George Mason University Top Questions

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to do research on university clubs and get involved. In high school, I was a member of a co-curricular club known as DECA; I ate, slept, and breathed DECA during my high school career. I knew DECA had a collegiate sector but I had no clue that George Mason actually participated with Collegiate DECA. After getting settled in to my first semester of college, I happened to take a look at the university's club and activities page and I discovered that there was a George Mason DECA chapter and that I had just missed the deadline for becoming a member. Since the career path I am taking is to become a DECA Advisor, continuing my participation with DECA is necessary. Also, being a member of George Mason DECA would have helped me meet new people easier and I would not have the lack of on campus involvement that I do now as a second semester freshman. In summary, I would tell myself to look in to Mason's participation with DECA so I could still be involved with my passion.

If I were able to go back in time to give advice to my high school self, it would probably be a futile waste of time travel, since I was so hard-headed and prideful at that age. When I was 18, I moved across the country to study at the University of San Diego. After my freshman year, I decided to drop out of college to work full time, rather than take out student loans. I worked full time until the next year, when I enrolled in community college, and continued to work and live paycheck to paycheck. A year and a half later, I was accepted to the University of California- Davis, but I declined admission due to financial reasons yet again. At 18, I had no idea what I wanted to study, or where I wanted to end up career-wise. If I could speak with my high school self, I would tell her that it's OK to take some time to figure out what motivates you. But once you have found your driving passion, to dedicate yourself fully to education, as you will have many more opportunities with a college degree. No more waitressing!

To: Shane From: Your Future Self Subject: Advice to My High School Self 1. Take CLEP tests and Dual Enrollment and AP classes NOW to prepare for college level work, reduce college course load, and avoid thousands in tuition costs. 2. Keep your college freshman year course load down to 12-14 hours a semester. 3. If your college offers a Freshman Transition course, take it. You’ll have a better appreciation of the college resources available. 4. If your college offers you the opportunity to live in a dorm with students of similar interest, do so. It facilitates the development of friendships and your integration into the college community. 5. Keep a calendar to manage all your assignments and due dates. It’s the best way to manage your time and ensure your work is completed, and turned in, when due. 6. Organization is integral to success. Therefore, organize your paper, as well as your computer files. 7. Problems in a course? Don’t hesitate to seek help from a study group, teacher’s assistant, professor, or tutor before a problem becomes a failure. 8. Remember, help is only a phone call away when the inevitable laundry question arises.

Never Giveup.

It's okay to make mistakes and it's okay to not have all the answers right now. You don't need to live for anyone but yourself, so at least treat yourself with the level of respect that demands. There is absolutely no reason you should feel the need to starve yourself for the sake of having extra money for school expenses -- what good is any of that if you're not even well enough to use them? You shouldn't feel guilty about having less than the others around you, and you should remember that by no means are you inferior to them. You are a brilliant young student overflowing with possibilities, and you are capable of taking action even when the entire world seems to have crumbled down on top of you. Follow your passions, for they are your path. Keep working hard with that bright smile and never give up.

Looking back at the decisions I made in high school I feel like I really was prepared for college. I was highly involved in my campus and very independent. I also did a great deal of research to ensure I was going to the right university for me. If I could tell myself one thing it would be not to worry or stress over college transition. I was worried about being an out of state student from across the country at the time I was making my decision. I know realize I had nothing to worry about. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to have taken a campus tour before I decided. I think it would have been nice to know more about the university before I got here instead of learning as I go.

Be prepared to study hard. College isn't like high school. Get used to 10 page essays, formal research, and a lot of studying. Be ready to face teachers who may never even learn your name, and won't baby you through the class to make sure that you pass. On top of it all, your parents are going to end up thousands of dollars in debt, so you better make them proud. However, at the same time, you are in for an incredibly interesting and rewarding experience that will shape the rest of your life. These classes aren't simply about memorizing elementary material, they are about learning about and connecting to the world you live in. You will be exposed to a number of professions and life paths, and it will be up to you to decide on one. Your biggest task is choosing the one you know will be right.

The advice I would give myself is to take a deep breathe don't panic take everything one day at a time. Make sure to keep a calendar book handy to keep track assignments and do due dates. Also set aside certain days to do certain subjects to keep everything organized. Don't write everything down listen to the professor when he repeats stuff or raises his/her voice during certain phrase means it will be important and on the test. Don't wait until the last minute when it time to get things for your room if your staying on campus because things do quickly, and make sure you know what you want to study before you go into college.

Going to college is something that I believe everyone should experience. Every person, man or female, has the opportunity to make this decision to move on to achieve that dream that you've always had. I can honestly say that I am ready to make that transition and move on with my life and be more independent and make your own decisions based on what your parents taught you. I know that college is not going to be easy, its going to take a lot of hard work and dedication if you really want to achieve that goal or dream what ever it may be. Just remember to manage your time and don't overwork yourself. Don't get caught up in the parties and lose focus on what is the right path.

I would tell myself to take advantage of all the opportunities you get in high school because they may never come again. And to make as many friends as possible as they can be very helpful to you in the future.