Utah State University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to my self as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not worry so much about the future and to focus on my AP tests. I was very stressed out towards the end my senior year of high school since I realized I didn't have a way to pay for a four year college. I wish I would have earned a better score on the United States Government and Politics AP test, because I would have earned a few more college credit hours. Those few credit hours would have helped me inch closer to an early graduation date. Less time I spend at a college, the less debt I will have. I currently attend community college, but I want to finish at a four year university. Even now, as I apply as a transfer student with four semesters worth of college credit hours, the question still lingers. How am I going to pay for it?

I've had this conversation with my younger siblings in High School right now. If I could go back in time to talk to my high school senior self, the one thing I would stress more than anything is to just take that leap of faith and go for it. You see, as a senior I didn't even realize I was going to college until late spring before graduation. Money was a huge factor, and I ended up waiting until the last minute to come up with the financial aid and loans to get me into school. The rush provided a very bad experience away from home my freshman year, and family complications at home drove me to drop out. So, If I could go back, I would tell myself how important it is to just for it. Utilize any resources possible, but start early. This early start will make the difference between being where I want to be and happy by 28, not just starting to get there like I am now.

Marissa, sign up for schollarships now. Apply for every schollarship you can, and as many as you can. Student loans is the biggest stress I have had after coming to college.

I would tell myself to quit worrying. I stressed so much that first year, it almost wasn't fun. I would say" Everything is going to work out, you're going to have awesome roommates, and you're going to love your school. It's gonna be hard to be far from family, but that will make each reunion so much sweeter."

Why hasn't anybody invented a time machine by now?! I think we all would love to go back in time and tell our former selves a thing or two. If I could talk to myself as a senior in high school I would say two things: take things seriously and learn how to study. As a high school student I didn't understand that one day I would have to be accountable for the things I do. Life was easy. Worries were few and far between. Fun was everywhere. I did not realize that soon I would be paying for my own education, apartment, food, or internet. I would advise myself to be smarter and take things seriously. I would invite myself to apply for more scholarships, to challenge myself in the classroom, and prepare for the future. I would also enfasize the role that study would play in my life. In high school you can get by without much study and preparation. In college you cannot. I would implore myself to learn how to study well before college and to focus and commit myself to my own education and future security. Now I know, then I didn't.

My advice to myself, or any high school student, is to work hard and learn everything you can. Take as many concurrent enrollment, or college classes as possible, and learn to study. Studying is very important and the skills that many learn in high school isn't enough. You need to learn to do more than passively study or read, but to actively get involved in your studying, to memorize, review material, and become engrossed in it. Learn to manage your time and how to figure out what is really important, because sometimes everything can't be done.

If I found a way to bend time and could travel back to when I was ending my senior year, I think I would have a lot to tell myself, but this one piece of advice would stand out amidst the rest: life goes on. I would tell my younger self to make mistakes, go on adventures, prepare for the future, but after mistakes are made, tests are failed, and when ‘stress’ is no longer a six letter word but a way of life, move on. Learn from all those mistakes, but don’t dwell on the past. Prepare for the future, but don’t worry so much; things will turn out how they will turn out, all I can do is my best. Among the sensible feast of advisable tidbits such as: stay organized, sit in the front of the class, and never pay full price for textbooks, would be this one sagacious morsel I cherish above all else I’ve learned; life goes on, seize the day then let it go so you can seize tomorrow. College is about learning and growing, and is there any better way to learn than from your own mistakes?

As a high school senior I was able to take advantage of some concurrent enrollment classes offered by Utah State University. This prepared me for some of the extreme changes that you undergo as a college freshman. I would go back and teach myself the importance of being patient and learning to handle stressful situations. As a high school student it is so easy to get caught up with everything and everyone around you, that you forget about yourself. I would go back and try to help myself understand the importance of selecting the right career. Some people choose majors for the wrong choices, just to end up living depressing professional lives. In addition to teaching myself the importance of handling stressful situations and choosing the right career, I would engrave in my countenance the strong desire to be an overachiever. As long as you are striving to perform your best and listen to others, you will be successful. Learning from your mistakes will allow you to become an excellent leader and role model for others to follow.

I would tell myself to stay focused and to keep reaching for the goals that 'we' have set. Don't let others steer you away from what you have your mind set on.

The advice I would give myself is, 1) learn how to study. In high school we are not taught what it means to really study for tests. We are practically given all the answers in our homework and so we don't really need to study in high school. It does NOT in any way prepare one for college. And 2) find a good balance between a social life and academic life. Once you get to college and you are living away from your parents and with people your same age and in your same situation, it is easy to get caught up the social life and not focusing as much on the academic life. Or vice versa, some people may spend all their time in the library and not realize the campus life they are missing, which could actually be more detrimental to your GPA if you have no social life in college. Find a good balance!

Do the science fair because colleges like that kind of stuff. Also, don't let yourself get distracted. Other than that- stay positive because you will make it through all of your AP classes and extracurricular stuff (even if it can be hard) and don't let those people bug you who say you're trying to do too much because you know yourself better than they do.

I'd tell myself to get all my financial aid applications in as soon as possible because college costs a lot and you won't be able to pay for it on your own. I'd also say that I should try harder to get better grades so that I could get some awesome scholarships for being a good student.

I would tell myself that it is going to be a little hard but, that if I work hard I can do it.

In high school, the workload is easier and less stressful. There are more opportunities for extra credit and turning in late work. This makes procrastinating and still passing classes possible. The university setting is more strict. You need to consistently keep on top of the work and do everything on time to be able to pass your classes. I would tell myself to be more responsible and do all my work on time. I would tell myself to make those changes in my work ethic in order to be prepared for post secondary education and real life. Things are different in the real world than in high school. One day, when I have a career, I won't be able to pass the deadline for an important business presentation and then just do some extra credit to make up for it. Also, the person who is diligently working on his most important tasks first and completing them as early as possible is demonstrating a level of responsibility and maturity that is important in life. This isn't just about a good GPA. This is about reaching your potential and carving out the life that you want.

Focus more on what you are learning. Stop doing most of your homework during lunch. Just because you're smart enough to get it done doesn't mean you're getting anything out of it. You find class interesting, but you choose to believe that that is enough to learn. Become more invested in your education now. Poor study habits will cause you to have to repeat college courses. Remember that speeding isn't going to help you be on time when you're already late. Also, go to more school dances, you'll miss out on some fun times with your amazing friends otherwise. Who cares if you're not the one getting asked out. You already know how dating in high school isn't worth your time. Just go to be with friends. More importantly, be more frugal and smart with money so you don't have to go as far into debt when you reach college.

If I was able to go back in time and give myself advice as to what I should do, there would be a number of things to advise myself on. First and foremost, stay away from business related fields and go into the medical field. This first piece of advice would have more securely placed me into the workforce and years later I would not find myself re-entering the college life seeking a degree in the medical field. One more piece of advice would be to attend community or technical school, I could have received the same education for a lot less money, and just maybe I wouldn't still be paying for it in the future. I might even had suggested working while in school, getting a footing in the working world prior to graduating would have provided me with a job after college instead of graduating and not being able to find gainful employment. I am sure this is just the tip of the iceberg of advice I would give myself, but it's a good start, although without the bad decisions and paths, I would have not known what advice to give today.

The advice I would give myself is just to relax but stay focused. My senior year at Western High School was very on edge, everywhere you looked you seen seniors scrambling around doing last minute applications,writing last minute essays. As for myself I was still trying to figure out where I wanted to attend. It took me at least a month and a half to even finish my essay and I still did not know where I wanted to go. It seemed as if everyone had had it figured out. What I would tell my high school self is to just not overthink the college acceptance proceess. Also as far as doing good in my classes, I would tell myself to not put too much pressure on it but stay determined. It is said that your senior year is supposed to be the best time of your life but it was not nothing but the most stressful time of my life. If I could go back, I would tell myself not to procrastinate, focus on my ambitions but yet still make the most of my senior year.

I would tell myself to relax and not try to plan out every minute of every day. There is so much to stress about in college, but as long as you get your work done its ok to get out and have some fun. Don't over do it, those people who party all night evenutally have the party life catch up to them and it effects their performance in school. Thats why school work is always number one. Work hard, study with other people, and get out there. Just because you need to study for something doesn't mean you have to kill you social life. Its a great way to make new friends, find some people in your class that are good students and make a study group.

Make sure that you learn the importance of self reliance and learn how to be motivated on your own. Like most people tell you before going up to college, you will have to 'grow up.' The biggest things that I can think of is make sure that you are attending school for the right reasons (a want of learning/ higher education) and not soley for the social life. Another thing also is being open to getting yourself out of your comfort zone to try new groups, clubs, sports and meeting people.

I would tell myself that I need to be more willing to work through things and push myself harder. I would also tell myself that life is fun and that I need to get out of my shell and experience life more. That I need to meet new people and make for friends.

Your senior year is full of fun times, special events and enormous anticipation as you prepare for college. As a typical high school senior your education will be interrupted by many distractions. There will be sporting events, relationships, clubs, activities, etc. Get involved! Go ahead and enjoy this precious time in your life, but don’t allow yourself to be completely side-tracked by these distractions. You must constantly keep focused on the future. It is easy to "slack off" and not study for an upcoming exam, but what you don't realize is that it could affect your overall class grade, GPA, scholarship eligibility and more. You've absolutely got to develop good study habits because once you get into college the grading system is much different. There is usually no credit given for homework assignments, you are just expected to do them because it is the only way you're going to learn the subject matter. The class exams make up your entire semester grade! You are responsible for your own destiny, so don't screw it up!

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to really push myself to work hard. College work is a lot harder than I imagined and although I did well in high school, I would tell myself not to let "senioritis" take over my educational career. I would also tell myself to cherish all of my friends while they were still home, because you will never know how much you will miss them. Especially your friend who just went off to the Navy for 2 years, you will miss him a lot. Another major thing I would say is stop worrying about people who brought you down and made you unhappy, once you graduate they will mean nothing. Also, ask questions if you don't understand something. Don't be embarrassed, because you will need to know that same stuff in college and now you feel behind. College life can be challenging, but don't worry as much as you do. You are a smart, strong girl who can handle anything you put your mind to. Most of all, I believe in you.

Buy a jacket. Learn to love reading, and practice to be better at it. Get A's in the dual-enrollment classes. Strengthen your relationship with God, for he will be a constant companion in a world that is about to change. You can't bring your friends up to Logan with you, but you can bring Him.

Just get your degree it'll be worth it.

I would give myself the advice to take scholarship hunting seriously. This is one of the biggest things I regret doing, there are so many scholarship opportunties I missed because I just didn't look. I would also tell myself to get as much colllege credit in high school done as possible. I got go stuck taking classes that I could have easily not taken if I would have taken high school more seriously.

Done worry so much! the people are all going through the same things as you. You will make friends and everything will work out:)

College is a challenging, rewarding experience unlike anything else a person will experience in a lifetime. As a grade school student, college seemed akin to a Mount Olympus where the big kids go. Even as a high school freshman, college seemed like an unreal illusion. Not until I was taking the SAT and ACT did I fully feel the reality of college. Scholarships are important? What type of college should I go to- big, small;public,private; instate,out of state? As a high school senior, in addition to the pressure of academics, I was assaulted with college information, scholarship opportunities, and a milieu of admission applications. If I had to do it all over again I would recommend the smartest idea for quality, painless, cost effective education: community college. Community college is a way to receive your first two years of education for a fraction of the price. Applications are open regardless of standardized test scores. Comparable classes are small and personalized. The professors are able to give assistance to individual students. Good students can prove ability to succeed collegiately without jumping through test score hoops. Community college is the best kept secret to stress free cost effective education.

Well in my Highschool years i loved it, and i love it to this day right now. School was the best for me some people are different , but i was the one that love to come to school, thats when you meet up with your friends and teachers. School kept me focus and I believe in that right now.

I was afraid of my college future as a high school senior. As a result, I didn't try hard to get scholarships, visit campuses, or apply to a wide variety of universities. I wish I had. Things worked out for me though; I chose a university I felt comfortable at, that was highly esteemed and had a close-knit campus community with opportunities to get involved. I chose a place that had an excellent program for my career interests. To all high school seniors, be excited for your college future! From my experience, it is one of the best times, with freedom to become who you want to become. Don't be afraid to explore many options, and apply for many scholarships. Think of where you'd be comfortable, visit campuses, and find out how good their programs are. Move away from home and live in the dorms your first year; you will meet so many freshmen in the same boat, and they will become lifelong friends. Transitioning is easy; be responsible with school, make friends with roommates and people in classes and clubs, and get out and explore! It's the best time, and you can do it!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that I can do better with my life if I apply myself more. I would explain that I need to get serious about going to college now and not wait till after my first child to start thinking about college. Letting myself know that all though your not gonna give up on getting your degree you well have to make sacrifices and put your family first which means no nursing school for years to come if at all. To some it up I would simpliy say that dreams don't come true and less begin to work hard on it now.

Making the transition from high school life to college life is hard. Learning to be responsible and independent aren't things that come easily. You suddenly have to learn what to buy at the grocery store, be responsible to go to class and keep up on the homework, and to find your own way socially. There's times that you'll miss home and want to just give up on college. But if you remember to just push and focus on the reasons you're there, you'll learn a lot about who you are as a person and how you can continue on. That's what college is all about. While it is about learning and growing academically, it's also about learning and growing personally. If you keep that in mind college can be one of the best times of your life and a time where you'll look back and see how much you can change after high school. Study hard, make time for friends and family, and don't forget to learn about yourself in the process.

Dear Myself as a High Schoo Senior, I want you to know that you are strong and can do anything you put your mind to. This is my number one advise is dont make a decision just because, really think about if a particular school is really right for you. Life will go on if you start school a semester later then you really want to. Next is to make sure you save a apply for many scholarship even if they dont really apply to you, you just might get them. Stay with your original plans. You have really thought about those and you have had your heart set on them for so long, they are what you really want to do with your life. Lastly, going to a big school shouldnt be your number one priority getting out into the world and going to school for what you want should be. Get out there and make the best of life because it is going to happen if you like it or not. Carlee Johnson In the Future

Don't give up. Everything that happens now will explain itself in the future.

Make sure you study hard and research each college thoroughly. Make sure to plan out how you will pay for school. In your freshman year dont get overwhelmed with the new freedom at college, it could ultimately be your downfall. Staying involved on campus will also help as a stress reliever from the daily work load.

Remember to put yourself out there and have fun. Move out and live on campus for the experience. Be involved in any and every activity that you can. Most of all, don't stress the little things!

I could take weeks trying to tell myself all that I wish I knew now. First of all, I would have gone and either volinteered or tryed to visit more areas that I did not know about. For example tried a medical feild because there are so many jobs that I did not even consider because I did not know anyone in that feild in my life. Second, I would have tried harder in classes not just getting better grades but actually learn more of the material so that I could achieve more acidemically in the faster pased college classes. I loved sports and lettered in three varsity sports my last two years of high school and did not realize that I should have carried on into college because no one in my family played college sports. I feel I would have loved it and focused more in college because I would have had more structured time. I do like school but homework is another area that I wish I would have spent more time. Last I would remind myself that it goes fast and that working hard now will bring greater rewards later so do all you can now.

When I was a high school student, I was completely unaware of all the materials and skills I would need in order to be successful in college. I was unfocused, floating through life without a care like a hot air balloon, choosing not to worry about scholarships or internship opportunities much. Now that I am in college, I would go back and warn myself how important it is to be versatile, not just in school but in your chosen study area. It's vital to apply yourself to learning and being open to new ideas from all areas - being closed minded serves not only to alienate yourself from the fascinating cultures and people you could learn from, it also ensures that you will never broaden your horizons and limits your ability to qualify for many job opportunities. Employment is a constant worry for many students, but what I didn't know back in high school was the importance of seeking ways to gain job skills long before actually applying for a job. Now that I am attending university, I know for sure that I would tell my past self this: Apply yourself to lifelong learning.

I would tell myself not to risk my education for what I thought was fun. You have your entire life to play, but the longer you live in the world the harder it will be to go back to school. You will acquire bills and maybe a family that need you. This can make it challenging to go to school cause you may have other responsibilities that need your attention. You can make your life much easier by entering college right after high school. We all want to be done with school and live our own lives. Those lives are much more difficult without an education. You and your family will struggle without a degree, both financially and enjoying your career. If you truly want to make a difference in the world you have to do something you will enjoy. College is the opportunity to find yourself and discover your passions. You may think this wont be you. I just want to take some time to myself. Please remember that alot of people will loose themselves on this journey, and it can be hard to find your way back.

If I were to travel back in time to my high school self, the most important thing I would have to say is to not hide away in my room at home or at college. I would say that you need to get out and play games with the girls on the floor of your building and to be more social because the school year goes by faster than you think and all too soon is move out day and you probably will never see those girls again. That would be the most valuable piece of advice that I could give my past self because it is very applicable to me in the present and the friends do move on in life and will move away, leaving you wishing you knew them better.

College was this fantastic, new experience that I was completely unprepared for. I was raised in Silver Spring, Maryland and then moved 2,000 miles to Logan, Utah all by myself. Things were so overwhelming at first that I would sometimes experience anxiety that just made things all the more overwhelming. If I could go back 4 years to give myself advice, I would tell me to "calm down!" Most of my freshman year is a blur from rushing around and feeling nervous all the time - and the only thing on my plate was Rugby and 14 credits worth of classes. By the time I graduated, I held 3 jobs, coached rugby, and was averaging 20 credits a semester and was breathing far easier than I was when I was a freshman. I would tell myself that it is far too easy to get caught in the un-important and think that I am overwhelmed when really all I need to do is close my eyes, count to 10, then get back to work!

I would begin with telling myself that the world is much bigger than the small town I grew up in and it is important to be involved and informed about what is going on around the world. I would tell myself to that my high school grades and effort really do affect my college and career opportunities so to study and get the good grades instead of just getting by. I would explain that it is important to have good study habits and it is not likely, or beneficial for me, to just go to class to pass. College is hard work and takes effort, dedication and persistence. I would have liked to have known about scholarships, internships and study abroad programs, all of which would have really helped me with my career choice and possibilities. Most important, I would have tried to make myself understand the impact that trying to obtain an education has on a family. It is crucial to dedicate myself and complete my education as soon as possible so I can could support my family, especially when the economy is tough. I will emphasize these concepts with my children so they can have unlimited opportunities.

Stay in school Crystal, don't give up, its so much harder when we're older. So many bills, family obligations, working full time, there is never enough time! High School may seem like a waste of time but it will go by so fast before you even realize you will be graduating. Right after graduation enroll in a college! Just do it you won't regret it, take your time with your classes, get tutoring, seek your counselors advise, just stick with it, believe me it will pay off for you!!

If I could go back to being a high school senior I would advise myself to seek as much help as possible from college administration and advisors. Planning for college is a difficult task. Students should take advantage of those who are there to help so that they can get the most out of college. I would also encourage the use of beneficial websites such as collegefish.org that is specifically designed for college planning, and provides step by step guidance on tasks one should complete prior to college. Also, having a plan for financial resources makes a significant difference. There are innumerable scholarship opportunities available to high school seniors. It is critical to apply by specified deadlines, and to apply for as many as possible. Advisors can assist students in finding scholarships in which they are eligible for. In my own experience, I have found more scholarship opportunities for high school students than I have for students already enrolled in college. “A good plan is like a road map: it shows the final destination and usually the best way to get there” (H. Stanely Judd).

I would tell myself to not be scared about college. It is the best time of my life so far and I have loved every minute of it. I would tell myself that life works out. That if you just go with the flow and be friendly everything will fall into place. I would tell myself that Utah State is the place for me, and that if I work hard I can succeed.

I woiuld tell myself to slow down. When I got to college, I was so focused on my school work and on getting done in four years that I forgot that college isn't just about academics. That is very important, of course, but I passed up on so many opportunities my first year in college because I refused to do anything until my homework was done, no matter when it was due. That is the one big thing I would tell myself if I could do it again. Slow down, enjoy life. If your friends decide that they want to go on a late-night hike, go. If someone wants you to go to a basketball game with them, do it, even if it means staying up an extra hour to get a paper done. There's more to life than the academics. People need to come first.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell my self to make sure that I was going to college for the right reasons. College is not cheap. It is too much money to just waste your time partying and sleeping in. It is definately a hard adjustment, no one wakes you up and makes sure you get to class on time. Your professors don't care if you are in class or not, they aren't going to call your parents and tell them that you aren't participating. You get what you put into your college experience. No one thinks, "Man, I wish I would have slept more in college." It is the time to be involved and to get to know as many people as you can. At first I though college was just going to be freedom from my parents and parties everyday. But what I have noticed, that I wish I would have realized as a senior, you have to make the most out of your college education and situation. No one but you can determine the outcome of your overall experience.

I would tell myself that it is not as scary as I think. Just like my transition from elementary school to middle school, and then finally to high school, it is a bit stressful at first, but once you get the swing of things, it is a breeze. There are many people there whose job is to help you get through college smoothly. In addition, there are upper classmen there that would be willing to help you. All you have to do is ask. Always have a planner to keep up on homework. The professors do not have the time or patience to deal with late homework. Never be afraid to ask any of your professor's to help. They are more than willing. Apply for as many scholarships as possible. The last thing you want to deal with when you get out of college with your degree is pay back loans. Lastly, get involved. College doesn't have to be all work. There are intramural sports and all kinds of clubs and activities to get involved in. It may seem tough, but once you are done you will be proud of what you have accomplished.

I would tell myself to do my best in everything. There is nothing that I will do in high school that is unnecessary or not useful. I would tell myself to never complain about how hard a teacher pushes me, because I would know they are preparing me for the challenges I will face in college. While some colleges do not push you very hard, you have the potential to be far ahead. I would tell myself to take advantage of every community service project, and take the initiative to form one myself. I realize how many opportunities pass me by without me realizing it, and it is a shame. If I plan on helping the world through what I learn after college, why not start helping the world now? I would remind myself that every assignment counts, and there is a reason for everything. I should make the most of every opportunity.

When I was in high school, I was a very dedicated student. I would turn in all of my homework and complete things as perfectly as possible. I got good grades, and I knew that I was a good student. I arrived at college and I met many other students like myself: those who were straight A students and had a love for school. I didn't know how I was going to compete against them, but I knew that I could. The hardest lesson that I had to learn was how to study effectively. In high school, grades were more on participation and assignments, whereas college is mainly graded on test performance. I wish that I would have gained a better skill for reading and studying from text books before I went to college. Overall, I think that I was very prepared for college. If I would have had the extra boost of knowing how to study well from textbooks, college would have been much easier in the beginning. My advice to any current high school senior is to learn how to study, and learn how to do it well because it will pay off in the end.

I would give me advice to smart about my education and to not take it lightly. Education is everything if you want to have a career to take care of your future family. Follow what you love, and make a career choice from that, don't follow the crowd, and do what you love to do personally. Be patient and long suffering and good things will happen if you work hard enough for what you want. always keep your head up and stay positive, and be a good influence to those around you.