University of Missouri-Columbia Top Questions

There are so many things I have gained from my college experience at the University of Missouri. It was there that I have made wonderful lifelong friends, and developed a strong support system through professors and advisors. This college has helped me to challege myself, expect more of myself and have the confidence I need to follow through, and appreciate and respect others who are different than me. It was here at the University of Missouri that I became the person I wanted to be and to me that is the most valuable thing I have gained from my college experience. Thank you MU for helping me attain my goals, despite the challeges I have had to overcome due to my learning disability. You gave me the support and knowledge I needed in order to be successful in life.

I have gotten a second chance. I spent my first two academic years at a junior college. After graduating with my A.A. I joined the Marines and learned what real manual labor was about. Since then I have placed more emphasis on my education to embetter my quality of life than ever before. I feel like a new world has opened up to me since first attending 'Mizzou'. The quality of education and the academic environment here feels like it's world class after coming from a junior college. I definatly feel that these factors have given me a second chance at a carreer I would want to pursue.

The experience that I have received since being in college, is very different from high school. The professors will teach you what you need to know to be successful. College is a place where they prepare you for the real world. They care about what you do after college because you represent them. As I think back on high school, I use to play around. Now that I'm in college I put away all childish things. I realized that college is very fast pace. There is no time to be missing class because you don't feel like it. I will get all my education because somebody just paid for me to go to school to make a difference in these United States of America. When you look at this world it should inspire you to want to be in college, and be the best you can be at all times. Being in college has been so valuable to me because I am the ninth person to gradauate from high school and go off to college,in my family. I have to be an example to my peers and my family no matter what.

Attending college has allowed me to interact with a variety of people who represent the population I'll be working with professionally upon graduating. I once had a house cleaning business, which was isolating and intellectually dissatisfying. Being in school--around many people--has taught me about others' values and belief systems that I will encounter in the workforce. I prefer to work alone, but being in school has taught me how to work with others in group projects and get along with others who I must interact with on a daily basis. *Overall, being in school has made me more skilled in interacting with others socially, which is crucial in the workforce and in life.* Because advisors and teachers always tell us students that the workforce is so competitive, I had always assumed my future employers would have unrealistically high expectations that I wouldn't be able to meet, and I feared I wouldn't be successful professionally after graduating. However, being around 30,000 other students has put into perspective the reality of the professional world. I've realized that most people who graduate will find jobs, and will make professional progress throughout life, so I can, too.

Even though I am only a freshman, college has taught me a lot. The first day of class, I suddenly became a proffessional adult. The job discription was criptice but so far I've learned to fend for myself (clean laudry and groceries don't magically appear anymore). Along with triple checking the sylubus and how to correctly write an e-mail, I've learned that being ahead of the game is the easiest way to succeed. College has shown me that, like high school, there will always be idiots and temptations, but being an adult is figuring out how to appropriately include both into your life. From here on out, the choices can be life-altering and it helps to think of the big picture--and what you may be giving up--whenever you feel like a frat would be more fun than outlining a speech. My one piece of advice for someone who starts to feel lost: find a friend who knows what they're doing and is nice enough to explain things slowly. Above all, I have matured and I can only hope that I will continue to do so for the rest of my college experience.

From my experience at MU, I have a feeling of accomplishment and independence. Coming to MU and having a dorm room on my own during my freshman year, and an apartment off-campus on my own this year, I feel good about being self-reliant, self-motivated, and am enjoying my classes tremendously. I've met a lot of professors and had the privilege of work-study for two years, and have been able to work for them in many instances. They have been as much a guidance in helping me determine a major as my academic advisor. I'm glad I've come to MU and hope to be able to continue attending and finishing up my first 4 years in Columbia.

During the first few weeks of my freshman year I couldn't help feeling a bit lonely, I was away from all of my family and freinds, in an unfamiliar bed and an unfamiliar city. What I quickly learned was that joining organizations is a great way to feel like you're not alone. I joined the Marching band, and I joined a service sorority for the bands at Mizzou, and by getting involved I realized that everybody else here was feeling the same way that I was. Meeting people is difficult, especially when the only place you really have for introductions is during a class when everybody is trying to pay attention. My advice to new college students would be to get involved in activities that you are interested in, and the University of Missouri-Columbia has something for everyone! Whether you interests are Marching Band, Art, Music, Sports, or Academics, there is something for everyone.

So far, I have recieved a lot of knowledge, met a lot of new and nice people, and most importantly I dont regret choosing to attend the University of Missouri. I was nervous at first because I did not know what to expect and I am the first in my immediate family to attend college so I did not have any role models to show me the ropes. Once I stepped foot on campus, I was instantly welcomed and honored for making it thus far. Attending college was the best decision I've ever made coming from a high crime rate neighborhood. Being able to weigh out my options and finally live in a peaceful enviornment where I can further my education is the greatest gift and opportunity I could have ever received. I thank my mom for encouraging me and now the positive peers and energy I am surrounded by. I am going to take advantage of it and use it to move forward in life. My overall experience has, thus far, led me down a path where I know the only way to go is up and success is right around the corner.

In my brief time here at the University of Missouri-Columbia I have found the value in diversity. I discovered the ability to self-motivate myself to work when I want to, managing my time so that I can accomplish my goals in life. I have also had my interests in fields such as chemistry and biology piqued as teachers teach me amazing amounts of theoretical knoweldge that they then explain in a real world setting- demonstrating it's usefulness. I hope to further my experiences here by further participating in research related activities, hopefully volunteering in a clinic setting, and much more. I know that without having attended this school I would never have met the great friends I now have, the great memories, the knoweldge, the experiences both academic, co-curricular, and social. I do not know if I would pick this school again if I had the choice, but now that I am here, I am glad.

As I am still attending the two year Community College in my area, I have felt blessed with the opportunity to attend such a great school, with such a wonderful environment. When I take a seat next to a stranger on the first day of the semester, a few weeks later that stranger will become my best friend; or when I take a stroll through town and see a professor of mine, we will always stop and chat for a few minutes. However, school is not all about making friends, it is about the educational growth. As I grew up attending high school, I always loved to be challenged in everything I did. Everyday I spent in class, my college prepatory school followed its duty of teaching me how to best succeed and raise to the everyday challenge my professors would someday provide. A challenge that I, to this day, would still very much enjoy.

Being at college over 1,000 miles away from home has taught me independence and to rely on myself; it has given me strength to stand on my own two feet and do what needs to be done. I have to take care of things myself and cannot call my mother everytime something goes wrong or I need something, I have to deal with it and figure it out. My college experience has also given me a sense of self. I have discovered who I am and what my beliefs are through the interactions with other students, the course work, and the many choices of student activites. It is important to know who you are and what you believe, especially in a college setting when there are so many influences, similar to the influences I will run into when I am out of school and in the working world. I believe that independence and sense of self are two of the most important things I could have gained from being in college, besides my education, because these two things will help me the rest of my life.

I have learned that I'm passionate about diversity issues, particularly human sexuality. I've gained research and teaching skills which will allow me to do something that I enjoy and that also has a positive impact on the world.

I have valued attending the Junior College in Del Rio, Texas because it prepaired me for what is coming at Brigham Young University in Idaho where i will be attending this fall. College is important because I learned so much.

I have learned the distinctive advantage of lifelong learning--being aware that there is always something else to know. I have also learned that even in the worst classroom environment something can be learned.

In my college experience, I have learned to take intiative and grab hold of what life has to offer, to lead in the areas I am confident in, to learn as much as I possibly can at every oppurtunity available, to keep an open mind to all life's possibilities, to accept people for who they are and where they come from, to make a positive influence in the world around me, to live for the moment in consideration of the future, to value relationships of all sorts - be it parent, teacher, friend, or coworker , to understand the difference one person can make in the world, and to use what I have learned to help others.

I have grown as a person since enrolling within the University of Missouri at Columbia. I am very happy here and I can tell a significant difference in my personality. I have ten times more confidence, I am very open to others and more accepting. I love being able to see my future on this campus; knowing that I will be attending rhe Nursing and Medical schools at this University is very comforting and leaves a feeling of security.

From my college experience I have learned how to be myself, how to lead others and how to work with all types of people. Working in group projects, being a leader in many organizations, and volunteering with High School students has given me the experience and skills necessary to be a good project manager and person. It has been very valuable for me to attend because I have learned so much about myself and others. The friendships I have made are deep and true. I have learned how to be my best and I have learned what I am passionate about. These skills and the many amazing memories I have serve to make my 4 years at Mizzou very valuable to me. I am excited for another year of graduate school where I can keep learning and growing.

I have gotten many things out of my college experience. One thing i have gotten is the new friends being in the Marching Band at the school had made me many friends. The expereince in the classrooms are different then those in high school, being bigger in lecture halls or even being smaller like in my music classes but i enjoy both. The professors are always willing to help out each student, which i love. Living in the dorm rooms were such a great experience as well meeting a bunch of interesting people always keep me busy too. University of Missouri-columbia is a great school and i would invite everyone to check it out.

This is my 2nd attempt at college and I'm learning that education makes all the difference. I'm returning to school at 34 years old and my commit is very serious. I've learned that college teaches endurance and persistence. In the long run my education will be proof of my ability to commit to a difficult goal and see it through to completion. The college experience has been of great value for a couple of reason. First, you have to learn to be resourceful in college, with everything. Second, you have to learn flexibility and how to deal with multiply expectation from several different people. Everyone needs something from you, whether it's your finical advisor or you US history instructor, they have specific requirements that have to be meet by you on their terms. The best advice I ever received about how to be successful in college was from my psychology professor, she said "figure out what your professor want and give it to them". The instructions sound simple enough, but I realized that sometimes I would care more about how I wanted to do a project and less about how the professor wanted it done.

My college experience at mizzou has been absolutely amazing. I've learned so much both in and outside the classroom. I truly value my education at mizzou because the professors are the top professionals in their field and they all care deeply about their students achievements. I've also had the opportunity to find myself spritually and emotionally. To top all of that off I also have a sense of accomplishment and confidence that I haven't felt from anything else that I have done, opportunities to use the skills I learn to volunteer and help others in my community, the knowledge that I will be able to take care of myself when I finally make my step into the world as an adult, and last but not least, lifetime friendships.

i have just been accepted in collage at sjvc in the program for surgical technology. i am all ready in the medical field and this apportunity that i have gotten to continew my schooling has been a very good thing. as a surgical tech i will be able to work in sugical centers hospital trama centers ext. this school is helping use with hands on expiriance that it is wounderful because thats my way of learning i like the hands on expiriance i get some of that at work and the wanting to do more has made me go back to school. to be able to help some one is the most rewording of all. to know that i have help to make a difreance in some once life is wonderful. thank you for ur time.

Thus far attending Mizzou has given me the knowledge I need to narrow down what I want to do in the future. Since the school is so large, it provides me with plenty of rescources to help me with my goals. There is an idividual department for just about any problem you have. Moreover, I am able to make good connections with people already established in my field and job oppurtunities within the university. There is also the immense diversity of people here. During my time here so far I have met people from many different backgrounds which really makes you step back and realize that life is different everywhere you go. I feel that Mizzou is preparing quite well for life's curve balls.

I attended a college for a year immediately after high school, but had to quit because of family issues. It was many years, and a long, hard road until I was able to return to school. I always knew I would at some point, and wanted to attend a school that was right for me, as well as being a good university . I believe I have picked the right school. I really feel like I am on my way to a successful and fulfilling life and career, and that MU is a big factor in that.

Thus far, my college expirience has been exceptionally intriguing due to the fact that it has showed me a lot about responsiblity and hard work. For instance, prior to attending my current institution, my level of responsibility in school was exceptionally low due to the fact that I felt grades were something that were just handed out. However, once I began college, I started feeling a sense of satisfactory because of the fact that I began working hard and earning very good grades. Despite the maturity I have gained in college, the expirence has also been extremely valuable to me. The main reason why it has been valuable to attend college is because of the fact that I know that I am building a bright future for myself. For example, without college, I would probably be one of the many individuals in my same age group that work a full-time job and have the stress of paying for multiple expenses. But instead of struggling with an average full-time job, I knoe I am slowly building a secure future both financially and psychologically.

I am trying to go back to school to earned a degree and to better myself. It is valuable for me t atted school because i am trying to better myseld and achieve my goals in life. Their are a lot of opportunity in this world and i feel like i am one of the luck one to make a use of it by going back to school and earn my degree in diagnostic sonographer. Being a single and trying to make it in this world i need a good career and i belief i can do it by achieving my goals in life, so in other for me to do that i need help for fincnacial and that is the reason i am applying for scholarship for an assistance . By attending college i know i would gain more experiece accomplished my goals and become the first person in my family earn a degree.

You gain a great sence of self when you attend college. I absolutely love going to school and learning about the way things work, and in turn learning about myself and what I like to know about. It's great to be in school and discovering not only why things are the way they are, but discovering why you are the way you are. I love learning about the human body, the food we eat, and how it effects us physically, emotionally, and mentally. I am able to apply what I learn not only to help other people become better and accomplish what they want and need to accomplish, but also to myself. There are not many places where you can learn to help others and yourself. College has been one of the best experiences of my life. I would like to be able to continue this part of my life so that I will not only be able to learn things for myself, but so I can pass on the knowledge that I gain to help people become better as well.

When I started college in January of 2010 I was anxious. I have been waiting for many years for the opportunity to arise and I grabbed as soon as it did. I was really estactic. I learned so much about my self and others. The diver sity on the campus was pretty interesting because I learned about other cultures and nationalities. I realize we have to understand and have compassion for such differences. I was timid to do a group and oral presentations. I had to overcome my fear of being in the spotlight. My reading class helped me with that obstacle that has been an hinderence to me. The college has many activities which I explored such as comedy night. That was great entertainment for a reasonable price. I thought it was only about hitting the books but I realize it is also great to socialize and network with other individuals. The tutoring sessions enriched my reading skills tremendously. The tutoring is free and I used that to my advantage to boost my self reading skills. I am happy to be in college and I will continue to pursue to educate myself after I receive my degree.

I have graduated college with a degree. While this sounds simple, it is. And that is about how far it gets me these days. Seven regular semesters, three busy summers, and one hundred and thirty four credits have gone by and I am now an educated person. Congratulations to me. Value? Well, it seems that inflation has hit the education sector of our society. A college education used to be worth something? it certainly does cost you something! Yet in reality, it has become the new 'minimum requirement' it seems. After graduating with great grades (3.8 GPA) in tough classes (I've completed all pre-medical requirements)? I was unable to get a job at a local recreational center. Not that I wasn't qualified? no, now I am overqualified for the basic jobs, and under-qualified for any career-building jobs. Funny how it works out. Never the less, my plans move on and I will be attending Washington University in St. Louis for a doctorate in physical therapy beginning this fall. Now I just have to pay for it! (Thanks for the help!)

College is opportunity, I see it as a creative and diverse environment where I can engage in numerous activities, specialties, and prosper not only as a student but as an individual. I want to move forward to college to further my education. I?d like to further my abilities and major in psychology, this will give me the opportunity to develop personal connections with poeple in my community and branch out. I crave for a sort of busy life style. I always want to be occupied by something new. I?m indulged by people and giving a helping hand never hurts. I think as I get older my curiosity expands to heights I?ve never thought possible! I believe college is vital. In college completing any major goals will be hard but obatining a college degree is beyond satisfactory! If someone goes to college they could end up in a lovely career! College is filled with hard working students and teachers that are very willing to help to get me to where-ever I want to go. I know it will take a lot of time and dedication, but Im ready for a challenge and a fun experience.

I believe that the most important and invaluable things that have resulted from my college education and my choice of major are intellectual rigor and an expansion of my acedemic curiosity. Both the professors and the subject matter I was able to engage with at my school have taught me HOW to work, and what real academic work is. Looking back at my undergraduate career, I see that having this sense rigor instilled in me was of paramount importance not only for the particular work I am doing now, but for the work I hope to do in the future and for any endevor that I undertake in my life. I now know how to push through frustration, how to look at details, how to see the forest through the trees, and how maintain and apply a strong work ethic that allows me to excel. Along with this, I feel my mind was opened up, while I was earning my B.A., to new subjects that continue to peak my interest, which energizes me to work more and more diligently. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

My name is Ray Moore. I have been attending college at Jones County Junior College for two years now and I have gotten many things from my college experience. The most important thing I have gotten out of my time in college is discipline. My first semester in college I did not take it seriously at all, and as a result my grades declined swiftly, I was put on probation by financial aid, and almost thrown out of the dorms because of my gpa. Luckily I was encouraged by my parents to do better and I managed to get financial aid back and pull up my gpa . My gpa also plays a big part to me valuable to attend college because I have now choosen a major and it requires my grades to be higher. In the long run, it will have been valuable to attend because of the sucess it will bring me in the future.

Even though I have only been at college for one semester, I have grown so much. The people I have met and the experiences I have had are things I will never forget. I am much more independant and I realized that I can live away from my family and I will be okay. I have had to learn time managementand self-discipline. Although trying, learning these things has prepared me for a successful future. I am confident that by the end of college, I will have gathered all the tools I need to live on my own and contribute to the world.

Going to college has taught me a lot of things not only about my major, but life. I have had to learn not to be dependent on my parents and learn to support myself. I grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other so I had to improve my social skills in order to make friends which was easier than expected. Mizzou is a highly recognized and people think they are not smart enough to come here but that is a lie. As long as you are willing to work hard and put your mind into succeeding anything is possible. I am an Ag-Scholar and never dreamt I would be able to maintain a 3.3 GPA with 17 credits plus work, but I achieved a 3.7 plus made the Dean's list by working hard. College is not all about studying however, I have made some amazing memories and friends and have participated in clubs that have helped me develop professional skills. Each student needs to be as active as possible and most importantly have fun while getting your education! The job market is bad so a college education is a must!

College has been more than just valuable to me and my education. College has remodeled the way I live my life, and facilitated me to accept those who lead different lifestyles. In all of my classes there are a variety of people from all walks of life. Ages range from eighteen years old to seventy plus years old. The experiences of fellow peers, as well as their opinions, have made me more aware of the world I live in. I stopped going to college for two years after a major episode of severe depression. I did not think I had the will power or strength to actually do well in college. Instead of allowing myself to fall back into the same patterns I had my first year away at college, I put my best foot forward everyday. I am learning that I have endless potential to unlock inside, and it is exciting. College has allowed me to become more involved in my community as a volunteer worker. The satisfaction and happiness college has brought to my life is indescribable. College helped me to believe in myself again. College has brought me a period of growth in life that is priceless.

My college experience started off really rocky; i was in a new town with new people... i didn't really know anyone. Although i am quite the social butterfly in my home town, being here at first made me curl up into my own cacoon. I had to muster up the courage to make new friends and create new memories. By the second month here i was starting to find myself and find other people alike. I now deeply value the friendships i have made and i feel as if i have grown that much more as a person because of Mizzou.

To date, my college experience has been a stepping stone towards independence. Throughout high school, my life was scheduled around bells, periods, and teachers assigning homework along with the occasional detention. Life was very structured and I was expected to do homework by the next time class met or deal with penalties. College has been anything but structure. I have learned through my first semester that I am responsible for meeting all deadlines, attending classes on time, and structuring my life around my priorities. I feel college is teaching me to learn the skills required to function successfully in society. Many students look at college as a time to party, a time to explore, or even a time to be free from their parents rule. College, in my own personal view, is teaching me lasting skills to balance my adult life. I know that college does not guaruntee a career or even a job upon graduation, but I feel the initiative and drive that is required to graduate will prepare me for the obstacles I know that are sure to come. College has been a true testament to myself of how much I want to succeed in life.

I am still a freshman, but I have already learned so much about what it takes to succeed in college. It is so important to create bonds with your fellow peers so that you have someone to study for hours with in the library, and then when that is finished, to have that same person that you are able to relax with. It is important to take your studies seriously. These are the classes that will shape your mind and help you to decide what you really want to do with the rest of your life. It is time to grow up once you are in college. Yes, you have to do your own laundry, feed yourself, and manage all the ups and downs of life by yourself, but that does not mean you cannot have fun. Join clubs and other social organizations and put yourself out there. It is time to discover who you are and create bonds with some truly amazing people. The world is so much bigger than it seemed when you were in high school. College gives you the opportunity to meet people from all over. My advice: take advantage of this.

My advice to myself is to not allow things to take your focus away from what you really want to do. College is a big scenery that has a lot of things going on every day that can take your focus away from the reason why you are here. Work on not waiting to the last minute to do work or study for a test because college is different. In college you have to study for a full week if you really want to do well on a test or a final. In college you have to fight for what you want through academic accomplishments. Having a lot of experience as a volunteer that has to do with your major will help you in the long run.

If I were able to go back to High School Senior Ashley in the tiny town of Rome, GA I would encourage her to plan, and plan well. During my freshman year I changed my major 4 times! I thought I knew what I wanted to do, but the economy and the people around me telling me I wouldn't find a job scared me. So I changed from psychology, to business, to biology to my major now: Interdisciplinary Studies. I am very happy with my decision now, but if I had came to school prepared, knowing I have to go to grad school to be a psychologist and researching the general requirements and what things I could of gotten out of the way by taking one more foreign language or by taking a CLEP course and maybe a summer course or two before college. I would have warned myself of how expensive it is, and that I don't need to go out with every group or attend every party or concert to make friends. Not everyone is rich and people understand if you can't go out 24/7. They respect you for being honest and real.

You know that joke we used to tell? About how our life was like a movie. There was drama, conflict so unexpected and undeserved it could only have happened to us; twists just when you think you know exactly where the plot is going. But no matter what the situation, we always managed to pull ourselves out of it. Like any classic coming-of-age film, everything always seemed to work out in the end. I've been your best friend for as long as I can remember, so you'll know I'm telling you the truth when I say this: Life is not a movie. It does not follow a defined set of beginning-middle-ends. It is not always glamorous and it is not always fair. But it is yours. This is your life and it is yours alone to live. So stop waiting for tomorrow to do the things you should. Stop standing still when you could be pressing forward. And stop second-guessing your actions. You must jump right into this life and make it one you can be pleased with. But keep your eyes open. You wouldn't want to miss a moment.

I would tell my self to not be scared of any option of any major, to expand my mind and take more time to research different collages and progams hat are out there. Not to limit myself, and beleive that I can achieve my goals regaurdless of what many people said to me. Main thing is listen to my parents, because I can learn from thier mistakes ,so I wouldn't have made them in the future

As a high school senior I was incredibly confused about the college journey ahead of me. In that stage of my life it would have been very beneficial for me to talk to the junior in college that I am now. The first thing I would tell myself is to look into every school that you are considering. Make sure they offer all the things you want in a school. A school may look good on paper but you never really know until you check it out. You need to make sure that it fits you and your needs. You should also check into your living situation and roommates before move in day. A bad living situation can turn into unneeded stress that can affect you negatively. Most importantly, I would tell myself to fully apply yourself from the beginning. As a freshman it is hard to balance school and a social life. I wish someone would have given me some good advice on how to stay balanced. You have to know your limits and budget your time correctly. Your college experience should be one of the best experiences of your life. Choosing the right school will help accomplish this.

Five years of college amounts to a lot of learning, and not all is academic. If I could take what I've learned in that time and share even the smallest piece of it with my high school senior self I would say this: "In whatever you pursue, in whatever you do, listen to your heart as much as your head. If you are where you are supposed to be you will know it in your heart, even if where you end up belonging is the farthest from where you think you should be at this moment. Sometimes decisions come along where every available choice seems like the wrong one to choose, and that's ok, because in the long run very few easy choices turn out to have been the right ones to have made. Don't give up on something just because others think you're crazy. Consider they may be right, but keep pursuing your passion despite the doubts of others. But above all else, don't be so proud as to believe that you can do this by yourself; you will fall, and you will get up, but don't refuse the hand offered."

Be open, very open. College is full of a varity of people, which I knew as a senior,but not to the extent that I do know. It is important to keep an open mind about different activities and people. I was so happy after I join Biochemistry club, Pre-med society, and S.T.R.I.P.E.S but I wish I would have been more open and curious about rushing. Luckly I am able to rush this semester but it would have been nice to do it formally. College is a time to explore, and this idea I feel like can not be expressed enough to high school seniors.

The advice i would give myself is to be more organized, and prepared, to focus more and think harder about my future and what i'm going to do with my life.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self before I decided to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia, I would first tell myself that my days of being known throughout my school are over. I graduated from a school of about 400 kids outside of Springfield, Illinois. Once I got the Mizzou I became one of thousands of students. This is an odd feeling. To in of a crowd of anonymity was very foreign to me. I knew every kid's name at Pleasant Plains High School and I think everyone knew mine. The key seems to be to get involved. If you join a group those twenty or so people will know your name and you will know theirs. It is also a good way to start building a resume like the one that you have from your high school career. (by the way, none of that matters now) As for classes, study, study, study. This is a big school and they do not just hand out A's for studying the night before a test. You will eventually get find your priorities and do fine. Now buckle up, this is college!

Don't be scared. College seems intimidating; crowded parties, football stadiums full of 60,000 people, a bid day with a thousand screaming girls, intimidating classes, tough professors, not to mention you're supposed to be figuring out what you want to do for the rest of your life. The stress of all these things can be completely overwhelming at times and if you dwell on that then college won't be the amazing experience that it should be. You just have to keep composure. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the ride. You might make some stupid decisions, bomb a test or two or change your major 15 times before you graduate. That's okay. Just remind yourself where your are, and think. Get your classwork done during the week so you can have fun on the weekends, make lots of different friends, join something just because you enjoy it, and just take it all in. There will never be another time in your life like being in college, so make every moment count.

Don't worry about what you want to do after college. You have time to figure it all out. Also, changing your major five times is not a bad thing, you have to test different areas to know exactly what you want for your life.

I would tell myself to join the Pre-Vet FIG (freshman interest group) so I could make friends easier with the people on my floor (I did join the Pre-Vet Learning Community, which was good, but not as good as the FIG). I would tell myself to really push through my shyness and be very talkative and friendly to everyone, especially the first few weeks of school. I would advise myself to spend more time apart from my roommate in order to meet more people and not just rely on her for company. Basically, I would tell myself that the transition may be harder than I imagine, friend-wise, so I should really make an effort to make a solid group of friends early on, as it is really hard to find a group of friends later on when eveyone is already grouped off. I would tell myself that you will make a few really good, close friends, but to work on getting a larger group to have fun with and go out on the weekends and such. I would tell myself that Mizzou is definitely the right school for me and I will learn a lot!

As a high school senior I would have put ten times more effort into not only applications to college but applications to scholarships. You don't have to settle for loans, scholarships and grants are out there, just take the iniative to find it. I wouldhave told myself to try harder for better grades. Seniors think, it's senior year, senioritis, I just want to graduate. But that's a bad gameplan. Once you graduate from high school there's still college, you still have to work hard, why chance breaking that habit of studying and getting good grades. I would have just told myself to live up to my potential, and not flake out. Also I would have told myself to enjoy life, I spent so much time worried about prom, and arguments with my mom, I should have just relaxed and been grateful for what I had and yes, prom is special but no one has ever died from not having 500 dollar shoes. Last but not least I would have told myself to be ambitious, and look for internships and seek experience in my field. You should live your life a step above the rest. Always.