Michigan State University Top Questions

To develop solid study skills and apply for more scholarships.

I think that I would study harder and become more focused on what I want to do with my life. I think that I would be more committed to the application process for college and not take it so casually. Also I would visit more institutions to see what they had to offer and what I wanted for myself as far as the college experience. I think that I still feel that MSU became a good fit after some time but I do think had I researched further there are other schools that could have offered a good fit the first year instead of having to evolve into a MSU student.

Don't underestimate the intesity of the curriculum freshmen year. Also, the earlier you manage your time the better off you will be. It's ok to have fun and blow off some steam by partying, but for the amount of money you are paying for school you want to get the most out of it in terms of education. It can be a hard transition, but it will be the best time of your life.

The number one piece of advice I would give myself would be to learn how to manage your time effectively, especially if you plan on working during college. I've held a steady job all through college and at times it got a bit rough trying to make sure I had enough time to commit to my academics, although I pulled through wonderfully so far. Another thing I would tell myself would be to get involved in anything that sparks your interest, even if you just want to try it out. There are so many on-campus activities you can participate in, as long as you have the extra time outside of your academics. But if you plan well, you can contribute that much more to your college experience as a whole. And make time for your friends! It's a great adventure!

Dear past self: You did a pretty good job the first time around, but you should always take advantage of second chances. So, here I am, your future-self, with some advice for what's going to happen next year. You won't drink your freshman year, even though there will be pressure from your friends. This is a good choice; Stick to your guns with that one, even though it'll be hard at times. You will get a campus job, and you will make some lasting relationships from the people you work with. It won't pay that great, but you'll get more out of it than that, so don't change it. You're going to struggle in your math class. Take action right away. Don't wait for the last second like I did to barely get a passing grade (the lowest grade I've ever received) - pay attention to the opportunities around you, get tutoring, find out about the services offered by the school to help you in your challenging courses. You'll be glad you did! Not to spoil the surprise, but you're going to love the next four years. Enjoy!

Take in every minute of college. Go to your classes and don't be afraid to ask your professors for help. Keep up on the readings and work hard on all assignments. Participate in class and make the best of the education you are receiving. Study abroad for a year and make connections in the country.

All you need to know is that there is always opportunities. In order to make the transition easier I would suggest finding these opportunites and putting yourself out there. The last thing you want to do is shut yourself up in your dorm and only worry about and focus on classes. There is a busy world out there and starting to get help, networking and making friends are probably the easiest ways to avoid having a bad start and a hard transition. If I could go back in time I would have done much more as a freshman. It is also important to remember the old cliche to "be yourself". College is meant to teach you but it is also meant for self-discovery. People are much more tolerant than some would believe and when I tell you to put yourself out there I mean for you to put your TRUE self out there. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. College is the starting point for you and as long as you grab it by the reins and take advantage of all it has to offer you can't fail.

If I could go back and give myself advice before going to college, the first thing I would tell myself is to stay focused on school and never fall for the girl that everyone says is for you. I would also tell myself to keep my old job and to never skip class, even thought lectures may be boring because they convey all the information necessary to pass the courses.

Calm down. Don't worry about where you're going, what you're going to do there, and what it will be like. The transition isn't like a test; studying won't prepare you for it. You just have to let the adjustment happen, because it's not comparable to any of your other life experiences. You will end up in a place you like, and if that's not the place you choose at first it isn't a big deal because you can transfer. Your academics will work themselves out. The advisors here know what they're doing and you aren't in a rush to choose a major or career path just yet. You will be able to handle the work load. You will make friends. It might not be the easiest experience of your life, but it gets better as time passes. And once again, worrying about the future won't help you succeed. Focus on now, and the future will work out just fine.

I would give myself advice for how to better study, and advise myself on the correct major to get into, and from that, I would look into what school has the better program for that.