Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Top Questions

Zack - when you go off to Penn State, make sure that you put school first. Its overwhelming the first couple of weeks with all the distrations such as making friend, weekend parties, and student organizations. Set aside time in the day to work on your schoolwork. Look at it like its a job - between the hours of 9-5 you should be working like you are getting paid. Thats the only way you can get your moneys worth out of your tuition. Also, remember that you will only get out - what you put in. When it comes to school dont be afraid to reach out to your proffesors and ask questions when you need it. Penn State will be amazing, go to every football game, get active in student organizations, and volunteer organizations like Habitat for Humanity and THON. Most of all - - - TAKE TIME TO BREATHE IN THE FRESH AIR!!!

I would advise my past self that the career goal and path I would inevitably take is the one that includes the many interests and hobbies I had as a young man, before graduating high school. My interests in intricate architecture, efficiency (organization and understanding how to make something work better), and conformity of ideas and functions in real world applications. I would advise him of the opportunity that a career in Environmental Psychology is all inclusive of such ideas, so that he would not be so indecisive and confused as to what to do. It was a very awkward experience to not know what to do. Starting college out as a freshmen really put me into the "driver's seat" of making my own decisions. Especially the one big, significant decision that would decide what I do with the rest of my life! As my father often tells me, "Do what makes you happy, what you can enjoy doing. Don't pick a career path just because it has a lot of money in it." I would tell my past self that Dad is correct on that!

I would tell myself to slow down and relax. These four years will go by faster than you would ever imagine, so don?t wish them away. Although it is important to try your best in high school, it is not nearly as serious or important as college. High school is the time to make as many friends as you can and to have as many good experiences as possible. You have no major obligations to fulfill or worries to preoccupy your mind, so make the best of this time in your life. But remember to keep a healthy balance; do some things to help prepare for life outside of high school like working on the weekends or applying for scholarships. Start looking into colleges early and make an educated decision on which school you would like to attend. Do not just pick a university because your friends are going there or because you like the football team. In the end, just remember that this is your life and ultimately what you do is your decision, so be sure you are making the right one.

If I could go back, I would tell myself to live and enjoy every minute, because they disappear so quickly. Don't dwell on regrets; they become life lessons. I'd tell myself to get ready for the best years of my life. Though they will be challenging, they will be filled with learning, friends, love, and success. I would not change a thing because I am having the time of my life and I wouldn't give up any part of it. I would advise myself not to try and anticipate what each day will be like, but just to live them to the max, no matter how tired or stressed I'll be the next day. You only get one shot at this college thing, so you have to do it big...or you might as well not go at all.

Dear Self, There are nothing like high school dreams. I know you want to play for the Nittany Lions Football squad one day, over the summer do some research on your career goals as well as success rates of football players, including their strength of schedule and majors. If after researching you decide not to play football, get involved. There are so many opportunities and it just takes minimal time and effort to be a part of something bigger. There are plenty of opportunities at Penn State, like Thon, the fundraiser for children's cancer that raises several million dollars each year, Blue & White society, Student Government, Club sports, IM sports, as well as other interesting clubs. There's even a club for your major, Kinesiology, to get involved and start networking as early as September in your first semester! I know you're a huge procrastinator in high school because the challenge just isn't there, but college is a totally new ball game. If you work hard in school during the day, you can play harder later after all your work is done. Last of all, keep that dream of working for the NFL, anything is possible.

Apply to those colleges until you get in and scholarships until you receive them all. have fun!!!!!

To start off, I would have definitely applied to more colleges. I only applied to two, and I got accepted into one and rejected by the other. So I would say I was a bit lucky on that aspect. I also would of done more after-school activities. They too play a part in the selection process. I did do theatre all 4 years (which showed consistency), but it wouldn't have hurt to take on an extra activity to show that I was a well-rounded person. Apart from that, I would advise to have more confidence when entering college and to really focus. I admit that I slacked a bit during my first year and I am now trying to fix that my second year. But I have learned from my mistakes and am making better decisions. But as I said earlier, confidence is key. Get up, meet new people, tell yourself that you can do it. You will definitely feel better about yourself. And when you feel that way, you will be able to enjoy college a lot more.

My advice would be to keep your dorm room door propped open when you are in it so that people on your floor can pass by and say hello. Also, do the same and say hello to everyone you see in the halls, bathroom, or with their door open because you will make friends that way. Everyone really is in the same situation and trying to make friends. Sitting in the front of the class is very helpful and printing out notes or powerpoints from the teachers to take notes on is the best. Go to class and be attentive!

Everything won?t happen as you want. When you go to James Madison University, you?ll be overwhelmed from the stress of grandma being terminally ill. It?s the scariest thing when you decide a college isn?t for you, and come home. Things happen for a reason, you?ll end up where you want to be, just be patient. It?s ok to enroll in a local college to save money. College classes are very intimidating at first, but keep a good attitude and believe in yourself, because there?s nothing you can?t accomplish if you put your mind to it. Don?t let the atmosphere intimidate you. Everyone is on the same level: scared of failure, unsure of their future plans, and searching for some direction. Now this is the most important part, Grandma will pass away your first year enrolled at school. It?s very hard, but don?t get discouraged. She loves you and wants you to do well. As hard as it is to believe, everything will be okay. Stay motivated, that way with a high GPA, you can transfer to your dream school. Everything works out in the end. Don?t be afraid.

I would tell myself to be very open minded about making my decision in finding a good univiersity to go to. And when I also got there, I would try to practice better time managment as a freshman, becasue that can be one of the hardest thing to learn how to get used to and master. And i would also tell my self not to be scared to get involved as a freshman, and it would make my college experience much more worthwhile. And also take advantage of all of the opportunities offered to me at my university that will make my academic and social life much better in the long run as well.