South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Top Questions

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

Seth

Apply to as many schools as possible, reevaluate your priorities in learning and career advancement

Ethan

I would tell myself to get going on completing scholarships, college is hard enough the way it is and worrying about how you're going to pay for the next semester makes it even harder. I would tell myself to go in ready to learn. It isn't like high school where you have one class that has consistent homework. Every class has multiple assignments due each week. Studying for tests is also much more important. In college you cover multiple chapters before you take a test, and it isn't easy. I would tell myself to be willing to try new things and to step out of my comfort zone often, that's what helps you grow as an indivdual. I would tell myself to pray hard. Only God knows the path for you, and you have to trust in Him alone to get you through school. I would tell myself to not take myself to seriously and to be willing to laugh at myself when I mess up and view it as a learning experience rather than getting stressed out. I have so much more that I would say, but 200 words isn't enough.

Montana

I'd have to begin with telling my old self to knuckle down and work hard on preparing for college during his junior and senior years. Tell him to suck it up and take more college credit classes because they're less expensive during high school. Above all I'd tell myself to apply for more scholarships and grants. College is not cheap and takes all you have to get started. Just remember that you pay back loans whereas scholarships you right out thank you cards and shake the hand that's giving it to you. Don’t wait to contact your roommates. The transition from home to college is easier if you create a relationship with them during the months ahead. After all this sank in I’d remind him to study. High school seems like a breeze when you begin college classes. Prepare for those small quizzes, they add up fast. Don’t procrastinate either, professors don’t grade late papers and frown upon students who show up late for class. If only my high school self knew this information, believe his older self, his first few weeks of college could’ve been a whole lot easier.

Jordan

I would tell myself a few things. I think I made the right decision on colleges. I would have wanted to know that I am going to get a little homesick, but if you push through it, you get over it. I would also tell myself to get a job my first semester, because it is nice to be making money and I got bored. Make friends with everyone and try to get involved with several clubs at the school.

Irving

I would advice myself to be more involved in school. In high school I was part of many clubs, Future Business Leaders of America, French Club, College Club, and Sign Language club, but I never ran for club president or organized an event and I really wish I had. Recently in college I volunteered for a retirement home for the deaf and I really enjoyed it. I got the opportunity to practice my signing and I met many interesting people. Volunteering showed me the importance of our community and how we can help. I now realize that volunteering and participating in extracurricular activities look excellent in college applications and make you a better student and I would have encouraged myself to be a part of that. I would also warn me on scholarship applications. I really wish I would have applied for scholarships sooner to help pay for college. I wasn’t a bad student, I took AP and honor classes and studied a lot but I feel that I could have been a more well-rounded student, now I’m in college and this is where I can do everything I missed out on in high school.

Margaret

If I could go back to high school to give myself some advice, I would tell myself that being myself is not nearly as daunting as I thought. I had a very close knit group of friends in high school. I was only myself around them, and not really anyone else. I was too afraid of being known as the “weird girl” to everyone in my grade. The truth is, the people who I thought were making fun of me, actually had no idea who I was. I was obsessing over nothing. When I got to college, I did not have my close knit group. I was really worried about making new friends. Now at college, I’m fine. Most everyone was considered a “nerd” or “weird” in school. But the even bigger truth is that NO ONE CARES. If they like me, they like me. If they do not, I do not care. So I would reiterate to myself, DO NOT CARE WHAT PEOPLE THINK. Be you and be fine with it.

Michael

Start developing on your work ethic now. You won't be able to jump into weeks of homework assignments starting from a summertime lull. Begin working on a schedule for homework time, practice getting up on time, and remember to crack open those textbooks before the first day of class. All that preparation will save you time, stress, and bad grades.

Elizabeth

I knew college was going to be different. Different people, different place, different foods. Eventhough I knew all this I wasn't prepared for college. I was homesick for most of the first semester. I know now a lot that I shoud've done. I would tell my high school self that in college you have to try everything. Find out what you like and if you like it go with it! Also dont be afraid to make random friends. Your friends at college are you family away from home. A big no-no is having a significant other when going to college, especially if your trying to do long distance. My boyfriend held me back from a lot. After breaking up I found true friends and was way happier. All in all, do what you want and experience new things. It college, its when you find yourself.

Denise

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, i'd advise myself the importance of "right now." I guess i didn't understand what my parents and teachers were talking about when they'd say "It's important" or "Think about your future." I assumed it would be easy, but it's not. The real world is around the corner and it's pretty scary. If you don't prepare yourself, you don't get far. Take this advice: if a teacher tells you it's due next Friday, do it now! Don't hesitate. Your future isn't going to wait for you. Opportunities aren't going to wait. Your future is now. Do well today so that there's a better tomorrow.

Jiana

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I'd beg for myself to open my eyes and think about my future. I would tell them, "Hey, stop floating around in space and slacking off at school! Your future is important!", because my current position isn't exactly the greatest. I'd insist that if I didn't take immediate action to plan my future and improve my grades, all they'd be doing is a lot of fast food jobs trying to get by. I'd tell myself that I have so much potential to strive for a better life, that I wouldn't have to live under the poverty and uncertainty that my parents put me through. If my high school self got discouraged and unsure of my words, I would say that I have the ability to make a difference in my life and in others' lives, too. I would learn that I love to help people out in the future, and I would tell them to go into field where I would make a difference in others' lives. I would do my very best to give myself hope.

jessica

If you have the opportunitty to go to a Cal state/UC or even a private school dont sleep on it, do it. Community college is a place to help you transition from high school to the real world. Having the opportunity to go to a 4year school and experiencing what real college life is like is one of the best time of your life, go straight to a 4year school. Community College is the last option, look and apply to all the schools dont just limit yourslef, and even though people say money is not an issue, it is. So pick, and decided wisely because going to the school of your dreams for a year and then having to withdraw from it becuase its too expensive, that is a tease to your education. Then transferring to a community college because its your last option its not that great, but school is school and if you want to go to school and learn then the school you go to doesnt matter, is what a lot of people say, but thats a lie. So make a wise decision on what school you want to go to, and be realistic.

Jessica

I would tell myself that the biggest mistake you made was not taking college serious the first time. The first time I went to college I had financial support and overall support from my family, and because of my poor decisions as a young adult I did not take college serious the first time and ruined lots of opportunities earlier for myself. I will plea with my high school self to take college very serious the first time and also tell myself to pursue culinary. In high school I always thought I had to be a doctor or lawyer to make others happy, so I was sacrificing my happiness so my mother could be rich. I would tell my high school self that the meaning of life is to do what you want and what makes you happy, and that pastry and cooking and culinary makes me very happy and that is the direction in life I need to take. I would show my high school self pictures of the work I have accomplished in the culinary world and show her just how good she is.

Ashley

Make sure the school you are choosing is a good fit for your major. You need a good education, not just a fun experience.

Darrah

I know that you are frustrated now. You just want to leave for your adventure. You are terrified to leave the friends you've known since first grade. Then again you can't wait to get away from the two-faced people you've been stuck with since middle school. You're looking to the future. I want you to know something. You are a stuffer. You pretend that nothing bothers you and hiding problems makes them better. It is okay to miss home. You are 750 miles away. If you need to talk, you have friends. Just don't challenge your patriotic neighbor about whose state is better. That argument will continue all year. Call Mom whenever you need. She is always there. The past year she's been pretty dumb, right? But when you call her crying over your first breakup, she'll become the smartest person you've met. Remember to study. You are going to kick yourself at finals. Especially in Chemisty, because that class is the devil. In this school, C's get degrees. So work your hardest. Most importantly, never let anything keep you down. You have a bright future. Love, Your Future Self

Jessica

Go directly to a math major and stay on top of every class. Work less, apply for more scholarships, and enjoy all of life. Don't let anything hold you back from fullfilling your dreams.

Anne

The college experience is always said to be a good one. I can agree with that statement. College at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, for me, has been a time to meet new people, learn new things, discover myself, get involved with organizations on campus, and prepare for my future job and career. Although I have only been at college for just over one semester, I feel like I will be able to secure a good job upon graduation. South Dakota School of Mines has educated me well and I look forward to the classes I will be taking for the rest of my undergraduate Mathematics degree.

Luke

My college experience has been great so far. I have gotten involved so many educational and fun student organizations that I have a full schedule. I am on a mini baja team, have played Humans vs. Zombies, and have some Christian fellowship with my friends in Campus Crusade. All of the amazing opportunities and fun social atmosphere along with the course of study I am pursuing is why college has been such a great experience so far. I have made a lot of new and unique friends here on the SDSMT campus. I am from a very small rural high school so coming to college, even a small one like this, has been a huge change. I like having met so many new people that I still have trouble remembering all of their names. The supportive community and new friends is another important reason to go to college.

Valeria

I have more thana nything learned to deal with problems and adversities, from financial to academic to human relations. College is challenging and difficult, but realy rewarding. An experience I will never forget.

riquendra

What I have recieved from my college experiance is that you deffinatly need to want to be there otherwise it will be boring and pointless. The is a huge varity of people that attend. It is valuable to go because it gets you somewhere in life and takes you to places you want to go in life and succeed.

Laci

I have learned much from my first two years in college, although I never had to leave my hometown to go to school. I have learned how much more is in my area besides what I knew before attending, and how focused my college is on environmental sustainability. I thoroughly enjoy attending school where I do, and the most valuable part of attending South Dakota School of Mines is the reasonable prices for a great education. The teachers here strive for excellence, and the price is comparable and often much less than any school I've ever seen that lives up to the same credibility.

Christopher

Oh how I would love to go back in time. The things I would tell the past-me? but about college life? Well, after graduating high school I was originally intending on moving to Washington and going to school in Seattle. However, it didn?t happen. Partly due to the fact that I could just barely afford to attend school out of state, and part of it because of my hesitation of losing all my old friends. What I foolish child I was. If I could go back in time to my old self, I would grab onto my shoulders and shake myself back and forth until everything made sense. Dramatic? Yeah, probably. Nessicary? Probably not, but I would like to think so. The truth I realized much to late is, unless you live close to your high school friends chances are pretty good they are not going to be near as warm and cuddly. I would have smacked sense into the old me and told him to follow through and attend college in Washington like originally planned. Who knows though? It may happen in the future if all goes as planned.

Sarah

I would tell myself to go for it. Don't be afraid to go club meetings and school events. Don't worry about being so far away from home. GET A JOB! You will not have time have one during school, and you will need more money than you think you will need. Bring your bike you will not have a car and will have to depend on other people to get to places. If you think what you are about to do is a bad idea, it is a bad idea, don?t do it. . Finally would tell myself the cold isn't that bad, you?re not going to freeze to death and don?t do anything completely stupid.

Travis

If I could go back and talk to myself when I was a senior in high school there is not much I would say to myself to change how i transtioned into college life. The main this I would tell myself is to relax, things will work out just make sure you bring everything you need. Make sure to get out and meet new people and do not just confine yourself to people you already knew from high school because the more people you know the more fun you will have. I would also remind myself to make sure to balance school with other activities but make sure school comes first.

Erika

If I were given the opportunity to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior with the knowledge about college that I now I have, I would tell myself two important things. The first thing that I would tell myself is to never be afraid to do something new. I realize now that not going for something just because its new and strange to you should not stand in the way of doing it if it will be beneficial or interesting. The second thing that I would tell myself is to join a club or organization as soon as you can. This is extrememly beneficial to meeting new people and having new friends and new people in your life at college can be rewarding, emotionally, beneficially, and personally.

Aarika

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say, "Aarika this is your senior year and college is right around the corner. College is nothing like high school. You have to study, do homework, go to class everyday (even though it's not mandatory), participate, and learn how to be on your own. Starting to get into the habit of doing those things right now can help you when you go off to college. College life is tough, especially when your thousands of miles away from home. There are two things to remember about college. One, you need to be responsible and not dependable. Two, be prepared at all times. Life isn't fair, but if you want to be successful and you fight for it, you will be successful. Keep your head up kiddo!"

bryan

The advice that I would give myself is to keep cost in mind, and to look into what each school has to offer. I would also say not to go with my gut feeling and make a last minute decision. I would tell myself to spend time with my counselors and not to blow off appointments like I did. In the end nothing is more important than your future and by not spending time with my counselors I hindered myself both acidemically and financially. I would say not to be as concerned with athletic programs and hype, because in an instant those things may not matter as much as they used to. And the most important thing I would tell myself would be to take the time to plan things out, and to look for dead ends in your path, try to avoid some obstacles that come with transfering schools and switching majors, all in all just to be a little more conservative with my decisions and not to jump into things so quickly.

Timothy

Life is full of many "what if's". What if I could change this, or what if I could change that? Have I made mistakes in my past that I wish I could change? Of course I have, but would I change anything? I look at my life and see what I have become. I see who I am and the changes that have occurred to make me who I am today. I may not be perfect or exhilerating, but who I am is who I was meant to be. Given the chance to go back and give myself advice I would probably tell me to work harder on getting those scholorships. However, I would probably refuse the opportunity because any interference with the past could drastically change the present. While I'm not rich and overflowing with money, I can think of many worse possible fate. I am content with who I am and where I am.

Travis

First off, great job applying early and doing the interactive checklist provided by the School of Mines website, but there were a few important things that could have been done that were never said to me. One of the biggies is the AP Calc exam has a deadline for application and it is February! There is a good chance you were clearly prepared, but it will still take some major studying to start off in Calc II. Next, look into CLEP exams, they can make gratuating on track a lot less strenuous. Take the Spanish, English composition, and the US history CLEP exams. The Spanish and the US history will take a lot of preparation, but they are worth the work outside of class. Next, keep in mind the schedule the school prepares for you is not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} the best it can be! Get on the SDSM&T website and check out the department website for Chemical Engineers and their course outline and prepare one that still puts a workload on first semester to ease the burden the following semesters. Lastly, look online for books too especially the Wiley card for Chem 112 is $40 less online.

Leigh

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school student I would tell myself to have a healthy balance between school work and fun. You need to apply yourself in school no matter what. In college the professors do not care to hear your pathetic stories of my dog died so I couldn?t do the homework, they are there to push you, push you past what you ever thought you could do or imagine. They may give you tough love, but you have to know that they want you to succeed as much as you yourself want to succeed. There?s always a way to overcome an obstacle. They say college is the best years of your life and I believe in that one hundred and ten percent. You have freedom, but you also gain many responsibilities. You can decide if you go to bed, play guitar hero till 6:30 a.m., or you study for that chemistry test that?s at eight the next morning; it?s your choice your parents and professors aren?t there to tell you what to do.

Steven

During my freshman year in college, I made the mistake of not buckling down and doing as well as I could have. After coming close to not being able to return the following year, I have learned to work hard to stay in school. Study, study, study. There will be more time for other things when school is over, but during school, focus on school.

Madi

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I wouldn't focus the conversation on academics, but rather life lessons. I would encourage myself to meet as many new and unique people as possible. I have discovered that learning from others is the best way to gain wisdom and life experience. It is absolutely necessary to make good friends. Good friends meaning, people you can confide in and vice versa. It is impossible to survive without strong friendships and relationships; they are something that we as humans live for. I would also tell myself to be patient, live for today, and not to rush through anything. Patience is a gift, but it takes practice to achieve. Life is fast so it's crucial to enjoy every minute and to make the most out of everything. I would remind myself that I am lucky in that I have had good mentors and role models throughout my life. I would tell myself to become a mentor for others when possible. Sometimes an encouraging smile or compliment is all it takes to make someone's day a little brighter.

Dustin

Parents: Let your child decide what school best fits their needs. They are adroit adults capable of choosing a college or university that successfully suits their needs. Do not beguile your child, for this may lead to far greater problems. Do not be too credulous, for this will lead to a diminished relationship between you and your child's wanted education. Students: There will always be more than one choice and, more importantly, there will always be more than one chance. You know exactly what you want, so take that opportune moment to seize your bona fide goal. Do not be irascible with your parents/guardians.

Moses

Definitely figure out what size of college is most beneficial for you. Bigger is not always better. Also look for affordable options and avoid debt as much as possible. Graduating from college debt-free is the way to go! Look for specific activities that relate to your major and look for job opportunitites on campus that relate to your major as well!

Everett

Make a pros/cons list for the schools you are applying to, and take the time in researching and to visit the campuses.

Alex

To find a great college you have to look for one with a good reputation. One where several employers come offering plenty of jobs in most of the fields of study the college has to offer. After all, that is why one goes to college: To gain the knowledge that an employer wants, so as to procure a job that could possibly be, or lead to, a life long career. To make the most of your college experience, you have to be social. Befriend those in your field, not excluding your professors. That way, if you ever get to a point where you can't figure something out, or just need help of some sort, you know where to go. Also, join groups, organizations, or teams that take your knowledge, and the knowledge of others, and put it to the test, stretching it to new heights. Don't be afraid to take a semester or two for a Co-op or an Internship. They help you gain experience that no class could ever teach.

Daniel

As a student for the last four years, I would say find yourself some good and trustworthy friends. The best thing you can have at college is a good support system. Greek life is a great way to do this. These guys or girls will be your friends for life and will be in your life till you die. Enjoy your time at what ever school you decide to go to. It is short lived and you wont have another time in your life like it.

Laura

Find a college that supports your degree program and in the most economical means. The easiest transition is the one that is not a huge change to your way of life before college, like going from the city to a small town ect. Also, check into campus food beofre hand. It is important to realize that if you are living in the dorm that more than likely and depending on your food plan, you will be living off that food there on campus. If the food is not good and they have no food service on the weekends, make sure you have some compensation.

Jeffrey

Standard advice for finding a college would be to make sure you visit the colleges you are interested in. I agree with this but, take your visit to the universities with a grain of salt. Too many people take these visits to see if the campus feels ?comfortable?. The problem here is that often a college will feel overwhelming or foreign so you feel distinctly uncomfortable. I assure you that this feeling is normal and if you decide to attend college will more than likely go away as you get to know people and the campus. Sooner or later that campus will become home where before you visiting someone else?s home. Once you make it on campus you NEED to find a good venue for meeting people. I do NOT recommend frat parties or the like with alcohol. If you want to get to know someone do it when they are all sober and themselves. You can also combine this venue with another need; find something other than classes to get involved with. Most campus have a large body of student organizations which include anything from campus ministries to board gamers. This will help make the college home.

Eric

Go to the place that will make you happy. Do not worry about the costs of academic life, as they will wash out in the end. You cannot put a price on happiness.

Kyle

I would tell students and parents to take advantage of the internet and really look hard for schools. There are literally thousands of them out there and don't limit yourself to staying near home.

Samantha

Finding the right college is important to everyone. I would start off by saying don't settle. Choose the college that you want based on class size, school size, and majors. Give yourself an opportunity to get used to the school too, things are always hard at first. When you do finally choose the college of your choice, don't let it bring you down. Make sure to stick to your academics but to become involved. I wish I was more involved, and when I switch schools to get into my actual career, I will be more involved. Also, don't let the finances worry you either. There are always student loans if you can't afford it right away, and many colleges offer great financial aid and scholarships for students. College is a wonderful experience as long as you let it be, so choose the college that is best for you and make sure you're involved academically and socially and it'll be just as good an experience for you too.

Joe

Make sure you are sure about where you want to go. Choose the best for how you are and choose what fits you. And please oh please do not major in art or something like that, it's just a waste of resources so you can work in McDonalds.

Matthew

Find a college with a good reputation and strong faculty/student interaction. Don't let hard classes get you down, if you don't make it the first time, try again. Chances are there are others in those classes who are struggling too. Also don't get too bogged down with homework, only take as many credits as you can handle comfortably. If it takes you another one, two or three semesters to graduate, so be it, college is not a race. It's okay to change your mind, many students change majors after one or two years of school. Most importantly, make time for yourself and a social life. There will be a time when you will go insane after failing a test or a quiz, and the worst thing you can do is dwell on it. Take some time to hang out with your friends and let it all go for awile. Find an activity that makes you happy and do it as often as possible. And lastly, NEVER skip class and ALWAYS do your homework, even if it isn't graded!

Laura

Students need to be able to feel welcome and comfortable at the college. Go to the campus and tour around and see if you feel at home and like the campus. Another thing to look at is the extra-curricular activities, make sure that there are activities that interest you. College is not only about achieving a degree, but also about interacting with fellow students outside of college. Gaining lifelong friends from activities that you both enjoy is an amazing part of college.

Megan

Finding the right college can be a difficult process. One of the biggest aids in selecting the college is visiting the different campus' and talking with the professors that the student will be taking courses from. Not only does that help give the general idea of how the character of the campus works, but it also lets the student decide if the area is compatable with his or her personality. Then, once college itself actually starts, one of the best things to do is stay active on campus. It will help make the initial move easier to handle, and it will help the student find others whom he or she can relate to. Also, being active on campus will look great on resumes and help develop a person into a star candidate for future leadership positions. Finally, don't forget to study! Although it's great to be active on campus, GPA still matters to the one's who hire. Overall, find a campus that will be fun and helpful in achieving the dreams of the student. It's a future worth setting up for!

melissa

Look into what you want out of college. Don't base your choice on whether or not your friend(s) are going to it. College is about making your life the way you want it. Don't pick a college that dosen't have what you want in life, instead pick one that will. To make the most out of college life, just live it. You need to pay attention, go to class, enjoy college life, and have fun with it.

Anneka

It is not all about the money, and it may take awhile to find the school that fits you. I'm at my third school in three years. It's not my first choice but it is the best education.