Southern Methodist University Top Questions

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

Nathaniel

The advice I would give myself is threefold: socialize more, take breathers more often, and take fewer Advanced Placement courses. The second and third points I have chosen to highlight are closely related so I will begin with the first advice to socialize more. In highschoolI I did not spend time with classmates outside of the tennis team and magnet program I belonged to. I recommend spending more time not only with these friends but also forcing myself to meet more of my classmates. I think the ability to push the envelope on my comfort zone and meet new people is something I could have developed in highschool. The advice of taking breathers and fewer Advanced Placement courses are suggestions I never received. Although they sound counter-productive in the pursuit of advancing my studies and preparation for college, I believe more relaxation would have benefitted me. The courses I chose to enroll in created unneeded stress as the majority of the college credit I earned has remained un-utillized. I sometimes feel as if I overburdened myself in preparation for life and a career rather than enjoy the relative lack of responsibilities of my high school career.

DaNaysia

If I could go back and talk to my High School Senior self, I would tell her to apply for more scholarships. I was very flippant and unalert when it came to how much college actually costs therefore causing me to be less diligent in my pursuit of funds. I would tell her that earning a full ride takes hard work and dedication and even then you still may not get one and if you do not recieve one you need to look at other options. I would tell her to think twice about missing a deadline for a scholarship because that is just more money steered away from her pocket into someone else's. If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would let her know that college and adult life is fun and exciting but it is even more fun when you are not in debt.

Kyle

Apply to a wider variety, work on financial aid. Plan out your study time

Ginger

Dear high school senior me, I know what you're thinking, "I've already been denied at two universities, so why keep applying?" Well, past me, I'm here to tell you something. Ready? Don't give up. Keep pushing forward, working hard, persevering, because it all works out in the end. The things that you can accomplish when you atart to take ownership of your life are amazing. Independence is nothing to be afraid of, and the new friends and experiences that you meet are going to push you to become better than you are now. Don't give up on pursuing the things you're interested in, because college is a time to learn and grow and figure out what you want to do with your life. Sometimes the things we thought we knew, like future majors or careers, are not exactly what we are passionate about, and that's okay. Don't be afraid of change, it's good for the soul, and don't give up. You are so much stronger than you think you are. And you will do great things in college, so don't worry too much. Love, Future Ginger

Christopher

Don't be scared to jump into college life. There is a whole life ahead of you that will help you grow into a better man. Maturity is not with age, but with knowledge. Get educated as fast as possible so you don't waste any time. The real world is scary but it's scarier when your uneducated and life is an endless loop. The best is yet to come. Being eighteen years old is fun, but it is more of a struggle to be twenty-five and still in college. Have protected sex, ALL THE TIME. Don't let cultural and social pressure affect you into thinking it is cool to have unprotected sex. You can't afford a kid for many years anyway. Don't waste your energy on petty relationships. The real women of the world graduate college. Be healthy and active. You will not be the same for long. Your body changes with age so be proactive and eat healthy. Agree to disagree. Don't allow others to influence your choices and know when your better off being silent.

liz

No matter how impossible it might seem on the financial part to go to college. Apply for scholarships, look for grants, do your best to get good grades while in High School. If you work hard enough to become a successful person you will do it.

Lindsay

If I had the opportunity to go back to high school and give myself some advice, I would tell myseld a few things. First, I would encouage myself to learn better study habits that worked well for me. That was the biggest sturuggle I faced in my first year. I didnt really know how to study and didnt know the best enviornment to study in. I learned that studying in a quite enviornment is most helpful. Somewhere were there are other people who are very focused helps me stay focused. I also found i like to study in closed off places where I can't see outside. I noticed that outside distracts me and makes me feel like time is passing very slowly. Finally I realized that I wish i had branched out to more clubs. I did not have a passion other than sports going into college. I am still working to find something I am passionate about by trying new things. Overall I had a great high school experience, I learned many things both in the classroom and in life. I wish I had learned a few more things about myself rather than just educational information.

Kelly

I always felt as though I worked as hard or harder than any of my classmates. Sometimes I resented the sacrifices I made and the activites (read parties) I missed. It all paid off! It was worth it! I was prepared for anything that came at me. Looking back I would tell myself to believe in me and pay attention to my parents, advisors, and the faculty when they urged me to do my very best. I did and I am so glad because I now have opportunities that are exceptional. But that was difficult for me to see when I felt that I was missing so much fun! Now that I am in college I know that there is so much more to happiness than high school parties and hanging out.

Christian

I would encourage myself to not fall behind in the pursuit of my career. College provided a lot of freedom to handle my own schedule which I may not have been mentally prepared for. I cut back on my hours so I would have more time to devote to my social life which delayed graduation by 4 years. I would advise myself against procrastinating. That has been the most difficult struggle throughout my academic career.

Meredith

I would have told myself to take more AP courses as well as consider going to a state school for the first two years or so to save money as opposed to going to a private school right away. College is VERY expensive and loans are NOT fun.

Tyler

In order to best make the transition from high school into college, you should set realistic goals and expectations for yourself. In doing this, you will be able to make it through your first year of college without placing too much pressure on yourself. This will also allow you to enjoy the first of what can potentially be the best four years of your life. Having a realistic expectation for your first year performance in college will allow you to make wonderful friends and enjoy campus life! Don't get bogged down in thinking that you are not capable of doing something and release yourself from the stress of being perfect because everything will work out.

Bora

Be ready to handle and juggle your school work and social life, it will be a challenge at first but once you get through some bumps, it will be much more clear and easier along the way. Always remember to let your guard down and be outgoing because it will be easier to make new friends, never be shy to show people who you really are.

Kate

Be prepared to bring your best clothes if you want to fit in, and make friends with someone who has a car so you can go places off campus every once in a while. If you're super outgoing, you'll make friends right away.

Kate

Be prepared to bring your best clothes if you want to fit in, and make friends with someone who has a car so you can go places off campus every once in a while. If you're super outgoing, you'll make friends right away.

Afsana

College is much harder than high school. Although studying at last minute could get allow one to make good grades in high school, it’s not the same in college. In college, a student should start studying at least three days before an exam. There is much material to cover and to cram it all in one night does not result in a good grade. This goes for writing essays as well. Most essays in college are research based, which takes time. It’s a good idea to start writing an essay at least two weeks in advance. In addition, finishing essays early allows time for proofreading. Having others proofread an essay is the best way to make a better grade because a student can get feedback that will help to improve their essay. So, starting early on writing essays is very beneficial for raising grades. One important thing to note about college is networking. Networking is what lands a student a job after graduation. Although doing extracurricular activities are important in college, just as it is in high school, networking is essential to gaining a future job position. Networking and avoiding procrastination are fundamental to success in college.

Lila

It was a typical night for me, & I was out partying. I had come to this house party with my college best friends. However, I woke up alone in the house; there was absolutely no one, just me and empty bottles. How was I going to get back home? How could my friends ditch me? I asked myself, “How did I get here?” Literally & figuratively. I had graduated high school early with honors, gaining numerous scholarships to my top college. I was involved in different leadership clubs on campus and church. I had let my obsession with trying to be a party girl ruin my strong connections- my faith, family, and academics. If I had to tell my self advice, knowing what I know now, I would definitely caution from doing certain activities. Maybe stay in an extra night; you’ll thank yourself later. I graduated from college in May 2011 & am interning at an investment banking firm specializing in mergers & acquisitions while attending graduate school. My story goes to prove you’ve never fallen (or stumbled!) too far, you can’t pick yourself up. It sure is easier to not get off track in the first place.

justin

Sign up as soon as possible for financial aid and go to college as soon as possible also belive in yourself because it dosnt matter what other people think and tell you because its your future and life ahead. Save your money because its improtant and your future state yesturday

JoAnne

I would tell myself to try harder. When I was in high school all of my classes were dual-credit during my junior and senior years so I ended up graduating with an associates in science before attending university as a "freshman". My last two years I did not try as hard as I could; instead working at getting straight A's I goofed off and mainly recieved B's and A's. When joing this dual-credit program at a local community college I was granted all the freedom of a college student. I was allowed to leave campus as I pleased and classes were just exams. Like any freshman college student I relaxed and slacked off because I was not accustomed to making decisions and governing myself. Yes I did not do badly and ended up making A's my last semester but I should have tried harder. All in all I'm happy that I followed through with the program. Currently my grades can get me into a medical school but it is just a bit sad knowing if I would have tried harder my chances of attending the medical school of dreams would have increased.

Mai

Not everybody really thinks about their future. As for me, I didnt know what to do with my future, thats why it wasnt important to me until now. I actually started m family earlier than others. I have two kids and the economy is down. How was I going to support my family? I needed job asap so i can support them. When I get a job, should I just keep working the same job and live off paycheck to paycheck? Then I thought, what about ten years from now? I didnt want to keep working at the same place for the rest of my life? When these questions hit me, I panicked so I rushed. I mean i can if i want to, but i will never go up from that position even if work in that place for the rest of my life, so why rush? Why rush into making money and working for a company when you have the rest of my life to do something for yourself? Why rush, when i can go to school and get a dregree and not work for a company out there, but work for myself and my family.

Snow

I would tell myself how college is the same as my high school where I took seven AP classes at once. It was a nightmare, but I believe I have better prepared myself. Also I would want to tell myself how I should have developed my commication skills in high school because I am a very quiet person. I do not talk to people much and have with a low confidence in myself, but with good communication skills I can build a better networking skills and meet people who I can work recieve some kind of help in the future. Also build a good friendship bond with others. Therefore, I really recommend students right now in high school to develop good communication skills to not only network, but to also get their professors to know they are a hardworking student by asking questions and making good conversations.

Bryna

I have gotten alot out of my college experience. I have enjoyed the last 2 years because of the people, education and just the overall atmosphere of the university. It is a great place to be and learn, and I have benefitted from it. This university will prepare me for my future, and it will continue to the next two years. It has been valuable because I have made alot of connections that will help me throughout my life and career. The people are what makes this campus so great, and I am so lucky to be apart of it.

William

I have gotten to debate at a collegiate level while I have been in college while triple majoring in political science, public policy and economics. I have been active with volunteer organizations and gotten to know my professors well. SMU has allowed me to live in Dallas and experience life in the middle of a large city, while still retaining the feel of a high level collegiate institution. Unfotunately, I will not be able to attend after this semester without finding around $10,000 in scholarships. Hopefully, this one will be able to give me a helping hand.

Nikolas

What I have gotten out of my college experience so far has been self discipline. I was never one to wake up early and be motivated to do anything. Working second shift, made that easy for me. However, working for family wasn't the most enjoyable or fullfilling experience. I never had to worry about pushing myself, and didn't have any real responsibilities. Going through college has opened my eyes to a whole other world and made me become a responsible young adult. This is my third attempt at college, and by far have the best results. I guess I had to grow up a little more before I took it real serious and I have. And I believe college has pushed me far beyond anything I could have done on my own.

Andrew

I have learned engineering aspects that have helped me to understand the world around me. I have learned to defend myself and stay fit through an exciting martial arts program. I have made a dozen friends who are closer to me than I would ever have imagined. I have gone through and can understand the collegiate world. I have learned how to study for the first time in my life. I have worked harder than ever and been successful.

Brittani

Cliche as it sounds, i have gotten a better understanding of who I am and what I stand for. I have been able to academically experiement and really discover a major that challenges my thought process and mentally stimulates me. In heated classroom debates, I have learned that its not about being wrong or right, but about being able to defend my views and arguments. I have learned just as much inside the classroom as I have outside. Coming a from a small private highschool I was exposed to the many cultural perspectives that college and awoken me to- its incredible to the see the world from so many different angles!

Natalie

Going to college was one of the most frightening and difficult things I ever had to do. I was afraid to leave my perfect little bubble and was worried about making friends, missing my family and keeping my grades up during what was supposed to be the "best time of my life" as coined by hollywood. Nevertheless, I braced myself to face the challenges of college life and reminded myself that my college experience would be what I made it. I began school in August and ended up loving it. I met interestingly wonderful people from all around the world and was fascinated to see how passionate my professors were about their field of study. It made me realize that although I may not love the subject I'm studying, it is important to appreciate its importance to the function of our society. College has made me a much stronger and independent person and I can't wait to return in the fall to see what new and wonderful adventures await.

Lisa

Returning to college made me remember how much I enjoy learning and participating in class. I enjoy being a student and especially love interacting and having discussions with my professors. I appreciate that I learn from them and that I have opinions and ideas that are welcome. I spent the last several looking after my daughters and always trying to find better jobs to make sure that I could afford to continue to take care of my bills and my rent; I was always aware of wanting to avoid people I knew from high school because I had done nothing with my life and everyone else was educated and confident. Although I was laid off recently I feel proud saying that I am attending school now and even prouder that I feel that I actually belong in the college community. I have gotten my confidence and my curiosity back and I am using them to be the student I have always wanted to be.

Travis

What I have gained from my college experience has been the opportunity for a second chance at academic success and a second chance on life. When I graduated high school in 1992, I had a 4.0 GPA and was awarded a full ride scholarship to Culver-Stockton University, which I unfortunately turned down. I ended up making a series of bad decisions from there that ultimately changed the course of my life for the worse. I got into drugs, had children out of wedlock and had to take care of those children by myself, and still do, chose dead end jobs, and alienated myself from my entire family, who never forgave me for squandering the opportunities I earned earlier in life. Now I am back in school and earning those opportunities back for not only myself, but now for my children as well. I intend to become a psychologist, so I can help others right their wrongs as well as help them to avoid the pitfalls I experienced so they can go on to lead productive, successful lives.

Genesis

I have receieved a learning experience of being free from my parents and the experience of self-reliance. This college experience is one that is rewarding while most difficult, it deals with adjustments and changes, and it is the way you conform to these adjustments and changes which establishes how your experience will go. Going to college for me has been rewarding not only education wise, but in life lessons as well. And these are the lessons i will carry with me throughout life.

Brian

A great learning enviornment and very interesting teachers. I love my advisor.

Hannah

Having been raised in a small, affluent, protected city in California, exposure to different cultures and values has been very enlightening and exciting. Students at SMU are from all over the country, and bring a multitude of values and behavior formed by their past experiences. I have found myself questioning what I thought was normal and customary, and think I am becoming a better person for it. I have enjoyed being academically challenged. My High Achool was also highly regarded academically, but I am enjoying the stretch of college courses and opportunities for learning. SMU attracts noted speakers and professors, so there is ample opportunity to learn from seminars and out of class lectures as well. On a personal level, I have learned the art of time management needed to coordinate my on-campus work study job, my off campus job, sorority activities, studying, enjoying my new friends, and having "me" time. I have also been able to learn more about conflict management from problems inside my dorm. Finally, coming from a single parent home, I am appreciting the sacrifices my mother makes for me financially, and have become more involved with money management. Many valuable lessons learned!

Courtney

I've had to struggle through college for the past eight years, I would definitely have to warn myself of the hazards of dealing with counselors, both academic and financial. I've encountered many errors and transgressions that have delayed my expected graduation time year after year. One of these years, for instance, saw my dog run away, the passing of a dear friend, and the ultimate death blow to my all (all this had occurred during Christmas). The financial implications forced me to take a year-and-a-half long sabbatical from school. I returned to continue my fight through classes and student finances, and even encountered some academic advising errors that cost me another semester. I don't believe one should know too much about their own futures, but I do believe that I would have to warn myself of the academic and financial burdens I am certain to encounter. No one else in my family had ever graduated from college, so I had a lot to learn, and a lot to overcome. I consider myself to be quite stubborn, and I do believe there are circumstances, such as this one, where it is quite beneficial.

Chris

Younger man. If you have just twenty minutes, I really have some information that you can benefit from. No it does not involve smoking or girls, though you might have a few encounters with them both where you will be going. Seriously now, I wish to tell you about establishing a plan for college. When I overheard your conversation at the urinal last week, I noticed that you were thinking about going to a university but you received information about community college. If you are willing to hear me out, I believe that with community college you will be very successful in your educational endeavors. I want you to take three things into consideration. First of all, with community college you can earn credits that satisfy university requirements at a fraction of the price. Secondly, you have a lighter work load at community colleges, allowing you to grow into college-level work without being overwhelmed. Lastly, the experience gives you the opportunity to plan your next step versus jumping out into the middle of the ocean with a life saver and a fish stick. So younger man, listen and become wiser. Make your first step a community college.

Vanessa

I would definitely tell myself to take more Advanced Placement classes so I could get more college credit and save money on tuition and books. The most important thing I would need to know is that it's perfectly acceptable to be yourself coming into a new environment that you've never been in before. There are thousands of other students in the exact same position, so knowing that you're not alone when it comes to being nervous in an unknown place should be a little calming to the nerves. Continue the work ethic you put forth in the last year of high school and listen to the voice inside your head no matter what anyone else tells you. With this newfound freedom comes an enormous amount of responsibility that you need to become of aware of and grasp before things get out of hand. Even though there's no such thing as a perfect start to college, it can still be enjoyable as long as you stay true to yourself and do what you know in your heart feels right.

Ryan

I'd make a better effort to prepare myself for college, introducing better study habits, knowing I'd actually have to work hard to be successful. I would have done a different course selection, challenging myself more, giving myself a better chance to succeed.

Nabeel

My advice would be to learn to be more open-minded and expect a big change when you go to college. Expect to meet a new and diverse group of people from different cultural, religious, and socio-economic status. Be open and friendly to everybody and careful when choosing your friends. Also try and academically do as best as you can, and be very driven and dedicated to your academic work.

Sarah

I still remember the difficult times I experienced during my senior year when I was going through the horrific application process. I was nervous, stressed out, and almost gave up going to college. However, I wish I can go back and tell myself that it isn?t so bad. All I had to do is maintain the good grades I already had, take the SAT, and write some essays. Maybe I should have started on those essays a little bit earlier. If I had acquired good time management skills during high school instead of waiting till college, it would have been easier to balance between homework and extracurricular activity. I would probably go back and tell myself to be more involved in clubs during high school because you really need these social skills in college. Colleges don?t only look at your grades, but they look at how well-rounded you are. Being the first the oldest sibling in the family, I had no one to give me any genuine advice about college life. However, I plan to use my experience to help students in the community to take advantage of the resources available to them to go to college.

Kristin

As I entered college a year and a half ago, I was persistent in my attempt to withstand my preconceived notions of what I wanted to accomplish in my college career. However, after my freshman year, I began to wonder if my original goal of graduating with a BFA in Dance was the best course for me. I became aware of a multitude of opportunities and feilds of study that interested me. I eventually had to make a life changing decision, whether to continue to earn my degree in dance and take a few classes that sufficed my outside interests, or to continue taking classes but completely restart and persue a new major that would greatly benefit my future immediately after graduating or perhaps further on in my career. This decision would cost me a great deal of my scholarship and change my family's financial situation significantly, however what I learned was that regardless of what your personal plan entails, there will always be variables that challenge your path, and in addition to this, if there is a will, there is a way. Without risk there is little gain, and no one has ever felt satisfied from being comfortable.

Harry

"Don't quite while you're ahead." is the advice I would give to myself. These words reflect a song title from the Broadway musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Rumpert Holmes, an English-British composer, born 24-Feb-1947. Like Rumpert, I had high expectations to complete a major in music and to secure a job in the music field. However, one difference between Rumpert and myself is that after his studies (at the Manhattan School of Music in New York), he remained focused in music and became an acclaimed music artist. Contrastingly, now at age 41, I am recounting my reasons to complete the MUED BM studies at Southwestern University at Georgetown, TX. Regrettably, I withdrew from this university in 1986 following the completion of my junior year. Thereafter, for more than 10 years, I pursued other goals apart from my passion for music. Without a doubt, music still gives me joy. However, life has prompted me to rethink how I will achieve success. And with that said, I am pursuing a degree in anthropology at SMU in Dallas, TX with hopes to graduate by spring 2010, all while remembering "Don't quite while you're ahead."

Molly

When beginning the application process for college, I was unaware of what I truly desired of my college experience. I knew I wanted to thrive in college, however, I felt wanting for an area of study that interested me. In my senior year of High School, I lost my personal identity. Given the chance to talk to myself, I would merely have asked "What identifies you?" I would not tell myself anything I have learned now, I would have just posed the question. It took the experience of my first semester of college to realize what I felt passionate about and identified with. In my first semester at SMU I didn't fit in. I began to apprehend the missing piece in my existence - my family. I forgot I thrived on the benefits of a strong support group - my family's support. In High SchooI, I scarcely connected with my family and became detached; without their presence at SMU my identity got lost. After Transfering to UNT I found, with my family's help, that Film is my passion. Without the experience at SMU, I would never have realized this. With family support, my passion and identity came to fruition.

Jessica

Thinking back to my last year in high school as a senior, I have realized that there were many "loose ends" that I could have tightened through my process of applying to colleges. One of them is that I could have expressed a little more interest in researching the numerous aspects of prospective universities. This isn't to say that I did not care what each college had to offer, but at the time, I was merely going through the motions, not fully understanding the inner workings, the advantages and disadvantages of each university. Once arriving on campus, it took longer for me to learn of the array of opportunities that my university offers, and thus delayed in my being a part of campus activities. I feel that if I had known this as a high school senior, I would have studied more about the programs my university offers, and would have taken advantage of them earlier than I had my first semester.

Isake

If i could talk to myself as a high school senior i would continue to push myself for success. As a highschool student i never setteled for mediocrity. Instead of frowning upon writing different essays and papers during school i would take advantage of the opportunity. Writing only gets better with practice. I would also talk to my literature teacher about the marks on my papers so that i understand what i was doing wrong,so i can prevent myself from making the mistake over again. In college i may not be allowed to do a rewrite on a paper for a higher grade. I would also make sure i understand the importance of pre-planning and time management. College has alot more distractions as a result of clubs and other on campus activities. The syllabus is important and if i stay on top of that it will almost be impossible for me to get behind.

Amanda

For starters, I would tell myself its ok to be alone, you will find where you fit in at the right time. Also, be willing to take chances and take part in different organizations that I usually wouldn't consider because you WILL find yourself shying away from opportunities. The most vital is to never doubt yourself, even if those whom you THINK you can trust and look to for support , such as your counselor and principal, forget their job is to believe in their students. My counselor, principal, and some teachers made me second guess every characteristic that made me become third in rank, as well as a strong leader in the school. I wanted to apply to SMU, my dream school, and they looked at me with derision and tried to make discrete comments that I couldn't get in. My hopes and dreams temporarily faded from the time I was degraded to the day I reluctantly sent the application. I proved to myself that no one can stop me from making my dreams a reality. I'm about to start my second semester and can't wait to show them I made the Dean's List.

Benjamin

When I was in high school during my senior year, I spent the entire two semesters day dreaming about college and how much I would've rather been there than sitting in fourth period history. If I could go back, I'd tell myself what I've been trying to tell myself ever since then: live life instead of planning for it. I spent so much time thinking about college that my last year in high school just flew right by. Now that I'm here, I of course love it, but at the same time, I find it important to remember that these four years of my life are for me to grow and make relationships. Sure, thinking about that future job makes classes worth studying for; but at the same time, the experience gained on campus (especially living in the dorms) is what'll make a person really shine. I came here not knowing anybody and was terrified about what would happen to me. There's absolutely nothing to be afraid of. In fact, going to college on my own forced me to meet new people and adapt to new things. So, no worries and study hard!

Hanh

Hey girl, you are doing very great in all your classes, but take some time out to learn how to cook. It seems like you are having great chance of experience starvation due to unusual food taste in America girl in a very near future! And by the way, learn to use Facebook now! It's very important, main form of communication for you in college life. Trust me!

Patricia

Overprepare for everything. Get know asw many poeple as you can ahead of time, and they will hook you up. Connections are not everything, but they really help distinguish you from the crowd when everyone else's resume is just as good as yours. Take every opportunity you are presented with if you're interested, but don't take on more than you can handle--saying no after you've already said yes gives you a worse name than if you say no in the first place.

Pat

You have to just be persistent. You're going to get at least 15 no's to every yes, but the yes's are well worth it. Keep your chin up and face life with determination. You need to tell people they need you--people are stupid and have to be told the obvious. Whatever happens, just don't get discouraged. Things will turn out one way or another, and no matter what happens, you essentially determine the path you take.

Rebecca

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to have the strength to put myself out to other people and really try and establish a larger group of friends that I can depend upon. Also, I would suggest that I should invest my time early in the first semester, and maybe before school starts, to find a job on campus or nearby so that I would not be financially stressed. I would advise my younger self to start changing my study technique to follow through on all assignments and focus on balancing my course load that would become greater and more intensive in the next year. Lastly, I would emphasize the point about becoming a more active participant in the activities around me, classes as well as social situations for I am still trying to adapt to the discussion oriented structure of college courses.

Crystal

The hardest thing for me to learn was how to study in a way that works for me. In high school most of my classes came so easy to me I never needed to work on studying, but when I got here, that was the most difficult thing. I would have told myself to practice with different techniques early on to figure out the best way to study for each subject. I also would mention that getting done with classes early and taking about 4 hours after all my classes are done with is the best time to study! That is the most effective way to learn the material, if it is reviewed right after you hear it! Even though most of my teachers in high school told us these exact things, I don't think we really realize how true or important it is. Sometimes I guess we forget that they are passing on what they had to learn the hard way to in hopes that some of us will actually listen and refrain from making the same mistakes.

Alexa

Investigate and Visit! I was accepted to 8 colleges. My high school didn't have a strong college advising program. There wasn't much enthusiasm about applying which explained part of my apathy about the process. I applied, got in, but I wasn't focused on how I was going to make the final decision. I should have been pushing my parents to take me to visit, instead of the reverse. My older sister attends SMU, so I knew that college. I did visit half of the schools I got into. But when you're down to those final 3, unless you go visit, sit through classes, and stay on campus with the kids themselves, you dont really get a grasp of the college. I love SMU, and I can't see myself anywhere else. But I'll never be able to truly answer that question of "did I make the right choice". That said, you can always transfer. So, enjoy deciding because what lies ahead is awesome. Thus far, my advice is take advantage of all the opportunies: electives, arts, student programs, etc. This is your time to explore and find who you are, so don't hold back.