University of Kansas Top Questions

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

Veronica

It is getting closer to that day. The day every high school student waits for...graduation. Time to celebrate and create new memories for the future. Yet some students forget that there is more to life then high school. It is time to further ones education and continue the path to college. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have made myself be more aware of how important filling out scholarships are. It sucks waiting until you ARE ready to go back, then finding out your parents make too much income for Pell grants. So now I am stuck. Wanting to go to school so bad, and knowing I dont have enough money. I would go back and tell myself "Veronica! Get off of the soccer field and get on that computer and do what really matters for your future...College."

Alicia

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a high school senior I would tell myself to get ready to bleed crimson and blue becasue I would go to college at the University of Kansas. For most of my senior year I was very unsure which University I would attend. The uncertainty made me very nervous about where I was suppose to go to school. If I could go back in time I would tell my former self not to worry and that i was going to attend one of the best Universitys in the midwest. I would say that the University of Kansas would be a perfect fit for me. Kansas is full of tradition and school spirit. I would tell my past self that all the school and sporting events would be so much fun and I would meet so many people. If I could go back in time I would tell my former self to not worry about grades. I developed good study skills in high school and they would help me do well. I would tell my past self that the University of Kansas would be a perfect fit.

Rebecca

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to be afraid of branching out. Being the only one from my graduating class to attend the University of Kansas, I was nervous about being far from home and without the people I had known my whole life. Having the ability to be proud of who you are and where you come from, is one of the greatest attributes a person can have. Without that confidence, you limit yourself not only in the academic world, but in the outside world as well. I would tell myself that they key to making the transition between high school and college, is to put one hundred percent of yourself into everything you do. There will be people that don't like you, and classes that don't go as well as you would have hoped, but as long as you perservere and think positively about everything the world has to offer, you will succeed and go farther than you would have ever imagined.

Tyler

Start working out now, don't worry about the classes, you've been prepping for them for the last four years, but once you start PT (physical training) with the ROTC department, you are gonna be sore as can be for the first few weeks unless you get in shape now.

Robert

I would have pushed myself to step outside my comfort zone more and pushed myself to take higher level classes junior and senior year. I did not realize that by taking those classes I would be ahead of the curb once I got to college. I

Crystalee

If I could go back and offer myself advice to better help myself, it would be the advice that I have been giving my 18 year old step-son who was accepted to this school and i would tell myself to check into scholarships and ROTC instead of enlisting into the Military. I have respected my service to my nation, but because of being bounced around I am no longer able to use financial aid. it is much more difficult to complete college with a family than single. I would push me to be a stronger and better indivudal to allow me to help others in a quicker manner.

Alex

Hey Alex, I know that you don't really know why you should go to college right now, but it will sculpt your state of mind. By refining your artist skills and helping you realize this world is growing with opportunity and insight. Knowledge is a gift and what you choose to do with it could help bring happiness to countless people. Creating stories and drawing fantastic pictures opens the imagination to new possibilities of wonder and joy. It might not be completely clear now what the future holds, yet if you keep pursuing knowledge and the immense riches it contains you can show others what they can not see for themselves. Be an artist and a writer. Chase the dream until you make it a reality. You only get one chance. Choose to take action with your future and go to college. It will be the stepping-stone you need to cultivate greatness. Much Love, Yourself

Abigail

I am very happy with most of the choices I have made in college so far. I feel fortunate because I have had an older sibling go through college so I could feed off of their experiences and make my own. A regret I have is quitting rushing for a sorority after the first day. As a senior I would tell myself to go through the whole process then evaulate whether or not I want to continue with it. The transition was very easy for me living in the dorms. I was lucky to have had roomates that I got along with very well and a floor of people whom I have become best friends with and remain best friends with. I think looking back and re-evaulating my choices is a good idea, but only to improve my future, not change my past. I don't feel there would be much I would change because I have only had these experiences due to the decisions I have made so far and wouldn't change them for anything.

Brittany

Don't go to hair school, you will hate it. Save as much money as possible because books are super expensive, and use bigwords.com. Enroll in a four-year University, get a dorm room, and study your butt off. Also don't eat at the Market in the Union, the food is gross. If you get a Quesada there and it's labeled cheese it really has onions and peppers in it, not just cheese.

Dana

If I were able to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, this is what I would say (as soon as the past version of me got over the shock of a visit from the present version of me): First of all, forget your worries about where you will go to school. If you work hard and apply yourself, and remember why you are at school, you can be successful no matter who gives you your diploma. Since you are going far away from home, know that you might be lonely at first-- but don't let this stop you! Put yourself out there. Try new things. Find your little family there. You have this great new freedom to be anyone you want to be-- but you will find you'll just become more yourself. Don't forget where you came from, the history you have, and what has brought you here. And don't be afraid to come home. Be smart with your money, learn intentionally, and get to know your professors. Stretch. Eat healthfully. Study hard, but still make time for fun. Love and know your friends. And lastly, know you will make it.

Brett

The college experience is unrivaled and uncomparable. At the University of Kansas, every student has the opportunity to discover something about themself they had never learned before. While in high school, a student can easily forget who they really are as an individual, and get caught up in the socializing, the "hard work," and the extracurricular activities. Transitioning from high school to college is a life-changing experience, and one which opens up the world to anyone who is willing to take a huge step into adulthood. One thing I never realized is how many opportunities are really available for a student, with studying abroad, finding internships, going to sports events, being involved in causes which mean something dearly to you. Coming from a smaller high school, it was nearly a sense of culture shock and opportunity-overload. But, I adjusted, as all do. Had I known how much I needed to open up my mind and willingness to commit, I would have adjusted even faster and even better. If I had the opportunity, I would tell myself: "Smile, be happy, meet new people, and just enjoy everything. It will be worth it in the end.

Erin

I would tell myself that I needed to have more of a social life to make the transition. I wish I had done more extracurricular and volunteer activities . It was a hard adjustment going from a very closeted home life to a very social atmosphere. I would have told myself to attend a community college first and acclimate to the college life scene. I would advise my younger self to do that and then attend a four year university. Of course, I believe that everything happens for a reason. I might not have the wonderful married life that I have now if I had made different decisions. I would not change that for anything.

Carmen

I have learned and experienced alot in this last year that I would have loved to have known as a high school senior. If I could go back in time I would tell myself that sometimes it is ok to take the road less traveled by others. I am currently attending an out of state university, and as a result one of my biggest apprehesions as a high school senior was if I would be able to adjust being away from home. I was worried I would have no friends, and that I couldn't adjust to life in a new city. As I have come to find out over the past year going out of state for school is one of the best decisions I have every made. Not only do you meet new people that you did not go to high school with, but you can grow and develop as a person because you cultivate a sense of indepence and the feeling that you can make it on your own. This is why I am a firm believer in the ideal that it is good to take the path less traveled in life.

Morgan

stay in school.

Chelsea

If I were able to talk to myself when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to prioritize. My first semester at KU, my roommates and floormates always had fun ways to put off studying: movie nights, late night snack run, you name it. Most of the time I was able to resist the temptation to procrastinate, but sometimes I just did not want to study. After talking to my parents and friends about the constant temptation, I realized how important it is to study regardless of the mood I am in. My performance in college is vital to my success in my future so I was finally able to resist the evils of procrastination. My first semester ended very well and I received a 3.91 GPA. If I were able to advise myself as a high school senior, I would warn her of the evils of procrastination and the necessity of prioritizing.

Samuel

The concept of time travel is one that captivates mankind. From scientific study to pop culture it is an idea that ensares the imagination of us all. In the particular case of college and addressing my "senior self" the lesson I would impart would be to study efficiently. Studying is one of the cornerstones of an effective college career. Many have seen the romanticized version of college pop culture portrays. The wonderous version of reality in which college students are able to live it up and then pull an all nighter in order to effectively maintain a flourishing social experience and flawless grade point average all without a hitch. However in reality this is not the case. All nighters eventually tka their toll. However efficiency can change all of that. Utilizing each spar minute on the bus, waiting for class to start, and walking home are all excellent opportunities to breifly review material that you need to learn in a pinch. It is understanding this and not utilizing all nighters that will allow a student to excell academically and socially. It is this lesson I wish I had already learned prior to my first semester in college.

Jarrett

Jarrett, In the last seventeen years you have done so much to help others. You have been in all advanced classes and have maintained such high grades. You have made everyone around you proud. Guess what? It's time to make yourself proud. The next four years will be one chance in life that you have to be selfish. Try to forget about pleasing everyone else and do what makes Jarrett happy. Take the classes that interest you, spend your time doing the things that you like to do. Just focus on being the best that you can be and learn to please yourself, don't focus on others, they will learn to accept you, and if they don't, you don't want them in your life. This is all about you! If you learn what it is that makes you happy, you will always be fufilled. Take chances. Take opportunities. Take time. You deserve it. Good luck. With Love, Jarrett

Rae

As I hop into my DeLorean and pump it up to 88mph, I think back to a more nervous, twitchy version of myself and I have to smile. There I was, a high school senior, going through the same junk everyone else my age was, yet I felt completely alone. I felt like these life altering desicions I was being forced to make where some cruel form of torture. So, as I escape into the ever fresh air of the 08-09 school year, I know exactly what I am going to tell myself. "First off, crazy person, you need to relax. You are deffinitely not alone here, and if you talked to your friends about something serious for a change, you would probably realize that. Everyone is at this crossroads in their life and it's not an easy choice, but if you stop hyperventilating and breathe a little bit, you will probably realize you already know what your choice is. KU, Duh." I would walk away from my past self looking incredibly grown up and sophisticated and leave her with these parting words: "Also, try believing in yourself a little more. Because if you do, others will too."

Leslie

Go out and meet as many people as possible. Don't be afraid! Join clubs, get involved, start planning your future schedule and get involved in career-related activities- shadowing, internships, volunteering, etc. It's never too early.

Lindsey

Dear High School Self, Breathe. Relax. College is not as scary a place as you think it is right now. It will be more fun, more work, and more rewarding than you realize. Don't rush into deciding where to go. It is YOUR choice. Don't let Mom and Dad or your boyfriend try to change your mind. They want to help, but only YOU know what you want, so remember to decide on your own. It will be one of the hardest choices you make, but you will make the right one! Believe in yourself. New friends will be hard to make, but they will be the best friends you've ever had. Classes will be harder than you expect, but not harder than you can handle. When you get your first A in a college level math class, it will be among your proudest moments, and believe me, it WILL happen! When you are accepted into the School of Business, it will be a shining moment. Give it a few years, you'll make it. Stay focused, stay motivated. Just remember to not work TOO hard! This IS life... Enjoy it!! See you soon! -Your College Self

Matthew

If I could go back in time to my senior year in high school and give myself advice, I would tell myself to learn how to study. The classroom experience and educational experience in college is tremendously different from what I experienced in high school. Proper study techniques are an absolute must for success in college. Knowing how to study, how to take notes, how to prepare for exams, how to make use of study guides when given by instructors, and how to study in groups are all essential to succeeding in the college classroom. Study habits need to be developed during the high school years in order to be prepared for the college experience. This would be the best advice I could give myself for the college transition.

Erin

I was very busy in high school and thought I knew what it felt like to be overwhelmed and stressed out. If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to prepare better for the streneous academic demands of college courses. Despite the difficulty of college courses, I would also tell myself that I have some of the best times of my life to look forward to in college and will meet some of the best friends I will ever have. Yes, college is difficult, more difficult than high school and more difficult than I had imagined but I have learned so much about myself, my life, and my goals. I would tell myself as a high school senior that the best is yet to come.

akosua

I would tell myself to stay focused on school and not to get distracted by people who are not focused on school. I would tell myself to hold on to every ounce of myself and not change so someone will be friends with me. I would tell myself to be happy and not stress so much because stress won't make anything better, only worse. I would tell myself to stay open to people and listen more.

Krystal

Knowing what I know now, I would tell my high school senior self to find a job on campus as soon as I got to my new school. I know it appears that I should spend the first semester adjusting and focusing on my classes, but I can not stay in school if I have no way of paying for it. Stressing the importance of affording the cost of college I would also encourage myself to spend at least two hours a week my senior year apply for scholarships and working on my college budget. Since I have been in college I have faced many unexpected costs that really seem to drain my bank account. The last and likely the more important piece of advice I could give my senior self is to make time for having fun. Studying has always been my first priority and I think I study much more than I really need to because I have also set high goals for myself, but college is not the life experience it should be if I never go out to enjoy myself sometimes. It is easier to be successful by having fun in addition to studying hard.

Stephen

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would try desperately to explain how long 40 years of work really is. The context of this discussion with myself would center around the importance of choosing a path of study that runs parallel to my hopes and desires as a working adult. I made the mistake of going into college while not placing much emphasis on choosing an appropriate career path. I chose to study business because I thought it made some sense and it would be a versatile degree to have - unfortunately, many, many other people have that same thought process - all the while ignoring my interest in the study of architecture. Well, now, 4 years later, I find myself back in school getting a Master's in Architecture from the same institution. While I enjoyed my time in the working world after my undergraduate study and value it immensely, I wish I would have made my heart's decision before my first entrance into college.

Kyle

The transition from high school to college life is one that does not go smoothly for many students. If I could go back in time to give some bits of advice to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to save my money, enjoy my friends and family while I can, and to prepare myself for the long hours of hard work before me. Money is an issue with many college students, including myself. Saving money in high school is something i wish i would have done so that I could have afforded any unexpected expenses and not relied on my parents as much as I had to. I am a very family oriented person and my friends and family are the closest people that I have. Leaving them for college was the hardest part of my transition and spending as much time with them as I could was something that I wish I had done before i left for college. And finally, the workload of college is very strenuous and time consuming, and preparing for that work would have helped me in my first semester in college.

Alexandra

I would have told myself not to worry and not regret any decision I did make. That whatever your main focus and interest is at the time being, know that you can change if you want to change. Nothing is really set in stone like people try to convince you of so often. No matter what you study or where you go there will be something benificial from it that you can use in what you do. You will get scared about it, and you will survive and live to tell it, obviously. Take the time to make quality friends because it is hard gathering up a whole new group of people that you haven't been in school with since Kindergarten. Make sure you pick a school based on what you want to do and do not pick a place based on where your high school friends are all going. I am the only one at my campus from my high school and it is refreshing and has already provided me a step or two closer to the life I see in the future.

Frances

I did not decide until the week before the housing payment was due which university to attend. All summer, I fretted over what was going to happen, if I would make any friends, if I would struggle academically, and if I was ready to leave home. Now, I know that was all for not. There was no reason for me to worry. The University of Kansas was the perfect fit for me. That awkward senior needs to just relax. Sometimes you will get homesick, sometimes you will feel like you are failing, but always know that more times than not you will be so grateful that you decided to just go.

Kathleen

I have discovered the transition to college life was much smoother than I anticipated. During high school, I worried greatly about the stress of classes and homework, and the fear of making new friends. I remember feeling extremely nervous about beginning a new life by myself, without anyone from my hometown. All the stress and nerves, I realize now, were a waste of energy. If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to enjoy that last year to the fullest, and college is not as scary as I think.

Elizabeth

If I could go back and speak to myself as a high school senior, I would have a few important pieces of advice. First, I would tell myself to quit worrying because it all will work out. The stress of moving into the dorms and working with Disability Resources is unnecessary - everyone is trained to work with you and help you adjust to college. I would also tell myself to spend more time with my father, because he would only be around for one more year. I would tell myself to skip the band trips to hang out with my family sometimes. The last thing I would say to myself is to stand up and speak clearly about what I believe in. When I got to speak for my community in the capitol building, all I have to do is tell everyone there what it means to be a Jayhawk with a disability - it means you are a Jayhawk, just like every other. I would end it with a high-five, in my spirited way: "You can do it, you can do it, but you gotta stick right to it."

Charlotte

My biggest piece of advice to give myself would be to always keep on top of things. Make lists of things that need to be done, assignments and their due dates, concerts, practices, and other things, like reminding yourself to take a deep breath every once in a while. While at times school might seem stressful, remember that its worth it. You went to college to live a dream, to reach a goal, and to make something of yourself. At times you will get so caught up in everything that you loose sight of that dream. If that is the case, take a break and step back from it all so that you can remember why you are here and putting up with this. Understand that dreams and goals can change, but never forget to keep pressing towards the goal. Never let life get you down. It's not always easy; in fact, it's much more difficult. Sleep is hard to come by. But, at the end of the day, remember to think of what all you have accomplished, and you will see exactly just how incredibly far you have come. You only get to live once. Enjoy it.

Oby

If I could advise my past self, I would definitely encourage myself to have worked more frequently. I was employed as a server at the time, but hated going work in the abusive environment. I simply assumed that I could rely upon my parents for financial aid and that everything would be taken care of. This was not only a wrong assumption, but also an unfair one. I came to college to become an adult and it is time that I start taking measures to become self-sufficient and behave like one. I may have hated dealing with angry or difficult customers (Many feel it fine to abuse the server), but I should have realized that the greater good of having a job means being able to support myself in the future. I wish I could have warned the then senior-me about my naivet?. Growing up very sheltered, I failed to develop an intuition about stranger's characters. Since I grew up with my classmates, I already knew their background stories and knew whom to avoid. Here, I had no clue about people's pasts, but should have noticed specific warning signs. I could have saved myself some heartache.

Renee

You MUST balance your time! Keep a planner and write everything down in it. Doing this will help keep your stress levels down and stay organized. Also, don't get caught up in going out. Pick on night a weekend to go to a party, and if you really want to go out two nights in a row, pick something low-key like seeing a movie at the Student Union which are only $2. always spend your sundays getting caught up or for some extra study time. It's very important to stdy throughout the semester. If you wait till the week before finals, the libraries and help centers will be too full and you wont get the individual help you need. And last but not least, if you don't understand something in class, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OFFICE HOURS! The proffessors are more than happy to help you or go over an exam review right before the test.

Emily

College is difficult. Traveling 2000 miles away from home, friends, and everything I know is much harder than I ever expected. Pursuing an engineering degree is anything but easy, and there are days when I want to quit, go home; I want to find another path to follow that won?t be so hard. But then I stop, think, and realize how amazing engineering is. The people you meet, the new friends you make, the education, knowledge, experience, it?s all very worth it. There are those days that tear you down with homework, challenging tests, but there are many more days that are rewarding and begin to form the steps to a wonderful future. It is because these experiences that my advice is this: First, never give up. Things are hard but always get better. Second, you will make new friends. While you leave your old ones behind, there are so many new and amazing people to meet. Third, work hard. I know everyone says this, but this education is for you and only you. Work hard now and your future will be that much brighter. College is a lot of work, but never lose sight of your goal.

Grace

Take as many Advanced Placement classes and concurrent enrollment classes as possible--it's really nice to go into college with some credit hours already under your belt. It will make it easier to graduate in four years, and usually they are a lot cheaper.

Calleigh

After completing my first semester of college, I have learned many things about college that I never knew before or even expected. In high school, I thought I was just going to live in a place with a bunch of other people, go to class, go to sporting events, and maybe even join a couple clubs. College turned out to be a lot of that and more. If I could go back a year and talk to me as a senior in high school, I would have a lot to say about college and preparing for it. First of all, I would advise myself not to stress so much about anything and enjoy life. I have learned to be a lot more laid back since I left high school and it has helped me a lot. Another piece of advice I would give myself is to stay involved in playing sports and going to sporting events. Taking time to be active has helped me be healthier and enjoy college more. I might also advise myself to live in a scholarship hall because it is a great way to meet good friends, quiet, and has a central location on campus.

Jarica

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself to not be afraid to try new things and take risks. If you never try anything, you might not ever find out what you really want in life or what you are really good at. This way, you can find your passion, find what you want to do in life, and not regret what you might have missed. Also, I would tell myself to save as much money as you can. College costs a lot and to save on loans, save, save, save. Especially if you decide to move from home. It makes college life less stressful when you don?t have to worry about financial issues. Another thing I would say is to keep your friends close and don?t be afraid to make new ones. Friends can last a lifetime and they definitely will make college life easier-and more fun. Having someone there for you can make a whole lot of difference, but the most important thing I would say is to know who you are and not be afraid to be yourself.

Calleigh

After completing my first semester of college, I have learned many things about college that I never knew before or even expected. In high school, I thought I was just going to live in a place with a bunch of other people, go to class, go to sporting events, and maybe even join a couple clubs. College turned out to be a lot of that and more. If I could go back a year and talk to me as a senior in high school, I would have a lot to say about college and preparing for it. First of all, I would advise myself not to stress so much about anything and enjoy life. I have learned to be a lot more laid back since I left high school and it has helped me a lot. Another piece of advice I would give myself is to stay involved in playing sports and going to sporting events. Taking time to be active has helped me be healthier and enjoy college more. I might also advise myself to live in a scholarship hall because it is a great way to meet good friends, quiet, and has a central location on campus.

Shannon

It will be a good idea to start part time so that you can work and transition into a real world environment. The lessons you can learn in working life will give you skills and knowledge that you can use as you continue your education. You should not more than two years for this transtion. As an art major you should work at starting the core studio classes as soon as possible to avoid having an overwhelming amount of studio work each semester. Don't stress over where your education begins or ends, the learning is as important as the diploma. Spend more time researching professionals in your interseted study area so that you can find maximum motivation for your study path.

Lauren

I would definitely tell myself to take more college credit and to try harder in those classes. I could have saved myself valuable time and money had I not take more Advanced Placement and college credit classes. Since I have to take more general education classes each semester I do not have as much time or money to do as many extracurricular activities as I would have liked. In addition to taking more college credit classes, I would have told myself to apply for more outside scholar ships. Again, I could have saved myself more money and time for myself. I have to pay back more loans after college is over and work harder to pay for my education. I am very grateful for the loans that I got to fund my education, I just wish they will not be as great as they will be after my schooling is through.

Laura

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have a couple tips to share. Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would advise to trust my first instincts. College life is full of decisions. Some are as easy as what to wear to class, but other decisions get more complicated. Do I skip this class because I am not prepared for the lesson? Do I go out to a social event when I have a test the next morning? The most valuable information I have learned throughout my college career is to trust your first instincts. Yes, skipping class and sleeping in sounds like a perfectly fine idea once in a while, but it can start a slippery slope. I have always trusted my first instincts to do the right thing and my college habits are better because of it.

Sara

I would tell myself to not be shy. It took me four years of high school to open myself up and accept myself, and when I got to college I closed back up again. I missed some valuable opportunities to create friends my freshman year. In college, there are no longer cliques and everyone accepts you for you. DON'T BE AFRAID! Open up and make the friends, and memories, of a lifetime.

Kara

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be bold and get involved in activities. I would encourage myself not to worry about what others think of me, but to be courageous and be myself.

Rachel

While it does take a lot of work, college is not as bad as some people make it out to be. Reading and going to class will make or break you, so stay on top of that. In fact, I can't emphasize that enough. Have fun, but get things done. College is not about partying, but keep in mind that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. So enjoy yourself at the university. Do what you want, but do what you need to too.

Taylor

Join a club or group of some kind. Don't wait to figure out what you want to for the rest of your life because you may never know just try things out and find something fun that may be interesting because even if you don't think that you are that interested in it - try it anyway. You can always stop going and you may make some friends along the way. Study hard, even for the "stupid" required classes that have nothing to do with your major or anything that interests you, because if you don't want to learn it now you won't want to learn it later either. Don't listen to people that tell you that you are dumb or that you won't make it in college and give it your best shot. Always try your hardest. Always give your best effort. And of course always have fun.

Joelle

I wish that I could go back and reassure myself that I was making the right choice in going to a community college rather than a four year university right off. I would tell myself that not every person may be your friend, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't always be friendly. The discoveries that were coming my way would have been a lot easier to handle with the knowledge that I have now, four years later, and I wish that as a senior I would have known that everything has a way of working out. But even if I were able to go back and tell myself all of these vital things and more, I can't deny the possibility that I might not have listened then.

Brittany

I would let everyone know that even your Freshman year in high is very important. Have balance in your life. Stay active in your school.

Chelsea

When I first saw this question, I thought to myself: "What would I change first?" While I mentally prepared a pretty extensive list of all the mistakes I've made, all the things I could have tried harder at and all of my minor and monumental failures, I realized something. While the insecurities I experienced in high school and the ensuing years were at the very least detrimental to my success socially, professionally and academically, I would not be the person I am today if it weren't for all the consequential bumps and bruises. So as much as I would like to go back and tell myself not to worry about what they think, not to go to that party or to really study for that test, I really can't and wouldn't even if I had the chance. So, to my previous self: "Chelsea, just keep doing what you're doing. It hurts now but you'll survive and you'll love yourself for it."

Mary

Chill out. The application process is stressful but it's not worth it. Tackle the applications one at a time and don't stress too much about the schools you find after the deadline. If you didn't know about them before the application deadline then they probably wouldn't have made the final cut anyway. Take a deep breath, and relax. Everything will work out the way it's supposed to and engineering will prove to be a much better match than linguistics. Just go with it and don't let your friends or the parents influence your decision because that conversation is definitely not worth the fight that will follow. Don't stress, just go with the flow and everything will be fine.

Eric

During my senior year in high school, I applied to multiple schools, but struggled when it came time to make a decision. It wasn't until the summer following graduation that I decided on a college, but it was done without putting much thought into it. Because of that, I didn't enjoy the college experience there, and eventually transferred after one year. If given a chance to go back to my senior year of high school, I would advise myself to put serious consideration into where I want to go to college. I would tell myself to think about what I want to study in college and to also do some research on these interests from the schools I seek interest in. I would also tell myself to take my personality into consideration as well, because it affects whether you want to attend that school or not. Overall, you want to be happy with your decision. Finally, I would advise myself to plan the college decision process out as soon as possible so that I could best prepare for my senior year and make my final year in high school less stressful.