Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Top Questions

It may sound cliche, but if I were to visit myself as a high school senior, I would not change a thing. I honestly could not be happier with the way I prepared myself for college, and my selection to attend Virginia Tech. The transition into college life was smoother than I ever thought it would be, thanks to much help from my parents. The whole process did make me a bit nervous, so I would tell myself to breath easy and take things slow, but once again, I could not be happier the way that everything played out in the last year.

If I could give myself any advice I would have made sure I got involved. I would have told myself that I can balance a large work load as long as I make time and I put in the effort. I would have also told myself to stay focused and pushed harder on starting off with a high cummulative GPA so that I would have had flexibility with scheduling later on down the road. I would have told myself to also have fun and that there is no rush on growing up and entering the work force. I should enjoy my youth as much as possible, but create a healthy balance between school work and socializing. I would have networked with more alumni and friends and I would not be afraid to attend meetings and informational forums on my own. However, the biggest thing I would do is thank all of the people who helped me at least get into college. After high school you realize that even though you absolutely hated having homework everyday in calculus and chemistry, it was every bit worth it to receive your first A on a college test.

I would tell myself that, first of all, you have the skills to be successful in college. There are a lot of people who say how hard it was for them to adjust and that students in college need to buckle down and work a lot harder. While this is true, I wish that someone would have told me that they believed I could do it. With so many negative thoughts it is very easy to feel nervous or doubt your abilities before going to college, and I think that positive reinforcement would have made the transition a lot less stressful. I would also tell myself that it is easy to make friends and be happy as long as you get involved in your university. Joining a club can expose you to so many different people than those you would just meet in your hall or during classes. You can create many lasting relationships by doing something that you enjoy with other people who enjoy it as well, but you will only get the benefits of getting involved if you swallow your nerves and just try something.

College life isn't nearly as hard as you think it is. If you stay organized and efficient and study, your grades should be decent. You'll face challenges (like having to share space with a roommate) and sometimes you'll wish that you weren't even in college, but the experience and knowledge you'll gain through classes, faculty, and friends you'll make are well worth the hurdles. Don't forget to join a couple clubs along the way and really think about you enjoy because college isn't all about what happens in the classroom. Oh yeah, don't try to move your entire house into your dorm room.

I would let myself know that college is dissimilar from the simplicity of high school. The conversation would go in several steps. First, pick a dorm roommate that you know and are comfortable with. This will be extremely important to your success your freshman year. Don?t listen to anybody when they tell you that it will be ?fun and interesting? to live with a random roommate. You?ll wind up living with a 25 year old that wants to play video games all day while you?re trying to study. Second, understand the syllabus that the professor gives you. It can make or break you when it comes to getting that final grade you worked so hard for. Check for later revisions to the grading scale as well, considering some professors like to do this without telling you, and you?ll wind up with a dreaded B- instead of a B because the ?ten point scale is no longer implemented in this course.? Finally, remember that you are in college for a reason. You want to get a degree and perform well in your classes so that you can live a relaxing and healthy lifestyle later in life.

Have an open mind. Whether you go away to college or you stay local, there is still going to be a culture shock. There will be people who may not have the same values as you. They may not have the same types of personalities that you've dealt with in high school. Moving to different regions is an even larger culture shock because habits and customs may be so different from what you are used to. Various prejudices may plague certain regions, and you may not understand why. My advice would be to hold on to what you see is important and what you want to get out of life, but don't be afraid to open up to other people's viewpoints. They may open up a whole new world for you. In addition, learn to get along with those who disagree with you. You may not have the same political or social views, but you need to respect their views because it is a glimpse of what happens in the real world.

If I could go back to when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself that the professors would be helpful. I would also tell myself that the school that I chose was for the best interest of myself and my parents. The school that I chose would be great for me and prepare me for what is to come. Academically, I would have to be more focused and concentrated than in high school because the course work is more heavier and harder. This school will prepare me for the future that I plan for myself at that school. I would also tell myself that the social life is something that I have to create for myself. I have to find people that have the same goals that I have and share the same beliefs that I share. Also, love can wait, education and retaining for future promotions cannot! I would also remind myself that my parents will always be there for me and that they may tell me things that I do not want to hear. It will only be for my good to become the woman and student that I want to become, even after college.

Get involved, try new things, and find what YOU enjoy. Leaving your home town and the friends you grew-up with is scary, but the new friends you'll make will be more than worth it. To make those friends, though, you have to get involved. There's so much you can choose to do, just get out and try something. Your school work is important, but 20 years from now, that calculus exam isn't what you'll remember. The groups you're a part of and the friends you make are the memories you'll never forget.

As a high scholl senior, I think I would like to know that college is easier than it sounds. As a perfectionist, I stressed a lot about friends, grades, work, career choices, studying, etc. You name it, I worried about it. The best four of years of your life will be spent there, and it will defintely fly by. Enjoy every moment, every teacher, every smile. Things just fall into place, so don't worry, be happy. Take lots of pictures, have loads of fun, and study hard.

Assuming this is a letter to myself, a little piece of advice from the possible future you is this. Don't assume that people are going to tell you what to do next with your life. Of all of the things you need to know, passivism is not an escape route, it's a dead end. Your going to be looking back at yourself, and your accomplishments years from now and thinking you could have accomplished so much more with the time you had. People aren't going to provide a guide with 'the next step' that needs to be taken or where the best possible route is. Strive to take the initiative to plan for yourself, how to continue on in your college career. Last of all, your parents and counselers are there to help you, take the time to ask them for help, and when you do, listen to them the first time. It will save you more frustration and wasted time then you can imagine. Sincerely, Your future self

Take a breathe because applying for college is not the most stressful thing in the world, as you will soon find out.

The advice i would give myself is ,to be more serious with my studies.

Make sure you go to class, as much as you think it is a waste of time it is worth it. Also, try new things because you never know what you might like, there are so many opportunitys and now is the time to take advantage of them. Do not get upset if you are not in the best dorm or coolest hall, finding friends is not a problem if you act yourself. People are not there to judge you and are in the same situation you are. College will be the best days of you life, believe me. Make sure you don't work too much because you need to have a social life and time to study. Whatever you do, remember your friends and family love you and are there for you, just remember to call your parents because they really are there for you and miss you.

I would tell myself to be more aware of the financial situation I was going to soon be in. I have paid for all living and school expenses through student loans just so that I could have a college education.

I would tell myself to work hard and play hard, be the best I can be, build structures, start learning chinese because it will double your income, keep an open mind to life, embrace peace and love, work hard at everything, try to perfect every aspect of your life keeping in mind it is impossible to become perfect, say "yes" whenever you have the opportunity, remember that time spent working now will be appreciated ten fold in the future, and finally LIVE.

Make sure you can balance your social life and your studies. I was so worried about doing well my first year that I let my social life slide during that time, which is the opposite of most college freshman. However, I don't think I should have worried as much as I did because I am still doing well in school now and have a good social life. It is important to do well in college, but it is also important to have good friends and be able to take a break every now and then to enjoy life. Balance in college is the key to success.

I would tell myself to not procrastinate and always say yes to new experiences. You only get to live those 4 years of undergraduate study so to make the most of them. Also to explore main street more and see things off campus.

Yes it really is me, well you, from the future. Listen closely; stay in school and never pass up a chance to learn. Time will fly faster than you think possible so knuckle down and do the work; it only seems like a lot. Study hard, love often and without regret, and don?t worry. Worrying solves nothing and the time is better used elsewhere. Make friends, get to know everyone, and help as many people as you can. This is the time in your life where the friends you make will be the ones you keep most of your adult life and the more you have the richer you are. Listen to everyone, teachers, fellow students, and even the pan-handler on the street corner. Important things are missed everyday; don?t be the one to think it unimportant. Oh, and buy the homeless a meal, it?s not that much money and it may be the meal they have today. Always be early, over prepared, and speak your mind. Honesty will get you farther than brown-nosing. Tell the truth, in the long run it is way more fun that lying.

I WOULD DEFINITELY FOCUS MORE ON GETTING WORK DONE AHEAD OF TIME. I WOULD ALSO STUDY MORE AHEAD OF TIME. CRAMMING DOES NOT WORK. DO YOUR RESEARCH, MAKE SURE THAT YOUR MAJOR IS RIGHT FOR YOU. USE CAREER SERVICES AS A RESOURCE TO HELP WITH POSSIBLE CAREER OUTLOOK. BUILD A BETTER RAPPORT WITH INSTRUCTORS. ALSO KEEP IN OPEN LINE OF COMMUNICATION WITH COUNSELORS AND ADVISORS. COLLEGE CAN BE STRESSFUL AND DEMANDING....SOCIAL LIFE IS IMPOTANT. BUT DONT OVERDO IT. KEEP YOUR PRIORITIES IN ORDER. I WOULD'VE ALSO STUDIED ABROAD FOR A MORE COMPLETE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE. TIP TO MYSELF: A LOT OF EXPENSIVE BOOKS ARE AVAILBLE TO CHECK OUT AT THE CAMPUS LIBRARY. ...

Knowing what I know now about the college transition, advice that I would give to myself is to be open minded. College is a great and positive change from high school. You are going to be meeting many types of people, become independent and take on a larger work load. If you stay confident, and allow yourself to try new things that you may not have had the chance to do in high school, it will hep make you a better person. Your new experiences in college shape who you are and help make you well rounded. Getting involved helps you to see what is outside of the bubble that you were once in during high school. Take opportunities as they come and in the end you will be happy with your college experience. Make the best of college and don't be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone. College is all about learning who you are and who you can become.

Tom Petty can say it better than I. ?You have four years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with jobs. You'll never remember class time, but you'll remember time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So, stay out late. Go out on a Tuesday with your friends when you have a paper due Wednesday. Spend money you don't have. Drink 'til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does...?

I would prepare myself from being away from home for so long. I would also study a lot more than I did in high school. I would also visit more college campuses before making a final decision.

I should have had more confidence and follow my interest instead of following my friend's path of interest. When I was in high school, i always wanted to be a doctor and help out people. Since I didn't do well in my AP Biology course, I decided to not become a doctor because I know you must take a lot of science classes that are a lot more difficult than biology. Instead, I decided to take business classes in college with my friend because I thought business classes are not as hard as science classes. I really regret this because I took some business classes during my freshman year and had no interest. Even though i paid attention and studied hard. I didn't really learn anything because I have no interest in it. Ever since I switched my major, I am always curious and enjoy learning the materials. I know I think slower than average people and must work a lot harder to get a good grades and often ask for help, but I never complain because I have a goal now. I am more confident.

The most important advice I think I could give myself would be to do as many scholarships as possible! I knew it was important then, but I blew it off, telling myself I would do it later, though I never did. I realize now that it is so much harder to get a scholarship in college than it was in high school and it is my biggest regret that I did not take the initiative to do what had to be done. In high school, a high GPA is a piece of cake, but in college, it is a challenge to keep it above a 3.0. When filling out scholarships in college, the first question is always, 'What is your GPA?' I always feel disheartened by it because it is nowhere near what it was in high school. My courses are way more challenging than I thought, so the best possible advice I could give, not only to myself, but to aspiring college students everyone, is to complete as many scholarships as humanly possible!

Just because you can get good grades in high school without studying doesn't mean that will continue in college. Learn to study.

An important thing I wish I had known as a high school senior is that I did not need to rush into making a decision about college. Because I felt so pressured to make a decision as quickly as possible, I ended up choosing the wrong university for my first year of college. I wasted a whole year feeling miserable because I made the decision that I thought was expected of me, rather than thinking fully about choosing the school that would make me happiest. It is also important to keep in mind that it is never too late to start over. There is plenty of time is this life to figure out what it is that I want to do, and as long as I have the will power, I can do it. Finally, I wish I had known to get involved on campus earlier. Joining a club, volunteering with a group, or even working with others on an assignment are important social aspects of college. It may be uncomfortable for me to come out of my shell and meet people, but doing so will truly provide for me social skills that will be useful in my future career.

If I could warn my high school senior self about what she would need to be ready for college, the first thing I would tell her would be that she should save her money! College is expensive, and with just one small scholarship I've had to pay for everything on my own, some straight from my internship salary and the rest with student loans. I would tell her not to lose her drive and determination, because high school was easy but engineering school is very, very hard. I'd tell her to not eat too much because they're not kidding when they talk about the "freshman 15!" And finally, I'd tell her to relax, because Virginia Tech is amazing and she's going to have the time of her life!

College is all about a balance between your studies and your social life. Treat school as a job, start in the morning and work on school work or go to classes until about 4 or 5 then call it a day. College life is what you only what you make it, there are so many opportunities that you need to take advantage of like hiking, concerts, theater performances, football games, etc... There are so many activities tailored for many different groups of people allowing everyone to find their niche. Do a study abroad, my experience changed my perception of the United States and different cultures in so many ways I cannot explain. And lastly, don't take your time for granted. Classes and projects dominate your time but take a moment to step back and enjoy where you are. These are going to be some of the best years of your life, where you make lifelong friends and determine a path to embark on after graduation. The world is waiting but don't be too eager to join it yet, enjoy your time in college because before you know it you'll be marching across the stage graduated. Good luck!

Remember that the summer before you go off to college could very well be the last summer you get to have with those friends. Cherish it, and remember it for the rest of your life. As you go on to college, there are plenty of new people to meet and new things to try. Don't be afraid to step out on a limb and try something! You might like it! Take your time and try not to let the hustle and bustle of getting ready for college steal that last bit of childhood you have left. In college you will have plenty of fun, and freedom that most students didn't have while in high school. It can be overwhelming to be allowed to to whatever you want whenever you want, but take this new freedom with responsibility. Many students have let this freedom go to their head and ended up failing out of college because they didn't balance their schoolwork with their social life. It will take some getting used to, don't let it bother you too much! Take it one step at a time, and have a blast!

I would tell myself to enjoy myself as much as possible because college is a lot more demanding. I would also tell myself to spend as much time with my friends because I will not see most of them again.

Your college major does not decide who you are or what you want to do with your life. Your major does not necessarily determine the job you will have. Dabble in classes that interest you and you will find what's best.

"Dear Self, Stop stressing about college and only apply to one school. When you finally arrive at college, be nice to your roommate; she will be there for a whole year. Also, be friendly to all the girls in your building, especially your hallway (they may become your bestest buds). It's also nice to smile at random people- talk to them too! Join yoga classes!! When it comes to academics, please do not stress out; there is help available. Your professors care, so mingle with them after class, and do not hesitate to ask for help. It gets awfully cold in the winter, so don't forget your scarves and gloves! Lastly, just keep in mind that college is sooooo much better than high school; you have so much freedom- it is absolutely beautiful. Oh and do not forget to call your parents often- they do get worried. Just remember, you will make mistakes and regret decisions, but it's life, just keep living! Trust me you will have fun, and cry, and get stressed out, and hate the world, but it's all worth it! Smile, be happy, "success will come to those who seek it!" Love, Yourself"

For starters I would let myself know that it's okay to put yourself out there. Don't stay cooped up in your room all day studying. It's okay to have a balance between studying and socializing. Most importantly be open to new ideas and ways of life. There will be no one who isn't interested in your story because everyone is unique. Oh and start getting to know your professors right away, go to office hours and let them know who you are and what you want out of their class. As for staying active, making working out part of your schedule and take the time to discover new sports at the gym (particularly wallyball because it's gonna be your favortie). Lastly, start making connections; friends and faculty, you never know when you might need a ride somewhere or a mentor for your research project. You have an idea of what you want to do with your life so start, you want to go to medical school then start volunteering at the Free Clinic, there's no need to wait to start doing what you want to do. Have fun. Believe.

The only thing that I would do differently in high school is to take AP Statistics instead of Photography and Multimedia II. As a senior, I think I made the transistion quite nicely. Part of that came from the fact that I grew up in Blacksburg, so the only thing I really needed to worry about was making friends. I am kind of a shy person, so the only advice I'd give myself in High School is to be more confident in who I am, and the people who don't like me for me aren't worth my time.

Do not pick a major that you think will get you the highest paying job, pick the major that opens the door to a fullfilling job that offers you joy and enables you to help people around your community, the United States, and the world. Work not for the money, work to make the world a brighter and better place!

The only thing that I wish I did different during my transition process was to go out and meet new people sooner. So I would go back and tell myself to not by shy and embarassed and to go make friends on the very first day and not a few weeks after. Other than that I like the way I transitioned myself into college and I wouldn't want it to have been done any other way.

I would tell myself to get as involved as possible and work on time management. Getting involved is a great way to meet new and interesting people. Time management is important in maintaining a social life and acheiving academic excellence.

What an opportunity it would be to go back in time to myself as an eighteen-year-old high school senior to give myself advice and possibly start all over again. If I ever had such a blessing, there would be plenty of advice I would offer myself. First off, I would recommend trying to join another club or organization besides band. It's understandable that valuable social experiences and leadership skills can be gained through band and music activities, but branching outside of that social circle would greatly be beneficial. Because many of the problems primarily stemmed from social insecurities and/or anxieties and meeting new people could remedy that to some degree. Academically speaking, math is most certainly the strongest challenge. Find someone, whether it be a teacher or fellow classmate, that could help explain things better so better grades could be achieved. I would also recommend taking an SAT Prep Class to help prepare for the SAT test so that a better score could be attained. Establishing a better relationship with the guidance couselor because they are such valuable assets to a student, especially during senior year.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would say to work on time management and procrastination. In college, I have a lot of free time that I need to use wisely because the tests are harder and there is less guidance from professors. In high school, I could study for a test the night before and get an ?A? or ?B,? but college test have much more information. Also, if I don?t do well I cannot depend on extra credit to help me out in the end. There are no easy grade boosters in my classes now; therefore, I have to give studying one-hundred and ten percent of my effort. Procrastination has greater consequences in college because my math class requires I learn the lessons on my own and take quizzes and tests by a deadline. There is no lecture so I have to put time aside to teach myself or find a tutor. There is more responsibility on me as the student and I wish I practiced this more in high school so that the transition would have been easier.

Dear Me, As you go through your senior year of high school, enjoy every opportunity because it flys by. When applying for college, I know it's a long process, but take your time and make sure to apply for scholorships; mom and dad could use the extra help. Research the different majors that you're interested in and have an idea of what you want to do before you take a bunch of classes you may not need and end up behind. Make sure to spend time with your little sister and brother, you're really going to miss them. Once you find out who your roommate is, email her and get to know her so it's like seeing a friend when you move in. Set goals for freshman year, for your classes, and what you want to accomplish. Make sure you meet as many people as you can when you move in, these people will be your friends throughout your time at school. Get involved. Find a club, join a sorority, or any other of the countless opportunities. Don't worry because you will end up at the right school. It's perfect. -Me

Do what you really want to do in life. Try to make every minute of your life enjoyable. Money is just a means to an end. Make you dreams reality. Nothing can stop you once your will is set.

Do wha'ts right for you. Don't go to college for boyfriends/girlfriends/friends. So much changes and it has to be the right fit for you.

Pick a major and find a college suitable for it.

The hardest part of the application process is choosing the institutions to which you want to apply. Selecting a safety school is always a good idea, but applying to a dream school might be an even better one. Parents, encourage your child to apply to schools where he could actually see himself attending, even if his acceptance is uncertain. Students, do not be discouraged by long applications or by low admittance percentages ? you never know exactly what each school is looking for in a potential student.After applying visiting each school is vital to get a feel for the campus and the student body. I waited until after I had been accepted to a school before I visited to save time and money, which might still be a good strategy considering our current economy. When visiting, touring your intended major?s department can be very helpful in discerning whether the specific program would work for you since every institution operates differently. Overall, keeping an open-minded attitude is the easiest way to find a school and to be successful in it. Be ready for change, but know that everyone else your age is at this same crossroads in life.

Definitely do your research. I made the mistake of not looking into schools, financial aid and all the things you need to know about before I started applying for college. Neither of my parents know English very well, so I basically had to do the whole college application process on my own. But I did end up at a top tier school, and I am proud of my parents. Make the best of whats available to you. There is a lot offered out there, you just have to find it!

A safe and affordable campus are vital components to finding a school fitting for a student. However, one has to be aware of the cost, distance from home, size, and most importantly the curriculum of the school before making the decision to attend that given establishment.

For finding the right college for you I feel like the decision can't be made on a whim, it has to be discussed and options must be weighed. Parents and students should discuss every detail that needs to be covered to makes sure that there is nothing over looked. When your visiting a school and something about it doesn't feel right then it's probably not the right fit for you. I think visiting a campus is the best thing you can do because you'll know when you've found the right school the minute you step foot on campus. As for the actual experience I would suggest going into the school with an open mine and set expectations for yourself in terms of what you want to accomplish this year. I believe it's very important to get involved right off the bat and be very open minded to the ideas and different kinds of peope your surrounded by. I believe that makes for a much better experience during this trasitional period and also all the new people you will meet will be attracted to your positive attitude and outlook for the future.

I would suggest visiting the college. I for one did not have that option due to my financial problems, however, if one does have the resources to do so, I would strongly recommend it. I would also like to remind the rising college students to have fun. Yes, you must strive for success, and yes, you will encounter some of the smartest people you will ever meet, but college is not just about learning. It's about building your character, your personality, your views, your likes, and your dislikes. It's about being able to identify your weaknesses, and your strengths. You have to be willing to put yourself out there; to show your peers what you are capable of doing, and what you can improve on. If you find yourself at a college where you can easily relate to, then that is the college for you. Make the most of your time in college. Build the life-long friendships, experience the instant decision-making process, and always search for the answers to what you believe in.

Visit colleges early. Do research early.

My advice to a parent and/or student about finding the right college and making the most out of the experience is this: find a college which suits your basic needs (whether that be a specific program you are interested in, an atmosphere, city, mountains, financial aid, etc) and then conjure up the most positive, outgoing attitude you can from within yourself. College is probably 15{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} finding a suitable atmosphere to grow as a person, and 85{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} YOUR work, YOUR attitude, and YOUR decisions. Obviously, being confronted with such a huge decision as to where you want to live and study for the next four years is a daunting one; many toss ideas of picking the wrong school or making the wrong choice over and over in their minds. With so many amazing oppurtunities offered at just about any University, it seems almost impossible to make a "wrong" decision unless the program or field of study you desired was not offered. The attitude you bring to school with you and how far you are willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone to grow as a person will ultimately determine your success and happiness at college regardless.