University of South Dakota Top Questions

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

Sydnee

The advice I would give my former high school self is the upmost importance of not procrastinating. I did a lot of procrastonating with a lot of things throughout my high school career and I think would have been more sucessful than I am now. Since I started college, I've tackled my procrastionation and I try to get my work done as soon as possible so I have time to do whatever I want after, and I save myself the stress of needing to get it done. Also I procrastonated a lot to get my college application in, but I feel like I rather needed the break. Another thing I would tell myself is to work harder in my last year so that I could have a better GPA to further my college career with even better scholarships.

Austin

If I were able to go back and talk to myself during my senior year of high school, I would tell myself two thing. The first thing I would have told myself would be not to slack of scholarships! The second thing that I would tell him would be not to focus on parties and the alcohol as much. The first two years of college consisted of screwing around on the weekends but after I got my associates in Radiology, I realized that working hard on my education was going to get me a lot farther than trying to find the next party to go to.

jacob

I would tell myself to take more time in making decisions and better prepare myslef for the future. I would tell myself to attempt to learn to study better and to stay focused when in school, it is very easy to become distracted and it is our job as students to continue to work our hardest throughout our college experience.

Meghan

Looking back on my high school years I wish I could tell myself many things. For example; not to eat the school cafeteria's macaroni, there's no such thing as a hall pass, and never leave your gym clothes out of your locker while you shower. However, the most important lesson I wish I would have learned in high school is not to settle for anything, then someone tells you to give one hundred percent all the time, do it, and if you have a dream it requires hard work. All of these things come into play when you begin your college search. You must work hard to get through applications and scholarships but never settle for a school that is not what you want. Next, when you get to school remember that although it is important to make friends and memories that last a lifetime, you are ultimately in college to recieve your degree and set yourself up for a life of success. Adjusting to college can be difficult but if you put in hardwork and don't settle for anything less than success, your school will be the perfect fit for you.

Austin

Austin, one of the main things that you need to do is to start filling out scholarship applications, you will need money in the future, scholarships are a great way to get that for what you will need in school. Another thing that you will need to work on is your problem with procrastination. Yo will not always want to be staying up until three in the morning typing up essays that are due the next day, even though you have had them assigned for a few weeks. Just get everything done! Also be just out going as you are now. If you keep being the guy you are now you will go far!

McKayla

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about what I know now about college, I would tell myself to not procrastinate, to not be afraid to meet new people, and to keep your door open on floor of where you are living. Meeting new people in the first couple of weeks is super important because those people will most likely be your friends for the rest of time, or at least while you are living on that floor. Another tip would be to not talk about anyone behind their back. You might think that you can trust that person, but if it puts them ahead with that friend you are talking about, then they will share that information and it will put you in bad terms with that friend. It is not worth it. But overall, just remember to have fun, and grades are important, but the people you meet will impact you for the rest of your life.

Emily

As a current working professional running the Career Center at a high school, I help hopeful seniors with college choice, scholarships, part-time jobs, and financial responsibility. My previous, teenage self was not so qualified. I was a first generation college bound student who had inflated ideas of my own capabilites. I was going to be a neonatal surgeon just because it sounded good. The truth is, I was much better at delving into a philosophical discussion and writing short stories and poetry, and though interested, I had my limits with the hard sciences. Knowing all of this now, I would take a very long time to discuss ego and its relatedness to fiscal responsibility and academic choice. I would have steered myself in a more artistic direction than that of the hard sciences, though I do believe personal study in the sciences is incredibly important.

Alyssa

During my junior year of high school my then boyfriend raped as he thought I slept. I told absolutely no one. My family did not know, my group of friends did not know. When I went off to college, I was pulled from the order and schedule that had kept my trauma pushed down. Suddenly, I had an excessive amount of time, during which I spent lost in my confused and painful thoughts. My undergraduate years were some of the worst years of my life. It was not because of the college I attended or leaving home. It was because I did not know there was support for me, that there were options for counseling, that my family and friends cared deeply for me. If I could go back to high school me, I would tell myself to be brave, strong and to not isolate myself. To seek help right then and there and to speak up about what had been done to me. I would tell myself things will get better and to not give up. For me, college was not about getting a degree, it was rediscovering myself and forging ahead as a new, stronger version of me.

Kylie

I would tell myself to not stress the little things. A B is not as terrible as you might think it is. Sometimes a movie night is more important than studying for a quiz. Professors are also not as scary to talk to as you expect them to be, they are also very helpful and willing to do what they can to help you succeed.

Samantha

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself this: Don't fear the coming change keep you from feeling excited. You're going off on your own, and you don't know anybody where you're going, so it's ok to feel scared! In fact, you won't be the only person who feels that way. Be open to meeting new people. Attend the first few meetings of the student organizations that interest you. You will meet a lot of like-minded people that way. Be willing to experience new things and change some of your opinions. However, remember who you are at your core and hold on to that person. The biggest piece of advise I can give you is to prepare yourself for strong friendships. Throughout your childhood you have made and lost friends, and you've accepted that as a part of life. But this is the place where you'll meet the people you'll be connected to for a very long lime. Open your heart to them and you'll be surprised how willing they'll be to enter.

Samantha

Cherish the simple times of unclear skin and boy problems. The complex world soon awaits you.

Traci

All of those things that you've always depended on your parents for, such as help with banking, finances, purchasing certain products, insurance, etc, continue to learn more about them. Ask your parents to teach you in addition to helping you and do some research on your own. Some of the activities that you are not worried about at all, may be slightly different when you're out on your own, so be prepared. Also, never EVER act differently than who you are in order to impress or satisfy anyone. You are a beautiful and inspiring person and you deserve to be exactly that. Take courage!

Taylor

I would have told myself to find as many scholarships as possible. Please don't give up again because now that you've started this terrible debt, you're going to struggle to pay for it for many years. Even though you still have received a scholarship after hundreds of application, don't give up!!

Austin

I would tell myself to continue working hard, and staying on track, but I would tell myself that it's ok to have a little fun. I would recognize that I worked too hard between my jobs and school durring highschool, and I would encourage myself to make more friends, attend a couple parties, and live while surrounded by so many familiar people. I thought highschool would last forever, you never think its going to end, then it does, and it hits some people hard. I would tell myself to have a little fun, because once those people are gone, you hardly ever see or hear from any of them again. Although I completed several AP courses, I would also advise myself to take a couple more, going into college with some credits earned deffinitley doesn't hurt a guy, It could allow for me to finish college a little early, or atleast I could have saved myself some money.

Traci

I would give myself both practical school-related advice, AND advice on life in general. First of all, dealing with school, I would tell myself to always put my school work first. The social life and many friends that you will make at college will be tempting and time-consuming, but remember why you pay to attend the school, to get high grades and a well-placed career. Dealing with my 'position' in life while at college, I would tell myself to truly stick to being myself. As cliche as it sounds, it is so easy to lose yourself in others' opinions of who you should be. And thirdly, my advice to myself would be to simply live a fun life, because you most likely won't relive these college years again.

Lucas

My advice would be to take all the science classes you can and research skilled degrees such as nursing or engineering. You don’t have to excel in these classes in high school. You just need the background so that you may do well in them while you are in college. The thing about science classes is that they can be used in any industry you decide, and they pay premium salaries. I would also say to get involved in a science related professional organization. They give you more experience. They look good on your resume, and they also offer scholarships. I would tell myself to look in the help wanted ads to see what jobs are hiring and what they are paying. I would also tell myself that an expensive school is no better than a cheaper school. The final advice I would give myself is to pick a school where you have at least one good friend, so that your freshman social life or lack of social life doesn’t bring down your academic life. You need to have a good balance of social interaction, yet treat studying like a full-time job.

Amanda

My advice would be to work on study skills. The first semester showed me that I hadn't had very good studying skills. My GPA was a 2.9 which made me so frustrated because I was so used to being on the honor roll in high school. After being so upset about my GPA, I decided that my goal for the second semester was to achieve straight A's. That second semester I used some study skills that I had learned from my Applied Psychology class. Once I started to incorporate some of the skills to my studying, I was able to achieve my goal and felt that I was back on track and got my GPA up to a 3.24. This also got me on the Dean's List for the semester which made my family and me very proud. I just wish that I would have been able to start those skills earlier but unfortunately I had never needed them in high school, so working on study skills in high school would be my advice to my high school self.

Erica

I would tell myself not to be nervous. High school students going to a new school often forget that every other person in your college freshman class is also looking for friends, and for that reason they are not hard to find. Get to know the people in your first classes, for they could turn out to be lifelong friends. The petty drama in highschool will end and you will move forward to more exciting and life changing opportunities. Be open to changes and follow your interests, for you may discover that being a doctor does not thrill you as much as becoming an ecologist, saving the world's frogs. Your life will go incredible places if you let it.

Erika

WOW! If I could go back in time to my senior year in high school, I'd be forever a changed woman. There were so many opportunities that I could have taken advantage of but I didn't because I just wanted to graduate and just head on to college. I would definitely push myself to take more Advanced Placement classes and to get involved in more extracurricular activities. Although I did get a few awards at my graduation ceremony, I would have loved to had the honor of becoming a member of the National Honor Society. Now that I am in college and seeing that if I pushed myself a little further to do my best in school then I would have easily gotten a full ride scholarship to any college of my chouce.

Nicole

My advice would be to investigate the universities' college life with its academic reputation. Further, pick a college that fits your personality.

Kelsey

I would tell myself to take looking for a college seriously and to start studying harder. When I was looking for colleges I really didn't care and I just picked one for no reason. I should have taken it more seriously and looked for one that I was going to be really happy with. When I was in high school I never had to study for anything and I got a's. This first semester of college has kicked my butt. I was not ready to spend several hours studying and I didn't think I would have to apply myself as much as is required in college. I would have told myself to start studying then and not put it off until it's too late.

John

First of all I would say that college is way different than high school. It is much more difficult. To do well in school you have to have good time management. There will be much more material and you will go over it a fast pace. You have to stay up-to-date on your work. A good way to help remember things is to go over your notes before and after class. Studying is a must for college and don't skip classes either. In addition to studying, you need to be social if you want to have to full, successful college experience. It's ok to get out and talk to people. Joining groups is a great way of meeting new people that have the same interests. Also, make good friends that won't take you away from your goals. Don't let your peers make you do things that make you unsure. Your friends should try to help you just as you should help others. Again, use your time wisely between studying and your social life. Don't let one take over the other. Make smart decisions so you can make your college experience successful.

Stephen

Get your licence now, it'll simplefy things later. Get a job, and try to save as much as possible. Do your scholarship hunting NOW. It's better to not have any time now than no money later. Most of all, just trust God and remember that His timing is perfect, even when it doesn't seem like He's doing anything.

Beverly

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, know what I know now about the transition in college life, I would have made myself get a steady job and save every cent. College is expensive and scholarships are sometimes hard to win. I would've made myself buckle down and be really serious about bumping up my GPA so that I could qualify for a lot more scholarships. I definitely wouldn't have told myself to just have fun and enjoy the "senioritis". Senior year is not all about fun and games like we think when we're seniors. It should be all about college. Every minute I wasn't in school I would've been online looking up jobs and scholarships so that I wouldn't have to worry about it all last minute like I am now. I would've been sure to prepare myself for all the work transitioning into college takes. It takes alot of legwork that I didn't think it would. I wish I could go back in time to senior year sometimes.

Chelsea

Dear Self, Keep up the hard work because it all pays off in the end, and don't worry about small things. Being captain of the tennis team, yearbook editor, senior class historian, a NHS member, and much more may feel like all the hard work isn’t' going to pay off, but the valuable time management, leadership, and organization skills you will learn will do nothing but help you adjust to college. It will also make you want to get involved in college organizations, which is a great way to make friends and network. Trying hard in high school may seem "overrated" or "uncool" to some people, but the grades you earn influence the scholarships you receive which will become very important to you once you realize that everything comes with a price, believe me. While being involved and getting good grades is important, you need to make sure you have fun, and don't worry about little things. In the end you wont remember that one bad quiz grade, but you will remember all the fun you had at homecoming and prom. All in all, you should work hard, but don't be afraid to have some fun.

Amy

“Don’t look so surprised,” I tell the person staring at me, who happens to be myself. Myself, but one year younger, one year dumber. “I'd like to give you some advice.” “Okay,” she shrugs and listens, a rare occurrence. Meeting yourself, I suppose, would shock you into silence. “Don’t be an idiot.” The girl across from me laughs. “You have a lot of faith in yourself.” “Yeah,” I smirk. “But you don’t. Going to college - you’re worried about it. I know, I was there. Please, don’t force yourself to fit in with a certain group of people. You were made to stand out. You'll find some awesome friends in the coming year. Be yourself. Classes are important, but don’t forget about the most important thing. I know you’ve been doubting him a bit right now, but God knows what he’s doing. Trust him. Get your school work done, but don’t obsess over it. You’re smarter than you think - your grades will be fine. Remember what’s most important. Trust God.” “Trust God, work hard, be yourself?” the high school me repeats. I smile. “Now make the idea reality.”

Kayla

I have made so many friends through my experience. I have grown to be such an strong women, and to believe in what I believe in and to stand up for those things. College is something that everyone should try, its not for some people but the friends that you make, you will have forever. It really just makes you who you are, and makes you grow stronger from the inside out. I have made wonderful friends, and am growing so much closer to becoming an intensive care nurse someday. The most valuable thing is that I am getting my education, and I am getting closer with every class I take.

Rachael

I have gotten so much out of my college experience. I have met a ton a interesting people that have made my college experience absolutely enjoyable. My college has been so valuable to attend because I am recieving a great education at the University of South Dakota

melissa

I am currently enrolled at San Joaquin Valley College. I have been a student since August of '09. So far I have learned quit a few topics. To this day I have learned how to run a medical ofice, how to set up procedure trays, and how to handle theeveryday situations that go on in the office. I feel like my attendance is very crucial to maintain a comfortable living situation. Attending college is very important now in days to live a comfortable life. Missing a day of class is like missing a months worth of knowledge. Attending everday is important so I could get all the needed knowledge to be the best medical assistant I could be. I need to take in all knowledge so I could be the best suited MA to not only to the desired facility, but the patients as well.

Eden

my college experience has been not only a learning process, but discovering my self. For instance i now discovered my interesting which i didn't know before. And also this college experience helped me to know about other's people cultures and belifs and thats the benfit that i gained because of the diversity at my school. It is very valuable the fact that i am attening college, because to get where i want to get in future and to accompalish my goals enrolling in college is very essential.

Sean

I would tell myself be perpared to adjust. I used to be a meterology student and now I am a CMJ and music student. I would also tell myself to be perpared for living near some of the loudest and thickest people ever. Especial when dealing with transfering from Iowa Lakes to USD. I would also tell myself to fill out more scholarships to get more money because it will become incredibly difficult to pay them off later.

Kaitlin

I would tell myself to work hard in high school - it is important. I am not only talking about working hard in school, but also in other aspects of your life. School is very important, and so are your grades and involvement. These things are what allow you to get scholarships, but they also will help you to adapt to new situations and people well. Being involved in activities will be largely beneficial in going to college, because it is a big change, even if you don't go very far away. Learn how to manage money. Going to college is exciting, and the freedom you have is a large part of that. However, freedom can be expensive. Listen to your parents when they talk to you about saving money. Learning to manage my money is one of the most valuable lessons I have ever learned. Lastly, get a job in high school. It will teach you about money management, but more importantly, it will give you an invaluable work ethic. You will need to work harder in college, and a job will teach you some of these valuable skills. Have fun! These are the best days of your life!

Eric

As a freshman in college, I would have liked to know what to expect from my college. I wish I would have known that this college does not offer a lot of classes in the field of my study. Also, I would advise myself to search for a more well-rounded college and take more risks to reach my goals in a college. Overall, I would recommend enjoying high school and not wish away the time before college.

Nadine

?Go...? The whisper startled me back to attention in my desk. I glanced around, but each classmate sat silently around me. Writing it off as a bit of daydreaming, I returned my pencil to my notebook. Scribbling the words ?UC Berkeley?, ?San Francisco?, and ?breakthrough cardiothoracic surgeon? my attention drifted. ?Chase your dreams?? the whisper was louder and more insistent now. I leaned to my friend and whispered, ?Did you say something?? I received a headshake from her and a glare from the teacher. ?Just try it?? the whisper was so persistent I was increasingly convinced of my certifiable insanity. I looked to my paper. Could it be? Is this what these nagging whispers could be referencing. I shook my head and muttered under my breath ?Impossible? I?m a small town girl, and its way to expensive.? ?Just try it?? the whisper repeated, ?Chase your dreams!? The intensity of the voice struck me, as well as its similarity to my own. ?I know it?s scary, but you can do it.? The voice was almost my own now, but more knowing. Just then the bell rang, and my introspection ended along with any thought given to my crazy dreams.

Kymberlee

I defineitely would tell myself to apply and visit to a broad variety of schools, not just one or two of the same type. I believe for every college student to succeed he or she needs to be comfortable enough to be themselves, but also be challenged academically. Looking at a variety of schools, I believe more high school seniors will find that perfect school right away and not have to transfer after their first year like I did. I also would tell myself to take more AP classes and the tests for them. I am relieved that because I took Calculus my senior year, I only had to take a math methods course for my major. However, I would have tried harder in AP English and would have taken an AP science course. Taking these courses and tests would have saved me money, and given me time to take a fun elective class or two.

Melissa

Academics aren't everything would be the thing I would first tell myself. Learn how to socialize and make friends now, because your school skills are decently developed. It's the learning how to make new friends and how to talk to the superiors in order to get help that you need to learn how to do that most, because once you get to college you are going to feel lonely and lost. Do not be afraid to talk to those in charge in order to get assistance. Most of all, don't be afraid to be yourself.

Rebecca

I would make sure I was prepared for the distance from home and the fact I know no one at the campus and really have to rely on myself to make friends and not be afraid to study hard when need be and also to have fun and get to know lots of people.

Jessica

I would not worry as much as I did because after being here, I realized I had nothing to worry about. Classes are hard and required work but not impossible. Everyone is in the same boat and they are trying to make friends as well. I would not have brought as many things as I had brought because I found out I really did not need certain items that I thought would be essential.

Logan

My senior self was not expecting his college courses to be so difficult I never had to strain for A's and B's throughout K-12. My advice to myself would be to lay off the social gatherings and focus on the educational values?Use time management and make good decisions. I never thought I would say this but I do actually wish I could press a restart button and start college over from day one. My life would be a little bit easier, but overall my mistakes in the 2009 Fall semester will not affect my life in the long run.

Kira

Don't try to put so much emphasis on the need to make new friends immediately. Try to focus more on finding yourself and a major that you will love. Don't feel that it is necessary to go out and party for the sake of looking cool. College is a learning experience and overall you'll have an amazing and incredibly stressful time finding who you truly are.

Miranda

If I were to go back in time to give myself advice, I would tell myself to delete my Facebook. Now that I'm in college, I see how much time and energy it takes away from my day when I could be doing so much more. It would be difficult to delete my Facebook now because I use it to keep in touch with family, but I wish I would have deleted it back then so I would never have gotten to this level of dependence. If the internet begins to affect my grades, I'll get rid of it, no problem. But when it doesn't obviously hurt things, that's when it's hard.

Bobbi

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to worry as much about what other people thought about me when I went to college and to loosen up a little. I would tell myself that people are so open here and that making true friends was so easy that I don't remember how I met all of my close friends!! Also, I would tell myself that when I got to school, to drink less alcohol my first year of school! : )

Tuesday

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, with the knowledge I have now about college, there are a few different points of advice I would give myself. First, I would advise to visit colleges in-state, and out-of-state. As a high school senior I did not visit ANY colleges and I believe it would have been extremely beneficial in making my decision. Second of all, I would advise to be prepared for the move by purchasing essential items a month or two in advance. I waited until two days before leaving to start shopping for what I needed and it was very stressful! Shopping in advance could have potentially relieved a large amount of stress. Finally, I would have advised saving money my senior year. I wasted a lot of money my senior year and now I am pinching pennies to make ends meet. If I would have saved for that entire crucial year before becoming a freshman in college I could be sitting much better financially.

Amy

If I could give myself advice before attending college I would have told myself to be outgoing and make as many friends as possible. I regret not partaking in the social aspect of the college experience. It seems scary at the time but one should try to be open to trying new things or things they normally are not comfortable with. I would also suggest getting as much real life experience in different fields in order to help determine what career one would like to pursue after college. Setting long term goals and short term goals to achieve those will help.

Elizabeth

Focus on studying and get out there and don't be afraid to be yourself.

Andrea

Take more college visits. Find a campus that fits you. Don't just go on tours; spend more time getting a feel for the town and social life. Academics are always a priority, but no one can learn, grow, and thrive in a socially lonely or hostile environment. Go into college with an open major and leave it undeclared for at least one to two years. Even if you have a strong idea of what career field you would like to go into, having an open major allows you the flexibilty to look into other careers that may be denied with a set major. Get to know students on campus. Go to those cheesy meet and greet events offered by your dorm. You'll be surprised how warm and friendly most of your classmates are if you give them a chance. Go to your professors office hours. They can provide guidance, reassurance, and tips for succeeding inside and outside their classroom. Keep your mind open! College is truly a time of self-discovery, so make sure you world views, beliefs, and values aren't too rigid. Get ready to question nearly all of them. Most importantly have fun!

Kelsi

Live on campus for at least two years. Experience everything and give everything at least one chance. Look into groups and organizations.

Amy

Don't worry about your standing in the class, you do fine in college. Apply for more scholarships; you have no idea how handy they will be. Paying for school wont be easy. Also, remember one thing. Go to the school you want to, now where everyone else wants so. Apply into your nursing program the first year, don't second guess yourself and your abilities.

Jenny

If I could go back to high school I would tell myself to try to learn more about english and take the college english course offered even if it was an hour befor actual school started. Also, I would tell myself to study more and take my ACT agian so i would qualify for more scholarships and not have to worry so much about money. One more thing I would do to prepare myself is that I would research what I need to do to become what i want to be. All the things that go into decididng a major and minor just knowing more about college and what it intailed.

Tiffany

Stay focused and make small and big goals that can be acheived. Make sure homework is turned in on time and the best way to pass a test is to study for it. If you do not understand something take advantage of the available resources to get help. There are a lot of things out there that are helpful. Make new friends but do not let that be more important than your school.