Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Top Questions

Study harder in high school as it will make the rest of your life easier, developing good study habits and attaining a wealth of knowledge to go back to by studying daily and efficiently would make you "smart." Also, I would advise myself to dual enroll for two years to set myself ahead in life two years. I could have finished my maths and sciences before attending college proper.

Firstly, know that college is not as scary as its worked up to be. I've found my hardest-working days ever all in one week, but I've also had more fun than anyone could have ever conveyed. Friends that in high school were acquaintances only until the bell rang, now become Frisbee or workout buddies. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Another note to take away from a college experience is garnering time management skills. College is very different from high school in this regard. Though there seem to be more hours in a day then you've had since you were in preschool, you now have things that must be done with that time. Where that Call of Duty tournament sounds enticing now, heeding the call of the English paper will pay off significantly more in the morning. Undeniably though, when it all comes down to it, college is for learning about your inability to wake up for an 8 a.m. class, about discovering your hidden Ping-Pong skills, but most importantly about discovering you enjoy doing. When you find what really interests you, then you’ve successfully made use of your time at college.

As a college freshman at Georgia Tech, I've noticed one huge, yet obscure detail that I failed to understand in high school-- every little thing counts. Whether I'm in my calculus III class taking notes or if I'm hanging out with my friends, every decision, no matter how miniscule it may seem at the time, is crucial to my success in the future. If I pull out my phone during a lecture and miss an important concept that the professor is going over, I've most likely given myself a -5 on the next test, which doesn't seem like a lot right now, but when you just need one more point on a test to get an A, it seems like infinity. If I decide to fall into peer pressure and drink a little alcohol on a Thursday (there is a college trend in Atlanta called Thirsty Thursdays where alcohol is given), I've most likely decreased my chances of waking up for class to 0{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. Essentially, what I'm saying, William, is that you need be at your best, at all times, if possible, to have the best chance at success.

The last semester of high school - second semester senior year, is always the best. College applications are submitted, and all you need to worry about is passing. During this time, almost everyone, myself included, slacks off. Optional homework is no longer completed. Classes that are not attendance mandatory are now skipped. Everyone just relaxes and waits for his acceptance letter to the college of their dreams. Unfortunately, this may not be the best idea. After doing nothing as soon as winter break of senior year starts until August of the upcoming year, my brain was not as up to bar as what my college expected of me, which needless to say was also more than high school expectations? Doing the bare minimum and having a relaxing work free summer break makes it a full eight months before I really need to use my brain. Although I got by, it was definitely rough. I missed out on a lot of math I should have learned my senior year, so not only did I end up studying for the course; I also had to play a lot of catch up.

As a high school senior, I took school very seriously. I was student body president, the officer in three different clubs, and taking 5 AP classes. My goal for the year was to graduate with a 4.2+ so I could have my name in the newspaper. While all of these things shaped me into the student I am today, there are some things I'd wish someone would've told me. For one, developing study skills is the most important thing a high schooler can do. While I'd always made A's in classes, I was often lazy about assignments. Procrastinating and doing the bare minimum is usually acceptable in high school, but in a more competitive college atmosphere, learning to manage time and classes is important. The second thing I wish I'd known is that the world is so much bigger than it seems in high school. Knowledge isn't just gained through classroom experience; it's just as important to study as it is to get out and experience something brand new. Over-stressing about grades and book work isn't worth nearly as much in the long run as having unique experiences.

If I could travel in time and go back to my high school self, there would be a few key points I would definitely drill into my brain. First, I would give myself the knowledge that although high school was a breeze, I was in for a school with academics that could eat even the brighest students alive for lunch. I would have myself study at least three days in advance for even the easiest test, knowing that all tests at this school come difficult. Next, I would also tell myself to become more open minded and to try everything that could possibly be offered both socially and academically. Also, I would have told myself to continue on with my record setting lacrosse year and play in college, there is always time to fit in sports over not missing any social hangouts. I would have also told myself to go to more professor office hours to meet my professors. Knowing a professor could not only help grades, but be used as a connection for jobs later on in life. Finally, I would tell myself not to worry about life, there is plenty of time to discover your true passion.

Looking back now, I was not very independent as a high school senior. College life requires more dedication and self reliance than my former self could have ever known. I would go back and tell myself to take my college education and devotion more seriously. Classes are more rigorous than in high school and require more time than anything ever before. I would want myself as a high school senior to know that classes will require much more studying than anything ever experienced in high school.

Very few people graduate from college know exactly what they want to do, so don't worry that you're still unsure what you want to do. However, not knowing what you want to do yet is no excuse to do nothing. Instead, feel free to try different clubs or sports while keeping a decent GPA. Study hard and get a good GPA, a 3.5 or 3.7 is good enough for the majority of the universities out there, but more importantly, do something other than school!!! I see classmates everyday that study way more than me and yes, have higher GPA's, yet I'm the one getting the job interviews, why? Because I have something to talk about besides what I did in the classroom. There are rougly five things employers look for: leadership, intelligence, ability to work on a team, work ethic, and interest in the company. Lastly, intern or co-op and study abroad while you're in college. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Good work experience trumps almost everything. Also, your college GPA only matters until you get your first job. Good luck and remember to have fun.

After experiencing college life I would tell my high school self a few things. First of all, I would tell myself to relax a little. Starting out your college career can be a scary time, however you do not need to have everything figured out already. Take some time to really decide what you want to do in the future. Try some new things that sound interesting and hope for the best. Also, make the most of your time and get involved. Look for clubs and activities where you will get to try something new and make friends. You will find that getting involved in activities you are excited about is a great way to meet people with interests in common with you. Lastly, I would tell myself to stay motivated. It is easy when you begin college to forget why you are there. You must remember to stay on track with your work and study hard. Make sure you always go to class, do the work required of you (and do it well), and do not let yourself slack off. College is the first step toward your future and it is important to keep your goal in sight.

I would tell myself to get prepared for college while you are in high school and when you do so the college classes will feel like high school classes. What I mean by that is, is that if you study and do well in high school you will not have to study extra hard in college so you can have time to perticipate in all of the extracurricular ativities and have fun. I also say to buckle up and get ready for the best time of your life.