Ohio State University-Main Campus Top Questions

What should every freshman at Ohio State University-Main Campus know before they start?

Todd

If I could go back I would change how I percieved college. After attending my thoughts about it in general have changed substantially. I think the most important thing I would tell myself is to wait and not rush things. I am currently working on a second major beacuse I found I was not happy with my first one. I would tell my younger self to do some self searching before I went to college. Initially I was eager to go and picked a major based off of others suggestions. I had no clue what I wanted to do. I also would tell myself to relax. College was tough at first, trying to fit in with certain social groups. I originally was at a small school and had to deal with clicks. In the long wrong life is not like this after college. I just needed to be myself. And that I would make very clear to my younger self. Do what you want to do, not something you might be good at.

Raymond

If I can go back in time and talk to myself in high school I will tell myself to work really hard. I will let myself know that its time to have fun after you do what you have to do. Fun will come to you if you do what you have to do first. Having a education can help you in the future and your knowledge can take you along way. WHen comes to the time for high school to be over you will be prepred for the ups and downs. Finishing high school is a great goal to reach but you don't have to stop there, apply for college to futher your education its not a bad thing to have more knowledge and exprience in school. One thing for sure stay foucus do what work you have first from school work to homework make sure you are finish and you will feel more proud of yourself. Also don't be scared to ask teachers for help, if you need it ask don't let what people think stop you from learning. Thats what I would tell myself if i could give myself advice back in high school.

Lindsey

My advice to myself would be to not plan my life. As a high school senior, I had my entire life planned out before even going into senior year. I knew where I was going to school, what I was going to do and everything in between. However, I learned that plans don't always work out. Due to financial reasons, I was not able to go to the college I planned to go to. I was very disappointed. However, I would tell myself to make the best out of the situation. This is what I ended up doing, and I ended up loving Ohio State and do not think I would be as happy anywhere else. I would tell myself to plan, but not so much, that I would not be open to other ideas. I would tell myself that everything works out and that everything happens for a reason. While I may not know that reason when I am going through a hard/disappointing time, everything ended up working out for the best.

Katherine

I would go back and tell myself not to worry so much. I remember constantly being concerned with whether I would be able to handle the course work, the people, the parties, etc., but in reality very few of these are actually problems. There are a lot of freshman that are in the same place as you and when you're having trouble with the work, so are they, and most times you can find people who are willing to help out. The people, for the most part, are so nice. And those people that are rude or mean are people that you can easily distance yourself from. And, I was concerned that there would be parties everywhere and that it would be difficult to study, but the RAs are very good at keeping the noise levels down in the dorms. Overall, there is very little to worry about when entering into college. The administration has done what they do for years and they will help you. As do the professors. Although they do not care if you let yourself fall behind, if you go to them for help they will be there to offer any assitance that they can.

Cassidy

Knowing what I know now about college and everything that the transition entails, if I was able to go back in time, I would have a lot of advice to give myself as a high school student. First of all, this is my second time around as a college freshman. I am now, a mother, a wife, and have an entirely new set of goals to accomplish. I would have told myself that college was never intended to be a social party or that I wasn't there because that was the expected "next thing to do". College is something that needs to be taken more serious, an opportunity to learn life skills; it provides the knowledge and the resources to become somebody that could support themselves and their family. Specialized training is very essential in getting the most 'bang for your buck' and in my opinion guarentees a better outcome. In order to find success one really needs to have a higher appreciation for their education, their opportunities and the money they spend to help them get to the other side. College is a terrific and valuable next step if it is taken responsibly with care and consideration.

Matthew

I would tell myself that it's all about time management. I did fairly well my first quarter, but I wasted precious hours doing nothing, and those could have given me even better grades. Learn to manage time and almost everything else works out great. I would also tell myself that you should talk to your adviser whenever you need. Mine helped me figure out what direction in life I want to head in. Also, I would tell myself that scholarships are not something to put off. I did absolutely nothing and I'm paying through the nose. Just try writing another essay, it wont kill you. I would tell myself that there are plenty of opportunities of people wanting to help you in college. Let them. The last thing I would say to myself is that although it's stressful, enjoy it. Don't worry too much, but don't become apathetic. Strike a balance and you'll be set.

Victoria

Don?t be so nervous, that everything will come in time. When packing for the dorm, you don?t need to take everything you own.

Heather

This is an easy answer. I would not change anything or give myself advice. The decisions I have made have put me right where I want and need to be. If it weren't for past mistakes I would never have known what I know now. I feel stronger now than I ever did in high school as a person and what I am capable of doing. I felt limited in high school, but now I realize that those limits were only in place because I put them there.

Jamie

If I was able to go back into time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have plenty to say. First of all I would tell myself attend every class, especially those classes that the professors supply all your in class notes online. Most people including myself once believed I did not have to go to class if the notes were posted...big mistake. You will easily get behind with the course and even if you find yourself squeaking by in the end and pulling a good grade, you will not have truly learned anything from that class because all the studying you did for that class consisted of cramming. It has been proven that when you cram for an exam you do not retain the information as long as you would if you studied a little bit each night the duration of the course. Another thing, your GPA does matter! Do not be satisfied with pulling average grades, because when it comes time to apply to graduate school you won't stand out which is necessary for acceptance. Lastly, find a good balance for your social life, academics, and work schedule. Do not overwhelm yourself!

Tuanya

First, I would tell myself to stay in pennsylvania, out-of-state tuition is just not worth it without a scholarship. I would definitely tell myself to STAY FOCUSED. Hardships are going to happen, thats life but keep your head up, and do not let them stand in your way of success. I would also say apply for more scholarships and please avoid slacking and procrastination. I would convince myself to be as involved as possible, STARTING FRESHMAN YEAR, do not wait. It is also very important to expand your surroundings, affiliations, and friends when in college, there is no reason to stay sheltered or accustomed to the same things all the time. Avoid the "freshman 15," (utitlize gyms on campus because you are definitely paying for it) and try to eat just a little bit healthy. Do not let social life interfere with your grades, remember what you went to college for, friends will not get your degree for you. Spend ample time deciding on a career before you go, this will save you plenty of time, stress, and money. Finally, do not worry about homesickness, it will pass and you will be fine. TRUST ME