Duke University Top Questions

Take the classes more serious. Do not skip or follow what your friends are doing because in College its just you not your friends. The same thing your doing in college is what your learning in high school. So when the teachers actually say your going to need to know the material for college BELIEVE THEM! Stay focus and motivate yourself also dual enrollment is a plus. I really regret not taking the opprtunity to do dual enrollment. It would of help me out tremendously by taking out all the prep classes now so when I began College I wouldnt have to worry about them

Discuss your college choices with your parents as a team, and determine which make the most sense and why. Consider taking a year off before going on to college in order to figure out who and what you want to be. Once in college, seek balance in the academic and social life, and remember the tools that got you where you are. Discuss successes and issues with your family, and don't be afraid to express doubts and concerns. Make friends and push yourself to explore outside your comfort zone. Take advantage of all the facilities and opportunities available to you on campus. Study hard, play hard, find joy in accomplishing your goals.

Reach Out!...reach out to your professors and to upperclassmen as soon as you get to campus, because they are Dying to give you the inside scoop. Save yourself the trouble of learning things the hard way; having a mentor will not only help you grow, but it can also open up amazing opportunities for you. Enjoy the journey ahead. And remember, it's Not a journey if you end up the same place you began at.

If I were to go back in time as a high school senior, I would tell myself to budget my time and money. It would make my current financial situation a whole lot easier.

I had a lot of people tell me to 'take it easy' going into college, and I did. I didn't join many activities, I didn't make much effort socially, and I didn't have a very good start to freshman year. If I could talk to my high school senior self I would tell him to keep doing exactly what he had been doing his whole life: work hard, engage in as much as you can--as deeply as you can, branch out socially, and push the boundaries of your comfort zone. Don't listen to anyone's advice if it leads you to spend time in a way that you wouldn't want to spend it. College isn't like how it's portrayed on television: academics are hard, and there are just as many serious students as there are partiers. I think what people meant when they told me to take it easy referred to academics but I interpreted it as social advice because that's something I struggle with more. Social connection and academics are equally important in college and you need to devote equal time to both if you want the best experience.

In the most simple of words I would say to my younger self, “Read ahead”. For me high school was incredibly boring and was never a challenge. Never had I actually felt happy or proud that I had scored over 95{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} on a test. That would feel as hollow of a victory as successfully navigating the roads to work while avoiding any collisions. When the teacher would congratulate me it felt condescending. Recently I decided to acquire certifications outside of the classroom while I grew my savings before finishing my degree. I bought a text book and read it cover to cover in 3 weeks and then I repeated the process 3 more times and gained two professional certifications over the course of 4 months. Never had I imagined that reading a text book could be thrilling. Nothing beats the shear excitement of learning about topics that your average person outside of academia could even begin to comprehend. If only I could impart on my younger self how exciting reading ahead could be who knows where I could be today. Knowing what I do now, I see myself going great places in the very near future.

Love others. Love them until your heart aches and you can’t love them anymore. Then love them a little bit more. People are far more important than anything you will ever achieve or possess. Be kind to the earth and its myriad of beautiful creatures. Let your gentle heart always define you. Don’t waste your time trying to blend in. Instead, try to figure out what it is you are doing here. Don’t be afraid to wear hot pink in a sea of people dressed in all black. Take risks. Do things that terrify you. Do things without always knowing how they’ll turn out. Console yourself with the knowledge that you can survive any outcome with a positive attitude. You’re smarter than you think. You are capable of anything you feel compelled toward, as long as your heart is sufficiently in it. Be true to yourself, and never apologize to anyone for who you are. It may take two to tango, but you can dance alone and put on a breathtaking flamenco.

I would tell myself that there is so much pressure from outside sources. Putting personal pressure on myself was not a good idea and it did not help. Everyone is just as nervous and awkward as you are, so do not worry too much. Try to ask questions in class and get to know the professor. Never be afraid to ask for help!

The most important part of college also happens to be the most elusive. No, it’s not a perfect GPA or a perfect boyfriend. It’s sleep. Please don’t forget to sleep. Always aim for at least five hours a night and don’t be afraid to nap during the day. Public places like the library are the best; the couches are quite comfortable there. No matter how much work you have to do or who else might be gossiping in the hallways at 3AM, it’s much more important to rest your body and your brain for the next day. Not only will sleep help you relax and focus in class, it’ll help improve your mood. You’ll feel happier and more energized to try out random activities on campus like zumba or cardio kickboxing. At the most, it’ll give you something to brag about to your friends who pulled all-nighters and can barely lift their cereal spoons in the morning. At the very least, it’ll prevent you from falling sick when the virus starts spreading through the dorm. If you sleep the rest of college will be a breeze. I promise.

Get involved! Don't be afraid to take a leap and do things that are out of your comfort zone. I didn't get involved in a lot freshman year, and it made things difficult sophomore year as I found myself over-involved and having to learn how to master schoolwork and extracurriculars in my second year. Also, introduce yourself to EVERYONE. Duke is a friendly campus, and even if it doesn't seem like it when people are tired and going to and from classes on the C-1 bus, almost every Duke student would be happy to get to know you.