Western Illinois University Top Questions

I would have told myself to study harder in high school, because the workload in college is much more difficult. I also would say to do research on the school other than what the official websites and guidebooks say. Talking to actual students, who aren't getting paid by the school to talk it up, should be an important part of the decision making process. I would also encourage myself to step out of my comfort zone a bit more, especially in regards to trying new things and making new friends, as those are some of the most important parts of the transition process.

Do not be scared. I would tell myself to jump in to new things even if they only seem partially interesting. That's the best way to make friends. I would also tell myself to make sure that I enjoyed as much family time as I could before I headed out. You really are on your own in college. There is no one calling you making sure you're alive and no one to make you a nice homecooked meal. You'll miss them once they are gone. The biggest thing I would make sure to tell myself is to save every penny that I could. I always heard people joking about "poor college kids" but I never put much thought into it. Well, it's true. When you're at college you start buying not only the things that you want, but the things that you need. I never thought about how I would have to buy shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste. The small things do not seem like a lot at first but they add up. Lastly, I would tell myself to enjoy the rest of high school and to take life day by day.

I would first tell myself not to be so nervous about college. Thinking about moving out of one's comfort zone can be a tough thing to face, but it's not like all the nightmares you may have about college. Having a social life on campus isn't as hard as you may think, you just need to be yourself. College is a much bigger place than a small high school and there are always people on campus that share your personal beliefs and values. Another big item is studying. Make sure you go to all of your classes and do well early on, then you won't have to worry about raising your GPA when it's time to graduate. Freshman year is the key year to be successful. If you do well during your first year, then you are well on your way to having a successful career when you graduate college. Personally, I was unsure of what I wanted to major in when I went to college. I would talk to myself about this and reassure myself that I shouldn't worry. There are so many programs here you will find a place to fit.

Assuming I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to take advantage of any time spent in college as it is nothing to be taken for granted. I would also make sure that I knew not to take junior college lightly. It is not 'just' an Associates Degree. It is a chance to not only expose yourself to new experiences but also a chance to take core classes in a more intimate environment. It would be very important to stress that it is honorable to go to a 4 year school, either by transferring from a two year program or starting as a freshman. I would be sure to stress that at that point in my life, it is acceptable to not know what my career will be, that is okay to be unsure. I would tell myself to try new things and not be afraid to put myself out there in diverse situations. Above all, I would stress to be myself no matter what and never trade my morals and beliefs for success.

As a varsity athlete in high school, I was driven to the limit with school work and peer pressure to be a good friend as well as student-athlete. I would personally congradulate myself on keeping my body healthy by not doing drugs or alcohol just to continue to have the same group of friends. Another piece of advice would be to keep my head held high no matter what trouble I faced and to take responsibility for every action, regardless of the consequence. Also, I'd remind myself that no matter what, you can never deny where you come from and the experiences that made me the man I am now.

There are so many things that I would tell myself. i would definately let myself know how important it is to take your time in choosing a college. Visit several colleges, some maybe more than once. Ask LOTS of questions. While still in high school, make sure that you dont wait until the last minute to begin the college process. Apply to several colleges that you think will meet your needs/requirements, it is better to have choices then to settle. Utilize your Advisors at the high school and at the potential colleges. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that everyone is very willingly to help you in your decision. Listen to your parents. Even if they may not have attended college, they still have your best interests at heart and their advise is important and can be very helpful. Although the process may be scary, it can be very exciting as well, enjoy and revel in the experience, everything will go by so fast.

If I could go back to high school again I would tell myself a few things. I would tell myself work hard on studies and it will pay off. Finally, I would tell remind myself to not be afraid of the professors, they are only here to help and the are VERY open minded. I would tell myself to work hard on my studies because it pays off. In high school I did not take everything seriously. I was at a high school I didn't like so I did not apply myself. Here at Western I love it. I love the classes, the professors, the atmosphere, everything. I apply myself and I achieve the grades I want. This past semester I recieved a 4.0, and I was one out of only 322 students to do so. Hard work pays off. Finally I would remind myself to not be frightened by the professors because they have really helped me on my path to a bright future since I have been here at Western. I have found some of my professors I will never forget here.

Dear Becki, Today is your first day as a high school senior at Lyons Township high school. Before beginning your final year, I have some advice for you. Work extremely hard this year. Get good grades and re-take the ACT's. When it is time for you to make a decision on what college you want to go to, make the decision for yourself. Don't choose a school just because your friends are attending it; By the end of your Freshman year at college you will have completely different friends anyway. When you make your decision and begin your college career, work extremely hard. Keep in mind that the courses you are taking in college are going to help you after you graduate and begin your career, so it is imporant to listen actively in class. You're going to switch your major and minor a lot, but eventually you will figure out your life goals and pick something that really makes you think. Finally, I'd like to remind you that college is a major change and it may seem unbearable at times, but you will gain strength from the experience. Good Luck! Becki (from the future)

If I was to go back into the future and become a high school student over again I would say do more reasearch on the school i would like to attend. Sometimes the school website make the school seem like the perfect college ever so you need to go to the school and sit in the class room and talk to the student around the campus and fnd out what they like about the school. It is also very important to have a idea of what you would like to major in because the school you pick might not offer that major. Make sure you can see your self at the school you choose because you just might be going there.

I would tell myself to fight harder to get into the college credit courses I wanted to take. I went to a high school of only a few hundred people so classes were very limited. One of the classes that interested me was an English 180/280 course. I spoke to my advisor about my interest in it and I enrolled myself. I was told that I would have a spot as long as I signed up for it. Not too long after enrolling, I was told by my advisor that I , along with one other student, was cut from the class because she overfilled it. There is no reason I, or my friend, should have been cut. We both were one of the first students to enroll and we both had higher GPAs than many of the students in the class. I would tell myself to not accept the advisor's decision to cut us and I would be sure to take my issue to the school board for review.

My transition from a high school senior to a college student was not a big leap as it was for many other students. I knew that once I got out of high school I would have to step up my game and work hard if I wanted the job and future that I had dreamed of. My first year was at a community college. It wasn?t until this last year when I transferred to WIU that my life changed. If I could go back I would tell myself that I shouldn?t get caught up in the life of college and get distracted. I would also confess to myself that the first semester away would be the hardest because you have to get used to the way teachers teach, being on your own and making yourself sufficient in your work. I would raise myself for staying busy with school activities, cheerleading and a job because that keeps myself on track and responsible. The last thing I would tell myself is that it will get better as time goes on and to never give up on anything I have started.

I would watch out for the girls i talk to because they network alot when you dont even relize it. Then they pop up on you when you least expected it. Overall, I would stop myself from going to college with my ex-girlfriend because I wasnt really aware of the type of girls I was going to find myself being around.

If I could go back to those wonderful high school senior days, I would have made myself take summer classes. Now that I am a senior, I see the importance of summer classes. It would have definatley made my senior year in college a lot easier. Even if I would have just taken one or two classes before my freshman year in college. Also, I would have made myself retake the ACT to raise my score for better scholarship offers. One other thing that I wish I would have done was save more money from my summer jobs. Having extra spending money is so important, especially when you go to buy books the first semester. Books are not cheap at all and that was not an expense I was ready for. Overall though I would have told myself to relax. College is fun and it's not as hard as I worked it up to be. =]

Don?t be so caught up in deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life. College is not only about education, but also learning about yourself as a person. You will be faced with many obstacles and situations that you may have never been faced with before. Remember to keep your composure and don?t lose yourself in this crazy thing we call life. Take your general education classes based on what you think interests you, not just to get them out of the way. They are classes to help direct you to your major of choice. Although you may feel pressure from outside sources be sure to make decisions based on what you want. In doing this you will make yourself happy and eventually those that surround you. Remember that knowledge is power. Keep your life organized because quickly it can get tangled and out of control. But also remember that these are wonderful times of your youth becoming an adult. These moments will never be lived again, so be sure that when looking back on this time you are proud and wouldn?t change it for the world!

I would say even though there is a lot of opportunity to join so much, you need learn the skill of saying no to people. Just because someone says, "hey, I think you would be great on this comittee!" doesn't mean you have an obligation to join that group. I made the mistake of joining so much in such a quick amount of time that my personal well-being slipped by me getting extremly sick near Thanksgiving 2009. Though I recovered quickly, I saw then the importance of a well-balanced diet and good sleeping schedule. With that being said, I would also tell myself not to be scared by that message. You need to join something. I have seen three close friends withdraw from University life this past semester due to the lack of involvment that they took on. Without becoming involved, it is very difficult to make new friends and adjust accuratly to your new surrondings.

It's only as difficult as you make it. If you think it will be a negative experience that's what you will get out of it. Stay positive and everything will be okay. Change is healthy, it's a part of life.

Dear High School Senior Victoria, I wish I could be back in your shoes right now. Please look more in depth at colleges than if they offer a specific major. I regret not looking more into housing and on-campus activities and/or also what the surrounding city has to offer. I have found at my university that since there are not a lot of campus activities or many things to do in such a small town, that students have been drawn more and more to using drugs and alcohol. Also, I would recommend finding a university with a wide range of interesting majors in case the one you choose just doesn't turn out to be what you thought it would be. Research your college choices like you would a new boyfriend. :) oh and start a workout routine, it is very important to stay healthy so you dont fall behind. Sincerely, College Freshman Victoria

Going back to talk to myself as a senior, I would give the same advice that I have given to groups of students in my community since I graduated. I would say: Dawn, college will be as exciting as you decide to make it. The choices you make can give you endless opportunity. Many students get to college and expect every experience to be given to them. You need to go and seek out the experiences that you want to have. It is your responsibility to get involved in clubs, seek out your advisors, and ask for help when you need it. There are many resources available to aid you in your success but it is your job to make an effort. Get to know your professors, be involved on your floor, and if you want to do something that is not available, be the one to start it. Dream big and your life will be big.

Please don't freak out right now, I know this is weird, but I have a message of great importance to tell you. I am a junior in college, and it is nothing like we thought it would be. First don't take things so seriously. You have a tendency to overreact and stress when you don't need to. Just study and know that you are going to do fine. Secondly take time out to really get to know people. Academics are awesome and really important, but make sure you have time to relax with some friends. College works way better when you do. I guess just try your hardest at everything you do and don't sweat the small things. So I hope this doesn't create some sort of butterfly effect, and have a great start to college.

First and foremost, I would definitely have to tell myself to keep my good grades up. Study several subjects meticulously for the SAT test, because that may very well be my pass into high academic excellence universities. I would tell myself not to worry too much about friends, rather about myself because some may walk out of my life after high school. I would tell myself to set a high standard goal and not stop till this goal is accomplished. I believe the higher you set your goal, the more you push yourself to accomplish what was set. Stay focused! College life can be stressful and disrupting at times but keeping your mind set clear will help and individual focus academically.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to get involved in campus activities early. This is important to me because now that I am halfway done with my second year, I have become accustomed to a routine which hasn't been the easiest to break. I am use to focusing solely on school and not having anything else to worry about. Becoming involved in campus activities would allow me to develop my multi-tasking skills and become more well-rounded overall. My current progress, along with my GPA, make it apparent that I am capable of handling all of my current responsibilities and that I am ready to take on more. I would like to get more involved and I am slowly taking steps to achieve this. I have started to volunteer at a local church in my neighborhood and I plan to carry this new motivation over to my school by getting involved in some way.

Assuming I could talk to myself as a high school senior, the most important thing I could say would be, "Start sooner!," Those two words, if I would've known them, would've helped me immensely: If I would've done applications sooner, or starting working with my grades sooner on - who knows? So the most pertinent thing I could say is, simply to start sooner, to take things more seriously - but also to not stress too much about it either. Waiting for the right moment is dangerous when you play a game of dodging traffic, and that perfect moment to do things only comes every so often: It's better to have things done before it's too late.

The one thing that I would tell myself is hit the road running. Do the best you can and get a high grade point average to give you cushion for some of your harder classes in the future. Don?t jump right into classes for your major. At 18 years old, you might have an idea of what to do with your life, but most likely will change your mind multiple times. Don?t waste your money on classes that you don?t need. Look around and take classes in different subjects that weren?t offered in high school. I would also say that speak your mind and get involved. You will find no greater benefit then seeing what your peers have to say about many important situations. This can give you a prospective and in the long run make you more mature while building character.

The advice I would give myself would be to never give up. I had a rough first semester and there were multiple times I called my mom crying, begging her to come pick me up because I was done. I wanted out. The first month of school I decided I am going home to go to my local community college. I had a rough patch, struggling through some of my courses, hating the colorguard, hating being in orchestra. Things got a lot easier when I began meeting people. I even started a lunch group. I had a psycho roommate but I finally moved into a new room. I met my boyfriend and he is absolutly amazing! I found a new major that I would have never considered or known about if I packed everything up and went home. My family reassured me that I could come home any time I want. I know that deciding to stay is one of the best desicions I have ever made in my life. I keep thinking... right now I could be at home and as much as I love my family... I know I would regret leaving my place at Western illinois University.

If I were to go back, I would tell myself not to put so much pressure on myself and to take it easy sometimes. I felt like going into college I was so worried about doing poorly in my classes that I was driving myself crazy. College isn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships because it would have made paying for the first 2 years a whole lot easier. I would probably tell myself to enjoy the changes going on around me and to embrace them. You only get to live once and instead of worrying a person should live their life.

I would tell my self that college is a very good learning experience. I would warn myself that the stereotypes of college are for the people who are there for the wrong reasons. I would remind myself that partying is not why I am going to school and that their are millions of more preductive ways to meet new people and make new friends. I would tell myself that it is very important to get involved in as many activities as possible, but also to make sure I keep my studies first. I would tell myself that the most important thing about college is the academics, followed by extracurriculars, and than your social life. I would give myself the final advice of I am fortunate to be attending college and that the more time and effort I put forth now will only benifit me in the future.

not sure.

The advice I would give myself would be to have fun and take class a little more seriously because in the long run it will help out.

plan for the future, its a hard and long road. the more you put in the more you get out of it and save your money.

I would have told my self to begin to look up scholarships during my free time. I would also tell my self not to be nervous and that the transition would be hard but, it will make me learn things about my self that I would have never know if i didn't come to college. Moreover i would tell my self to sit in the front every single day of class because i learn a lot better while sitting in the front. Furthermore, i would encourage myself to become involved with student government, and the big brother big sister club her at western. With out a doubt, last i would would say have fun.

I would tell myself that contrary to popular high-school belief, having alot of friends or a boyfriend is not the most important thing in the entire world! Always be planning for the future, becuase time is short and you need to focus on what lasts and not on the temporary. Yes, you might get "good" grades on all of your tests, but just because you crammed for hours the night before and managed to get an 'A' does not mean you learned it! You get tired of hearing your teachers tell you that it is not worthless information that you are learning but that you will in fact need it in the future, but the hard truth of it is -- it is true! Believe me -- or should I say, believe your future self -- you will some day laugh and say, "Heh, I wish I would have payed more attention in that class, this would be a whole lot easier!" So, please, focus on lasting goals for the future, and learn as much as you can. And I mean learn it not quickly memorize it and forget it the next day! You will not regret it.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I think I would not have been so nervous about the transition process. My transition process was actually a very positive one. My University had a freshman orientation week, in which I made many friends and enjoyed myself immensely. I never did really have a hard time feeling alone or knowing what to do. But going into the process, I was nervous, though excited as well. I would have realized that all of the people I was going to be living with and spending my time with were largely in the same position I was in, and would be nervous and out of place as well. I also would have warned myself to begin good study habits at the beginning, so I wouldn't have had to figure them out as I went. Also, I would have encouraged myself to look to God for my strength much more than I actually did. I would have realized what time spent in reading the Bible and in prayer in everyday life could have done for me and my relationship with my Heavenly Father.

My best advice would be that if you think you might have a slight interest in a course, take it. You may or may not like the course but it feels good knowing your not moving around in circles. Dont think just because this major will eventually lead to a six figure salary that you must take it. You make like the idea of that kind of salary or respectable position but are you just relying on that? Having fun and being interested in a major is key. We all have different aspirations because we simply enjoy it. Instead ask yourself can this major lead me to a career where I can wake up every morning feeling so happy plus a smile that covers your whole face. If you can't feel this way every morning then life is just too short.

I would tell myself to besure of what I want to do for a career. It is not a good idea to change your career choice in the middle of your school. Do not take the short cut or do the way that you think you would make the most money. Do what you want to do because you want to do it not for the money but for the fun!

Do not go home every weekend. Work hard your first couple years because it is really hard to pull yourself out of a hole.

If I were able to go back and give myself advice I would first tell myself not to be afraid to talk to people. I always was nervous to go up and ask for help with something, thinking I would seem stupid. Now after being in college for about a year and a half I have realized it is so much easier to talk with people. I realized that half of the people surrounding me are going through the same thing and I shouldn't be intimidated by them. Also i would tell myself to not be afraid to get involved either. My first year at college I didn't get out and do much. Now as a sophomore I am trying to get more involved in different organizations and volunteering for things. Most of all I would tell myself to enjoy it while it lasts because it is already going by very quickly!

College is going to be such a big change from high school. So, be ready for it! However, don't be afriad because there are so many people here to help you make the transition. When you get to college don't be afraid to put yourself out there and get involved. Getting involved is the best way to meet new people and create great memories. The college had so many extra curricular activites to offer, you just have to take the time to get into them and get involved. Also, keep your head on straight and stay focused. Although there are a lot of extra things to do on campus and in town that are fun you need to keep up with your school work! At first, everything is going to seem a little overwhelming.. new home, new friends, new classes, basically a new life, but look at it all with excitement and eagerness, not fear and stress. You will do fine in college, just try your hardest and everything will turn out how you want it!

I would tell myself to stay outgoing and to go to a school where my high school friends didnt go. It is fun for a while to hang out with them but, then you realize tht you haven't made any other friends beside the ones you knew in high school. Also stay on top of your paperwork both homework wise and finacial aid wise. It's not that difficult, it just takes a little time.

If I could go back in time and be a high school senior I would do it in a heartbeat. High school and college are very different since college costs a lot more than high school. I also would try harder to get better grades, meaning less C's. The transition from high school to college is huge knowing that sometimes going away to school can be difficult especially for family members. The transition also shows you are more responsible and shouldn't rely on others to do the things you choose not to do. I feel that high school I definitely would have been more involved especially senior year. Most people just want to get out of high school and be done with it. Advice that I would give myself would include don't be so hard on myself when I do a bad job on an assignment and tell myself the next one will be better. I definitely would study a lot more, which I'm currently doing in college to excel and get my degree. I definitely wouldn't want someone to be in my shoes knowing that they probably would do better.

When I came to Western Illinois University I struggled quite a bit my first year there. Coming to a college university was a completly different experience than I had ever expected. If i could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise that it is okay to experince what college has to offer, but you need to keep your priorities straight and realize you are here primarily for your education. I would tell myself to stay focused and practice time management skills before school began. I wish I would have known that college is not comparable to high school, and that it is the real deal. Another bit of advise I would give would be - attend class! it is way to easy to skip class at college, especially as a freshman because most dont have strict attendance policies. In order to get what is necessary out of your classes attendence is a must. Overall I would say that in order to get a positive college experience you need to stay focused, go to class, study hard, have fun and get involved in whatever your university has to offer!

I would tell them to look at more than just one college. I would also tell them that bigger colleges are not the best. A student will get more opportunity's at a smaller college. Students will also have a more one on one with a proffesor in a smaller college. I would also tell the parents to get involved with the students while there in college. Just because they go away to college does not meant that they should be involved and they should understand that college is not cheap and that the student is going to need help financially.

Check to make sure if you can get loans before you choose an expensive school. Some students may not get loans due to their family or themselves not having enough credit. You might want to look into getting in a 2-year college first that way when you transfer to a 4-year college, your price at the 4-year college will be the price of the 2-year college. This may not apply at every college. Also, make sure you have had a job beforehand or have been making bills because you will get turned down by some loan companies by not having enough credit. Check to make sure you family members have high credit as well if you are planning on having them co-sign.

Allow your children to grow up and become responsible...keep an eye out for them, but not too closely. They need some growing room. Students: you and/or your parents are spending a lot of money on school, don't take it for granted. Pay attention to your schoolwork and also have fun.

Always think abourt how the distance, academic goals and schools spirt is going to affect how well your going to be able to study and complete your studies.

For the parents, i would tell them to get to know the Schools that their child is considering very well. I know going to college might be a scary thing for a parent , so in order to make sure their child have a good experience they ahve to visit the schools and get to know the environment. Also the parents might want to find a school that is not costly, i know paying for college can be very expensive (becasuse i am going through that currently). They should find an institution that is affordable and that provides their child with a quality education. For the student, i would tell them to find a school that has various activites for new students, because coming into a new school can be difficult but if the school has various activies for new student then it would be a lot easier to make friends. It is alos important to find a school that has a good advbising center for students who are close to graduation. Having a good advisor in college can help you pick the best classes so that you wont waste you time taking classes that are not required for your mjor.

My advice to parents and/or students about finding the right college would be to research a little about all the colleges you're considering. Make sure that the school offers the kind of courses you are looking for. Also I would highly suggest that you visit the schools, because a school may look great on paper or even in its pictures online but you won't know how the campus looks until you see it fore yourself. When visiting the school make sure you check out the housing options and how far they are from the academic buildings, this can help you decide whether the school is for you or not. If you are not happy with how your campus is set up it can greatly hinder your college experience. Going on a tour with an actual student from the universitye would be a great way to see the campus and also ask questions about what life is like at the school and the extracuricular activities that are offered. Whether it is a two or four year college/university, it has to be right for you and the only way to really know that is to go visit it.

It is very important to take your time and make sure to ask as many questions as possible and really research many different colleges. You need to look at the different programs each school offers in order to find out what you want to study in order to set a path towards a career. Make sure to get involved in whatever college you choose because many colleges offer many extra activities to help get you interact and feel welcome at the school. Going to class and doing your work is the most important thing to make the most of your experience. You will have plenty of time to have fun but it is your future so make the most of the time you have at college. I feel as though going to college was the best decision i could ever make because it gives me so many opportunities and sets me on a path towards a good career.

Make sure if you're going to school and know it's a strain financially that you are not wasting that money. If you fail out because you skipped too many classes or didn't do the homework/study then you just wasted thousands of dollars. There will be plenty of time to drink when you're older going to school now ensures you'll have a decent job to afford the alcohol. Also make sure you can afford school, you might feel like a loser but taking a year or two off to save up some cash is not only smart but gives you time to think about what you want to do while not wasting thousands of dollars to "discover" yourself.

Definately start looking as early as junior year and take trips to see all the possible schools that they want to go to. Then see of they have the program that you want there. Apply and decide which is better for you. Make sure you fill out your fafsa early so you can obtain financial aid. When at college try to get involved with like and activities comittee or sports or even a study group and make lots of friends!

Find a college that best fits your need and enjoy every moment of college!!!