Kansas State University Top Questions

Now that I have experienced college life and continually making the transition, two pieces of advice that I would give myself as a high school senior, would be a saving grace in my academic studies. The suggestion of furthering my attitude, and the practice of studying for tests would help. No longer would those tests come back with the normal ?C? or ?B? average, those tests could have ?A?s? written all over. The second most important academically saving grace would be time management. It?s hard to get into the mood of getting things done. However, limitations are necessary to get the job done. When classes are over, school isn?t finished for the day. Homework must begin somewhere, and now is better than later.

The first thing I would tell myself is that it is okay to nervous or afraid, because everyone else is also feeling that way. You just have to trust that everything is going to be okay and eventually you will find your place and something you are passionate about. I would also tell myself that it is okay if you are not sure what you want your major to be. You don't have to have a plan for the rest of your life the first day you are at school. You should explore all your options and find something that intrigues you and that you enjoy studying. The last thing I would tell myself is to use my time wisely. Everyone always told me how much free time I would have in college, but I never believed it until I got here. If you don't learn how to utilize your spare time wisely, then it will be very tough to accomplish anything. And that is a lesson that you will carry with you throughout life.

I would tell myself three very important factors. First, would be stay on top of my studies. Second, would be to develop better family relations. Third and most importantly, would be to better develop my faith. Getting really good grades in high school can put you at a huge advantage. It would make you eligible for many scholarships, which would take a lot of stress off the financial side of school. I look back at all the really fun times I had in high school, and I also look back and see how superfluous it all was. High school is a very fun time but if you put your friends ahead of family you will wish it would have been the other way around. Out of all the friends I made in high school the amount I hang out with now is just a fraction. Lastly, this is the most important factor to your future in college. Firmly plant yourself in an unwavering belief. This will carry you through so many trials that inevitably will come along in college. College is a time for ?trying new things? they say, but it is also a time for strengthening your faith.

Do the best you can while you are in high school. Looking back I wish I would have "practiced" studying in high school. I could get by with cramming in my high school classes and I quickly learned that I needed to actually study here. Also, have a strong grasp on who YOU are. When you get to college there are about a million other influences on you that you have never had before. If you don't know where you stand on things sometimes you can be pushed around. However, be open to new ideas. You can learn so much if you just sit and listen. Your professors are nice people even though they seem scary freshman year - get to know them. Don't be afraid to ask for help...you've already paid for it! Make friends in your classes. Everyone there is in the same boat as you. Don't forget to call home. Your parents are helping you through college, so don't forget them! They love to hear about your day sometimes...even if all you did was order pizza and giggle with your roommate. Last but not least - HAVE A BLAST! COLLEGE IS AWESOME!

Don't spend so much money. I know it seems important to go out with your friends, or buy that one book you really want... but you NEED that money. Financial aide doesn't cover everything and it is the worst feeling in the world to be so poor that you don't even have enough money for gas. Also, go to work. Work as much as possible, and don't take off unless you really have to. More work means more money.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to not be so stressed out. I was worried that I wouldn't get in, and if I did then I wouldn't fit in. Luckily, I got into several different schools and when I chose to come to KCU I fit in great. The application process definetly is redundant, but it's worth it in the end. Now that I've been here for almost two full years, I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else, if for no other reason than the amazing people I've met here. I know that the friends that I have made are real friends and will be in my life for a long time.

Truly think about how valuable this time is. Once you have moved on and finished what you started, make sure you got out of school what you should have, and not just a degree. Use this time to refine your character and form those quality habits that will carry on into your adult life. There aren't too many scenarios that are similar to the life you lead in college, so use that time to form lasting friendships and mentorships. I know myself, and I know that this will all sound incredibly passe and boring but these are the things that will matter in 20 years. Don't expect yourself not to make any mistakes, but it is how you react and move on from them that will show who you are. Be the person that finishes what they start and not the one who just "does the work."

Don't be scared and be yourself and stick to your morals. When I came into college I was terrified about what was going to happen. I did not know anyone when I came to school and I was very nervous about finding new friends and meeting new people. I didn't know what the classes would be like or if my grades were going to fall. I really didn't know anything and it scared me. Looking back I realize that there was nothing to be scared of. My classes were just fine and my grades were excellent. I also ended up making a lot of new friends and having some marvelous times. I was able to do this because I was myself and stuck true to my morals. I was pressured with many different things from different types of people but I stayed true to my virtues and I found some amazing friends who truly care about me and I absolutely love being in college now and I'm not scared at all. So if I could go back in time I would tell my past self to stay true to my morals and just be yourself.

College is a learning experience. One learns by doing. But when applying and transitioning to college, a little extra advice never hurts. Flashback to my senior year of high school. There were folders upon folders of college applications and then months later, it was followed by daily checking of the mail, hoping to find an acceptance letter. Upon entering college, I wish I would have stayed more organized from the beginning. Keep each class seperate both in one's mind and on paper. Another important part that I failed to do my freshman year was to utilize my on campus resources. If I would have gone to the review sessions, read my textbook in the peace and quiet of the library, and visited the free tutors, my grades would have been much higher. It is not an embarrassment to ask for help or need assistance. It shows that one is a dedicated student. Staff and professors are here to help. Let them! All and all, I believe those changes would have not only helped my grades but shaped my time so that it could be more efficiently managed.

Don't underestimate yourself. See your own potential. Try new things, challenge yourself, and get our of your comfort zone. You should meet new people, try new foods, and go new places. Now is a time of crucial character development, but also a time of freedom from many of the worries that will come after graduation. Enjoy it and take advantage of every opportunity to learn, explore, and grow.