University of Tulsa Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I do now about college life and making the transition, I would advise myself to take the ACT as many times as possible before I started college. I wasn’t aware of just how important the ACT was until the middle of my senior year in high school and consequently could only fit in two ACT tests before my college and scholarship applications were due. I would tell myself that the more tests I took the more likely I was to get a higher score which would lead to more scholarship money to help pay for college. Also I would teach myself the proper studying techniques to prepare for college level exams. My first exams were some of the worst grades I had ever received in my entire life because I tried to study all the material the day before the test like I had in high school. I would tell myself that it important to set aside time every day a week before the test to study a portion of the material in order to know all of the material well.

I would tell myself,” now Natalie you don’t have to know what you want to be when you grow up and it’s never too late to follow a dream”, your never to old to earn that black belt you want. Also there are plenty of adults that have no idea what they are going to be and you might never know what you want to do, but always follow your instincts. Then I would tell myself to not make the costly mistakes I made. For example when you go to Tulsa Community College for your first two years make sure everything will transfer and try to plan it out step by step and focus on scholarships, college is very expensive and doing it on your own will be hard so start now. Then I would end by saying “Hakuna Matada Natalie”, there will be a lot of ups and down, but always remember to love life and enjoy every bit of it.

Do not put off until tomorrow what can be done today. It may seem like right now the most important thing in life is to socialize with friends and to have a good time, but I assure you that it is not. A few more years of hard work will put you in a position to succeed both professionally and personally. Life happens, and no matter what your intentions may be for the future, you may not be afforded the opportunity to accomplish your goals. Take advantage of the time you have now as a young man because I assure you, responsibilities will only increase as you get older. It is much easier to achieve any academic goals you may have as a young man graduating from high school than it is going back to school later in life, with a family to support. Do your best in everything that you attempt. Be thankful for any opportunities that may present themselves to you. Most of all, know that a life lived without challenge is a life that will not live up to its full potential.

Dear me at 17, you are about to embark on the biggest adventure of your life. You should take some fun courses and decide what you want to be before committing to a major that you may decide later you do not like. You know what you want to do with your future fifteen years from now, take the time to make sure you can get there without losing yourself in the process. You can only learn so much at a time, but you can do it if you pick the right things for you. Also, I know you want to be as involved at college as you were in high school. I know you think you know how to balance personal life, family, work, school, play, and extra-curricular activities, but you need to think twice before you sign up for everything single thing that comes your way. I know you are passionate and I know you care about everything, but if things are worth doing they are worth doing well. Take time to do things well instead of spreading yourself too thin. Your happiness is important too. All the best, me at 20

Paying attention, going to classes, and meeting new people will help you with college. Don't procrastinate like you have done in High School it's always good to get your work done on time then late. It looks better on your character to show up to class on time and turn in the required work for that class. Meeting new people will help you realize thats its ok to be a little nervous everyone is there first year there is no problem with communicating that. Think about your financial future and a future family dont think about taking the easy way out its not always that easy.

If I was granted the opportunity to go back in time and talk to my high school self, I think the only thing I would say is to enjoy every minute of it and give it my all, in the classroom and in the social aspects. I really don't think I would want to be told what I should expect, because that is half of what college is about; brand new experiences, new trials, new friends, and new education. No if I could go back I would not say to do this, this, and this; or to change something. I would just say be prepared and open to new ideas and opportunities.

Dear Mary, Please manage your time! Get in the habit of taking good notes and don't be afraid to ask questions in class. Those discussions definitely help you understand the content better. I know there are a lot of things that look so exciting on campus, but you cannot be involved in every one of them so prioritize and pick the ones that you really have a passion for. Last, but not least, go for you dreams and expect that the best is yet to come even if you do bad on a test or don'thave enough sleep. You can make it and you will make a lot of friends that will support you no matter what! Good Luck! Sincerely, Me

College is different. It’s huge! You don’t see the same people throughout the year. You won’t have the same teachers and the people in your classes will change every term. My advice is to start getting comfortable talking to people. Learn how to get know them in a short period of time, because in college, you won’t have four years to weed out friends and enemies (not that you’ll gain enemies, you probably won’t). This alone will significantly help. When you get sick, (like you do for a week every winter) you'll have someone to lend you notes (assuming you make friends with people who care for notes). This will also help you because communication with the instructors is a huge part in doing well. Quit being scared to ask questions because you think you’ll sound stupid. It’s better to sound stupid than be lost. With this comes answering questions. It’s good to be noticed in class. If you know the answer to a question or have something smart to say, speak up. Anyway, you’re a smart girl, keep doing what you’re doing, just stop being so shy!

I would tell myself that even though I am not at any disadvantage because I am a first year generation college student.

The advice I would give myself is start applying for scholarships earlier. I believe that was my biggest mistake. I waited until the end of my senior year to do it. i think if I would have known this at even the end of my junior year I could have been better off.

My advice to myself would be to start saving and looking around at what all each school has to offer. A private univeristy close to home may not be the right choice if there are other places with the same education status for a lot less money.

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to cherish every moment. Being a college senior now I feel as if I missed out on so many opportunities and let great events pass me by. I would also tell myself to study! So far I have done alright for myself, but if I had only put extra effort in some classes it would have benefited me more. Order all your books online or rent them online. The money you save is ridiculous! Also order them early enough for class, but not too early in case you have to return them. Get to know your professors! They can help you out a lot in crunches and write awesome recommendations. My last bit of advice to myself would be: don't take a relationship too seriously. Cherish the time you have with a partner, but don't let them become your only priority. You can miss out on a lot in college if you only hang out with one person.

As a college student I know that college is very different form high school. If I could travel back to my senior year in high school, I would tell myself to get physically and emotionally ready for college first because it will be tough. Unlike high school students, college students have to pay for their tuitions; therefore, college students worry about financial issues, and they spend a lot of time, which could be used for studying, working to get money for school. Therefore, I would advice myself to study as hard as I could to get a high score in ACT and SAT because with high score I would be able to receive more scholarships. In addition, because materials to learn in college is overwhelming, I would tell myself that I have to focus in class, study at home, and get all homework done on time when i am in college to keep up with everyone. In addition; I need to get used to group study. And finally I would tell myself to get involved in the activities of school, volunteer doing public services, and try to improve my leadership skill because those things are important for future jobs.

Seek God more. Don't be so reserved. Talk more in groups. Start running freshman year, there will be people to support you on your first 5k. Save more money. Volunteer more. Practice better time management. Don't ever think you won't make it because you will. Call your high school friends more. Spend less time on facebook.

The primary thing that I would talk to myself at the end of high school would be people. Although I went to a small high school, the majority of those students are attending the same university. I was considering attending that university as well, but I felt a desire to start a new chapter in my life, and while I still talk to several of my friends from high school, being worried that I wouldn't be able to start that new chapter at any university or college seems like a trivial issue at this point. I have learned that no matter where I would have gone to school, everything would be different from high school as long as I embraced it. I am not sure if this would have made in difference in my choice of university, but it would have cleared my head in terms of which school I was hoping to attend.

Don't be afraid to make new friends, don't be so critical of yourself. Most of all just enjoy college and live life. Study a little more, and do a little more research about the college first.

The advice I would give would be to follow your dreams. If you are learning what interests you to develop skills for a career that will excite you, college will be a completely rewarding experience. Don't be afraid to try new things, because most of the time what you want will change when you get into college. Finally, be outgoing. the more opportunities you seek out on your own, the more possibilities you will find for yourself and your future.

High School Nate, First and foremost, I would advise you to take everything you can while you're still in high school. That's not to say you won't learn anything once you get to college. I have discovered that it is much to your advantage to have had exposure to certain course material before so that in your second time through areas that used to give you trouble no longer will. The easier you can make the classes in your first year will allow you to make a more gradual transition to college life. Secondly, I would like to strongly encourage you to sign up for and attend orientation even though you did wind up going. It doesn't matter that it will take a week off of the last high school summer of your life becuase it will jump start you on college and believe me you won't be missing a thing. Lastly, I'd like to encourage you to study subjects that you find interesting you can only be an undergrad once. Here's to your future, College Nate

If I were to go back in time and give myself advice about making the high school to college transition I was tell myself to study harder in high school. I went to a public school and made straight A's all through school without really trying that hard. Once I got into college I was one of the very few students who did not know how to study. If I would have applied myself more in high school, whether it be harder classes or even enrolling in some college level courses as a senior I know that I would have been able to do better my first two years of school. Without knowing how to study or how to complete homework to the best of my ability I lost out on some precious time in college because I had to teach myself these basic skills. These skills I have gained in my first two years of college are some of the best tools I could give myself during the high school to college transition.

Trust who you are and explore who you want to become. College life is a slap in the face of different cultures, crazy parties, challenging academics, and the opportunity to make many new friends. Understand that college is different than high school in that everyone is facing the biggest decisions of their lives: choosing a major/career, making lifelong friends, and possibly meeting their future spouses. There are many opportunities for mistakes and shaping your character and success in life. Eighteen years have been spent respecting parents' rules and values and although those have now become your own core values and expectations for your life, college allows the exploration of why you believe these things and reshaping personal beliefs through the many experiences offered at university. Stick to your gut when making those big decisions mentioned above; through the course of your life those core values of respect for yourself and others have not failed you and college can be a place to refine and reshape your expectations for what you want for your own future by means of experiences and the many role models within your group of peers. You are you. Discover why. Explore what more you want.

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice i would give myself would be, study much harder and stay focused in class so my GPA would be higher and i could get academic money from my university. I would also tell myself to take AP classes to prepare myself for the difficultly of college classes. Lastly, i would tell myself to ignore the things that make me unhappy and just focus on living life and having fun and putting the important priorities of life first.

I would tell myself that I would need to make sure and take advantage of the opportunities of the events that go on around campus. I would also tell myself that I need to keep applying for scholarships through the year to help pay for my tuition for the next four years. In addition to this, I would tell myself to get to know the professors sooner, and to get involved with as many organizations as I can.

As an international transfer student from Canada, I felt at home in my first year of university. However, since transferring to The University of Tulsa in Oklahoma as a sophomore in Fall 2011, I feel as though I have grown and learned so much. Attending college here in Tulsa has taught me many skills that are long-lasting. Given recent research that reveals that college students often leave college without having learned much more than when they entered, I consider myself forutnate to have had such a positive experience in the past few months. I have learned how to interact with people from other cultures and of other nationalities, I have had my professors challenge me academically, and I have participated in an athletics program that demands the maximum from me every single day. While these sound like romantic concepts, they are not easy to achieve on a daily basis. The support that my professors, peers, and coaches have provided me is what makes life at TU enjoyable and profitable. I have no doubts that, looking back, I will count these years as some of the most positive of my life, and I am thankful to spend them at TU.

College is a very exciting and a life alternating experience in so many ways. For me I have gotten a lot out of college because I wanted to. College can be can very beneficial if you are motivated, ambitious and willing to work hard. I have been very involved in different organization here on campus in order to get the most out of my college experience. In doing this I gained great friends, good time management skills, leadership experience, created a great social network and a foundation for my career. We are always told to go to class get good grades and prepare ourselves for the working world. I have done all of that but what people never tell you what else college has to offer. Things like good friends, fun, unforgettable experiences, things not to do, dealing with finances, and living on your own are just as important. Putting a value to my college education is not possible. It is priceless because I have gained so much from my 3 years here. I know that the things I have learned here will affect how I live the rest of my life in a good way.

University of Tulsa was my first college experience, so it definitely has a special place in my heart.

I have learned to be open to new experiences, and that there is always something new to learn.

Attending college has taught me how to be independent, self-motivated, and an responsible young women. I learned that you cannot wait for good things to just happen. If you want change you have to go out there and work for it. My mind set is no longer focused on me and how I can make my life better. It is on how I can use my experiences and knowledge I gain throughout my college career to provide assistance to whomever might need a hand. I am not the only person in this world there are so many people on this earth who don’t have the opportunity to receive an higher education. By continuing my education I add value to my life knowing that when I finish I can contribute to a greater purpose on this earth. The goal is not to have money but life without struggle.

From my college experience I have gained a new sense of independence. Living on campus has given me a new found freedom from my parents, which is said to be necessary to develop into a mature adult. I am now able to make decisions concerning when I do my homework, what time I go to bed, where I eat my meals, what I do with my spare time, and what kind of part-time job I have. These small things have definitely had a large impact on my time management and my future goals. Thanks to this new independence I have found significant value in my education. I realize that without a college education it will be much more difficult for me to obtain my goals. I am constantly told that life is much easier the smarter you are. Though I don't agree with this statement fully, I do agree that knowledge is a fundamental key to success. As I have entered the college world as an independent woman, I have not only gained scholastic knowledge, but knowledge of the world. This gain in knowledge may seem difficult now, but will pay off in the end.

I was once a shy, insecure girl that never wanted to do anything other than stay to myself and go unnoticed. My biggest fear was going up and talking to people; I was so afraid of not being all they expected. Going to college helped me to see that people will accept you for who you are. Everyone has something to offer, whether it’s telling funny jokes or giving good advice. Attending college has been valuable to me because it has helped me discover that I do not have to worry about being what people expect, I can just be Sherry. My college experience has shown me that being the true me allows me to obtain the things I want in life.

Yes college is here to teach us responsibility, to mature, and to prepare us for our careers, but it is so much more than that. College teaches us how to live through LIFE! I have learned through college that it's not always fair, but no matter how unfair it seems I make that smile and keep on pushing because that's life. College has also taught me about friendship. Just because someone isn't in your sorority or where pearls everyday doesn't they aren't worthy of your time. Every person comes with thier own good traits and different walks of life in which we all can learn something from. College has taught me to take the best out of every situation, person, and experience, learn from the bad and grow into a new person. It teaches us to handle life. Many believe it's just something we do to get a fancy job, but have you ever wondered why we take pointless classes? Or why we got a C when you know you deserved an A? College is here to prepare us for the world and what it will deal us. Hopefully we'll gain worldly knowledge.

From my college experience, I have obtained life-long friendships with fellow students and professors; I have obtained work-related skills that will be useful when I begin my career after I graduate; I have obtained, and still working on, an amazing education that I do not know if I could find anywhere else. I did not grow up in the best family enviroment and would have never imagined attending college - let alone a private university such as the University of Tulsa. I have been encouraged to better my life, with an education, with the help and motivation of professors and counselors alike. I am proud to call myself a Golden Hurricane. If I had a chance to do it all over again, I would follow the same path.

When I began at TU, I wanted to learn why ankles swell when they are injured. My passion was to serve people. In the past 4 years I have learned what causes swelling along with many other processes and functions that operate in the human body. Outside of classes, I've learned that service can take as many forms as can be imagined. From baking brownies for a friend who is stressed about a test to taking a student without a car to the grocery store, many times service is simply an awareness of the people around me and a few minutes to show that they matter. Learning to be aware of people's needs is made easier on campus by living our lives together. In Athletic Training I have found a profession that combines these 2 passions. I work with people to help them recover from injury and have the opportunity to become a part of their lives. One of my teammates is my best friend and my professors are my mentors. College is hard, and at times seems it will never end, but I know what is important to me and that I can touch people's lives.

I have learned more about my self in the last 8 months than I even thought was possible. College gives you the opportunity to be out on your own and learn about yourself, but to still have a support system if you are looking for the help. College allows you to recognize what you want to do with your life. There are so many options to choose from and college gives you the opportunity to asses what you want and what you will succeed at.

TU has taught me to accept people and love them for who they are. I prayed a ton about where to attend college and God tugged on my heart and told me to go here; I wouldnt change it for the world. The Chi Omega girls here are so amazing and I can tell that God has placed me here for a reason. So far, my college experience has grown me closer to God, increased my confidence in addition to expanding my knowledge through the challenging course work. College is a time where a person changes the most so I want to make something of myself in these four critical years. TU has been fun with intramurals, friendly people, and a campus that is respected.

Hey Ce, let me tell ya some things about college. You think you have it figured out and its going to be just as easy as high school was. WRONG! You have so much more to contend against and you will literally grow up within the first semester. No one is going to make you get up to go to school. No one is going to make you do your homework. you can virtually do what ever the heck you want. The freedom you have,is so tantilizing,that you hardly know what to do with it. No curfews! No calling Mom every 30minutes! No boundaries! Believe me, you will miss the latter one. that's when you grow up...when you set your own and stick to them. Ceciley, you are just going to have to trust me when I say,it's not easy,it's hard. Even on the good days,it's hard to keep going because you're so tired,hungry,worn down,and behind in classes. Find a routine and STICK TO IT! No matter what! you can do this chicka, I know you can!

Choosing a college is a big decision and maybe one of the biggest decisions you will ever make in your life. I have found, as with every business or establishment, that the people really make the difference. Even though TU offers everything you could need in a college, my experience here wouldn't be the same without the great people I have met. When I studied abroad in Spain I made friends with the other Americans that were in my school. However, all I could think about was how I wanted to take my friends from TU and move them to Spain because my new friends just did not seem to be able to live up to my expectations. So please do not worry about sports, school colors, how far away you are from your family, or if your relationship with your boyfriend will hold out. Check out a wide variety of colleges and VISIT them. Get a feel for the people and the atmosphere. Trust your gut because you will meet the best friends you have ever had and they will support you in everything you do. Those people will make your college experience the best it can be.

Dear Senior Self, Don?t settle for the kind of work ethic you were able to get away with in High School: work harder, challenge yourself every day, look above and beyond the things in front of you for learning opportunities; never settle for less than your absolute best. Call your mom at least twice a week; this is very important. Know that you can always speak up and take responsibility for your own education. Search for scholarships once a week, you own it to yourself to accept as little debt as possible. If something scares you, push yourself in that direction, lean into challenges and trust that gut instinct. Go to every school play, go to every game, and go to every concert. Go through fraternity rush; just for the heck of it. If there are fountains on campus you must run through them. Experience everything. Buy warm socks for cold dorm rooms?rugs, lamps, and art are also helpful. Remember to eat and take your vitamins! Sometimes sleep is a completely valid choice. Ask questions. Make and keep friends; it?s very important. Remember to thank those that support you. Trust in yourself. Love, College Self

To be able to go back in time and give myself advice on the college transition would be one of the greatest gifts that I could ever give myself. Having to live my own from the age of 18 and try to support myself through the end of highschool and college was one hardest things that I've ever had to accomplish. When It comes down to making the money to pay for the roof over your head or taking a little extra time to study and get a better grade on the next test, the roof would win more often than not. That being said, I always tried to do the best I could with the resources and time that I had to work with. Knowing what I know now I would tell myself that taking a job that offers less money but more time for my education greatly outweighs the latter; because while the lower paying job would only allow me more humbling possessions and housing, the potential for a better GPA and greater educational success opens the doors for a future full of possibilities and accomplishments that would be nearly unattainable without it.

I would tell my senior in high school self that I shouldn't be so nervous to make the transition between high school and college. Although, I would also tell myself that I need to work on my study habits so it wouldn't be such a foreign thing once I got to college. In high school, I just coasted through without studying too hard and had my parents there to keep me from going out on school nights. Now that I'm in college, I have to study much harder and have to have the self-control to stay in and do homework when people are wanting me to go out with them. But more importantly I would tell myself to just relax and enjoy the time in college because it has turned out to be the best semester of my life.

I would tell myself that you are going to do bigger things than high school. You will make a difference in the world, as long as you keep on track and do the best you can. Never take the oppurtunities you come across for granted, you need to take advantage of them. Down the road you will be thankful you did. After you graduate life is just as fun as when you where in high school. Growing up is a journey that everyone must take and always keep your head up, you'll never get this time back. College is a big step in life. You have to make the best of it. There is no rush in trying to find out what you want to do for the rest of your life. Some people never find out. Ypu just focus on what you want right now. Stick to what your interested in and you will suceed.

Dont take school so seriously. Have fun and be nice

As clich? and overstated as it may sound, the number one rule you should follow as a prospective college student is this: visit as many schools that you are considering as possible. In my quest to find the right school, I found that my number one school quickly dropped to my number two school after my visits. Confused about why? Websites and phone calls can only tell you a tiny piece of a college?s story. By visiting a school, you learn of its atmosphere?how responsive faculty members are to your questions, how friendly the students are, and even how tasty (or sometimes nasty) the cafeteria food is. I picked my school because I felt comfortable and at home there, and I don?t regret it! Once you pick your school and start your college journey, be yourself! If you felt right at this school when you visited it, make yourself at home when you get there. Join as many activities as you have time for?this will help connect you to people of many different interests and backgrounds. From one of the shyest, most awkward people in the country, try new things, trust yourself, and have fun!

The best advice that I received was to make sure the professors know who you are and that you are serious about your grades. Make sure you've been to see each of your professors in their office because a one-on-one interacting conversation will make the difference in your grades, understanding the material and helping to develop contacts for the future. The best advice that I never got was to get involved in EVERYTHING. Join and take an office in a club, ask to assist in research and always keep and use business cards for future reference.

The most important factor to consider when choosing a college is size. Small classes have a much different learning environment than larger classes. Professor availability outside of class as well as the quality of the personal relationship taht students can have with a professor are almost directly correlated with the size of the class. Secondly, and almost as important, one should consider extra-curricular activities. If sports are important, students should investigate the level and quality of the sports teams as well as the campus recreation facilities. If religion is important, students should visit the religious organizations on-campus, as many of these organiations are not included in a standard campus tour. The extra-curricular aspects of campus are as much a part of the college experience as the academics, and should be investigated when considering a potential school.

Make sure you know for sure what you're interested in as far as majors are concerned. I wasted two years of my school time and put my GPA down the tubes because I thought I wanted to do Mechanical Engineering. But it turned out that's not what I wanted to do, so I changed my major. Just make sure you know exactly what you want to do, and if it turns out that you aren't doing what you really want to, change as soon as you can and don't waste time.

Of course, the first thing you should make sure a college has is the major or field that you are interested in studying. I also think that different sizes of schools have very different atmospheres, and you have to figure out where you will thrive. After that, anything goes. I have friends who have made complex, weighted equations to help them decide, and others who relied purely on the "feeling" of campus. Personally, I ended up eliminating some schools just because of their school colors or because their name made me think of toothpaste. How much you enjoy college will be based on what comes after your decision. Don't be surprised if your first semester or two is difficult, especially if you're going away from friends and family. Get involved, keep up with your school work, introduce yourself to new people and trust that you'll come to love your new and different life!

Probably the most important thing in selecting a college is taking campus visits and sitting in on classes. It's very important to get the feel of the campus, professors and current students. Guided tours paint a nice picture, but it's the unguided tours that are most valuable. Evaluate the area surrounding the campus to ensure that all necessities are within walking distance. Though most parents focus on security issues, most campuses are very safe and have excellent security programs; they should instead look at the things that will add value to their child's quality of life. Talk to former and current students to determine if the school's claims match what students really think--after all, the students are the heart and soul, and the very reason of existence for the school.

Tour as many campuses as you can! I feel like the best advice I have regarding college selection is to visit as many different types of college campuses and get a sense of student life. Many questions you'll ask yourself about class size, campus involvement, campus sizes, or even type of living situation, can't really be judged unless you have a broad basis of comparison. I had applied to a small private school, a large state school, and a medium sized public school, and after touring each campus I found the environment where I would have all the opportunities and guidance I could need, as well as a high quality of living and positive motivation from my peers. Everyone fits in somewhere, and its extremely important to find out which environment is for you based on experience. My student-led campus tour influenced my decision so much, that now I am a University Ambassador for my school, and I hope to pass on the the fantastic and life changing experiences I've had so that many more students can anticipate the same!

Parents would probably want to visit the city--students should remember you only live once--make it good, but not embarassing. Always do your best, someone is always watching. You don't want it to bite you later.

I would tell them to really choose a college that fits them. I would recommend you make a list of things that you definately want at your college and a list of things you would like. When you visit colleges, keep that list with you and score each one. The professors, classes, and statistics are important, but the students are the life of a campus. If you see energetic people, you will get energy from them. You create relationships with the next generation going into the work field - great connections to have! Once you are at the college you pick, meet as many people as you can in the first week. Make little mental notes to remember their names. If you are able to introduce people to each other, it makes other people attracted to you. Yes, it is scary, but it pays off. Also, college is a place to have fun and try new things. I would suggest trying something you have never done before, such as an art class, intramurals, or going to a play. Going through greek rush is another idea. Even if you do not join, it is a great way to meet people.