DePauw University Top Questions

If I could go back in time to senior year, I would have tried to apply to more places and would have gone on more college visits. I was so busy that I did not take the time to slow down and really contemplate the seriousness of this decision. I also would have told myself to enjoy senior year because as much as you dread those early mornings, you will miss your friends and your community. I would have told myself to take advantage of wearing uniforms because picking out outfits everyday is harder than one would think. I would have told myself to retake the SAT and ACT again because you never know if you could have earned more money for higher scores so I wouldn't have to ask myself what if? I would tell myself to go to the library and get information on loans and grants to apply for because there is nothing worse than being so overwhelmed in debt. I would have told myself that I would love college and not having to be in class all day long. Most importantly, I would tell myself you find some of your best friends in college.

I would tell myself to maintain a high GPA as my high level GPA has now allowed me to be a graduate student at Notre Dame for 2014/2015. Also, I would remind myself to truly enjoy and appreciate the next four years. It is a once in a lifetime oppotunity and you should enjoy all four years. In addition, I would tell myself to make sure I choose a major that I loved and was passionate about, college is about finding yourself and enjoying the experience. Finally, I would tell myself or any current high school student to take college seriously and to know that college is an investment in your future.

Creating strategies are on of the best things that you can do for your college career and life . There are multiple ways to navigate college, but only few of them will bring forth success. See college as a playground, just like how navigating the playground in elementary school required observing the environment, the same principle applies in college. You will not be comfortable in every circle, but promise you will explore before writing people or an activity off. One of the major opportunities you will get to learn of yourself will take place in the next four years, and so one of the biggest disservices you can commit against yourself is limiting yourself to your comfort zone! Whether you are fully sure of what you want to pursue, reach further and join a club that you would not otherwise. Exposing yourself to diffrent activities benefits your thinking. Also, the cliques in highschools and their exclusivity does not apply here, so meet people, learn new things and avidly network. As a student, this is a key time to gather resources and advice from older students, seasoned professionals and alumni's. Grab your backpack and get to exploring the campus like Dora!

If I was allowed to go back to talk to myself as a high school senior, there are so many things that i would want to say! First of all, I would say "Self, make sure you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercise will help keep you balanced and focused. Stay focused because at the end of the day you are there to get an education. Be proactive because there is always something that you could be doing to make that diffence. Participate in everything; you knever know what you will like or who you will meet. Stay involved because you find opportunity everywhere. Don't fall victim to peer pressure because it isn't worth its hype. Remember where your home is because they helped get you to where you wanted to be. Don't stress about the money all the time; do what you love. And most importantly, follow that dream you had from the beginning because you can definitely accomplish it and the only direction you can go from this point on is forward." If I had this type of confirmation, I feel as though I would be able to take on anything that college threw at me!

I would tell myself not to enter College with the mentality that it's just like high school , because it's not. I would tell myself to work hard, and that things will get better. I'll tell myself to make friends, and stop being so awkward. I would also tell myself how proud I am, and that everything will work out.

If I could talk to my high school senior self, I would tell myself to spend more time with freshmen (instead of upperclassmen) and be more social to find friends with similar interests. I was very cond\fident and sought friends who were more mature and established at the university than freshmen. However, in doing so, I greatly underestimated the value of the freshman bond and don't have a strong network in my own age group. I would tell myself to never turn down the opportunity to go out with friends and meet new people. Lastly, I would tell myself to go for a run outside as often as possible; it lightens my mood and clears my head, is great excersize, and is the perfect escape when I feel trapped on campus with little to do.

Work hard from the very beginning-you won't regret ever working hard. Go out and have fun. Call your mom...and often.

I would tell myself as a high school senior that the only person you need to please is yourself; that there is a difference between being a "bully" and being "assertive"-- and that you have to assert your own needs and wants as much as you advocate for those around you. I would tell myself that people really show their colors when they're forced to fend for themselves, so don't make assumptions before getting to know someone. Facebook is a dangerous time-waster. Just say "no." Get to know the personnel in your career services department. Start projects early, and treat school work as if it's a full-time job. Schedule time for yourself, as you would any other important task. Find a good advisor early-on. Most importantly, laugh as much as you can. Time moves too quickly to waste any piece of this journey.

Coming from a very small town, college has opened my eyes to a whole new world of diversity in people, experiences, ideas, and beliefs. Learning about these differences between people, or even realizing that some of them actually exist, will be very important simply in everyday life.

I have learned valuable life skills that will enable me to recieve a high salary career.