Loyola University Chicago Top Questions

Going back to my senior year of high school, I see how lazy I was and how I made excuses for the most simple things to do. With my first semester of college experience, I would have told myself to stop being lazy and to finish what is meant to be done in order to be more educated. The realization that learning was fun hit my head during my first semester of college. During my senior year, I felt compelled to get good grades without the intention of doing it because it was fun to learn. Ultimately, by focusing on making learning fun and exciting, the more I realized why I wanted to go to college in the first place. So if I could have spared my time for my first semester of college, I would have told myself in high school that I should apply to college with the aim of finding what makes me happy instead of what I believe will bring happiness to others because you have to learn to please yourself before anyone else. In the end, my first semester would have been less consumed with searching for reasons for my presence at Loyola.

Having graduated high school and already completed my first semester of college, the main advice I would offer myself as a high school senior is to be prepared for anything. Be prepared to drink 6 cups of coffee studying for finals or to get Dunkin Donuts at 3 a.m. to take a break from writing that history paper. Be prepared to stretch out your clothing possibilities in order to put off doing laundry between Halloween and winter break. Be prepared to live on a diet consisting of cheez-its, salsa, twinkies, and ramen noodles. Be prepared to have the option to decide whether or not you want to go to classes on any given day, spend an hour debating, then realize class starts in 5 minutes. Be prepared to experience the most crafty, inexpensive ways of accomplishing daily tasks. Most of all, hold onto your hat and be prepared to live through the best experiences of your life in the following years.

I would tell myself to stay focused on my goals and never let adverities get the best of me. I would remind myself of all the opportunities that await me and that procrastionation will hurt my chances of reaching my full potential. Experiencing college I would talk to myself about how important it is to not make excuses and to never be afraid of succeeding.

The best advice I could give myself as a high school senior would be that schoolwork isn't everything. Part of college is also the social experience. When starting college, I, like so many people I knew, took college so seriously that I caused more problems for myself than I needed to do. After a few months, though, I found a balance between school work and social time. For myself, and for many other college students I know, this became the most important discovery for my college career. After learning this balance the stress of school seemed to disolve a bit, my grades improved, and I had more fun. Of all the things I learned in college about college, I think that this definitely helped me the most, and I wish I could tell this to my high school senior self.

I would tell myself to make sure I'm choosing the college that is best for what I want to do with my future. I would also be sure to tell myself to keep my academics as a priority, because that is ultimately the reason why I am here- for a complete, well-rounded education in order to launch into the career I've chosen for myself. I would also tell myself to not be worried about making friends or getting involved on campus because there are so many opportunities to get involved and meet so many different kinds of people. I would also make sure to emphasize the importance of not limiting myself to get to know people exactly like me or get involved in things I already know. I believe college is the best place to really allow yourself to let go of your inhibitions and not be afraid to experience new things, because that's really the only way to truly learn more about yourself and others. In summation, I would advise myself to take the process serisously, but to also have fun and always look for an opportunity to learn.

Dear past self, You have nothing to be afraid of when you get to campus. It may all seem daunting at first, understandably. I mean you will be in an institution of higher learning where something important and amazing is happening all the time. People are collaborating, you will feel the synthesis, each person interested in something, chasing one dream or another...you will love it. Just remember that whenever you need help, no matter how stupid your question may seem to you, ask! Most students will be glad to help you as well as any other staff member. You might miss home at first, this is normal, but get out of your room and go to events around campus. You never know who you might meet at these things, perhaps your new best friends....? (hint hint). Never leave papers until the night before (especially honors papers) and make yourself go to the library, it really does make a difference. A lot of things will seem new and exciting, you'll meet people you only thought existed in movies and want to try new things but remember to always stay true to yourself. And you'll be just fine.

College is different however not a huge difference from high school. There is much more freedom and time. I would highly suggest strating now to become very good a time management. With the structure in life right now it will be much easier to get use to it before the less structured life in college comes. Being able to manage time well earlier will also help to be more effective in college because you will not get as stressed easily. It is somewhat of a difficult transition and time management will help in the process. Academically, I believe that the high school you attended prepared you well. They taught you everything that you need to know academically to be well prepared for college. As far as the load and concepts of the work that needs to be done goes, it will be quite similar to the load of work and concepts you learned in high school. The dicipline in high school also will help because the standards will be set at the same par. All in all time management and being able to hold yourself accountable are both important qualities as you're making the transition into college.

I would tell myself to take your time. As a freshman in college you do not need to know exactly what you want to do. Get a feel for the classes first and during that year set goals for yourself. I know I switched my major once and it would have helped if I took a step back instead of rushing into things. Also have fun it does not hurt anyone and meet new people. This is the year you get involved because sooner or later graduation will come. Be open to new experiences. Remember that you do have to study still and things are a lot different then highschool. NO one is watching you to make sure your assignments are turned in. Its your responsibility.

Going back to senior year, I would advise myself to change some habits and choices about classes that I made. College requires a lot of time for classes because there is a lot more reading and a lot less homework. Since there is no one there to keep you in check whether you are doing your work or not, it is necessary that I do not procrastinate and schedule my time appropriately. I would advise myself to priortize and space out studying so that I am not overwhelmed but also am on top of everything. One thing that is necessary in college is time management and this cannot be learned through a course. This can only be learned by self-motivation and experience. If I changed my study habits during high school, then I would know which study habits work best for me during college.

make sure you know who your friends are and how you want to be treated. A lot of the friends that you have in high school don't carry over into college years. College really is some of the best years:)