Rutgers University-New Brunswick Top Questions

I would probably tell myself to be prepared for the independence of college. In high school you are set into a strict schedule, but in college you are thrown into a new type of system. The independence that you are given upon admittance is unlike anything in high school. You determine when you eat, you determine when you sleep, where you go, what you do, it's unlike anything in high school. Entering college I was taken back by this and for a few days I needed to find my bearings. I think this is the biggest change for students between high school and college. Up until college you aren't really able to do much, but once you are away on your own there is so much that you have to figure out on your own. Mommy and daddy aren't looking after you anymore. With that independence comes responsibility and this is what usually shocks students entering college. Had I known the type of independence and responsibility that was thrusted on me I think that my transition between high school and college would have been smoother.

Dear 18 year-old self, RELAX! College is an important aspect of life, an important stepping stone of success, but your hard work will for sure pay off. Take time to figure out what you want from your university and your future and go get it. Set goals and create plans to achieve them. Keep in mind college should not be about the most popular name, the biggest party rep or the furthest (or closest) from home. College should provide well rounded opportunities: a great education, a strong athletic program, a range of extra curriculum programs and a strong alumni association. Your confidence is not the problem, be sure to enter college expectantly yet humble. Be bold and driven. Be direct and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Make friends and make memories. But always most importantly get to know the ?need- to- know- people?: your deans, your teachers, your coaches and if possible your university president. Last note: get a tutor regardless!

As you get ready to leave school, questions about relationships and identity arise. Because they are of the kind that you must go through yourself, nothing I say will solve your problems or make them better. I would merely hope they could provide some direction and relief. What to do with the relationships you find yourself in? Friendships can easily be maintained over Facebook and on holiday visits. Romantic relationships are not so easy. At this point you hardly know what you want in a relationship anyhow. My experience is that the start of college is not a good time to be in a relationship. In general, you can be sure that the people who surrounded you in your quiet suburb will be replaced with a dizzying new crowd of people. Some questions, like those of what to major in, what you want to do with your life, and who you want to be can be explored while in school. Addiction and mental health issues cannot. Don?t be afraid to take the time off to sort these problems out now. That way you can ensure your success in college.

If I could take a journey through time and meet myself as a senior in Plainfield High School, I would give myself a plethora of advice and information. As a senior in high school I had no idea what college was all about. As a junior in college, I have gained over three years of college experience and knowledge that I would share with my inexperienced, less knowledgeable, senior in high school self. The first piece of information I'd give myself is to STOP procrastinating, and start thinking about college right away. Next, I'd tell myself to pick at least five careers that interests me, research them, and research schools that offered programs that would best help me to achieve my career goals. Then, I'd tell myself to chose one of the five choices and stick with it. After that, I'd tell myself to apply to every scholarship that I could find. I'd tell myself that choosing a college/ university is important but finding ways to fund that education is just as important. I'd finally wish myself luck, smile and leave, proudly knowing that I have given myself the best advice I could.

Knowing I could go back, I would definitely tell myself to work harder in school. Senior year was my last year in high school, and I definitely began to slack off and I started to do less and less work in school. As I got to college, this made it more difficult for the transition. Time management is definitely something I needed to work on. Doing all my work on time in high school, and being organized would have helped a lot during my first semester at college. Also, I would tell myself to study harder for tests and not cram the night before. In college, material is taught at a much faster rate, and if you don't keep up with the work, you fall behind easily. I would also have taken my AP exams to place out of certain classes my first semester. It would have lessened my workload and allowed me to focus more on a lesser amount of classes so I could get better grades and obtain a higher GPA. Overall, I would have worked on making a schedule for myself, one I could keep in college so I could do more in lesser time.

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about college life, I would fill myself in on some tips and tricks about studying and time management. It may take a bit to understand the dynamic of college coursework and how to go about preparing for exams, but once you master how to study effectively, the fear you initially experienced before exams goes away. I love being able to leave a test feeling confident in myself and my knowledge. When your answers are right--you know it, and you know the reason you are answering them correctly is a direct result of all of your hard work and preparation. Preparing for college exams requires a large investment of time and energy, but it must be a smart investment. There are only so many hours a person can spend studying amidst other responsibilities, and it is relatively easy to overextend oneself. There IS (despite what some may say) time for a life outside the classroom, but remember, you cannot do everything. Above all, utilize and love your agenda. Though only paper, it is among the strongest forms of structural support you will find.

You'll know who your friends are here pretty much by Halloween. Make sure to focus on studying because it's a lot harder then high school, especially harder then senior year!

Stick to one thing and do your best at it. Studying is not EVERYTHING - remember to have fun too! Try your best to get along with those around you and not develop awkward/bitter relationships. Learn more Japanese! Practice more guitar so you can be better than your most of your friends. Stop being so lazy. Stop being so cocky. Be humble! Serve God harder!

Keep an open mind about college. Don't be so quick to declare what you want. Your idea of a picture-perfect school might not be exactly how you dream it to be. I was so convinced I needed a small school, but I ended up at Rutgers University, a school with 35,000 undergraduate students-- certaintly not what I was expecting! What I didn't know about this large school was that I would be given SO many opportunities to travel, do research with brilliant professors, and choose from a plethora of different clubs and activities. These opportunities shaped my life and interests, and motivated me to create my own major in Human Rights. I have since lived in an on-campus 'living-learning community' where we spent Winter Break studying Human Rights/Genocide in Cambodia. Next semester I will also be attending the United Nation's Commission on the Status of Women!! These choices would not have been available to me at a small school. My advice to any senior in high school would be to keep your mind open and never limit yourself. You just might be surprised what you find.

The transition between college and high school was a major thing for me, considering I had everybody in high school constantly right by my side. It was very difficult to not have my teachers constantly asking me if I needed the help, I was the one who had to open my mouth and ask. I would spend more time studying and asking for the teachers help rather than be stubborn and do it all on my own. I would have specialized in Early Childhood Education like I started to instead of switching to a broad range of classes. Knowing how I learn I would have never did online schooling; I would still do online courses but only one at a time. I would get involved more in the school and its extra curricular activities, perhaps even another sport other than soccer, although that is my absolute favorite! Other than that I would not change a thing. Thanks God Bless