George Washington University Top Questions

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would first tell myself to learn how to manage my time better. Once you get into the flow of a good schedule, it no longer seems overwelming when you have designated time to complete each task you are assigned to do. On the other hand, I would tell myself to learn to relax better. Having a perfect schedule is great, but so is having time to breath. I would also encourage my younger self to begin looking for any on-campus groups that I could find to potentially become a part of. There really is no better way to meet people when you are just starting out. In addition to campus groups, I would encourage my younger self to find an on-campus job. It's a great way to meet people, and it never hurts to have a little extra cash. I would encourage my younger self to not stress out so much about figuring out a major, and I would encourage my younger self to explore other classes more, and give everything a chance. I am telling myself to start these things now.

I would say: "1. Don't worry about what your parents want you to do. Look and find a major or field that is interesting but also in-demand for jobs. Look at Computer Science, for example. 2. You might always feel busy, but you actually have more free time than you ever will, so use it wisely! 3. For the love of God do some sort of exercise or sport. It helps with stress and health tremendously. You think you don't like sports or exercise, but it's only because you haven't found one that you love yet! 4. Have an internship or job every single semester and summer. Being able to graduate and say you have 4 years of work experience is invaluable. 5. Study abroad. 6. Double major or at least minor in something different so you have a fall-back option if the first thing doesn't work out. 7. Be friendly and outgoing and meet lots of people, but also don't keep hanging around people you don't like. Life is too short to be stuck with bad influences and negative people. 8. GET COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE! That's where growth happens!"

Don't be so stressed out; it's not worth it. College is hard, there's no doubt, but everyone else is going through the same things as you - and odds are everyone needs help. Panicking will only make it worse. The best thing you can do is take a deep breath and work hard. There's no shame in failure if you tried your hardest; sometimes things just don't work out. But if you look at the big picture...you'll be more than fine.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I think I'd tell myself to calm down. The transition to college has not been easy, not by any means, but it also wasn't as rough as maybe I expected. It's easy to find friends, especially when you realize everyone else is fresh out of high school and looking for friends too. It's okay to not get into your first choice school, because in the long run you'll end up paying a lot for the same degree any other school is offering. Your school isn't going to define who you are; you define who you are. No matter where you end up, college is going to be a time of self discovery, of taking risks, of trying something new. I'd tell myself not to be afraid of failure, but to get ready to figure life out through trial and error.

Once you start college, you will realize all that worrying you did senior year over the name of college was ultimately very trivial. Most universites are generally similar and names don't not carry as much weight as you think they do now. Don't choose a school you can't afford just because of its name. The first few weeks of college will be quite hectic. You will see a lot of people who overdo the partying their freshman year and fail out. Enjoy your new independence but realize that it comes with a lot of responsibility. Staying in touch with a few close friends can make the transition easier because you will realize that they are going through the same challenges as you (albeit maybe at different universities). Don't be afraid to talk to your professors freshman year. Everyone says it, but few actually do it and it can be the difference between passing and failing a class. Finally, make sure that you get enough sleep (naps really help). It won't matter if you studied all night for a test if your sleep-deprived mind can't remember any of the material the next day.

First, I would tell myself to take a deep breath. I would tell myself that everything is going to be alright. Yes, the transition to college life will be a struggle at times, but I would remind myself that the struggle is what will make me grow stronger as an individual and will prepare me for the challenges life throws at me. But most importantly, I would tell myself that there is no such thing as choosing the "perfect college." All throughout senior year, I was told that I had to attend this school if I wanted to make money, this school if I wanted to party, this school if I wanted others to envy me, etc. But what no one told me during my last year of high school was that this was all a myth. It is true that each college has its specialities, but there is only such a thing as choosing the "perfect college for each individual." And this process of finding the "perfect college for each individual" is different for every single student. Everyone has the opportunity and the ability to attend the college that best fits them. That is what I would tell myself.

The single most important piece of advice I would give to myself as a high school senior would be that life does not happen according to plan, even when you have a meticulous, color-coded, fully mapped out plan. You change - plan and simple. You adapt to your environment, to the new people around you, to your life in that moment. It sounds so cliche saying that "college changes you" but it does. It may happen all at once, or it may happen slowly, gradually. I would also advise myself that because I am going to change, to have "back up plans" in case too - having more options is always a good thing. Don't make big decisions based on who you are in that exact moment, but leave enough room/options for who you WILL be too. But that being said - I would also advise myself to always keep the important things in life in mind too: family, friends, your health. It is also okay to be unsure about who you are and what you want to do - it is perfectly normal, and life will always work itself out in the end.

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For so many people, college is simply fulfiling an expectation. And even more nowadays further education is needed to get the top tier positions. College is a time for personal discovery. While most of this growth happens in the social realm, I feel that college should be a way to explore your interests instead of fulfilling a predetermined path post-graduation. After all, at it's root that is how it functions: the majority of graduates do not end up employed within the field they studied at university. I would say to myself, "Take any class you have interest in, not what you're obligated to take." One may never know what a single class or lecture could ignite in the mind or in the belly. Young people in college are still so young and malleable. It is overwhelming to first pick a college that "defines you" and then choose your course of study for the rest of your life. Unreasonable expectations. And on top of that, the price! Dios mio! I would implore myself, "Go to an affordable school! One that brings you zero debt! Try an array of classes! You'll be much happier then!"

Take that gap year you have been thinking about taking. Don't rush into college. It's ok to take some time and figure out what you want from life. Try something new, and keep trying new things until you find what you love. You never know where life will take you, it's more about the journey anyway. Don't be afraid to make new friends. The friends you made in high school are great, but the ones you make in college last a lifetime, and they have the power to shape who you will become. Find where you fit, don't settle for close enough. Find the people that make you want to be a better person and hang out with them. Make an effort to get to know people, go to lunch with them, study with them, grab a coffee, or get involved in a student org. Finally, never feel guilty for taking a night off. Sometimes the best thing you can do is take a step back, relax, get some perspective, and come back the next day ready to go!