Loyola University Chicago Top Questions

I would have told myself to try harder to work efficiently and to find an effective way to get myself into the studying/homework-doing mood because, when you are living in a dorm with your own laptop, it's hard to find the motivation to do your homework instead of just surfing the web or talking to friends for hours on end. I knew in high school that I had trouble with getting down to work and yet I somehow convinced myself that this problem would magically fix itself and I found out the hard way that I had the same problem once I got to college. This problem had managed to get worse because I no longer had my parents constantly telling me to get back to work. I should have drilled it into my mind in high school that homework and studying should come before everything else; perhaps then I would have taught myself to work fast enough to finish all my studies with enough time left over for having fun. This was the biggest problem I had with adjusting to college and I'm still trying to resolve it.

If I were to go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would ask myself to figure out what I was passionate about. Being able to know where my passisons lied would have helped in picking a course of study that was right for me. I would also ask myself if I would really get my money's worth from the university that I would be attending. Although you may want to leave home and be on your own, is that freedom really worth all that money? "Is this school really worth taking out these large private loans?" Although undergraduate study is important, graduate work is also an option where you can also focus much more of your time in a field you really love. I would tell myself that I should consider saving some money and say close to home and maybe rebuild some rough relationships. In the end, you will end up with an Bachelor's Degree and you will still have the chance to go to graduate school.

I would tell myself to act more independent. Moving into a dorm, choosing all my classes and deciding when I study, sleep, etc. without anyone else's influence on me came as a small shock. If I am sick, I have to be responsible and let the professor know myself, unlike in high school where my mom had to call me out. Dirty laundry? It does not want to do itself. Homework? There is no longer a parent hovering over my shoulder telling me to study. I also have to eat! "Mom, what's for dinner?" has now turned into me choosing between making myself food, going out to eat or going to the dining hall. All in all, I have been able to manage, but at first it was a little overwhelming. If I had buckled down and started doing these things on a regular basis back as a senior, it would have eased the transition.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would help myself understand that college requires plenty of discipline and dedication. Without these characteristics college can prove to be much more difficult than expected. Take this last year of high school much more seriously than any of the rest and savor every moment of it. Take all of your A.P. classes seriously and don't slack off, college is like that. Please use this time to acuire skills that include time management, study techniques, and even relaxation skills, trust me you'll need them. College is diffucult but it isn't impossible and don't ever forget that. Stay positive and never give up on yourself. You can do it. Don't be so hard on yourself and remember to take time for yourself and don't forget to breathe once in a while. Most importantly believe in yourself.

I would tell myself to apply to colleges early! The sooner you apply, the greater the chance for getting accepted to the college/university of your dreams! College is a different atmosphere when it comes to education. The material learned is similar, but the workload is substantially larger. Some people encounter "senioritis" in his or her last year of high school, which could be a set back to someone expecting the same in college. I also recommend staying on-campus, provided that your school offers housing! College is exciting and a new milestion in your educational career. Make the best of it by participating in extracurriculars such as sports, clubs, and organizations. Last but not least, MAKE SURE you are determined to get a good education. Set secondary goals to help you achieve your main desire. College is right around the corner, so be prepared for the time of your life!

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about the college life and the transitions, it would be about the scholarships and opportunities that are available for students to help pay tuition and help them grow as a person. There's so many scholarships available for students that they don't take advantage of them and end up with a high-interest loans. If I could do all over again, I would get more involved in the community and help out organizations and try my hardest to achieve honors in as many classes as I can. By being competive and challenging yourself, can help you gain the self-assurance a person needs to live in the world of competition. That would help my chances in winning different types of scholarships because I would of a wide range of activites that applied to the scholarships terms and increase my chances of winning. Also getting involved and helping out, can open up so many opportunities and make a difference in the world. I would also plan to study abroad and see the world as others do during their educational experiences.

"Breath!!! Things WILL turn out!? that would be the most important thing I could tell myself senior year. If there is one thing I remember it was the compounding amount of stress accumulating near the time of applications. The biggest mistake I made senior year was thinking that I needed to have my life completely planned out, and that included attending the perfect college. Now I know better. It's not the college that you attend that will determine your future. . . it is you! You are the only one that can maximize your college experience and tailor it to your interests, regardless of where you end up. Relax, worst-case scenario you can always transfer. I would tell myself to take a step back and consider what they don?t tell you in school, what is it that you really enjoy? What makes you happy? Look beyond the college brochures and think about what you have always wanted to do, don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Contemplate options that may seem absurd, perhaps attending culinary school ? College is nothing but a realm of opportunities; do not be afraid to reach for any of them!

My exact quotes I would say to my self-past..."Prepare yourself for you are about to enter into one the greatest experiences in your life. First of all, you made an excellent decision to continue your studies. I know you may still be confused in what you want to do in life, but do not over contemplate because when the moment is right you will then know what your calling is. Although, there will be times that your perseverance to suceed higher will without a doubt challenge you mentally, physically, and emotionally. When those moments do come in your life just remember the reasons why you are going to college and for who are doing this for. Furthermore, there is something significant that I must reveal to you....but you have A.D.D. which is a common learning disability and I strongly suggest that you get yourself treated. Finally, I must say that you are a unique individual for you have separated yourself from the herd (the followers) and now it is your turn to become a leader. I would wish you the best of luck, but I am not because I am certain you will do well.

The past semester has been such a roller coaster ride of emotions. I've never been confronted with so much stress and yet so much liberty to do what I want when I want. This newly discovered independence has not been achieved without stumbling along the way. Realizing that professors are less likely to, if at all, make the effort to help their students at a personal level has been somewhat of a shock. I expected this, but now this leaves me feeling alone and desperate for a connection to be made with the person leading the lecture. In high school, I was used to having close relationships with my teachers, most of them sponsors of the extracurricular activities I was involved in. Looking back, if I had the chance to share a piece of advice with myself it would be this: Value the teachers that go above and beyond to make you as successful as you are capable of being because they do so out of love, not out of obligation. Get them to know your teachers as people and not as monsters, as inhumane as they may seem to be.

I always treated high school as nothing more than a means of getting into college. Instead of trying to learn, I did only what was necessary to get the grade. Although I got the grades necessary to get in to the college of my choice, I missed out the opportunity to learn valuable study skills. Don't let high school be a waste of your time. You will get out of it what you put into it. Enjoy learning. You never know what could help you in the future. This more often than not will be a skill, such as multi-tasking or problem solving, rather than a specific fact or skill. The transition from high shool to college will be the hardest of your life. Don't sit back and wait for it to hit you. Push forward into the future, learning as much as possible a long the way. Enjoy learning. You will absorb so much more if you find a way to make it enjoyable.