Wake Forest University Top Questions

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

Meagan

I would tell myself that college is the beginning of your journey in finding your purpose in life. You do not have to know what your purpose is by the end of college, but you have the opportunity to at least narrow it down by discovering your passions and values. You may find several things that you like, and you can pursue them all if you have time. As things get more difficult though, make sure the amount of time you put into something reflects how much you value it because you can easily lose sight of what you truly value when things become demanding. It is also important to respect your limitations and learn to say “no”; do not take on more than you can realistically handle. If you have so much responsibility that it is compromising your work in anything that you do, including classes, it is probably best to drop something. While it is important to respect your limitations, it is also important to work on expanding these limitations by improving your time management little by little. You will make mistakes, but it is okay as long as you learn and grow from them.

Lawrence

You are part of a loving family, or fellowship – the body of Christ. I am a Christian I want to know how I should conduct myself in my various personal relationships and activities. You, need to study further to find instructions and guidance for my private and personal life. I have learned already that God’s grace through my faith in Christ prompts me to live as holy and righteously as I can. Here you will try to develop in my everyday living: my activities will be virtuous; I will always be striving for more knowledge; I will develop self-control; I will learn patience; godliness will be my goal; I will try to show kindness to all; and in all things I will try to show a spirit of love. Not all these qualities can be learned overnight. It may take a long time to attain great improvement, but the Christian life is described as a race, a battle, and as growth. So, Lawrence Bridget will try to grow day by day to be more like my Master until, after some years, all who know me may see the sincerity and reality of my Christianity. God bless us all.

Abbe

The first thing I would say is stop doubting myself. I made the difficult decision to be the only one from my high school to attend Wake Forest when all of my friends were going to NC State and UNC Chapel Hill. I was absolutely terrified and allowed that to totally consume me. I wish I would have had more confidence in my decision to challenge myself with this new opportunity. I met amazing people within seconds of arriving on campus at Wake but didn't allow myself to truly let go and enjoy school for a couple months. It took me a while to realize that if the transition wasn't hard, there would be no point in doing it. Looking back, I would only change my attititude and nothing else. My undergraduate experience was unbelievably challenging and unexpectedly wonderful all at the same time.

Kristina

I would say, enjoy your college experiences. Do something crazy once in awhile, form study groups earlier, and never be afriad to ask for help or give help. The friends you make in college will be part of your life. Some friends will maintain a presence after graduation others will fade after projects. Remember to be true to yourself and you will succeed. These four years will fly, but your future is bright with many opitions. Everyone stresses and its ok to step back and take a breath.

Elizabeth

I want to tell myself to stay in school. Even if it hurts!! Keep up the faith, stay on the sunny side of life and keep in school. In the end all the confusion, the swet, the long nights of studying instead of hanging out with friends will pay off. Don't forget stay in school. Your parents and grandparents did not go to college. Neither your brother or sister or any of their children. Stay in school and do not give up. Ask for help, find support just stay in school!!

Alexandria

If I could go back and give my high school self some advice about the college process, I would tell her some key things. The first would be to explore her options. I only applied to one college, got in, and went there my freshman year. For financial I had to come home and go to a 2 year college for a year. I should have explored more options for myself so I could talk with my family about what would work best. That is something else I would tell her, to have a talk with her family about what would work out. Think about everything; is it really the best fit in every way? Not only financially but also in terms of location, academic programs, student life, and everything else that college has to offer. Lastly, I would tell her to not get too caught up in all of the fun that college is. High school came pretty easy for me but college is not the same. You are working towards a higher degree and with it comes hard work, it is important to find a balance between work and fun to be the best you can be.

Amanda

Don't take things so seriously. Learn to slow down, don't over involve yourself, and leave yourself room to breathe. The next four years are going to fly by so learn to enjoy the small things, make the most of every moment and don't stress so much. Although things will not turn out as you intended, they will turn out the way in which they were meant to. Instill more in your friendships. The people you meet during the next four years may move away and may never be part of your life again but they will leave a lasting impression upon you and everything you do in the future. You will never get back the moments that you let slip away, so don't leave anything left unsaid. Love with everything you are, always be true to yourself and call your mother a little more often, you will realize later her unending love and sacrifice for you.

Brittany

Don't be too concerned about partying and Greek Life. It might seem really important during the first year of college, but once you have found friends (which you will!) that have the same values and beliefs as you, then you will feel totally comfortable being yourself. Also, be open to all options when it comes to academics and the future. Having a strict plan is NOT the way to go.

Justine

If I could go back to my senior year of high school I would have told myself to take it more seriously. To not focus so much on having the "best senior year" and more on where I was going to end up next. I would tell myself to take harder classes ask more questions about college and worried more about where I was going to end up verse living in the moment. I would say JUstine you can have a great senior year and an even better future at a wonderful 4 year University if you just balance out a little better your school work and your fun time.

Ashley

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell her to not worry so much. I would tell her that college isn't as scary as everyone makes it out to be. I would tell myself that as long as you keep on top of your homework and take good notes in class then good grades are sure to follow. The teachers aren't as cut throat as I thought they would be. They can be understanding of situations, and most of them are willing to work with you. In all actuality college is like high school. The only differences are that your classmates can be of any age, there are no detentions or calls to your parents, and you make your own class schedules. There are also a lot of different offices with different purposes there that can help you with any problems you're facing. Above anything else I would tell her to stop worrying about what could go wrong in the future, and start working on those scholarships. College is fun, but it can be a little pricey.

Eldridge

I would give myself some valuable advice knowing what I know now about the college life and making the transition. First, I would tell myself to study hard because Wake Forest University is a prestigious ivory league school you might as well say and test are way more difficult and is mainly the majority of your grade in that particular course. Next, I would give myself the advice of ALWAYS working hard and expecting the unexpected. However, I would tell myself to be prepared for every class meeting and to stay organized at all times, because that goes a long way in college. Also I must say that you should manage your time wisely. You should focus on each one of your classes in its entirety, but do not spend hours and hours studying every single night. Importantly, you should get to know your professor personally, because that could help clarify any questions that you may have. Yet, focusing on my school work I would give myself the advice of joining organizations or clubs on campus. Lastly, I must say that the last bit of advice that I would give myself is study first and socialize second.

Allison

To be honest, I do not think that I would give any advice to myself as a high school senior. College is meant to be a mystery to crack and a challenge to match. The most important part about college is learning to explore new opportunities. During these four years, students truly develop a sense of self, and establish what their purpose in life is. Receiving advice on how to handle college would only skew a high school senior's destined path. It is up to the student to decide how to organize and study, how to become involved in activities, and how to interact with peers and professors. While older students can lead by example, incoming freshmen must venture on their own endeavors without their hands held and without shortcuts; in this way, as future college graduates, students can reflect on their undergraduate years as truly unique and personal experiences.

Samantha

If I could go back in time to and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would worn myself about the amount of homework, studying, and late nights it would take to make sure I received good grades. I would also worn myself about the amount of money it would take. I would also tell myself that I needed to be more serious about my homework and what type of grades I wanted to received. I received A’s and B’s and still had extracurricular activities. My extracurricular activities included 4-H and showing steers all through middle and high school. I was very successful in showing as well as doing homework while I was at shows. I believe I was already ready for college other than finding out that my parents weren’t going to help me when I started my bachelors program.

Landon

I would tell myself to not back down on scholarship applications, I know I did a lot, but there can never be too many. I also needed to develope some sort of study habit while things were simpler before I was thrown into the high stress environment of a college campus. In addition to that, it would have been useful to incorporate a balance between academic and social life with that study habit so that freshman year would not become a crash course. Overachieving in high school is one thing, but you can quickly burn yourself out in your freshman year of college, it is a bad idea to take 17 hours including Spanish 153 and Math 112 in your first semester. A last word of advise would be to keep an open mind even in the face of the small town mentality or else it will quickly be opened for you once you are put in with other people of similar academic standing.

Jade

Don't get stressed out about how much it costs or whether or not you can afford it. You can find a way if you try hard enough. Don't get stressed out about the small things. Focus on the larger picture and you will get everything done and on time. Pay close attention to details and times and dates.

Brandy

Be absolutley all you can be. Do your best the first time because it is very hard to get your GPA up but it's not hard at all to drop it. Take in what you learn for learning and knowledge are great life leasons. Take good notes and keep them until your done with college, they come in handy a couple years down the road. Some of mine have still been good to have around all these years later. Make good friends that will support you and help you through college and not keep you out all night long. Studying is not as bad as you might think, and using index cards for notes to study with are the best. Don't be afraid to ask questions during class or get extra help after class, you are only hurting yourself if you don't learn the material. Who cares what other people think of you as long as you are doing the right thing. And of course enjoy your college years, have fun and take in the experience. Look at it as a life long achievement and not something that is boring.

Holly

You have plenty of time to figure out what exactly you want to do. Take the time to consider all the aspects of the college you are looking to go to - everything from sports to study abroad to academics to setting to activities to the Greek scene. While looking at academic fields that you are considering is good, it is more than that that defines your college experience. It's okay to be undecided, you are able to take classes for fun and pursue your interests, which in the end will reveal how you can make your passion and the needs of the world meet and where you are called to work. To help with the transition, look for solid people to build community with, they are invaluable in guiding, helping, and encouraging you. Also, don't be afraid to get out there and try something new - you will discover new loves and hobbies!

Christina

When people ask you how you’re feeling about going to college, I know you respond with how excited you are, and you joke about how your parents can’t wait to get you out of the house. But inside, I know you’re still anxious about starting over, worried about moving away from your home, your friends, seemingly your life. I want you to know that everything will be okay. That while your classes will be harder than high school, you’ll work hard and do just as well. That, yes, you should talk to that guy that you would normally shy away from, and no, you shouldn’t immediately judge your hallmates by your first impression of them. Keep as open a mind as possible and try EVERYTHING. You might just shock yourself with what you end up enjoying, and you’ll learn more about yourself that way than you ever imagined you couldn't have already known. The cliché is true – college is in fact a new chapter of your life. But just remember that it is your book, and it’s up to you to make sure that you like the ending.

Stephanie

If I could go back in time I would give myself two pieces of advice. The first would be that if I cannot pronounce the name of my calculus professor, take it with someone else! Websites like Wakeratings.com , or Rateyourprofessor.com, will be extremely useful when trying to decide on classes, so use them.My second piece of advice to myself would be much more general and something that everyone should go into college with. I would say be open to trying new things, joining new clubs, and opening up to people. Do not judge anyone or how far you think your friendship with them can go before you get to know them. Everyone is nervous and going through the same thing as you are, so let loose and talk to everyone!

Elizabeth

I would tell myself to relax and not stress out so much; that I can trust in my own abilities. I would tell myself that I will make friendships that will last a lifetime and enjoy an education that will alter my life.

Rosalva

Out of my college experience, I have learned that time management is one of the keys to success. I am in the process of managing time wisely because if I do not take opportunity of any free time I may have to do work or to take care of other businesses, then I am sacraficing my sleeping time. It is valuable to attend college for many reasons to me. First, I am first generation in my family and I am being a role model not only to my two younger siblings but also to the Hispanic community. Secondly, I personally would like to further my education in order to obtain a better job for a better life. Finally, I would like to demonstrate to my parents that all their efforts in raising my siblings and I among other hardships in the U.S. is not in vain because as time progresses the family is a step closer to acheiving the "American Dream."

Lauren

Home, family, community: three things that every high school graduate fears losing as they embark on the adventure that is a college education. I chose my university based upon the academics and opportunities that would be offered, and hoped that all the rest would fall into place. Those words defined the first eighteen years of my life, and for some reason I was not focusing on them as I chose my potential colleges. In hindsight, that was a fairly high hope and an awful lot to leave to chance. The broadening of my educational horizons, discovering myself and unknown passions, is the reason that I was excited to attend college. What I did not know was that I would find what I had left behind: a community in the residence halls, my classes and even late night library inhabitants, a family of friends, professors and administrators always willing to help me, and a home, one that now feels more like the place I belong than my own hometown does. My college experience has taught me to adapt to the community around me and to create my own web of relations to make anywhere I am feel like a true home.

Paige

I would say that my college experience has just begun and I couldn't be more excited. I'm from California and I go to school in North Carolina, so being that far away from home has really taught me a lot. It has taught me how to be on my own and also how to deal with weather! I've also learned new academic skills like close reading, in depth research, and how to write long papers and not ramble. I've also improved my skills in self-motivation because without it doing homework that professors don't check would be very difficult! I believe going to college period, but in particular to Wake Forest, has been extremely valuable to me and to my family. I'm a first generation college student and not only has it started to shape me into a better, more educated person, but it has also changed my family for the better in ways I haven't even been able to identify yet, expect for that I have continued to inspire the younger generations in my family to continue their education.

Kelsey

I have learned so much in the year and a half that I have been in college. Since being in college I have found that I have an insatiable hunger for knowledge. I want to learn as much as I possibly can and this is the perfect setting to do so. I have been able to surround myself with others that feel the same way and we fuel each other’s burning desire to learn. Helping others learn who want to learn as much as I do has been a really great experience. Not only have I learned academically but I have also learned a lot about myself. I joined the crew team when I first got to school and it has been an experience that has allowed me to push myself to my physical and mental limits. Through that I have realize that I am still in one piece, that what I thought were limits were really only imaginary walls that I could break down with a little practice. It has taught me to push myself in every respect, even when I’m afraid that there is nowhere to go.

Maria

My college experience, thus far, has taught me that the best is still yet to come. I am constantly learning new things about myself. As I gradually learn more about myself, by attending cultural events, sports games, and through my studies, I find that the person I am becoming makes me a generally happier person. I am learning that taking risks and trying new experiences is something that can only help me find who I am. I have learned that it is acceptable to be unique and be comfortable with who I am. No matter where I go, I can find my niche. It has been a valuable experience because without it, I would not be as confident, outgoing, and comfortable with whom I am. The demands of being a full-time student and being a student-athlete has taught me that my identity does not lie within what I do, but how I do it and the persona I carry. By my choice, I can be above a label or a stereotype. My college experience has been valuable because I have learned more about myself here, than I could have anywhere else.

Kelsey

College has grown me as a person. I have learned more about who I am in two semesters of college than I ever did in four years of college. My teachers have challenged my academically and personally to do my best not only for myself but for the children I will work with in the future. It is important to know who you are when it comes to working with children because the inner things you struggle with will be challenged with kids. So if you know now, as a student, you can conquer or find a productive way to work with the children and your flaws. Also the better you know yourself; it makes it easier to work with other people. You can work with any child or adult when you can look at them impartially instead of judgmentally. College has been a valuable experience for me because I have learned all this. If I had not I’m not sure working with children, or anyone, would be as enjoyable in the future.

Charles

While attending CCBC Dundalk, I have learned many techniques to help prepare me for a 4 year university. I have learned great study habits, short hand wrtiing, and time management. Not only has this experience prepared me for the next level of education(4-year university), but has taught me how to speak properly and how to comprehend what I read. One class that has helped me alot in community college was my ACDV class. This class has taught me everythnig about CCBC, time management, what credits transfer to university's, and helped me setup my upcoming semesters, with classes that are required for an Engineering Degree. I would agree that going to college and taking the classes that I have taken so far are very valuable knowing the credits go towards my degree. Also these classes are preparing me for the University I would like to attend to so I can continure taking the necessary classes to recieve my Master's in Aurospace Engineering. Therefore, not only is this college experience valuable to me, but also very valuable to my family since they have put in alot of effort into helping me be a very successful graduate.

Shauna

I am the first person in my generation in my family to attend a reputable college or university with their sights set on graduating. Wake Forest University has afforded me opportunities that I could not have dreamed of years ago, both on an academic and social level. Wake Forest has granted me the ability to work and volunteer in fields I love , the ability to become part of a close-knit community of avid sports fans, academians, and wholesome people. It has linked me with over 100,000 women as part of the Greek system. Wake Forest has currently provided me with the gift of studying abroad, allowing me to spend 4 months living , working, and studying overseas through an affiliate program for Wake Forest graduation credit. Wake Forest's professors care about their students. As a freshman on campus, I became very ill and fainted in seminar I awoke to my professor soothing me until medical personnel arrived, and then she accompanied me to the hospital, and stayed six hours in the emergency room although we had never spoken and had met a week before. This is a unique faculty-student relationship that can only be cultivated by cohesiveness

Kacey

My college experience has treated me very well. The only complaint that I have is the whole money situation. I am a 32 year old non-traditional student. I have a wife and three kids. So dropping everything to go to college takes a lot of carful budgeting and planning. I do have to say that going to college when you are older seems to mean more to you then when you are younger. I can’t wait to go to school every day and learn something new and useful each day. I go to a very good college with top notch instructors. I believe that starting out on the community level of college gives the student a much better grasp of college as a whole. I am still undecided on if I want to pursue and engineering degree. It feels good to know that I am making a differece in my life and my familys. I would appreciate any help I can get.

Taylor

Going to College has allowed me to pursue more in-depth knowledge and gain a better understanding of specified subjects and on events happening in the world today. The process of choosing classes causes one to learn the best way to research, and interpret the given descritons and facts on their own , when registering for the next quarter's classes. College has taught me not only how to find information, but where to look for it and how to identify what part of that data best fits what I am looking for. The wide array of subjects and the various teaching styles of the instructors shows the different ways and techniques we will need when entering and particpating in our chosen profession, thus preparing one for when they are out in the business world. All in all the range of knowledge and techniques offered give on ample opportunity to, not only learn, but practice using the necessary knowledge to function efficiently in society.

Celina

Having gone to college I have made friends with people who I would never have associated with. With these friends I have gone to places and done things that were new to me. Since going to college I have gone ice skating, have had fun studying, and learned more about carbons than the average person will ever know about. One of the main reasons college has been valuable is because it has helped to boost my self esteem; I am liking who I am. After being in college a few years I have realized that I am made of strong stuff. I never thought that I would be able to get an A in an Organic Chemistry class or that I can go to school and work without letting my grades slip. I have learned that there is almost nothing I can not do; the only thing that can stop me is lazyness. With each class I take, I am one step closer to fufilling my dream of becoming a veterinarian. I like who I am, I am a stronger person, and my dreams are coming true; life can't get any better than that.

Katherine

I got an excellent education at Wake Forest. My Civil Wars class, for instance, went beyond the “what” of political crises and instead focused on the “why” and “how.” I also got much out of my work with Amnesty International. As co-president, I organized an awareness event on the LRA, Hunger Banquet, Domestic Violence event, and myriad other campagns. Last spring I studied abroad in London, which gave me the chance to take courses different from what I was used to. Taking historical tours around London, going to museums and theatre weekly, and researching the colonialism in Uganda as independent research broadened by intellectual horizons, especially since I was in the relevent context. London taught me how to glean more from what I read in books, and see in artwork and on stage. I became more culturally aware by being a tourist in London, Italy and Greece, where I traveled for spring break. Understanding the difficulty of language and cultural barriers gave me a new appreciation for the struggles of immigrants in the US. While ultimately I left Wake Forest for personal reasons, I gained much academically from the two years I was there.

Courtney

I have learned that I know more than what I was taught in high school. I know that I am able to live on my own, earn my own keep, earn a 4.0 GPA and to look to myself for my own future. In high school, you are taught that there is a certain way to do things to be successful and taking a year between high school and going to a university is not on the list. It wasn't on mine either; but for financial reasons I could not prevent, I had to go to a community college and work full-time for a year. I learned at college that there are many ways to do something; many ways to get what you want. So, I applied to go to a university in England--the University of Winchester--and I was accepted. I am attending this school for three years to earn my degree in Education Studies and Psychology. I hope to inspire other students to accept their own path in life, not to be told that they can't do something and to always think for themselves and to learn all that they can in life.

Brooke

In addition to the obvious argument that my college degree will afford me greater employment opportunities, an equally compelling consideration is how my college experience is shaping me personally. As a student at Wake Forest, I am becoming a more well rounded person. It is shaping my communication skills, making me more methodical and organized, and exposing me to a whole new world of learning. Moreover, it has given me the ability to see the right path and work for peace and prosperity. Our university motto, “Pro Humanitate” teaches each of us the importance of caring for one’s fellow man and the world in which we live. “For Humanity” fosters an atmosphere of thinking and action, inspiring us to organize service projects worldwide. This attitude gives us a healthy, positive value system and through interaction with those we serve, a deeper understanding of human nature. I feel confident that my college education will not only allow me to successfully contribute economically to the world in which I live, but also allow me make the world in which I live a better place for others. For that reason, my college education may be the most valuable investment I ever make.

Shelby

In the past year I have learned many things through my college experience. I have taken classes where the professors truely taught me lessons I will remember my who life. However, there are certain aspects I haven't been able to enjoy about college. Living at home and attending community college limits what college has been described to me since I was little. This scholarship will help me reach the next step, to graduate from my community college and transfer to further my major development and to truely experience college and ever aspect of it.

Jennifer

My last college experience has been working on my PhD. This will allow me to further my career in the educational field as a school psychologist. I have had to postpone the completion of my degree due to financial and medical difficulties. Having my degree so close to completion is very difficult. I am the first generation in my father's family (and one of the first in my mother's family) to attend a four year college, much less complete a doctorate. In addition to pride we would feel, as it will be a family accomplishment, completion of this degree will allow me to complete life goals as a result of the financial salary compensation. I would like to adopt one or two children. Currently, as a single adult with school loans, this will not possible. All in all, my college experience has given me opportunities that have not been available to my parents and will continue to provide positive influences not only on myself, but to others that may be able to be adopted into our family. Thank you for the opportunity.

Brooke

When I was looking for a college, I knew I wanted to attend a small university that would not only challenge me academically, but also provide diverse arenas for an active and involved social life. Wake Forest has exceeded my wildest expectations. Academically, my classes are not just educational. In many cases, they are inspirational. My professors are always engaging and seem genuinely interested in me as an individual. And Wake Forest makes it easy for its students to experience a multi-faceted life outside of the classroom. My extra-curricular experiences range from philanthropic to athletic, to artistic, to just plain social fun! My very rewarding involvement in the Brian Piccolo Foundation, participation in team tennis, Demon Divas - an a cappella singing group, and membership in Delta Zeta sorority only begin to touch the surface of my involvement on campus. Wake Forest offers me a rich learning environment, encouraging not only academic excellence but also strong personal growth. I am proud of the person I am becoming as a student of Wake Forest University and grateful for the opportunities it has provided me. I will forever be a proud Demon Deacon!

Sonja

Change is a process not many people believe a person is capable of after a certain age, but I can certainly attest that attending Wake Forest has led me to become a more independent, considerate, and informed individual than I was upon graduation from high school. During my time thus far, I have experienced a wide variety of activities and cultural influences that I might not have experienced at a smaller college, and have developed meaningful relationships with my classmates and professors, which I feel might not have been as easily done at a larger university. My time at Wake Forest has helped me fine tune my academic, job, and social skills. It has also helped me analyze who I am and develop the skills I need to be the person I wish to become. While it is academicaly challenging, and sometimes stressful, it is worth it for all the knowledge I have gained.

margaret

I have gotten more direction as to where I want to go with my life after college. I have also gained valuable insight into myself through both my classes and the college atmosphere.

Elizabeth

I have received great satisfaction from my college experience. As a member of Greek life, I receive all of the benefits of the social scene at Wake Forest. However, being an extremely academic-driven school, I have also learned to balance my studies with my extracurriculars. I believe that this skill of balancing different aspects of my life will really help me in future situations, especially once I enter the working world.

Adwoa

I knew coming into undergrad that I would be challenged by the intimate setting and academic challenges of my university. I also knew that that was exactly what I needed to grow. College is not about finding what is easy. It is a unique time to discover yourself, your passions, your goals, and be surrounded with people who share common interests and aspirations. Something that I learned during school that I still draw on to this day is not to be afraid of looking dumb. Often times we are our own biggest threat to growth. Fear of how others will perceive us holds us back. Those who are willing to look ?dumb? learn the most by being open with others and themselves. It is ok not to know all the answers. My time in school showed me that it is better to be the most real version of yourself than a second rate imitation of someone else.

Alice

Though college is one of the best times in a person's life, the transition into college can often be difficult. After a semester at Wake Forest University, I've come to realize that the most important thing to do is to be fearless. Especially in a new setting, it can be difficult to reach out to people, whether they be peers or professors. However, the only way to bridge that gap is to put all reservations behind you and just approach people. I met my best friend at school simply by going up to her and asking what language she spoke, and if I had only done that sooner, I would have spent less time feeling lonely. It it also important make connections with professors because those alliances can result in unique opportunities. As a science major, it is my utmost wish to be able to do research with a professor. Last semester, I regret not being courageous enough to approach professors about such possibilities, but this semester, I am working hard to change those circumstances. For, it is only the bold and the fearless who are able to truly follow their dreams and acheive their goals.

Joshua

First of all, I would tell myself to take some more AP classes in order to get a head start on credits heading into my freshman year of college. I would also tell myself to take the AP Macroeconomics test as well as the AP Microeconomics test instead of only taking the AP Micro test, because Wake Forest requires both in order to receive credit. However, credits aside, I would have much to tell my younger self. Being a naturally shy and reserved person around people I do not know, I would tell myself to be as friendly and personable as I can during the beginning of the year. Meeting as many people as possible and fostering positive relationships is crucial to a successful collegiate experience. I would also tell myself to be prepared to open my mind to new ideas and many different types of people. The culture shock was tough for me at first but I was able to eventually acclimate myself to life at Wake Forest. In terms of academics, I would tell myself to be prepared to work harder than I ever have before and always ask for help when needed.

Samantha

As the daughter of a teenage single mother, I learned that all odds were against my attending college. My new college friends had older married parents who were paying the $200,000 for them to attend WFU, unlike me, paying my own way through. I am the first in my family to attend college, and so my family couldn?t help me with these new experiences. I learned what a sorority was, struggled with my classes, and attempted to understand the southern drawl of North Carolina. I questioned if I belonged at WFU. My first semester had many ups and downs, but I learned important lessons. First, never doubt myself. Money doesn?t make someone better or worse. I?m smart, despite my financial disparity, and I deserve to be at WFU. Second, stereotypes have no place in my world. I do not conform to the stereotype of having a teenage mother, of not having college-educated people in my life. I try to not allow stereotypes to skew my view of others either. Eleanor Roosevelt said it best, ?No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.? They are the words I have come to live by.

Jane

Calm down. This is only the beginning to a series of forks you will encounter in the roads ahead. Take a deep breath. Forget the notion that you have to go to college in order to succeed in life. Instead, think about why you really want to go to college. What is it that you value? How do you want to enrich your life? Breathe. Your next steps will be on your own. As frightening as that may sound, there is no need to worry since you will have all the resources you need to cushion those nasty falls you will surely take. Contrary to what you've learned sometimes strangers are there to help. Be sure to learn from the many mistake you will make, since these are the lessons that will last your lifetime. Realize that like you everyone else is becoming independent, so while becoming independent together may be comfortable and fun, your series of forks will be different from their forks. Be open to new ideas and personalities. Use but don't abuse your youth. Most importantly, learn to trust your gut . It will serve you well, especially when people are giving you advice.

Tim

If I were decide my criteria for college, I would look for more interaction with the community--I want the typical college town. I didn't realize how isolated one could feel on a campus, and I originally thought it would be nice to be far from home. Winston Salem and Wake Forest have no interaction and, honestly, neither really does Wake. The people here are awesome, and the classes are taught by knowledge and good people, but I don't know anything that goes on outside of Wake. On Friday nights, the only things going on happen on campus...there isn't a cool resturant or arcade in the town. I want the ability to walk downtown and grab a bite to eat, an experience that is impossible at Wake, considering the campus is surrounded by four-way highways. I suppose this oversight happened because I didn't stay overnight, and I merely visited during the day. Everything looks great during the day, and you honestly get caught up in excitement. Wake certainly has the "wow" factor when you walk through the campus, but if I were to understand the dynamics of the university, I would have attended another.

Marissa

Don't play games.

Toni

I would tell myself, as a high school senior, to think more carefully about which college to attend. When I was making my decision about which college to attend, I did not spend enough time considering the financial aspects of college. The main thing that I was concerned with was the school's reputation; I wanted bragging rights and to be able to say that I went to a nationally recognized school. Also, I would tell my past self no to doubt her abilities, academic or social. I was so worried that I would not be on the same level as my college peers academically or socially, which caused me a lot of stress and anxiety. However, here at college, I have found that I was not accepted to Wake Forest by mistake--the admissions committee must have seen something special within me. I have succeeded academically and socially here at Wake Forest, something that I never thought that I could achieve. The last thing I would tell myself would be to appreciate your parents, because they will be the two people, among others, to support my every decision and choice, no matter how outlandish, wishful, or spontaneous they are.

Alex

Be ready to work exponentially harder than you did all through high school. Be sure to be outgoing and meet as many people as possible because in college and in the real world its a lot more of who you know than what you know. The connections you make in college are the ones that will help you all throughout your life. You are given a lot more freedom both academically and socially which is great but could be very detrimental to you if you abuse it. College is the greatest four years of your life so enoy yourself and have as much fun as you can but always keep in mind that your academics absolutely come first because once you graduate, it is your academics that will get you a great job not all the parties you attended.

Catherine

I went into college with no expectations about the people, I just wanted to figure out where I would fit and who my friends would be. Even though my school is generally very conservative and has a checkered past with any type of minority students, whether it regards race/ethnicity or sexual orientation, there is always a place for someone at the school. Since we are such a small community, there is never a day that a person will go without as least one person who cares about them. Also, a great positive of thsi school is that all of the professors here want to see you succeed. Working hard in your courses only helps you, because if you don't understand something, professors are more than happy to work with you and explain everything to you. Our classes are extremely small, with my largest class being 45 students, and my professors always had names down by the end of the first full week of classes. Wake is a great environment to flourish academically and socially. There is always something going on and students are generally always happy.