as a high school student because your life really starts to unfold after college. Most Scholarships and graduate programs are interested in work ethic and community service commitments, and it's always nice to not have to deal with the stress of paying tuition. Also, you should take as many AP classes as possible because it is much easier to take a college class in high school than actually in college. Also, realize that high school is really easy compared to whats in store for you next year.

victoria

Dear high school senior Tori Simokov: I'm you a year from now. You're going to OSU and you absolutely love it, but there's still some things missing. You haven't made those deep connections and you weren't very prepared as a high schooler getting ready to transition to the new world that is college. Make sure you study every day; apply the thirst for knowledge that has always lingered within you. Talk to everyone you know in preparation for making the friends you'll have for the rest of your life. And most importantly, smile.

Megan

Looking back, I would tell myself to try harder. In high school, I didn't push myself hard enough and did not get pushed enough to study and actually take in what I was learning. In my experience, high school was not a good pprecurser to college. I don't feel like I learned enough on a high enough level to prepare me for what was to come in college classrooms. College is set up so differently and you can't get extra credit for bringing in a box of tissues. I am actually having to work hard to EARN my grade. Also, I would have told myself to prepare earlier. I should have taken my ACT earlier and possibly more than once to get the best score possible. Also, I would have applied earlier and done scholarships and FAFSA earlier to have the best possible chances of getting financial help. There is a lot of things that I could have told myself but I am also extremely happy with my college experience thus far on the path that I took.

Ryan

As a high school senior I focused completely on my studies all year. This sounds great because I was doing well in my classes and finishing high school off strongly. However, as a high school senior I didn't realize the great debts college can put on a person. I didn't focus on scholarships and finacial aid as much as I should have. I had a 4.8 GPA in high school and was so concerned with keeping my GPA that I didn't bother to look into financial aid. As I am now about to go into my Spring quarter at OSU I've realized that my GPA isn't going to keep me in school. Money comes before academics in college. It's sad to say it but I currently hold a 4.0 GPA at OSU and I may have to take a year off to work because I didn't do the financial work that I should have as a senior in high school.

chelsea

If I knew what I was getting myself into now, I would have honestly tried to get a higher grade on my SAT's. Paying for school on my own, is the hardest thing; I can't get much from the government because my mother still claims me. To get to my dreams of being in the field of journalism, i need school. I actually love school now, I would tell my self to take school seriously and try my hardest because in the end I am my own worst enemy - and best friend - I can do whatever I would like to do, and I plan on to keep paying for my school no matter what it takes. I just wish, i paid more attention to college in high school.

Adam

I would tell myself to actually take college and school in general seriously. Due to the current state of the world, there is very little place for someone without a degree and an active interest in at least one field. I would tell myself that the consessions made for entertainment and enjoyment over education compound themselves as you get older, and that it takes an increasing amount of effort to rush to recover the time and opportunity lost the more one chooses immediate enjoyment over long-term success.

Eleanor

High school truly is easy in comparison to college...there is so little structure in college, so get ready to learn to manage your time well, and without help. Carefully plan your schedule and be sure to apply for an honorary your freshman year. Be ready to work really hard, but feel really accomplished when you do well. And make time to have fun and get outside! Don't forget to workout at least three days a week, too! :)

Tracey

Dear Tracey, Go to college. Do it. Don't be afraid of failing, of not being smart enough, of not having enough money to pay for it, or of time pasing you by. If you don't go to college now, it will be so hard to go later when you have commitments and obligations to your family. You will get married and always put your husband and children before you, and it will be years and years before you feel like it's ok to focus on yourself and take the time to do this for you. In the meantime you will feel like you have something to prove to people because you don't have a college degree; you will continue to doubt your intelligence and your abilities and you will always wonder what you might have been. Going to college, achieving that goal will make you know that you are capable of doing anything you put your mind to. Do it. Go. You'll love the learning, I promise!

Iyonna

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the very first thing I would tell myself is to apply for every scholarship possible. As a high school senior, I knew one-hundred percent that I wanted to attend an out-of-state university. Although I was aware of the tuition difference, it never hit me until I realized I could not afford to attend OSU even with the help of financial aid. Knowing what I know now about college, the second thing I would tell myself is to drop my high school habits before entering college. In high school, I never felt that I needed to do my work to the best of my ability because high school teachers graded so leniently. From my experiences in college I have learned that everything assigned deserves all of my time and effort. In college I have learned so much about self responsibility and the rewarding feeling of accomplishing something on my own. Going back in time, I would attempt to convince myself to adopt effective study habits because they are extremely necessary in the life of a college student.

Benjamin

There are several things I'd tell myself if I could go back in time. Firstly, the freedom of college can sometimes be overwhelming and cause unproductiveness. Keep yourself busy by getting involved on campus and staying active. Idleness causes procrastination and can lead to early struggles you may not be able to overcome. Getting involved develops skills that you can't learn in a classroom and will help make a big campus smaller. Staying busy goes hand in hand with managing your time. Make sure you keep yourself accountable by managing the time you have wisely. Be sure to prioritize by always putting academics first; you're paying a lot of money to get an education, make sure it's not wasted. One other word of advice would be to not be afraid to put yourself out there. Be social and don't be scared to introdce yourself to a peer or adult. There are thousands of people in college and you will be able to find friends if you allow yourself to be open to people. Even if someone doesn't end up being your best friend, you never know when that acquantance could be beneficial later on.

Ericka

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about transitioning to college, I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible and to learn how to use time management skills to the best of my ability. As a junior in college, I now know that it is very important to balance your time out with class, work, studying and social activities. Each activiy listed is very important to having the best college experience. I would tell myself to schedule classes based on if I am a morning or evening person. I also would tell myself that college is not just about attending classes, but that the most important learning experience is done outside of the classroom. You MUST STUDY EVERYDAY. It is very easy to fall behind in readings, and work in general. I also would tell myself to do as much networking as possible. You never know what opportunities await by simply being introduced to someone. It is very beneficial to utilize every resource opportunity that the school offers, because it will help you become successful. Last but not leats I would say to have fun, and make the college experience Memorable.

Rachel

The advice I would give myself is do what you want to do. Don't listen to your friends or parents, but look at what you really want go for it. Also don't be afarid to do it alone because there is probably someone out there trying to do the same thing as you. Be outgoing, and don't be easily embarssed. Most likely you won't see the people who are embarssed by you again, and if you do then they are your friends. Don't get discourage if you apply for something and didn't make it the first time around. That just means try to gain more experince and apply again next year, or try to find something else to do. Somethings are not suppose to work out for the better. When you pick a major make sure you like it and have a passion for it. Also be nice to people even if you don't get along with them because there may be a common ground you won't know about till later.

Audrey

I would give myself the advice to not get the 150-swipe meal plan, because it was too much! I would also tell myself not to buy my textbooks from the bookstore, because I can find better deals online. Most importantly, though, if I could go back in time, I would reassure myself that I was making the right choice in choosing Ohio State. OSU was the final college I visited, and until then none of the other schools had really satisfied me. I was getting discouraged, but when I visited OSU I felt that it was the place for me. Knowing what an awesome experience I've had so far, I wish that I could have gotten more excited about my choice after I made it. If I had known this, maybe I would have gotten more involved with school activities sooner rather than later.

Emilee

Time managment has always been my struggle. Take time to figure out priorites earlier because what I did in highschool really has affected my college carrer. Stay true to staying away from dating in highschool, I met the love of my life in college. Hold on tight the ride is fast, so get the best GPA you can as fast as possible!

Tori

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to relax. I was so worried about making sure I did exactly the right things to get into college and eventually get into vet school. Instead I would tell myself to let my curiousity loose and find classes that interest me, because by doing that recently I've found a research internship of my dreams!!

Jamie

If I could go back and talk to myself, I would tell myself to just relax and enjoy the ride. There's no need whats-so-ever to worrry about college because there is always something at Ohio State that every student can relate to and be apart of. I would also tell myself to become involved with activities and student organizations that I have an interest in and make time to meet new people. College is the place where one is supossed to become who they've always wanted to and not be afraid of changing. I would tell myself that college is the best years of one's life to date and not to take it forgranted one bit. I would remind myself that I'll make great new friends and memories that I wouldn't get anywhere than Ohio State. One last thing I would say is apply for any scholarship made available and be careful with money. Only spend what you can afford and decide on a "need/want" basis. Just have fun and make the most out of the 4 short years that you have.

Carly

If I could go back and talk to myself my senior year of high school, I would most definitely tell myself to not stress so much over college and just embrace the future. Change is a scary thing for anyone who has been in a comfortable bubble for 3 consecutive years. However, in order to grow and become who you want to be ten years down the road, you must be willing to accept the changes as they come. Transitioning from high school to college is just another step towards the top of the mountain everyone else in the world is climbing with you. I would also tell myself that despite what stereotypes are thrown around in high school; most of them are wrong and preconceived ideas of those who try to have answers to questions unknown. Take a step back and try to forget the need to feel accepted. Embrace who you are and be open minded to everyone, everything, and the different opinions. When you take off the high school "blinders" and explore the world, it is amazing as to what hidden ideas and opinions others can teach you, as well as what you can teach yourself.

Amanda

I'd tell myself not to worry about not knowing what to major in. There's so much pressure in highschool to decide a major, but as soon as you get to college, everyone tells you to take your time! Once you leave highschool, you're entering a whole new world, and you never know what you might discover. Confining yourself to the major you choose as an 18 year old high school senior leaves you without a lot of choices in college - you feel stuck. Being undecide isn't stressful, it's adventurous! You can take all types of different classes to find out what may or may not interest you, and you learn so much about yourself that you never realized before. My advice would be to not stress about deciding what you want to do with the rest of your life, and just enjoy the transition into college!

Sarah

Dear High School me, I wish I had known how much more I needed to grow up. I thought I understood the world and how it works, but my education here has broadened my mind in so many ways. Every day I learn something new about the world, and about myself. I wish I had spent more effort in high school learning the things I didn't find easy. In high school I could get away with that, but not any more. I wish I had not put so much value in the 'presitge' of a university, and what I could offer it, and instead had focused more on what the university could offer me. Had I done that, Ohio State would have been my top choice, rather than my backup plan. This campus offers me experiences and opportunities every day that I could never have dreamed of before. It's amazing, and I feel fortunate in so many ways. But I also wish I had saved more money. Ohio State is relatively affordable, but still expensive. Study hard, and prepare to grow beyond what you even imagine!

Miguel

"Miguel, you have to make friends as soon as possible. You can't do this by yourself anymore. You're not going to be the smartest kid around and you're going to have to work together with other people to get stuff done. To succeed in college you're going to have to humble yourself enough to ask questions when you don't understand things even if you're afraid of looking stupid. Your career and success hangs on this. Don't think it's all going to be fun and games, but don't think that there won't be some fun every now and then either. Make sure you find a fun class to take that will break the monotony of math-science-engineering-repeat. With all this said, hold fast to the values which you grew up on, they will help you endure. Always remember to stay in contact with your family and friends and don't replace them with new college experiences. Remember where you came from and where you're going. Last but not least, don't let yourself be buried by the stress, it'll be ok in the end. I promise!"

Devin

Prepare well for college while in high school. It will make you more successful! Study hard, serve others, get involved and try to be the defining force and change others' lives! Success is not winning scholarships and awards but loving what you do when you're doing it! I have found success in serving others and seeing the difference I have made in their eyes! High school is a time to study, a time to have fun and a time to prepare for the future. All teenagers can make a difference... you have to face the fears inside and step up to the plate to get things done! There is no greater reward!

Kerrianne

Ever since I can remember, I was afraid of college. The TV portrayals of sorority hazing and drinking parties, as well as the all-nighters and caffeine addictions petrified me. But after graduation, I was finally forced to confront the fact that I was going to be a college kid. If I could go back now, I would tell myself to relax! The “college experience” is purely in the choices you make. You can just as easily decide to party and drink as you can to abstain from these situations. The same applies to classes. You can cram the night before and stay alive due to intravenous caffeine, but it’s just as easy to read the material and go to class. The most important choice to make upon entering college is deciding who you want to be. Staying true to who you are will not only set you up for success, but it will also determine your friends, experiences, and ultimately your happiness. Instead of fearing, you should embrace college life, taking all opportunities and expanding your mind. I would tell myself to stop being afraid, because as it turns out, college is my favorite experience!

Angela

Every student has one chance to make the best of the years ahead. Why not start making the best of it in high school? I spent four years trying to fit in with other people, that i forgot what it meant to succeed. My past has changed my future and i wish i had one more chance to go back in time and be more motivated. No matter what obstacles i may face , never give up, i am here to achieve more then there could be known possible.

Sarah

I was part of a program in Ohio called "Seniors-to-Sophomores" which was basically like a post-secondary option only instead of going to high school part time and college part time I was able to completely skip my senior year and get my first year of college out of the way for free. If I were able to go back in time and talk to my senior self I would suggest applying to OSU first instead of Columbus State Community College. I feel I would have had more scholarship opportunities if I had just gone straight to OSU.

Cassi

College life is fun and exciting but also extremely stressful. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to enjoy the time I had left in my senior year. It is often easy as a senior in high school to not appreciate the time you have left as a kid. I was so excited to get out and be on my own that I forgot to enjoy the last year of having no real responsibilities. I wish I would have spent more time with my high school friends and appreciating every moment with them. Also during my senior year my parents began the process of getting a divorce. I let this ruin my senior year, I did not going to prom with my friends or let myself take part in many senior activities. If I could go back and tell myself how much I would regret this I would. So overall, I think I would tell myself to enjoy life, don't take anything too seriously, and cherish every moment with the people who have been there for me the longest.

Dana

I would tell myself I need to learn how to become more independent. Here, in college, all my short-term and long-term circumstances seem to revolve around me and what I did or did not do. I would tell myself to make sure I have my priorities set straight, and place academics in front of whatever entertainment or socialization I have had planned. College is a large test that is crucial to pass; it is a test to see if you really can pursue your biggest dreams although the duration of the pursuit requires patience and hard work. So I would need to tell myself to go in with a strong heart, confidence, and determination. To keep my eyes on the prize--on the diploma--and persist until I earn it. To enter a class believing in myself that I could score flying colors on the finals. To power through and complete each project in my path, so everything I turn in is finished. To brace myself. Finally, I should keep in mind that I should study what is in my heart, and not be pressured or intimidated by peers to opt out.

Logan

Youth. That, I’m sure, is the first word that would come to mind if I saw my high school self. More than anything else, the transition to college life caused me to grow up. It happened so quickly I hardly took notice, yet was so profound, I question how it transpired so unconsciously. My past self would want to know just how unique a time high school is and to appreciate it. I would want to mention how important learning a new set of time management skills would be and provide the insurance that all the changes college life brings are tamed with time. But above all else, I would stress to my past self the need to really cherish the security, love, and encouragement having a family always around can provide. I was shocked when I realized this myself after leaving for school, but recognized it wasn’t a homesick feeling. Rather, it was the realization and gratefulness of something overlooked, yet so special. Oh, and I would suggest to past self learning a little bit about laundry before taking off for school “knowing” that there can’t be much to it.

Alexandra

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to, "Calm down!" My whole senior year, I was stressed about writing essays, my choice of college, continueing to get A's, scholarships, and everything else that comes along with the college application process. Once I finally decided to attend Ohio State University, I was anxious about the transition, difficulty, and being away from home. Looking back, I now see how fruitless all of that worrying was. Yes, concerning the application process, some stress was necessary and inevitable, but my paranoia surrounding any wrong decision or mistake was pointless. It caused me much more uneeded stress on my senior year. Also, the transition from high school to college ws not difficult; I moved in a couple days early with my Learning Community who were very supportive, and I already knew some upperclassmen who gave me tips on getting through classes and exams. In the end, everything worked out and I am now a very involved Ohio State student with a 4.0 GPA. Knowing this, I would tell myself to go with the flow and not waste my time with so much worrying.

Andrew

I would give myself the simple advice to work harder then to prepare. College in general is much different from high school. The main thing I would tell myself is to learn how to study, not procrastinate, and begin to grow up ASAP. These things would help tremendously in college once you get here.

Kristen

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself throughout my senior year, there would be so much advice that I would give to myself. As long as I can remember I have dreamt of going to Ohio State. Because of this the amount of colleges that I visited was limited. I only visted three colleges, and now looking back I would have told myself to check out more schools. I would tell myself to be open to schools that are more specialized to what I want to major in. Not only would I tell myself this, but I would also tell myself not to be in such a hurry to leave my small hometown. Every now and then I miss the small town atmosphere and there are days that I get homesick, but this is not why I would tell myself to slow down. If I had considered staying home for just one more year, I would have saved tons of money by staying home and going to the Lima Branch. My senior year I was dead set on leaving and refused to consider any other options, and I truly wish I would have.

Claire

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not worry so much! When you first get to college it is so easy to get frazzled and feel like you have to make all your best friends right away and know your life plan for the next 10 years! That is not how it is. Making true friends takes time and you WILL develop those relationships! It is ok to not be sure about everything because to be completely honest, no one else knows either. A big part of college is discovering what we want to do the rest of our lives and part of that process is trying new things and even failing at some of them to know they are not the right path to take. I would tell myself to be organized and try to keep up with my schoolwork but to make sure to take time to smell the roses. College is where you make friends you will have the rest of your life and you won't meet them studying. You will meet them by being open and putting yourself out there.

Alyssa

I have gone through many changes since high school. Most of all I have become more open to people and really know my own personality. If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would give the advice not to be afraid of trying new things, or caring too much about what other people think. Being in such a large school has made me realize that the most interesting and respected people are who they want to be, not what others think they should be. Being in an environment with so many diverse personalities has really allowed me to be who I want to be, and I am much happier with myself this way. Knowing this in high school could have given me more experiences and possibly a better understanding of what direction I wanted to take in college. I never thought about taking design as a career, I thought I wanted to practice medicine. Luckily after a year of chemistry and math, I realized I was not doing what I really wanted, and made a drastic change that has made me much happier and excited for the future.

zena

College is a lot more fun than high school, so don't stress yourself. Definitely, choose The Ohio State University, it is the best in Ohio. Be confident, major in what you like doing, not what your parents like you to do.