University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Top Questions

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

Aimee

I hold a bachelor's degree but am going back for a second degree to be an RN. This second time around I value more highly the experience of learning. I look at my time in school as a way to exercise another part of my brain from the part I use at work full time. To be honest, I am older than many of my instructors and classmates, but I do enjoy meeting them and gaining a fresh perspective on the college experience. Fortunately, I am computer savvy and have taken some online classes with discussion forums, which I find very interesting. It's nice to have this option, learning online. Attending classes though is still preferable because I am enveloped in the classroom experience and surrounded by a whole new environment. I know that I learned a lot during my first college experience, and have applied it in my professional life, but what and how I am learning now seems to be much more stimulating. I plan to complete a two-year RN program and then continue on for my Master's Degree for an APRN.

Krystle

The real-world experiences like internships and case studies

Peter

The college experience so far has enlightened me in expressing in speech and in writing information need in employment and society. The acquisition of two Associates? degrees has encouraged me in finding employment in a compatible desired field with the degrees currently obtained from the local community college. So far that has been unachievable thus far. Companies are requesting a Bachelor's degree now to fill their openings they are posting. Current and future plans include taking classes to achieve a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and gain employment in a related field.

Megan

Tears were forming in my eyes as I hugged my mom and dad one last time before they made the three hour journey back home. I knew attending college was going to be a bittersweet transition in my life that would be hard for both my parents and I. I had never been away from home for longer than a week or two and I was about to experience independence in my life for the first time. Part of me wished I could turn back time and stay with my family, but part of me was thrilled to see what I could accomplish on my own. The first week of college was exhilarating; I had never met so many wonderful people who taught me the importance of my life. I learned more about myself than I ever had learned in the past. I began to understand where I stood on issues that I could now decide for myself, rather than depending on the opinions of my parents. What I have learned in college is indeed valuable and priceless. My education has made me the person I am today and I am eternally grateful for what I have learned.

Holly

Be content with your best efforts. If you know you have given a project your absolute best, graciously accept the final outcome. Expose yourself. You are in a new town, attending a new school, surrounded by new faces. You can?t make new friends if you remain cloistered in your dorm room. Smile: no one wants to keep company with a frown. If you want to make conversation with someone new, speak up first because they never will. If you are undecided about a major, don?t take an elective in a subject that you loathed in high school. It will only lead to feelings of inadequacy and defeat, and an overabundance of frustrated tears as you try to excel in a class for which you have no aptitude. Finally, take a fun, playful class each term. Since it is graded, you have to go have fun. If you rely on making time for fun when you get free time, you will never find time for it. You need a release from your studies, and from the standard to which you set yourself. You?ll do better overall. Close your book, take a break, and find a reason to laugh.

Ellen

If I could go back and tell myself "Don't be scared, there are people who can help you if you struggle, you won't fail!" I know I wouldn't have been so scared and confused about what to do to start the college process. I would also tell myself not to rush things, take your time in figuring out who you are and what you want to do in life. And that while having parents that never went to college does make things more difficult in some ways, it is NOT a reason to wait, and put off bettering myself. I would also say "push yourself more in algebra", since that is the subject I hated the most, and have found is very important to any college degree!

Bridget

Learn to prioritize! When assignments are given to you make note of the due date and write it down in a planner. Block out about two hours of each night to devote to school work. Each night make a list of what you would like to accomplish that day and then turn off any and all distractions. In college, parents and teachers will not be looking over your shoulder making sure you are completing required tasks; setting good habits early makes the transition easier. In addition, do not be afraid to ask questions and seek additional help. As it is often said, there is no such thing as a stupid question except perhaps the question not asked. Do yourself a huge favor and go in for the extra help, in the long run it will pay off. Finally, college can be a blast, but there is also a lot of hard work involved.

Elizabeth

From experiencing and making it through one year at UW lacrosse, there are a few things I wish I would have known before graduation high school. The first bit of advice I would be to take higher level classes in high school like AP or IB. Friends that I have whom took these types of classes in high school seemed to have a much easier time adjusting to the teaching styles and amount of studying and homework that need to be done in college. The classes that I took in high school were mostly Honors classes but from what I have experienced, they did not prepare me enough. Another bit of advice would be to become friends with teachers and other staff during high school. Professors in college are harder to communicate with and become friends with so having a high school teacher that you can always go back to and request letters of recommendation is definitely a plus! The last thing I would tell myself would be to just to be ?you?college. Everyone around you is looking for friends, and the only way to find good ones is to be yourself.

KRISTINE

I would tell my self to work hard , to read more, to study more. Most importantly take time to enjoy life. I would also suggest to find quiet study place and find friends that have simular interests and goals. I also believe it is essential to ask for help when needed. Talk to your professors, get to know them, help them get to know you.

Jordan

The only piece of advice I would have given myself as a high school senior would be to "relax and not be so nervous". Before I left for school I was a nervous wreck, like almost every other college freshman, but what I truly needed to realize is that I was not alone. Countless other 18 year old men and women were in my same boat. I would not give myself any other advice because every rough patch I went through, every fork in the road, every emotional breakdown, every moment so far in my college experience has been a learning expierence who has made me into a better person. So my advice to myself would be to relax and just wait and see what happens, because you always have to remember that everything happens for a reason.

Chelsea

If I was able to go back, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, there would be a few points of advice I would give myself. The first word of advice about making the major transition is to not go home for atleast the first month. Freshmen students need to get out on campus, become involved in new things, and make new friends. By going home too soon, a student will be easily reminded of home and what they miss about their homes and their families. A second word of advice is to join activities that you have never tried before. By going out and trying new things, one can open themselves to new opportunities they never knew existed. By joining new activities, students are also able to meet new people. A third word of advice is to go out and meet new people. Do not just stick to the safe zone of friends from home; making new friends is a vital part of making a good and stable transition into a new school. By going out, meeting new people, and becoming involved, ones transition and college life will be very enjoyable.

Jessica

The advice I would give to myself is to not slack off on studying and get help to learn how to study properly. The amount of studying that is needed in college in order to pass my classes, was more than I had ever experienced. I was completley unprepared for how difficult these exams in my classes were. I thought that I could glance at the study guides and be alright, but that was not the case. I had no idea how to study properly and ended up just wasting my time. I should have gone to the tutoring center and gotten help, but I was too intimitated to go. Now I have learned that I should not be afraid to ask for help and that the tutoring center is there to service you. I am in the process now of teaching myself to prepare for tests ahead of time and to not skip out on the readings that are assigned to me. I would also tell myself that I should study a lot but also take the time to make friends. Because when you are in college and you need a break, your friends will be there to help.

Christopher

If it was possible for me to go back in time, the first thing I would tell myself to remember would be that both studying and taking the SATS is a must and would make getting into the college of my choice a much less complicated process. Secondly concentrating and applying myself while in school is extremely necessary. Being able to achieve and maintain a GPA of 3.5 would have greatly improved my chances of earning scholarships and/or grant money for my college of choice one of the main issues that I had during high school was that I was uninformed about the process of applying to college and the necessary requirements that needed to be met in order to be considered. If I could go back I would start and finish my college applications and get better references before the actual deadlines, as well as communicating with my teachers and having then look over my work. I would tell myself as a senior to learn as much as possible about colleges and become knowledgeable about where to find scholarships and other means of financial aid.

Bailey

Take your time visiting colleges and apply for every school you're somewhat interested in. It may seem like each one is the same and that you'll feel out of your element where ever you go, but trust me you'll know when you've found your new home. Spend more time with your family because they'll be your greatest emotional support system throughout this grand transition. Keep in touch with your friends who honestly make you happy, and don't waste time on people who will never be there for you. Dig deep to discover your passions before entering college and continue to do so as you grow up. If you're major is undecided, who cares. What's more important is you get started on a track that will take you somewhere in life you'll love to be at in the future. Learn to better yourself and learn so you can make a difference in the world; don't go to college just to graduate and enter a moneymaking profession that you'll dread every day. Continue to constantly trudge forward. Look back at high school and smile, but know something more rewarding lays ahead.

Nicole

?Do not be so worried about fitting in; there are thousands of other students in your same situation.? Coming to college, I had three friends from my school going to the same college as me. I really wanted to make more new friends, but I was very worried about being able to do this. After I got all moved into my new dorm, I realized how easy it would be. There were other new students going around from room to room, just talking and meeting the people on the floor. I joined and started talking to all kinds of new people, many who have now turned into good friends of mine. The school also organized several activities specifically for new students to meet other students and interact with each other. I realize now that making new friends is not something to be worried about because every other freshman there is in the same situation as I was and just wanted to fit in and find people to hang out with. As long as I put myself out there for people to see, it is easy to make new friends.

brook

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, I believe that the most important thing I would tell myself would be to not have so much pride in myself. I think that being proud of what you are doing and who you are as a person are very important qualities, but it can sometimes lead you in the wrong direction. As a high school senior it was very important to me that my major was something very important that I could tell people, which is the reason I was a Pre Med major. I also thought that I needed to go to a very hard school. What I did not realize was that there are many different places that you can get a good education and it does not matter how large the university is.

Emily

If I were to go back in time and give myself advice about college, I would tell myself not to be afraid. Don't be afraid to fail, afraid to try new things, afraid to be a bit more adventurous than the usual, afraid to meet new people. Don't be afraid to break out of your shell, and try something new. Because that thing you just did that may be a bit unusual for your personality may be the best thing that could ever happen to you. When you try something new you might find something you love. Have no regrets and try your hardest. Just be the best person you can be and the rest will come naturally.

Ariel

The transition to college was a little difficult for me. I purposely picked a college that was farther away from my home town to get away. This turned out to be harder than I thought. At first I wanted to go home all the time and not really give the school a chance. So my advice is.... go visit your college of choice and make sure that when you take your tour you can see yourself there for at least 4 years, living life to it's fullest. Also make sure you realize your freshman year is not a year to goof off. I have a lot of friends that had to really improve their GPA sophomore year because they were worried about the parties instead of school work. A person that attends UW- La Crosse should be ready to take the next step in their life.

amanda

My senior year was a very exciting time for me because I was acceped to my dream college (UW-L), and everythig seemed to be going right. Because of this, I didn't see the need to prepare for school at a university, and especially for the move. I was very nervous the week before I moved to campus because I han't really done anything to ready myself for school at a universiy or living away from my friends and family. Suddenly I didn't feel like I wanted to go, because the past few months had felt like a dream and had gone so fast. I had packed and made lists of things I would need in La Cosse, but that didn't help me prepare at all. If I could go back the my senior self, I would tell myself that just because I was accepted to the UW, it doesn't mean that my work was done. I would tell myself to just relax, to accept that everything was going to be different, and that it's not as scary as it seems to move away from home. And P.S. You make friends!

Rebecca

College life is a very new experience from life in high school. While much of it depends on the university you attend and what your high school life was like, the largest transition for me was the amount of freedom you acquire when you enter college. You have to find a way to balance classes and homework and a social life all without the supervision of parents. Along with these things comes the responsibility of time and money management. It is easy to take all your freedom and go out and party every night, but when your first semester ends and you have nothing to show for it except an empty wallet and a beer gut, you will regret it. College life is the start of your adult life away from parents and so many restrictions. While it is more difficult because of classes and workload, you will probably only attend 3 classes a day. Get involved as soon as possible. Live in a dorm to meet everyone you can and remember you're all in the same boat.

Bailee

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and speak with myself as a high school senior, I would have much advice to give. The first thing would be not to be so nervous about leaving home . It is something new and different but many people are there to help with the transition. A second thing that I would advise myself to do would be to get involved in things, such as clubs and activities, that interest me, . They help you meet new people that share similar interests and also help in making the transition into college easier. I would also tell myself that it is important to take advantage of all the opportunities that come up. The next thing that I would advise myself on is in regards to academics. I would tell myself how important it is to set time slots for doing homework and how important it is to stick to them. There is a multitude of things to do on campus and if one does not stick to some type of homework schedule; things may never get done. My final piece of advice would be to be open to the many new experiences.

Samantha

Going back to talk to my former high school senior self, I would say to not take so many AP classes and to just have fun in your senior year by going to more football games or basketball games or make the time to go see your friend in the leading role in the play. Taking a class for fun instead of an AP class would make your senior more enjoyable. Yes, you need to prepare for college and that is what you are trying to do but taking one less AP class will still prep you for your freshman year of college. Your first semester of college you will do great, you will be successful enough to make the Dean?s list! Another thing to do your senior year is hang out with your friends more often. Sara leaves for boot camp in late June and your other friends will become busy with other activities, so now during your senior year is the best time to hang out with them and stay very close. You and your friends are still very close that you will still keep in touch and be friends for a long while.

samuel

If I were to go back in time and tell or warn myself of what to do to prepare for college better i would simply tell myself to stick with what your gut tells you. Don't go for a job that would make you money if thats not what will make you happy. From experience I went straight to a university from high school and growing up with not allot of money and seeing the struggles my family went through i decided to do something in the medical field even though my life long dream was to do something in the arts field. I went to that university and hated it ended up coming home with severe depression and once I finally got myself better, I applied for The Art Institute and made my way down to Los Angeles, Ca to fulfill my dreams. Life is all about choices and in order to succeed you have to be passionate and love what you are doing. So the greatest choice in life is Happiness and Success or Money and Success. I chose Happiness

Jamie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would explain how much different college would be compared to high school to help make the transition easier. I would tell myself that the classes were going to take more effort than in high school, at least an hour for each subject compared to less than an hour a night for all my homework in high school. I would explain how important it is to pay attention during lectures, because tests usually come from lectures. I would tell myself that my GPA matters to keep my scholarships so I should keep it up. I would tell myself go to tutors if I don't understand something, and meet with my professors to get to know them better. I would also tell myself it's okay to have a personal life, but to not let that get in the way of school. I would also tell myself to make as many friends as possible. Finally, I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as I can, even when I get into college, because my loans won't pay for themselves.

Katie

If I could go back in time, I would tell my high school self not to stress about college so much. I would still encourage myself to work hard senior year to pass college level classes because it definately pays off in the future; however, I would stress not to worry so much about the transition to college life itself. Part of the whole college experience is that of starting out lost and overwhelmed along with the hundreds of other freshmen going through the same changes. It my be a little confusing at first, but do not be afraid to ask questions. Most people on campus are very friendly and willing to help out in any way possible and it doesn't take long to start making new friends and adjusting to life away from home. Also, get involved as much as possible. There is no better way to meet new people than to take a step out of your comfort zone and try something new for a change. Many times the things that appear frightening or challenging turn out to be quite enjoyable and worth the ride in the end. Finally, have fun and watch out for the squirrels!

Kelli

I was not your typical high school senior. I was not excited or anxious to leave home like most of my peers. I was not depressed or sad by the fact that changes were occuring all around me, I was a fairly happy person. I was captain of varsity soccer, prom court candidate, cheerleader, friend, student and, at the time most importantly, there for someone who needed me the most. In the spring of senior year, my boyfriend was diagnosed with testicular cancer and could not attend college in the fall like the rest of our friends. Reality hit. In high school, it never occured to me that life was so fragile and serious. After finding out the news of my boyfriend's tragedy, I grew up fast. The summer months flew by as he endured chemotherapy, and I checked things off my list for school in the fall. So, as I answer this question about what advice I would give myself, I think back to the tragedy and how I handled myself, the situation and my first year of college. I draw a blank because my boyfriend's temporary setback allowed me to become a better person.

Allison

If I were given the opportunity to talk to my high school senior self, I would mainly give reassurance. As a senior, I worried about not only academic but also social challenges in college. I feared being unable to keep up with the courses and, as a consequence, receiving low grades. From experience, I would tell myself that you must work hard to achieve good grades, but it is also important to leave time for other things. Sleep and recreation are important to a healthy lifestyle. I would also tell myself to find a quiet place in the library in which to do homework. It is much easier to get work done outside of the dorm. Socially, I would tell myself not to worry. College is much different from high school in that you will find people who appreciate you despite differences. To quote Dr. Seuss: "Be what you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Everyone is just as willing as you to make a friend, so be yourself, be willing to step out of your comfort zone, work hard, and everything will fall into place.

Megan

If I were to go back in time and have a conversation with myself two years ago, I would have told myself to go in with an open mind and be ready to meet many new people. College was so different from high school in the fact that everyone is willing to meet new people and accept them for themselves. If someone is different from you or has different views, it's not a bad thing, in fact, most people embrace it. Hanging out with people who are just like you doesn't make for a very interesting conversation. While academics should be a priority, don't disregard the cultural education you get by simply interacting with the people around you. Odds are, you're school is full of people from all walks of life, and you should take advantage of the opportunity to broaden your knowledge of other worldviews and perspectives. In turn, they will also expand their cultural knowledge having interacted with you.

Kristyn

I feel like during my senior year I was ?blessed? with many obstacles to overcome, all of which are helping me to transition into the more independent college life. My senior year started off with my best friend getting into a terrible car accident. Through that, I learned how to manage my time going to the hospital, going to school, and playing varsity sports. I also learned how to give myself to help others. I had to be available to my friend in times that were not always convenient and was always willing to help. Later, my year brought a time period where many of my friends started to turn on me. I had to learn to take criticism of other people, meet new people, and I also learned how to talk to adults during this time. I feel that all of these aspects play a very large role in my transition into college. I had a lot of time for person growth during that year which many don?t have the opportunity to do until they are in a period of huge change in their lives. I am thankful now for everything that I learned my senior year.

Jenn

Don't take 18 credits your first semester. I did, and did just fine, but I was so worn out by the time break started. Also, don't work too much because getting through school is the more important thing right now; you've got the whole rest of your life to get sick of going to work! Talk to the upperclassmen because they know a lot about the classes and can be as good as talking to an advisor for figuring out what classes to take when since they've already done it. They can also give you a lot of insight about what you will need in the future. The best advice I think I've gotten from an upperclassman was to save everything you do; you don't know what you'll be able to use once you get a little farther along and have to start making your portfolio.

Amber

If I was able to travel back in time, I would give the high school senior version of me the advice to be more outgoing. The transition from high school to college is overwhelming, and I wish I would have been more confident. I would tell former-me that college gives you the opportunity to meet many new people, and that you need to take advantage of that in the first couple weeks of school. I would also explain the difficulty of college classes, and how necessary it is to study after every lecture instead of procrastinating and studying before the test (which works for most high school students). Lastly, I would encourage myself to get more involved. In the first couple days of school, I was intimidated due to my freshman status, and afraid to try new things. I wish I could restart college with the new found confidence and initiative that I have developed throughout first semester.

Danielle

The advice I would give my senior-year me, is that high school was great, but college is so much more than that. In college you are going to find life long friends. You are going to change. Your senior year is very important. It's a time to cherish the time at home and with friends, but a time to prepare yourself to open your mind and think differently. In college, they aren't going to just tell you the answers. They help you figure them out. You use your critical thinking skills. Prepare for this. Don't go in thinking you don't need to study. You may have skated by in High School, but college is a whole new ball game. Most of all, prepare to find yourself. You change and find out who you are. You don't have to be afraid that people won't like you, because at college there is always someone who likes or identifies with you. There is always someone who feels the same way you do. You just need to find them while you are finding yourself.

Hannah

I would tell myself that the weight of the world does not rest upon my shoulders. My parents got a divorce when I was in seventh grade and during my senior year of high school, my father took my mother to court in order to lower the amount of money he had to pay for child support. My mother is an incredible woman; while my father enjoyed the luxury of vacations to Mexico and very little work, she worked sixty hours a week and knitted hats in her spare time to provide for my brother and I. Late in my senior year of high school, I decided that I would pay for all of my college tuition and room and board to help relieve some of the financial burden placed upon her. During this time of my life, I felt an enormous amount of pressure to succeed at everything I did and to work as many jobs as I could when I wasn't studying. This made the transition to college particularly difficult, as I felt useless without a job and income. I would love to tell myself back then that making ends meet isn't impossible.

Peder

If I could visit myself during my high school senior year, there is some significant advice that I?d give myself. First of all, I would tell myself that the first few weeks of school will be some of the most emotionally taxing days of your life. I didn?t realize how tough it would be for me to say goodbye to everything and everyone I knew. I?d also tell myself not to be afraid to start a new life. I was so afraid of drifting apart from my old friends that at some times I didn?t want to make new ones. Now I realize that I should work hard to keep in touch with my best friends, but falling out of contact with most of my high school friends is inevitable. Lastly, I would tell myself to take advantage of any opportunity to meet new people. Making new friends can happen at any time and in any situation.

Corrina

I would tell myself not to worry about all the small things, such as who your roommate is and what your class schedule is like. In the end none of that really matters. You give yourself the power to make friends with whoever you want and to succeed as much as you choose in classes. It's not worth all the stressing and tension that people agonize on for days, maybe even months, building up to their departure. I would tell myself just to relax and play everything by ear. Everyone else on campus is in the same boat you are and are just looking to have a good time and get an education. Simply, that's all it comes down to.

Jamin

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I'd tell myself to re-evaluate my expectations for college. My transition into college was exactly what I expected which turned tou to be a bad thing. I did not take my classes as seriously as I could and so I've paid the price for that. Perhaps the most important thing I'd like to tell myself it to ease my way into college. Knowing what you want to do in college is overrated. There's something to be said for taking your time to examine what it is that you really want to study and then go for it. I think a lot of people come in to college and miss out on everything it has to offer when they don't take the time to look around. College is about self-discovery and not just about the grade. Taking the general education classes is not a waste of time and can very well lead you to an area of study that you find extremely interesting. Once you've found something you're inspired to do, studying isn't a chore anymore.

ben

Study every night except friday and saterday, make the classes work for you don't work to strech yourself for the classes and focus on your morals and not those of your friends

Emily

I made the perfect choice by attending tech school to complete my general classes and then transferred to UW-LaCrosse. That worked out well for me, and happy that is the course I took.

Taylor

The advice I would give myself would be to take my time choosing a school and really consider it a big decision. I based my decision solely on which school had the lowest tuition that I got into. I could have gone to Marquette University and been on the track to become a dentist, but I decided to go with the lower priced UW-LaCrosse. Not only have I changed my major, but have started to really regret making this decision. I would have told myself to go with my gut feelings on which school I really wanted to attend. I feel as though I would have been more passionate about going to school at a different University instead of saving money at a different one. However, I believe that I have chosen a great field (Radiation Therapy) to get into, and am really excited to start my program and get right into my career! I also would remind myself that everything will be okay, just stay dedicated to school and really aim to succeed!

Andriana

If I had the opportunity to talk to my high school self knowing what I know have learned about college, I would encourage myself to be very involved on campus and strive to build a healthy, academic-centered realtionship with my campus. I would also suggest that I spend more time studying class material ahead of time as to ensure I am fully understanding and remembering the subject matter discussed in class, which will later be applied to my preferrred professional enviornment. Lastly, I would tell myself that college is a time to find out more about yourself than ever before. College is an amazing experience where you can create life-long friendships with peers and professors, and grow individually and ultimately become the person you are striving to be.

Leah

Try to get a sleep pattern down right away and do homework right after class when it is still daylight so you can balance school and socializing. Get to know your professors so when you are in between grades they will often bump you up if they personally know you.

Kelly

Looking back at high school, I know that if I could time travel I would go and convince my "senior-self" to learn how to study. High school came easily to me, so with the exception of a few classes, I did not have to put much effort into learning the material. Procrastination also played a part in that. Some days I wouldn't realize we even had a test until the day of, but I was still able to pull off a good grade. College is a different world. I expected the same results as high school even though I had virtually no study skills and still putting things off until the last minute. My GPA from last year is very low for my standards, so this semester I am trying to salvage it. I am working hard to apply myself and devoting more time to academics than I ever have before. My current academic situation is my one regret about college. I wish I could go back in time and teach myself the study habits necessary for succeeding at a university level.

Cole

The only thing I would change is I would tell myself to develope and master really good study techniques. I work really hard and it's because in high school I never had to study. I just retained information better. But now that my workload is more and its worth more I tend to struggle more with what I'm learning. Another thing I would tell myself to work on would be time management techniques. Time management is very important for college. It can sometimes make or break a person with their studying. So I have learned through my experiences that time management is a wonderful thing. Also I would tell myself to give ROTC a try because that is a great cause. I would also tell myself to apply early for a job because jobs can be hard to find, and without a job its twice as hard to pay for college. It would be these little tips that would make me a better student I think and in the long run would improve my education and the memories and relationships I build over the course of my college experience.

Richard

Stay on top of your work and keep active. Stay involved as you were in High School. Keep a straight forward approach on life and do not wonder off on what makes you, you. Make as many friends as you can as fast as you can. People will be friendly to you if you return the favor. Good luck and keep your head up.

Patrick

You should not just go to a school for only the acedemics. Make sure that you like the facilities and the enviorment. Visit your school and see if other students are doing activities that you also enjoy. If you are looking for a lot of activity and you find out that your campus is boring then chances are you will get bored. Also you should make sure you have a backup plan. Try to find a school that has a couple of different majors that interest you just in case your first choice does not work out. Overall, if you go into school with a positive attitude chances are you will meet people with the same attitude and will be able to make your college experience as enjoyable as possible.

Caylie

It's no secret that colleges want you on their campus in the fall. Working through all the recruitment materials and really sorting out what fits you and your personality is the tricky part. Especially as a graduating high school senior many people have no clue who they are or what they want to do with their lives. This can be a very scary and difficult time. There are thousands of colleges and universities all over the country and there is one out there to fit your exact interests and personality. Once you finally make your choice on a school it is key to give it time. The first few months on campus can be quite scary. I also believe that is important to get out there and get involved. The start of term is a great time to sneak into scope out new clubs, meet friends and probably get some free food out of the deal. Even if you are shy by nature, swallow your pride and take a step in the right direction. This is a time to find yourself and embark on the journey of the rest of your life. Enjoy!

Rachel

I think that it is essential to visit the campuses that you are considering. In addition, I think it's important to look at how well known the school is for your intended degree. The key is finding a school that makes you feel at home, yet inspires you to go beyond your comfort zone. Therefore, I think it's important to not only find the social vibe of campus you like, but it's also very important that the academic side of campus is up to par with where you want to go in life.

Aubree

Don't worry about cost or how far away it is, unless that is a MAJOR concern. College is a time to have fun, but take your school work seriously, or the dream you had for after college might not come true. Enjoy your freedom!

Carley

Focus on what feels right to the student. If I had listened to my parents, I would have been going to a school that would have been too large for me. Listen to what the student wants and then search, near and far, everywhere for that perfect fit. Everybody has one. It is just a process to find the perfect fit. On

Melissa

college is about finding the right school for YOU, and no one else so when you are choosing a school forget about your friends, family and anyone else that may be influncing you. Your decision is one that has to be made by you and only you, it may seem hard at the time but you would highly regret making a decision not based on your own wishes!! Be true to yourself!