Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Top Questions

Going back to my high school self, I would simply tell me not to worry so much. College is a major stepping stone on the path through life but it's not all that different from high school or much scarier then transitioning from elementary to middle school or middle school to high school. Most of the people are the same and very relatable since in your first year you're mostly around other freshmen. Going into college, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to handle the work load or feel comfortable in a dorm. However, now I really enjoy the independence of having my own place and I feel that all the Advanced Placement classes I took in high school really prepared me for the college workload - some of it is even easier then what I had to do in high school. I think, like most high school seniors, I worried too much about the simple transition that I didn't realize I've done a few times in the past. College is something to be conscientious of, but it's not the scary monster we fear hiding under our beds.

I was terrified as a senior. Soon, I?d be at college, alone, with new responsibilities with new sure-to-eat-me upperclassmen and professors. Looking back, I think I?d be able to alleviate that fear, if I could offer my younger self some advice. First of all (I would tell myself), take a deep breath. It's a big change, but you won't die. Yes, there are lots of new people, but that also means there are more people just like you! You can find a new group of friends, ones just as quirky and amazing as you, in clubs or youth groups or sororities. No one will eat you, I promise; you?re too tough for them. And new responsibilities? Sure, classes are tougher, but you did well enough in high school to get yourself accepted! Keep trying your best, and your professors will see, understand, and appreciate your efforts. If you?ve any doubt, sit in the front row of the class?trust me, it helps. See? College isn?t so bad. You can take my word for it, but you?ll soon find out for yourself. Good luck!

Much time lies ahead in my college career, but I have learned so much already through my college experiences. As I look back to high school, I had a successful academic transcript and participated in countless activities, but there are some things I wish I had been more prepared for. College life is all about independence; you are responsible for your choices, no one is telling you what you can and cannot do anymore. Hence, time management will be a big challenge. Learn how to set up an efficient schedule in which you can get ahead in all coursework, yet still participate in the social activities that fit your interests. Also, I realize it is essential to keep an open mind. With so many new people around, you need to find and develop relationships again. Friends have a large influence and impact on your personality and academic career; you need to be able to stay focused. In addition, I encourage you to take part in as many activities as possible. Not only will they build your resume and prepare you for the future but also allow you to meet new people and experience new challenges. Finally, never ever give up!

I would ensure that I was ready to take college classes. I came in here thinking it would be like high school and I wouldnt have to study. That wasnt the case at all. You need to devote ample amount of time to your studying, because if you dont you'll fall behind as quick as you got started. Also, I would just make sure you are open to other cultures, races, and just being around other people. My biggest fear was coming here and not fitting in, and now that I'm here and have experienced everything; you dont have to act like that, because there are thousands of other students in the same position.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to research my college choices more thoroughly. For example, I would tell myself to find out if there were any interesting clubs or organizations I could be a part of during my time at Penn State. Also, I would tell myself to utilize online textbook sites such as www.half.com or www.amazon.com. By using these sites just days ago this semester, I saved nearly three hundred dollars on textbooks. That amount of money can go a very long way in a college environment like University Park. One more piece of advice I would give myself is to go out of my comfort zone to meet new friends. I wish that I stuck my neck out more than I did during my first semester here. Penn State has so much potential to provide great new friends, but I discovered that I had to take the initiative of introducing myself. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, those are a few pieces of advice I would mention.

If I could go back in time and speak with myself, my first piece of advice would be to stay focused. In college, especially ones as large as Pennsylvania State University, it's easy to get side tracked with parties and social life, rather than what is truely important, your education. The conversation wouldn't be all serious though. I would tell myself secondly " Don't rush, take your time, and do your best." Parents have said it over and over again as you grow from a teenager to a young adult to an adult. Try your hardest in any class you have no matter how hard the class is or how much you struggle to grasp the matierial. Third, I would tell myself to get tutoring if needed. College is a huge stress on students especially when trying to learn matierial for six different subjects and expected to keep your grades above average. Get help if you need it especially if it's free. Lastely, I would tell myself to set goals. Short term and lorn term goals are great motivators to do your best, work hard, and succeed. Success is rewarding and boosts your self esteem.

Staying in your room almost everyday can limit your interactions. Facebook does not count as social interaction as much as face to face conversation. Go to the involvement fair to find clubs and volunteer activities. Don't be afraid to try out new things such as belly dancing and archery. As for your classes, look around for more interesting classes such as Greek and Roman Literature, Plants, People, & Places, Asian American History, and Medieval Civilization. It is very important to fulfill your general education requirements, but have fun doing so. Don't forget to ask about classes outside of your major to be counted for your major requirements. Pick some minors you like. Please get a planner and use it to the max!! Write down assignments, due dates, club meetings, daily list, etc. It will help you so much so that there's not too much post-its around your desk. Study harder as well. Force yourself to sit down, put on your ipod, and study for at least four hours. If you don't understand the material, GO GET HELP!!! A tutor and the professor would love the questions you have and will help you to their fullest power.

High school?s been such a breeze, with a fair workload, extracurricular activities, and parents at home to do chores or favors for me. Sure, college will require more studying time and more time management from me, but I?m sure it won?t be too different. Currently in my sophomore year in college now, I have passed over the high school-to-college transition stage, and adapted to the new collegiate life, requiring independence. I learned that, clearly, that my thoughts entering college were false and that the transition would be more challenging than expected. Along with the increased schoolwork and activities that I expected, came laundry duties, making food, and much more. No more parents to kick me in the butt or to remind me of my responsibilities?I was now alone, and had to step up to independence. College professors, unlike high school teachers do not take attendance, or care whether students turn in homework. Students have to be responsible enough to go to class and turn in all of their work without reminders and incentives, besides their own will to learn. So, to my old high school senior self, I need to be prepared for independence.

Make sure you find the school for you. This college experience is all about you and what you want to make of your life. I made sure I researched all the school before I saw them. Take time to visit every single school you are interested in and ask as many questions as you want about the school, including the housing, food, and sports teams, whatever you need to make the school feel like it is going to be "your" school. Once you get into the college of your choice, get involved early. Consider your interests and research any clubs or organizations that you may want to take part in. Also, during the first couple weeks of school, get to know your school advisor. Advisors always steer you in the right direction concering what classes to take and what resources you can use around the school, such as tutoring or career services. Remember, all professors want to see you succeed. Also, time management is important. The last words of advice I have which was given to me my senior year is buy a door stop for your dorm room, no door stop, no friends (partly true). Good Luck Seniors!

The single most important advice I would give is to keep your dorm room door open. I cannot emphasize how important it is to make friends with the people on your floor. You will want to be friends with them for social reasons, to go out with, for study reasons, to help you when your upset, and for just hanging out. It is so important to feel like you have a close group of friends near you. That way, you will always have something to do or someone to talk to, and this can be one of the best ways to enjoy your college career. Its so simple, but simply having a group to go get dinner in the cafeteria with will make a world of difference. If you get bored too much, you might start to feel lonely, and that's never good. So my advice is to keep your door open and put yourself out there. Go knock on your neighbors doos and hang out. This may seem awkward at first, but it's the best way to make friends, and having friends is the best way to enjoy college!