Temple University Top Questions

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

Annu

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would adivise myself to learn to manage my time effectively. Time management is an important issue in college. I think effective time management is the key to success in college. If you can balance your social life with your academic life effectively, you will be a successful student. During college, It is easy to leave academic track by the surrounding pressures of social activities such as parties, drinking, smoking, taking drugs, etc. If you have a stong mind and will, you can stay withold from these things. While it is fair to have a little fun in college, your main focus should remain on your studies. If you can do this, you will have a successful life as college student.

Taryne

Make sure you know what you will be comfortable doing. Don't always go for the most new and interesting. You will get homesick and you will miss the comforts of home. Try new things but do not go too far out of your comfort zone.

Karen

Never lose focus Karen! You might want to lay back and relax more often in the spring semester when the weather is nice and you want to go outside, but you still have to work. Keep working at the end of the semester and study hard for those finals. Have fun and enjoy your time in college, before you know it, you will have to enter into adulthood and begin a career.

Joanna

Assuming I could back in time, I would tell myself, as a high school senior, to welcome every opportunity presented at college. I would definitely advise myself to become a proactive college student and join several organizations, some pertaining to your major and others for the student life. It is very important to have a balance between your collegiate career and student life. In addition, being an active member of organizations will help you learn more and become better prepared for "real world" upon graduating. I would also advise myself as a high school senior to try to do internships and co-ops because these only add to the college experienec and make learning "fun". Most importantly, I would advise myself to value my life as a student and open every opportunity presented to me.

Garrett

Accelerate as fast as possible and never look back.

Philip

I would advise myself that when I get to college to be sure to make social friends, to make a friend in each class, and to get to know the professors and faculty. I will also advise myself to remember to keep my academic and social lives seperate. This is what will help with getting through college, the support system I created.

Alexandra

My advice would be to be as open as possible to new experiences and new people. Dont be afraid to step outside of the things you learned as a child and experience something different. Fear can severely stagnate a persons growth. Dont let it hold you back. Though your foundation is very important, be willing to try something new. New experiences and people give you an opportunity to grow and thats what college is all about.

Chelsea

I would adivse myslef to enter college with an open mind who jumps at opportunites presented and is not fearful.

Kaelin

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to relax a bit! I was so stressed out over applications, money and studying, that I didn't realize what the best school was for me. I was too focused on the outcome of the college education, not the product of my learning. I picked University of Maine first because they offered me money to go there, not because I wanted to go to that school. When I transferred to Temple, it was the best decision I ever made. I changed my major and love what I am learning, here at school. I didn't feel as much pressure when I came to Temple, I knew what I wanted to do with my life!

Tenicia

Well i would tell myself to see if i could find some prep courses to better prepare myself for the challenges that I would be faced with currently. I would also tell myself to be a bit more serious because if you are not then you basically flunk out of school sooner than later.

TeShia

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and give myself advice about college, I would stress the importance of having a meaningful college experience. In my opinion your college experience is what you make of it, so therefore joining different organizations and clubs and networking enables you to get further in the future. A hands on approach is always best so it is also important to gain experience and knowledge outside of the school environment because it will prepare you for the real world. Forming meaningful relationships and bonds with the students as well as the faculty enables you to have closer access to a variety of options that will be beneficial in the future. Make sure that you enjoy attending the college of your choice because it will affect your performance throughout your college experience. Decide what you want to do with your life before attending college because it will save a great amount of time, money, and stress. Do not take advantage of your independence and be sure to handle your responsibilities in a professional and respectable manner. Remember that college brings the best years of your life, so make the best of it.

Portia

I would tell myself to not be a procrastinator. Take 5 classes every semester and at least 1 summer class each summer.

Chloe

If I could go back and talk to myself in high school I would simply tell myself to calm down and be ready for what college life brings with it. There will be some hard times and some easy times but fighting through it makes it all worth it. In preparation for the journey ahead I would let myself know that I will need to work on being more studious and to begin to get used to reading a lot of books and pages per week. I would also tell myself to get used to stepping outside of my comfort box because I will meet people and make friends who will challenge what I know and believe and that is a very good thing. Throughout my year and a half in college I have realized the best advice anyone could have given me while I was in high school was to simply enjoy my years in college and to have as much fun as possible while I am there because the memories you make here really will last forever. That is the last advice I would give myself, to make memories and not stress the small stuff.

Alyson

If I were able to go back to my high school self I would tell myself to not get as stressed and to take as many classes as I could. Now in college I have to take math courses that I could have been better prepared for if I had done more math in high school. Also if I had looked at my classes as a stepping stone to college I think I would have started out better in college. I did not take my high school classes as seriously as I should have and now in college I have to work much harder to achieve good grades. In high school I also worried much more about my grades and less about my experiences. If I could go back and say just one thing to myself in high school it would be to really experience and enjoy my time in high school, not just let it go by.

Ashley

I would tell my self to fully prepare for the differnet atmosphere. I would tell myself to talk to teachers because they have gone to college and ask them about their experiences and their academics. I would want to research as much information about finacial issues, internships, and everything I needed to do to graduate on time. I would look into what is required of my major before choosing it and trying to come up with what exactly I want to do. This would eliminate the chances of me changing my major. I would research a back up plan for my future. I would make sure it was something I was ok doing if I didnt get into my first choice. I would tell myself to be confident because I can do whatever I want to do and be whatever I want to be in life. I need to stay focus and realize that freshman year is the most important year of all.

Maya

I would tell myself to get ready. The transition will be exciting yet terrifying. The first year is one of the hardest, and it's one of the most important. Start off on the right foot by making a proactive effort to figure out what you love and your interests. It sounds tough, but you must experiment with different things in order to determine a career that will suit you. Make an appointment with a career counselor. Going into college with the mindset that these next four years are going to be a breeze filled with crazy nights sets a bad precedent. You're here to establish yourself and to map out your life. No one is going to hold your hand through this. Make mistakes, they are the best way to learn. Do not live beyond your means. You will be broke and you will probably eat Ramon noodles everday. Embrace this, it will make you humble. Enjoy the ride. Yes grades are important but so is experience. Each week dedicate one day, one hour even, to trying something new and daring ? because at the end of the day, these four years will be over before you know it.

Patricia

The best advice I would give if I were to go back in time is to take your time. Deciding what college to go to is a major decision and many factors are associated with it. These factors include finance, location, academics of the school, and any special programs the school has that you are or may be interested in.

Carissa

If I could go back to the time when I was choosing a college, I would tell myself not to be disappointed in choosing Temple University, even if I did get into better schools. It's not about where you go to college, it's about how well you do while you're there and what you take out of it into the "real world". Don't sweat the small stuff, focus on all of your goals, and make sure you keep working so money never holds you back from embracing any opportunity. When you're in college, it's not about focusing on the schoolwork and being the best in your classes, it's about really taking something out of it and finding out something about yourself, even in the most mediocre classes. Always keep an eye on the end of your road: graduation. Remember to be prepared to get thrown into anything, and have the skills and sense to be able to deal with it. Always picture yourself in a fishbowl: people can see you all the time, and when they judge you, it can severely affect severl people's opinions of you.

Olivia

The advice I would give to myself two years ago would be to choose Temple University and work very hard in classes. I would also tell myself to make friends who have similar lifestyles, values, and goals that I do. I would also encourage myself to make friends with people who seem different than me in order to gain the full potential experience that diverse people can offer each other. I would encourage myself to get involved in all types of different activities that the University has to offer and volunteer as well. These are all things that I have learned throughout my semesters at Temple University, but it would have been nice to get a heads up on all the different things that college has to give, from a student's perspective.

Ben

Ben, you do not like writing and being heavily scrutinized with red pen all over hard work you put in and told you're terrible. Do not pursue the field of communications. It is a highly opiniated field that does not allow one to control themselves. I know it was your dream to be a part of tv/radio production but you won't be happy with that choice. Go to an excellent business school where you can learn things that will further your passion for the business world.

James

Looking back on my life as a high school senior, I was popular and was care-free, and I mainly was a procrastinator. I know that life a senior set me up to be how I am today, and I hadn't yet been through the problems that would face me and hurt me after I graduated. Therefore, I would advise myself to push hard and do it for my family and people who are no longer with me. I know that back then I was getting deeper into my music, and I would tell myself to work hard on that as well, but don't let it overshadow school work. I definately would tell myself to not let school stress me out to the point where I can't focus; there are always people who are there for you and willing to help keep you moving, but you can only be moving as much as you want to be. College is tough, that's a no-brainer, but as long as you have a goal and a focus at the end of the tunnel, you'll easily come through it with that diploma, ready to take on the world.

felicia

I would say that to ujust stay focused on your dreams and that cicumstances will come but don't let it get the best of you. Also that you have to surround yourself with positive, motivated people that are willing to help you when you do feel like you are lost and not going in the right direction. i would also say that your goals and dreams in life are always first and that male friends are secondary. If you have your life in control from the very start with family and friends there to support you all the way through i truly and honestly believe that you can and will accomplish your most deepest and honorable goals in life. And even then if things doesn't go straight on track it is never too late to get it done just focus on the i can and will do it attitude and you will succeed.

Sarah

Throughout my brief college expedition thus far I have come to realize that the most common thing in the world is talented, unproductive people. The amount of energy I have put into making fearful excuses not to achieve my own aspirations could have fulfilled them tenfold. I was paralyzed with procrastination, which allowed for many missed opportunities. I should have read more, written more, created something. I?ve always had a sense that I want to try a little bit of everything, learn a lot about a lot, that while I have a streamlined vision of what my ideal career and lifestyle will be, I also want to edit a magazine, try my hand at satirical journalism, design my own clothing, take an EMT class, breakdance on the subway, start a secret society. I used to believe that any interest of mine that falls outside of my goals is something of which I would just have to let go: a figment of another person?s life. I have learned, however, that every single opportunity should be welcomed as a building block of a multi-dimensional character, that every experience is an educational one, and therefore should not go unconsumed.

Christopher

Okay dude... I know you were smart and got through High School with ease, but seriously, dont slack off and study you lazy piece of $#{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}!.

Daron

I would give myself the same advice that I was given before entering my freshmen year of college. That is to remember my primary reason for being at college, which is to successfully complete my academics. I would be sure to come with an open mind for meeting new/different people and getting involved in fun and positive campus clubs/organizations. I would advise myself to practice good time management skills as good balance between fun and work, and even try to make work as fun as possible. I would advise myself to have fun and enjoy the experience and also work hard, network, and use my campus/outside resources for my own success.

Pauline

Well first off, Senior me, I would say: Be realistic in the life you want to lead for yourself, but do not be afraid to dream. Ambition is okay, but make sure you have a plan. If you know what it is you want to do, then study to become that and take every opportuniy you can to pursue it. Do not wait for opportunities. You want to be a journalist? Start a blog. Be a journalist NOW. If you want to be one, assume you already are one. Secondly, do not be nervous about the SAT. It matters, but not that much. Be prepared and do well but do not act like your life depends on it. You do not need numbers to tell you how smart you are. Always remember that whatever you do, you will be fine. You really can't screw up that badly as long as you maintain a concious reasoning for the things you do.

Emilie

Don't worry, you made the right decision. You absolutely LOVE Temple. You may want to make sure you don't get this roommate, you'll not like her very much. Please look for scholarships now, it'll save you alot of stress and worry. You picked the right major, we just need to figure out what we want to do with it exactly. Don't let your senioritis get the best of you, believe it or not you will miss your teachers and classmates. Enjoy and have fun!

Alexandra

Knowing what I know now in advance as a high school senior, the best advice I would have to give myself would be to make sure that my priority is to make sure my priority stays my priority. What I've learned through my transition to college, is that as a young adult entering a new world, you tend to get side tracked and lose focus on your priorities. Therefore, now giving you no other option, you then make a new priority (that may also change) just to get back on track. I luckily had a very smooth transition going to college. With saying that, going back in time and speaking to myself as a high school senior, I would say STAY FOCUSED. Play hard, work harder. Don't get overwhelmed and work to the best of your ability.

Nicole

Don't go to a college that doesn't feel completely right just because your friends are going. Make sure you make an effort to socialize. Don't feel depressed because things don't work out for you right off the bat. Be open to new and slightly scary experiences. Work hard to find what you're looking for. Don't miss out on opportunities because you're nervous of not doing it right or being unexperienced. Just try!

Erin

To any future students, and to the parents of those students, when looking for your dream college, keep an open mind. You do not have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life, it's okay to start without a declaired major. Make a list of what you feel is important for your future school to offer. Once you have picked out multiple schools continue to narrow them down based upon things such as teacher reviews, facilities, athletics, or whatever else is a priority to you. Finally look at what kind of financial aid the schools offer. Paying for college can be extremely difficult to do, especially without loans. It is important to start looking early for scholarships and grants, as well as to work hard in high school to improve your chances of receiving a scholastic based scholarship from the college you decide on. Mostly, though, it is important to follow your heart. Anything can be done if you try to make it work.

Janelle

First, I feel that it is important that the students knows whether or not they want to be at a small or large college This is important because if they can't handle being around a lot of people then they will become easily distracted. Another or is important factor is whether or not they want to be close to home. The should also do a lot of reseacrch about the school's reputation. Then they should visit the school because hearing and reading about something is very different from seeing it and experiencing it.

Dannie

I would tell students to make sure before making a final decision to visit the college. Make sure you enjoy campus and the surroundings. Make sure a future is guaranteed after graduation. Also look into financial aid very well because it's hard trying to get through college when you can't figure out how to pay for it. College is the biggest step in life and also when you learn who you really are. It's alright to have fun and hang out, but also keep in focus the reason why you went to college. Play hard, work harder. Don't study the way you're supposed to, not only is your money wasterd, but also your time.

Daniel

Pick a college that has a lot of options. That way, if you declare a major and end up changing your mind later on in your collegiate career, you have many other choices which you can choose from. Also, find a place where you feel most comfortable. A comfortable atmosphere can help alleviate the stress of college and can help you better your studies.

annie

have fun but study hard.

Brittney

Go with your gut instinct. When i first went to Temple for a tour, I knew that it was the right school for me. It was everything that I loved: lots of people, in the city, close to home, affordable, and had the major that I wanted (with many backups readily available). Start early with loans and grants. You don't want your child to be caught in a bind. Students, have fun! College can be very rewarding and it is also very very challenging. The upside, you will be able to do more with yourself once you are done, and you will come out with many lifelong friends, and connections when you are done.

Zeke

College is always fun and exciting. Whether it be in the deciding which school or learning something new. Take everything for what it is. A new experience everyday is the only way to live. Take control of your destiny, live life, do not let life live you. Go with what your heart and head tell you, it is usually going to be the right decission- and if not try again. Find out everything you can about financial aid, there are so many ways to afford college, be proactive do not wait to get caught in a rush. You are going to learn so much about yourself during the entire experience, it is the best times of your life, it may seem like the last step to a future but each day is a whole new, fascinating, exhilerating step that is just waiting to be pounced on.

Melissa

Enjoy what you are doing, and always stay focused on what your goals are for the future.

Eric

For me, Temple was the perfect college because of it's size and the fact that it's in a big city. I love cities and the campus turned out to be really nice, and I made some great friends. Finding the right college can be as simple as choosing a location that you love and looking at colleges around there until something fits your needs.

Amy

The main advice I would give to parents and students about finding the perfect college is to visit as many you can. It's important to get a feel for what your new campus will be like. Afterall, you will be spending quite some time there. A lot of questions should be posed: the size of the college, how big the classes are, the surrounding area, etc. College can be the experience of a lifetime if you find somewhere that you gets you excited. Do as much research as you can. Orientations are also a great way to get a better understanding of everything. Making the most of the college experience means being open to new things and to new people. It means getting prepared for a new chapter in life and striving to make your life the best you can make it.

Brittney

Make sure to check all of your options. Look outside of your normal range, even price wise. Take college math up surveys because they really do work. Always try to visit your campues and let your kids talk to a student alone and not just next to you. Haha; they need to know what they are really getting into when choosing their school and some student ambassardors may hold back if parents are always present.

Corey

Make sure that the college u pick fits you, meaning location, students, professors, and tution.

Brittani

I would say you definitely need to tour more than one school, but as soon as you find the one that feels right, do everything you can to get in. Also, try and meet your roommates ahead of time or at least get to know them really well before moving in together. Also, GET INVOLVED as soon as you get there!

Nicholas

Don't choose a school based on how high it is ranked by us world or barrons. Make a list of the things you want out of a college or university and find a school that fits those needs. You should not choose based on someone elses opinion. Follow your instincts.

Shivani

My advice for prospective students is to do a lot of research about each college. Find out what it's known for, how the teachers rate, and what the social life is like. Most importantly, look at the aspects that you find most important. If you are really focusing on biology, make sure the college has a good biology program. For parents, I would suggest allowing their kids to look at colleges beyond what they deem "comfortable". Sometimes new places, people, and environments can change your life for the better.

Talima

When looking for a college you must select a school that fits you, a school that is well diverse, and a school that is known for academic excellence. I believe the students should pick the school not the parents because we are the ones who have to live there independently, not our parents. I highly reccommend going to visit the school one on one with another student who is already enrolled in the school, so you could get a real experience. It's better to have the opportunity to see what students have to go throw day after day with school, social life, and a job if they have one, because you will soon have to go through the same thing and it will be a test to see if you could handle it. Going from high school to college is a huge transition that you must adjust to on day one. You no longer have the comfort zone of your parents waking you up for school or reminding you of your paper and projects that are due. Take your time and make the right choice in choosing a school for you not your parents.

alysia

Making the most of the college experience would have to be mantaining a social life along with studying to succeed. Also time is a big factor in college. Time management is a very big concept in college.

Edelmire

Take the time to find the college or university that best suits your personal and academic needs and desires

Taylor

I would tell parents that though they may doubt their child's choice, it is their child's life and they will ultimately be the ones attending said college for four years. I would also advise going to lots of events and study groups in order to balance a social life with good academics. I would also advise trying to get to know everyone and being a friendly person.

Paige

Visit a wide variety of colleges- city schools, suburban, large, small. Allow your child to make the decision, it's their future.

ourania

finanically affordable and location of campus