Ball State University Top Questions

I would advise myself to get more involved with high school clubs. They provide a great outlet to grow new relationships and new opportunities for college. I would also tell myself to really study about three different colleges that have the major I am interested in. You need to visit each college, talk to other students and advisors so you have all the information necessary to make a choice that is right for you-not yur friends and not your family -but for you. High school visit days from colleges are a great way to start that process.

You cannot possibly imagine all of the amazing new experiences college will present to you throughout the next four years. The people you meet will challenge your preconceived notions and expose you to brand new lifestlyes, beliefs, and ideas. Your professors and courses will challenge you in a variety of ways, but do not worry about that just yet. High school has prepared you to take all of this on as long as you remember to face everyday head on with an open mind and kind heart. At times you will feel overwhelmed, and occassionally even miss the comforts of home. However, these times will be rare, and greatly overshadowed by the all-night discussions, spontaneous adventures, and awe-inspiring classes with people and resources more engaging than you have ever hoped to encounter!

After being in college for a sememster, I have realized that the thing I miss the most about being home is home itself. If I had to give my high school self any advice, I would tell myself to take advantage of every moment I have before I leave for college. I love college now, but the things I miss the most are my friends, parents, and home. I rarely see my high school friends or parents now. If I had a second chance, I would take advantage of every last moment I spent with all of them. Also, being in a place where I am the most comfortable is something I love. So if I could give myself any advice, I would tell myself to spend more time with my family and friends and appreciate every moment I had at home.

If I could go back into time and visit myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to relax about the whole admission process. Also, the friends that I go up with, are most likely not going to be my best friends, but that I'll make better ones. Besides the social aspect, I would tell myself that if I get stressed, just take deep breathes and relax. Also, learn how to study efficiently, get organized, and relax. Things get stressful, but college is not impossible, it can be done. That is what I would tell myself if I could go back in time.

I wish I knew then what I know now. I would tell myself to take my studies seriously and apply myself because what I learn in highschool really does impact post-secondary education. I would also tell myself to explore all college options regarding geographic location and that all freshman are in the same boat, meaing that they're all just as scared on their first day of college. Not only that but to get involved with the campus activities because it is a great way to meet new people who share the same interests and values.

The best advice I could give a high school senior is to apply for the FAFSA and as many scholarships and grants as possible. High school seniors are pressured to decide where they want to go and what they want to do right away, but so many college students change their major or transfer to different colleges that those decisions should not be the top priority. If students receive grants, scholarships, or loans, they can attend any college of their choice. The first step is to ensure that they can pay for college; then they will be able to support their dreams and ambitions as they come and go.

As a high school student I always thought that I would be extremely prepared for college life. Looking back I realize that I was wrong. There are many things that I wish I would have been told, but some things would have been more helpful than others. One thing that I would have told myself is that no matter how hard I tried, there is absolutely no way to avoid homesickness. There are just some things that are unavoidable, and that is not one of them. Another thing I wish I would have known before coming to college is that you get out of a class what you are willing to put into that class. Working hard and maintaining good study habits is the key to success. After listening to all of my older friends and hearing them complain about all of the reading and writing they had, and then completely disregarding all of their advice, I would definitely tell myself to listen to them. Finally, the most important thing that I would tell myself is that time management can make or break you. Good time management skills can help to cut back on stress and make college more enjoyable.

If I could go back in time and give myself one piece of advice about college it would definitely be about study habits. Studying for high school material and studying for college material is vastly different. Many times in high school I could attend class, take notes and then pass a test without studying. This however would not happen in college. I have learned new and effective studying habits. One way that helps me is making note cards and flash cards. I would also suggest reading the book as a study tip. Many times in high school teachers didn't require textbook reading. In college if the professor says read chapters one and two, they usually end up quizing you over those chapters. And the one last piece of advice I would add is enjoy the rest of your senior year and don't be so anxious to get to college!

While I have immensely enjoyed my experience at Ball State University, if I could impart one piece of wisdom upon ?high school senior KyLeigh?, I would greatly stress the difficulty of being an off campus-commuting freshman to a larger university. The majority of college freshman are residing in the university dormitories, and in doing so, have the ability to socialize with an entirely new group of people, outside of the normal classroom setting. Conversely, as a college freshman, I decided to put my social life on the back burner, in order to focus solely on my academic career. As a college junior, looking back on my university experience, I am extremely proud of my academic achievements, yet I fell somewhat unfulfilled with my social standing with the university. Therefore, if I could discuss my college experience with the high school senior form of myself, I would greatly stress the importance of actively joining in extracurricular activities and organizations, and not hide behind the security of living at home. I have found myself playing extracurricular ?catch-up? in my junior year, which is infinitely harder than becoming involved in social and academic organization as a college freshman.

If I could go back and give myself any advice as high school senior there is a lot I would tell myself. The first thing I would tell myself is to enjoy the rest of my senior year. I would then tell myself that no matter what I do in college don't ever give up or think that I can't do something. I would tell myself that I am capable of anything and I have a goal that I will achieve. So, the most important thing that I would tell myself is that no matter how hard things get or how impossible the work seems to strive forward in everyway possible. The last thing that I would tell myself is to remember that I have several people waiting at home who love me and are cheering me on to reach the success that they know I am capable of. I would tell myself to take that encouragement and to use it to meet the highest level of success that I can possiby gain.