Milwaukee School of Engineering Top Questions

If I could go back and tell myself anything, I would tell myself that many things don’t matter. When I was younger I was very shy and quiet; and the few things I did, were the reason I am hopeful today. I would tell myself to study more for ap tests and take notes in class. I’d tell myself to work out more, and get in better shape for football, hockey, and rugby. The friendships I made in those activities will last a lifetime now. I can only imagine what would happen if I had gone through it without fear. The last thing I would tell myself is to try. Try in everything I do and try to change all those around me for the better. I look back today, just a few months after, thinking that I was being dumb for no clear reason. I remember good and bad memories that I’d like to see myself change. I never participated in any illegal things and never made any mistakes to learn from there. But I learned through some mistakes, I’d like to think that I would have made better ones for growth.

I would advise my high school self that everything is going to be okay. You don't need to be as worried about getting into college, you've worked hard enough in high school to get into a good school. The transition will be difficult the first few days, but after that, you will be fine. Making friends is easier than you'd think, you just have to try. Also, your professors do a good job at transitioning you from High School to College. Just remember that everything will be fine and college is not as scary as you think!

I would tell myself to start taking control of my life in those moments. Don't allow your parents to create a future for you, make one yourself. If they coincide that is great, but if you are only going after what they want for you, when it gets hard, you won't want to push through. Take responsability and ownership for you own life. After all, it is your life.

Start applying for scholarships in August or September. Do not wait until April to start looking and applying. Do not go to a school just because your friends are attending it. Go to the school that feels right for you as an individual, that makes you feel welcome, and that really values your education. Further, start searching for colleges to attend during first semester - the earlier, the better. Apply to as many schools as you would like. Ultimately, the decision is yours. It is perfectly okay to be nervous about college and being on your own, but remember that you are going to better yourself. You may not stay in touch with your high school friends, but you will make new friends in college. This is a big step in your life. Make it count. Be confident.

If I could go back in time and give myself any advice for college, I would tell myself to enjoy moments spent with family and friends. During the beginning of my freshmen year, my grandma passed away. For eighteen years, I lived in the same city as her so I was fortunate to see her on a regular basis. Once I left for college, I was only able to see family members about once a month. Therefore, I only saw my grandma once in the time I left for school and the time I had to say goodbye to her. Losing someone so close to my heart taught me that every moment spent with a loved one matters. It was hard being away from my family during this terrible incident, but it did make me stronger. Whenever I come home for a weekend now, I value every moment I spend with family and friends. Life should not be spent worrying about small details that only stress us out. Life should be about creating memories and enjoying the moments that so many people take for granted. I will always cherish the time I get with family and friends.

I wouldn't worry about pety drama, or negative influencing friends. I would worry only about myself, and my school work. I would have chose to go away to school, instead of staying at home so I could grow up faster. I keep saying I "would have" because I wish I took high school seriously. Everything you do in life follow you, and no one really told me that.

Never to go school with your closests friends. It may seem like a good idea but in the long run it isn't. There is a saying: absence makes the heart grow fonder. This is completly true. Your relationship with your friends will change when you leave for college but upon vists back home, spending time with them is much more valuable. Don't procrastinate in finding scholarship opportunities. When it gets down to signing off on your student loans you will thank me. Even smaller scholarships will make a difference. Free money is free money regardless. Make friends with as many different people as possible. Its the perfect oportunity to do so. You want to make friends that you will enjoy being around in late night cram sessions. Making friends with upper classmen is always a plus. They can give you the inside scoop about the school.

As a college student, I now know what it takes to make the intimidating transition from a high school senior to a full time college student. With the ability to go back in time, I would give myself advice to make this difficult transition easier. First, I would give myself advice pertaining to life at home. This would include fixing any problems with the relationship with parents because soon enough the college student will realize the importance of their parents in their life and it will be much easier communicating with them if there is a mutual healthy relationship. The second piece of advice I would give to myself would be to get involved in the many clubs universities have to offer. This will help build life skills and at the same time allow for social growth and meeting new friends. Finally, I would tell myself to stay on top of the course work divert from all of the poor studying habits, such as procrastination. Procrastination will cause stress and result in lower grades. Knowing this important information, I am now better prepared for the future ahead of me.

Knowing what I know now about the college life, I would advise myself to get more involved and be apart of the high school more. I would encourage myself to think more about what I actually wanted to do in life , and how I could make a difference in the world and be remembered. I would also advise myself to pick up various techniques of studying, and ways to help myself succeed better through college.

If I could go back to my senior year, I would tell myself to work harder and not to settle for okay and go for the gold. I would strive to get more involved in the community and school life. I would also tell myself how to prepare for college, SATs and ACTs. As a senior I didn't know that applying for school was so hard. I wish that I had a little more help and knew who to talk to. I also had no idea what all colleges look for in a student. I would've known more about college. I would have a higher GPA and higher grades. I would involve myself in school, extra-curriculum activities, and community projects. One of my biggest dreams is to help others. My high school was down the street from an elementary school, and it would have been great to go and speak to the younger kids. Many kids look up to me as a big sister, I wish I took more advantage of that. doing this would make me a better citizen and would help with college applications. It also would have helped me accomplished my goals and dreams.