Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Top Questions

My advice to myself would be to learn how to study now and don't slack off in the beginning of the semester. One test grade makes a big difference in your overall grade so if you fail your first test it is less likely you will get a decent grade in the class. Have fun your freshmen year it only gets harder.

As a senior I needed most to hear that while I was by then tired of school and not excited about the idea of going to college it is nonetheless vitally important to pursue higher education goals and gain new skills. Despite protest from my family I decided to put school off to travel abroad. Working, volunteering and traveling in nearly thirty countries was a great education but not the type of education that necessarily translated to tangible success. Yet, at the time, I thought travel would make me "cool" and worldly. And it did, a bit, but if I were able to talk to my younger self I would say that not only is it essential to get an education for material reasons but it's also cool to be knowledgeable and skilled. I would relate my college experiences as an adult, particularly those gained in science and math courses, and how I'm a better person now due to my knowledge about the natural world. I needed someone to tell me that not only is higher education important for one's future but more importantly it's interesting, fun, empowering and cool. I didn't know that.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself, " get involved in organizations and a church, smile at everyone you walk past, go to every home and away football game, study at least 3 days in advance for every science or geography test, perform random acts of kindness daily, make friends with the folks that work in the dining halls and dorm rooms, always take care of your friends, go to hear live music every once in a while, exercise, play an intramural sport, support local causes and other campus organizations, go to class (you are paying for it and it's respectful), thank everyone who supported you along the way, never give up on anything (we are more powerful than we think), and work VERY hard at all you do!"

I would tell myself not to rush it. Enjoy every minute of high school because once it's over, the real hard work begins. Enjoy the time you have with friends because chances are once you graduate high school, you won't see them. Take every opportunity you are given to be involved in extra-curricular activities and study every day, even when it isn't necessary. Also, choose a college that is better suited for your personality and needs, not one that your family and friends want you to attend. For me, I would've chosen to go to a smaller school straight from high school instead of a school as big as Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, being that I graduated in a class that was only 31 students.

Be more independednt and realistic. I was so wonderstruck by the big brick buildings at the pretty schools with the cobblestone roads and I didn't even consider the financial costs. I studied and got into my dream school but my finances ended up leaving me at a community college right by my house. I advise my previous self or anyone in college to really think about the money. Get a job. Apply for as many scholarships as you can. You can go to your dream school and you can afford it, no matter how much money you have. The key is to prepare yourself. Work for your money and earn it. It's all worth it in the end.

College is about choices, and now it´s the time to take charge of you´re own life. Don´t be afraid of responsability. It might seem frightening at first, but it´s really rewarding to become a little more independent. If you really wish to succeed, you must stay focused on your goals. Many people are going to try to bring you down, and they will certainly attempt to influence you onto a wrong track. That´s why you always must stay true to yourself. Aim high, it´s worth the try; and please never slack down. I know it may all sound as a cliché; that you have heard it all before. But, that in fact is what most college students seem forget. This old advice it´s the real guide to make a fresh start in college.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. I know you're trying to be independent in this new step in your life, and you are, but everyone needs help every now and then and you shouldn't pass that up. Study hard but don't let it consume your life. Going out and having a great time with your friends is good way to blow off steam every once in awhile. Make friends and keep in contact with some old ones. Even though your best friend is attending another college, it doesn't mean you two can't have a weekend of bumming off on another's campus to catch up. Take classes that you've never taken before, even ones you might have only a slight insterest in, you could be surprised with how quickly those become one of your favorites. Go to class. It's best reading notes that you have taken, and not someone elses. And finally, participate in the college activities. It not only can make you friends, but it gets your out of your cramped up room for awhile and in most cases, it's usually free.

I felt as if I was on top of everyone just like a typical highschool senior. Though I was very confident in everything I do, I always had one misconception. The misconception was that fast and accrurate academical success in high school and college mean everything in the world. I was descent academically in highschool. My heart pounded when I realized that I could not go to a research school, even though I was accepted. It felt as if it was the end of the world. Until the first day of my college, I was embarrassed by the fact that I was attending class with people who have lower academical standards than me. I realized that I was wrong on the first day of college. Everyone was trying their best to make success in their life. Since the first day of college, I have changed. One of the changes that I made was my misconception in academical success. I have compared my academical progress as climbing a mountain. If you climb fast, you will be able to do more things after you reach the goal. However, if you climb slowly, you will be able to see more behind you.

I would advise my former-self to go to college for and with the right intentions. I enrolled in college because everyone expected me to go to college. But, I was not ready. I hastily chose an area of study. Had I taken a semester off -- like I'd secretly wanted to do -- I would have been much more clear about what I wanted to study and what I wanted to accomplish with my degree. Fortunately, it is never too late to become who I was always meant to be. I'm going back to school -- for the right reasons this time.

At most high schools, students feel like they do not have to study much to do well. College is NOT like that. Don't underestimate the difficulties you may face. School becomes a commitment and a challenge. It requires hours of your time doing homework and preparing for class by either pre-reading the textbook or reviewing old notes. Tests can be hard. Get to know your professor and ask them what's the best way to study to succeed in his/her class. Take advantage of tutors, professors, and study groups. Befriend someone who understands class material. They will be helpful. Figure out if you are a visual, audio, or kinesthetic learner. Visual learners need to write things out and see them to understand. Visual learners need pictures, diagrams, and charts. Visual learners may even need to come to class to see their teachers teach to fully understand material. Audio learners need to hear someones voice to understand material. Audio learners, when studying, may want to read the notes out loud to themselves or record their professor's lectures. Kinesthetic learners need models and need to physically do the material. If the material is science, kinesthetic learners may need to do experiments or construct a model to grasp the material. Most people are a combination of these learners. I am visual and audio and 0{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} kinesthetic according to personality tests. I learn best by being taught and hearing someone else explain things. I personally do not learn well from reading out of a textbook unless my teacher is horrible at teaching and the textbook is my last resort. I need to see and hear my teacher teach, and like writing my notes, using flashcards, and making flowcharts if necessary. If you look up sensory preferences tests on google, you may find a quiz that you can take to help you determine what kind of learner you are. Check this website out, hopefully it will help you figure this out. http://appl003.lsu.edu/cas/learningjourney.nsf/selftests/$File/SensoryPreferenceSelfTest6-15-07.pdf