University of Sioux Falls Top Questions

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

Lindsey

You do not have to go far from home to go far in the world. Transitioning from High School to College is one of the biggest and scariest transitions of our younger years. However, don't let the fear consume you. Treasure every moment and learn from every mistake and opportunity. I learned more about life in the first 4 months of college than I did in all 4 years of High School. Know what you want and don't settle for anything less. You future does not belong to your parents or your friends or your teachers; it only belongs to YOU. Do what makes YOU happy. Remember, college isn't just about obtaining a degree; it is also about growing in your faith, learning to live on your own, and meeting friends that will be with you for a lifetime. Money, grades - they will always be an issue, but do not let them hold you back from growing. For me, the loving, moral, supportive community I encountered at my college was worth every $26,000 I paid out. PS. Sometimes MOM does know best...give her a hug before you leave...she'll be your best friend someday.

Skyler

I would tell myself to make smarter decisions. College life is fun but also very difficult. The transition is much easier then it seems and making new friends is great but sometimes things lead you down the wrong path.

Cynthia

If I were a high school senior and I could have given myself some advice, I wish I would have told myself to give myself some time to figure out what I wanted to do instead of jumping in with a major already picked out. I would say to take generals even if you think you're sure. Go into working in the field if you can to see if that is something that you want to do for the rest of your life. This is what helped me decide that nursing was not for me. I still wanted to help people and be in the medical field and I decided on social work. I never would have though about social work in the first place because it didn't have high prestigue and the pay wasn't fantastic but that has to be set aside! Also, I would have encouraged myself to go do career assesments. I also suggest to make sure you do the assignments as best as you can or better so you don't have to worry so much about exams. College is not something to underestimate when it comes to tests.

Kara

If I could go back as a high school senior and know what I know about college today, I would definitely try to change as much as possible. I would try and work very hard at school work considering we had slim to none in high school compared to college. I would not wait to do my homework in high school until the very very last minute like I did. I would have studied what classes i needed to take in high school to be prepared for college. I would have told myself to take a lot more college courses through our community college senior year to be ahead in college when I got there. I am still unsure of how I would tell myself how to make the transition easier because I cannot even tell my sister that is a senior in high school that answer. I would tell myself that I have to learn to go with the flow and to be prepared to work five times as hard in college as I did in high school.

Haley

One major advice I would give myself is definately to pay a lot more attention to the details of the colleges, such as what they offer, costs, scholarship availability, and teacher-student ratio. If planing on attending a private college, I should look at other options for general requirements, and make sure that those classes will transfer over to that college exactly the way intended (i.e. if a math class does not transfer as a math credit, do not take the class). Also, there are scholarships available for people other than just seniors in high school, so keep applying! Another important aspect to look at is if certain classes have dual accredidation, like maybe a sociology class can give you credit for generals and major courses; this happens quite a bit. The last big piece of advice I would be sure to give myself is that even though I may be set on a certain school, I need to make sure to check into as many schools as possible because the perfect school could still be out there and I do not even know it because of stopping my search early on.

Kaycee

Hey Kaycee. You will soon be making the transition from your loving high school to an all new university. Remember to keep your head held high and never back down from your own opinions. You will be challenged in the next four years, remain strong and focused. You have made the choice to play collegiate soccer and it will take a toll on your time. Remember to stay focused on your academics, your faith and your family. You will make new friends, some of whom will test your power of will and try to pressure you into trying new things. You know what is right and how to say no; if they don't accept you for who you are, then they aren't worth your time. USF is close to home, you can go back if you need to but try to stay on your own. Balance your money and remember the difference between needs and wants. Above all, don't lose sight of your faith. The Lord has lead you to USF and will stay by your side as long as you allow Him to. Love all, trust few and live life to the fullest.

Alesia

The advice that I would give myself as an high school student would be study. I would tell myself that working hard I to gain a degree means a lot. Along with in time when looking back at how hard I have worked would make me proud. I would also advice myself that staying focus and keeping a clear mind will pay off . As well as, reminding myself that it is not easy in this world with out a proper education. I would also tell myself that woring hard is the key to having good success. I would let myself know that I am giving myself a one time oppertunity for success. Alon with advicing myself that there is no easy way of achiving an education. In addition, I would also advice myself that the transition from high school to college will not be easy. Along with getting discouraged, would not be the answer for making it a transition in a different enviornment. I would also tell myself that prayer also works, it also helps to relax your mind and see things more clearly. In final thought, knowing these things before making your educational transition is very essential in life.

Cassandra

I would remind my high-school-self of a good friend named N.E.I.L.Y. "Not Everyone Is Like You". People will come and go in my life, bringing with them their own perspective, world views, social views, religious views, their culture, their ethnicity, their life styles, economic status, interestes, excitments, passions, and the ability to LOVE and be LOVED; they will also bring with them their hurt, baggage from painful life experiences, anger, frustrations, closed mindedness, hinderances, hypocrisy, and their ability to behave unlovingly. No matter what someone thinks about me or says to me, to my friends, or infront of others, ALWAYS treate them with LOVE, respect, empathy, kindness and appreciation for who they are as a person, and creation of God. Never back lash, but repay someone's harsh words with a compliment; in this way you will be preventing unwanted trouble. 1 Peter 3:8-9 "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."

Elisabeth

I would tell myself to take the time of highschool seriously and learn all I can, to take every addvantage of it. at highschool age we tend to see only in the present time, and not realize how important our highschool education is to our future.

Brianna

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior i would just prepare myself more for classes and get used to studying on a regular bases. Just preparing myself for making new friends and being a little more open minded towards new people. Back in high school i never really wanted to do homework bc it was never too difficult. Coming to college school is definately more challenging and i was never really shown how to study correctly. So definately if i could go back in time, i would show myself how to be disciplined in homework and studying so i could be prepared for college exams.

Katelyn

If I could go back in time to when I was a senior in high school and give myself a few words of advice about my upcoming transition to college life, I would tell my self to keep in mind one simple thing: be youself. I would tell myself to make sure I figure out who I am before venturing into the wild and uncertain college domain. Finding your identity in Chirst instead of in the people around you is very important because when you know your worth is dependent on Christ alone you don't feel the need to change yourself and what you believe in order to please others. Those who are meant to be your friends are those who accept you for who you already are. It may take time to find these special people, but it is well worth the wait. You will also feel better about yourself and the decisions you make if you stay true to your unique nature and what you know God wills for your life.

Zach

I would tell myself that the world is much grander than partying. I would let myself know that college is different than high school and to work hard so I could get into school. I would tell myself not to wait six years before deciding to go back. Because college opens up opportunities and helps you discover more about yourself and what you actually would like to do with your life.

Brad

I would give my high school self the advice of following his heart and not worry about what his parents say. My parents told me, when I was coming out of high school, that I could not be a teacher becuase I did not possess the skills needed. This was a problem becuase being a teacher was the career choice that I had been thinking about for some time. When I told my parents my career choice they began to doubt my ability to do the job and they talked me into the beief that the job was to hard. I searched for two years trying desperately to find a different career that appeased my parent, but my heart kept getting pulled back to education. When I finally came to this conclusion I was behind and would not be able to graduate with my friends in four years becuase I needed an an extra semester to finish my degree. Even now I feel like my mom doubts my ability to be a good teacher and it still bothers me, but the difference between my high school self and me is that I have become strengthened in my education resolve.

Laura

Prepare now! Do not assume that everything will just fall into place. Research schools, know where you want to go and what the deadlines are for application. Seek to understand what classes you will need to take. Break away from high school friends and find who you are apart from them. Seek God's plan for your life always.

Brittany

College is great, once you figure out where your going to go. It is one of the hardest, exciting, scary, and most important decisions of your life. Don't hesitate to respond and seek out the schools you are interested in. Also, get scholarship applications started immediately. Once at the college you've chosen, get involved! There are so many activities going on that first week and it is extremely important to meet new people and try new activities out. Don't get overwhelmed, college is supposed to be FUN! Remember to do these and you will succeed: Make Friends, Get Involved, Sleep, Eat, Study, Get to Know Your Professors, Ask Questions, and HAVE FUN!

Michael

Don't let the excitement and change overwhelm you little one. And always remember to be exactly who you are, disregarding the opinions and ideas of those around you about who they want you to be. You will become who you want to be in due time after experiencing all the different relationships and struggles that you will go through during your time here. They will refine you down to your very core, but it will only make you more of who you were already. Your core being will go through a tempering fire making it sharper and more refined. But only a refined tool is able to be used to fix anything. You will be a tool that will be refined in order to be able to fix different problem within the world.

Holly

If I could go back and talk to my self as a senior I would have told my self to apply for more scholarships, and to take more ap classes, and or classes that I could have gotten dule credit for high school and college. I also would have told my self to learn how to write papers in the corect format before coming to college.

Sarah

Well I am a transfer student, meaning that I transferred out of a school that I hated. I went to a Division one school with about 30000 people and now I go to a school with about 1500 people. I would tell myself that I would really enjoy a private school. I would like the size of the classes and the personability of the professors in the private schools. I would tell myself that even though you will be far away from home, you will learn to grow on your own. You will love playing sports again and you will love all of the new people that you will meet. They will change your life.

Emily

I would tell myself that I should learn how to study now so I don't have to try and learn in college. I also would tell myself to learn how to write a paper because it doesn't get easier in college. If i could go back I would tell myself to go and visit more schools, because you have to be sure about where you are going. I would tell myself to enjoy the last few monthes of high school because your life will never go back to how it was then. Now your seperated from your friends, families, and everything you've ever known. Suddenly your surrounded by people you don't know that have very different morals and goals from you. Most of all have fun. You're still young and can live without regrets. Next year everything will be much more complicated.

Koln

I would tell myself to attend class. I really messed up my freshman year, and didn't do as well as I should have. I would tell myself how important it is to maintain a good GPA during your years in college. Go to class and participate in the discussions, and you will do just fine.

Diana

I would tell myself to be myself. Go out and meet new people and don't give up in what you believe in. Stay focused on school as well as your social life and stay active. Going outside of your confort zone will allow you to meet new people you normally wouldn't meet. Don't be afraid to fail, just try your best and enjoy it all because it goes faster than you know.

David

Be prepared to have lots of things coming your way. It is a scary process but it is a necesarry one that allows for growth. Be involved in all that you can with the school. Do not corner yourself into your room. That will only bring destruction to your social life. Make as many friends as possible and be alert for those in need. But most of all Enjoy it!

Kasey

Take time to make friends along with making time for your school work, because these friends will last a lifetime! Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things!

Traci

If I were back as a graduating high school student entering college I would give myself the advise to work on my study habits. One of the big things that really changed for me when I entered college was the way I studied and took tests. In high school I was able to pass by quickly running through the material that we went over in class the night before a test. In college I had to begin a new way of obtaining knowledge in classes and remembering the information for test. I have begun to study weeks in advance as well as taking more accurate notes. I would have liked to know that my study habits would need to change before entering my first college semester to avoid several tests where my grades were not as I would have liked them to be.

Flora

I would advice myself to not partly alot, to never drink alcohol, to always turn in my assignments on time so that I wont lose points, and that college is a fun place to be; is a place to have fun and build relationships, but does not mean that you have to "exaggerate" the fun. The more fun you have the worse your life will get. In other words you wont be able to pass your classes, you will stay behind. Have fun with limits.

Hannah

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would make sure that I know not to give up when things get tough. Being so far away from my home in Colorado, it seemed at times that i wanted to just pack up and go home. In the back of my mind though, I kept telling myself that things will work out and all things happen for a reason. As a senior in college i couldn't wait to leave the house and and get to college, but know that I'm here i realize how much I took my family for granted. In the end, I realize that all things do happen for a reason and I'm here because this is where I need to be. I don't want anything to hold me back from my dream of being a nurse. So the one thing I would go back and tell myself would be, even though times get rough everything happens for a reason and to stick through every rough patch in my life I may encounter.

Alyssa

I would tell myself to prepare for dissappointments and let downs. Although they are not abundant, there will be some that will impact the rest of your college career. But its not about the trials that do come your way, its about how you deal with those trials. Also, I would tell myself to be ready for the different friends that come into your life and how you are going to need to be there for them. If I would have known that my sophomore year, I would make a friend that I care about so much it hurts to see her going down this path of destruction I would have said no way. College is about transitions and learning to be independent. Its going to be hard at first, but you were raised by parents that love you and want the best for you; don't worry, you'll be just fine. A new chapter starts when you walk accross that stage on high school graduation day and get your diploma. Cherish the past four years, embrace the moment you are in, and most of all seize the opportunities that college will present you with in years to come.

Kristina

Enjoy every minute of it. The next four years are going to fly by faster than you can imagine. Know that there are going to be challenging times ahead of you, and there will be rewarding and fulfilling times as well. Take advantage of opportunities to travel and see the world. Explore who you are and who you want to be, but take time to reflect on where you have been. Don't be afraid to ask questions! Make sure you call home if you're far away, or stop home every once in a while if you're close. Build relationships with your professors, classmates, roommates, and anybody else along the way. Take risks and be bold--college is a new and exciting time to grow and figure things out for yourself. We all make mistakes, and you'll make plenty in college, but don't dwell on the past. Instead, keep your head up and press on. There are great things in store for you at college. Come with an open mind and an open heart, and be prepared for the best four years of your life!

Juan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself in high school I would give myseld a lot of advice to be more ready for college. First of all I would tell myself that College is not that much harder than high school if I work hard and pay attention in class. Knowing that I wouldn't have been so worried about what to expect from College. The other thing I would tell myself to do is to work harder in Math classes because in College you are required to take 3 to 4 math classes; with this advice it would've made my college life a little easier. From the athletic viewpoint, I would recommend myself to work harder in my sport because college sports are not the same as in high school, college sports are tougher and there is way more competition. I would also tell myself that college is fun and is one of the best years of my life, and to take advantage of that great opportunity that only about 1 percent of the world population has the privilege of having.

Michael

I am a non-traditional student. I have never liked fitting into a mold. I am proud of the fact that I did not go to school where my high school friends went. I went to Colorado and really enjoyed life while I was in College. However, I did not graduate in four years. I am not complaining, it was okay for me to not have my degree, I had a family business to go home to. The family business was sold a few years back and I decided to go back and finish my degree. I will be 48 years old when I complete my undergraduate work. I am now looking at going on to get a master's degree. It may seem rediculous to be working toward a degree when I am 50, but it is what I want to do. I certainly would not encourage others to follow my steps. It is important to be pursuing your own path. If you aren't sure of that path then stay on the traditional path until you can see your own way. No regrets - I am what I am because of my past. Enjoy the day.

Kara

I would say try to take lots of AP classes, so that you don't get stuck with having to take them as generals in college. Then you don?t have to pay for textbooks that are overly expensive and then have more room to take classes that you would enjoy that might not have anything to do with your major, but will expand you as a person. Also remember to look around you at all the things your parents do for you, as when you are on your own it can be scary at times how much money it costs to support your lifestyle. Also home cooked meals are so much better then cafeteria food, so cherish them as well. Do not be afraid to join activities that you weren't involved in high school, as college is a new time to reinvent yourself. This is a time to explore all the things your are capable of doing. Really stretch yourself academically to learn as much as your can, as your are paying for your education. Do be afraid to use your professors for help, as they are here for you and the betterment of your education.

Elaina

Make sure the school you choose to attend matches the person that you are and who you want to be. When I walked on my campus, I instantly knew I would be going to school there. I had a feeling that was great and I've held that feeling about this school ever since.

Ashley

I don't know.

Alisha

Don't be afraid that you maybe didn't make the right decision. Transferring is always an option, and it doesn't mean you whimped out, it just means the school wasn't the right fix. Don't settle on finding a school that you feel comfortable at.