George Mason University Top Questions

I would look in the mirror and say Jasmine Griffith make sure that you pray every night, keep God, and your family close because college will be hard financially and academically. There will be days when you feel that you are entirely overwhelmed but the work is worth it. If your feeling stressed, never keep it bottled up, in fact call your mom and let her cheer you up. When possible volunteer and give back beccause you are very lucky to be where you are. Even though times are tough and you face days when you are not sure if you'll be back at school for the next semester because of your finances, just always remember that you are strong and there is always a way.

The only thing I would possibly change is how hard I worked in high school. I would tell myself to work harder, that it will pay off once I got to college. Also, I would tell myself to cherish my time with my family and friends, to enjoy every minute of it, because in college I do not get to see them as much as I would like. As far as advice in making the transition, I would advise that I should not worry as much as I did. Making friends is not as difficult as I expected as long as you are open and kind to others.

First off, I will tell myself to set-up long-term academic plans. Then, tell myself to practice and improve networking skills. Lastly, I will tell myself to establish priorities and at the same time enjoy college life.

To just relax, it is not as hard as you think it will be. Not to worry because there are tons of people at the university that will help you if you need any help transitioning. The begining will be different and strange for you, you will get used to it and you will enjoy it. Have fun and to always keep up with your school work, don't fall behind because it is hard to catch back up.

Don't hold back on speaking up about tuition expenses! If other colleges offer a financial aid package, try getting the college you'll be attending to match it. Also, any job you work that promises to assist with tuition, make sure they live up to it! You're a smart girl and you'll do great in college, no doubt! But remember money doesn't grow on trees. And heads up, you'll be paying your own way. All those pennies you saved up from young are going to slip right out of those pretty little fingers. You might want to look into finding a job that will pay generously and not leave you with the burden to bear alone.

Look for a campus that has the potential you want to see in yourself . Don't worry about where your friends are going--you'll keep in touch and make new friends. Look at the area surrounding the colleges you are considering. If you plan on going into the city or shopping or taking public transportation frequently, learn what resources the college has to offer. Consider all the programs and minors that the college offers because you might change your mind once you get here. Learn how the university works. Find out who to call when you need answers. Make a four year plan that is flexible and that can be updated every semester. Familiarize yourself with your major and your requirements. Try to get an on-campus job if you're living in a dorm. Most employers make it easy for working students to study at work. Don't forget to be yourself. Be open and honest and helpful to others because there's bound to be somebody who is in the same situation as you.

Prepare to study more your last two years of school. The work load does get significantly higher and you must get in that frame of mind and sacrefice sleep and other things to keep up your grades. Plan, plan, plan. Plan your four years out so that you can actually finish in four years. Very few people actually finish in four years. Take harder classes your first two years so you do not have to swamp yourself your last two years.

Don't be afraid to meet new people or get to know teachers on a personal level. Socially, meeting new people is the best way to open doors and create life long friends and connections. The teachers you get to know will be your helping hand when its time for you to get the job you've always wanted! Also, have more school spirit! Its a great way to have fun when you can yell your head off at basketball games!

If I had a chance to go back and give myself any advice I absolutely would. This, however, does not change the fact that both my experience and transition have taught me a lot. I would advise myself to take high school more seriously and have a better GPA and do better on my SATs. For me , this issue was my biggest weakness of all. I did not take SATs as serious as well as my last year of high school. The reason why I feel this way is because I learned that the results of my SATs and final year in high school shaped my life and college future differently. For me, the school I attended turned out the best choice for me , even though it wasn?t my first choice.

I would tell myself to focus more on the classes I need to finish a degree in Biology instead exploring other classes. And to focus on getting into a good graduate school.