College of William and Mary Top Questions

I would advise myself to look for a college with a strong department in the area I wanted to work, rather than going to a school based on its reputation or the beauty of the campus.

The greatest advice to give myself is to know what I want. Although I already knew what I wanted, sometimes with the distraction of the college life and the social pressures that befall all college freshmen, it is imperative to be constantly reminded of what you want. I would remind myself that everything that I do WILL have an effect on me, whether it be physically, emotionally, academically or socially. These things are imporatnt ot consider if I want to follow my dreams. I would remind myself that I am NOT like everyone else and that I am one in a million. My beleifs are what got me this far, therefore it is what will drive me to acheive and complete the dreams that I have been working for since the beginning of my academic career. Everything can be blown away with a single mistake. Above all, it is important to be true to yourself and stand for what you beleive in.

Be water, seriously. Water is a liquid, it adapts to whatever environment you put it in. No matter what expecations you have for college when you get here things will be different than you expect. You will face new challenges that you didn't anticipate and the best thing you can do is adapt. The biggest part of adapting is not freaking out. Realize that while school is important is not the most important thing, you will have setbacks, work can pile up and get stressful, it is okay, it is normal, just relax and do the best you can, do not demand more than that from yourself. There is also a temptation to believe that college is the end all, that somehow now that you are college you will be able to break free and be independent of the parents that are driving you crazy. That is not true. Make sure you do not slam the door at home on the way to college because you will discover you are less independent than you think and your family matters more than what you give them credit for.

Go to the school that gives you the most financial aid because no matter how much you think you like a college or campus, most schools aren't that different in what they provide... that is, a degree. Looking back, the experience is what you make it, no matter where you go. Forget about ranking, follow your gut instinct and take the best offer at a reasonably known school rather than be broke at a place you might not even like that much just for it's name and ranking.

If I could travel back in time and talk to my pre-college version what advice would I give? I imagine the first few minutes would involve a lot of loud and sadly unmanly screaming followed by a brief and equally unmanly struggle to contain my Past Self from running away and wetting himself. Once the crying has ceased, and the shock mixed with mild disappointment at Future Me's lack of Swiss bank accounts and Swiss model girlfriends wears off, I would probably have to explain how in just over a decade time travel will exist yet somehow hoverboards are still nowhere to be seen, go figure. I would try to explain that I am only back to tell him important information about his college future. He would most likely make some derogatory remark about how lame I am, and how much he "really cares" about his future. He always was a bit of a wiseacre. I would tell him to save money and not take out so many student loans. Better yet maybe hold off a few years before committing to a school. Most importantly I would tell him not to worry so much... and change his pants.

If I could go back in time and have a long conversation with myself as a high school senior, I'd tell her to go to community college for the first two years to save money. I'd tell her that saving money is more important than going to a big expenisve college just to be with your friends and have fun. That college isn't all fun and games, and she needs to start now if she's going to have enough to attend. I'd tell her to apply to scholarships every day, no matter how boring it is, and to save all of the money that she can, because college is expensive. I'd tell her to keep doing what she does, and be passionate about her art, because good things will happen. I'd tell her to start her own website now, because it's never to early to get your business started.

Hey Tori, I know the pressure is building up and the need to prove yourself grows stronger every day, but hang in there. You have no idea how far you will go, what you will accomplish and how much William and Mary will shape you into a more confident, stronger woman. Never doubt yourself. The work load will be exponentially more demanding than high school, but you have the tools necessary to succeed. You have already proven yourself by becoming a first generation college student. Be proud of your accomplishments and remember that you have the gift of hard work. Next, do not compare yourself to others. This will probably be the most difficult, since we live in a society where the mark of success is defined by beating those around you. Do not believe this lie. Only focus on bettering yourself. Continue to work hard and take advantage of your top-class education. Finally, the transition will be painstakingly difficult. You will be homesick. Reach out to your hallmates and fellow students, they are here for you. Take the initiative, introduce yourself and show others how worthwhile you are. You will have great friends and create unforgettable memories here.

Don't slack off and think you're taking classes that are easy. And don't be afraid to talk to professors or older students. You have to work hard to get good grades, and the small number of test you take will heavily influence your grades.

Going back to my high school self, I encourage myself and remind me that all the hard work I am putting in is really worth it. I worked extrememly hard in high school to get good grades and test scores-and that has made the transititon to college seamless. I did not struggle at all with the course load, unlike many other college freshman I saw struggle, because in high school I took challenging courses and really applied myself.

Every freshman should know that rainboots are extremely valuable commodities in the 'Burg!