Notre Dame de Namur University Top Questions

This is a great self-reflection question. If I could travel back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior about college life and making the transition, the first piece of advice I would give would be to take the SATs regardless of the amount of anxiety and fear I had regarding standardized test taking. I wish I could reveal the truth and struggles that would be in my future by attending a community college for nine years (off and on). As for advice on college life and transitions, I would advise myself to embrace change, love who you are, and abandon your shy personality. College is about starting fresh again by making new friends, joining clubs and campus activities, and engaging in sports. Becoming organized and managing time effectively are keys to transition and success in the college setting. My final words to myself would be, "I love you, and I know you can do this. Think positively!"

If i were to go back to myself in highschool i would tell myself to prepare more better in volleyball so that i would go more of a variety of schools to look at me for volleyball so that i would be able to get a full ride scholarship to a four year school instead of having to pay more money. I would also work more during high school to save up for college because it is so expensive.

Trust your gut, it won't let you down. And trust in your friends becasue they will stick by you and pull you out of some tough spots. College is not as scary as it seems, just be yourself and you'll find people who will like you for you, and those are the ones worth keeping. Take every chance you have to grow and push the limits of your comfort zone. You'll never grow if you don't try new things. Never let anyone sway you on your beliefs, stay true to you.

I have actually thought about this many times. When I was a senior, I had this ridiculous idea that I had all the time in the world to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. This negative thought process left me without the urgency necessary to do more in planning ahead for a better life. Although I went to college immediately after graduating, I was aimlessly taking random classes at the nearest junior college assuming that one day I would receive an epiphany and know which career to pursue. If I could go back in time, I would encourage myself to consistently take steps in order to find what I was passionate about. I would discourage working as a server for so many years and instead take jobs in various fields and volunteer to see what I was good at or enjoyed doing most. After 7 years, I am going to receive my BS this year. I know though that I could've prevented changing my major four times and this road could've been so much shorter if I knew then what I know now.

If I could go back to my senior year where I am preparing for college there are many things I would do differently. The main thing would be to visit and tour the colleges I'm applying to to make sure that it is right or comfortable. I wasn't really sure what college I wanted to attend so I applied to colleges my friends had applied to. But I never visited the colleges myself, I just took other peoples word that it was beautiful or it was too small. I ended up attending a college I wasn't comfortable at and didn't really like. A year later I was back at home feeling like I had missed out on a part of the college experience. My school now is perfect for me. After visiting the campus I found it to be beautiful and the classes are right for me. Most importantly, I feel like this place is my home.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior about college life, I would tell myself to get more involved on campus and really treat it not only as a means to an end, but as an experience. College life is a unique experience and, for many people, it is the last time that one can experience independence while still receiving support from parents and family. It is a great time to learn responsibility before having the full responsibility of living on one's own with bills to pay. That said, it is also not a time to goof off. The best advice I can give is to enjoy the time and nurture a healthy social life, but also to focus and work hard in one's classes, and get involved in activities that are social as well as activities that will enhance your degree and add character to a resume. Also, in the first few years of college, it is a great idea to take a variety of classes in order to get an idea of what major one will truly enjoy. It is best to take courses that will also fulfill general requirements.

Work harder, focus more on school, and make sure to complete everything

Make sure you visit the college and get a true feel of how it operates, not what the orientation team wants you to hear. Make friends early in order to build a social circle.

As a student who has been on the orientation team and has worked for admissions, the best advice I give to students and parents is check the college out. It is worth the money to fly out and actually try to experience the college before one attends. Check out the teachers and students, see what activities one can get involved in, try and feel the atmosphere. Honestly, I feel the student makes the most out of his or her college. If the student doesn't care which college they attend, then they will mostly not care what education they recieve. I went into college scared and afraid, but I am leaving my college with pride and knowledge of my field. I will be graduating a semester early with a major in business administration, with a concentration in management and marketing, and a communications minor. I will leave with an involvement in the business club and be known as the founder of the Argo Spirit Squad. JUST GET INVOLVED, take the risk because that is the only way one gets the full college expereince of relationships and connections.

Finding the right college is about deciding where you'd be most comfortable with not only your academic life, but your personal life as well. If you plan on going away for college, I'd say to do a lot of research about school and their surroundings so that you aren't in total shock about what there is to do with your free time. I've known a lot of people who've gone to a school in the middle of no where and end up transferring down the line. Staying close to home doesn't hurt because you are able to save money on dorming expenses if you live close enough. As far as making the most of the college experience, getting involved as much as possible is the best way to go. When you get involved with the school, you're not just doing something for the school but you're making friends at the same time. Surround yourself with people who have drive, ambition, motivation, and desire. You'd be amazed at just how passionate people are when it comes to certain causes or political or environmental issues. Just have fun with whatever you do.