South Dakota State University Top Questions

So far in my college experience I have done many things that a typical sophomore may not be able to do. I have been academically committed and stayed focused on school, while being very involved on campus. I am a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, an Honors Society on campus, and I regularly get involved in activities pertaining to it. Sometimes these are hard to keep balanced, but I have done very well so far. While keeping my GPA up I have been and Orientation Leader and a Community Assistant on campus. Being an Orientation leader has built my pubic speaking skills and I have made friends with many of my fellow Orientation Leaders. Being a Community Assistant has definitely helped me in developing my skills as a member of a team as well as teaching me time management skills.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I wouldn't really say too much different. As a senior I was really looking forward to getting away from home and meeting new people in a new place. I would tell myself to do more of that when I actually got to the school. When you play a sport, it is really easy to settle in with your teammates and not make many "non-athlete" friends. I would tell myself to make friends in classes that weren't in a sport. One thing I would like to tell myself would be to keep connections with friends back home. It will make it more enjoyeable over breaks to come home. I would also advise myself to never underestimate a good diet and sleep! I would also promise myself that its possible and more rewarding to find friends that have the same outlook on school as you and who don't emphasize alcohol in their lives. It will be easier to achieve your dream when you are not catching up on sleep and getting rid of a hangover on the weekends!

Knowing what I know now, going to a school out of state is the way to go. I have been home on Christmas Break and realized that the people who stayed in-state for school haven't grown up as much as I have. Being alone forces you to take responsability for yourself. In the beginning it is hard, but i believe that if you can get through the first month, college can be a great experience. School is hard, but it isn't impossible. Having the strength to be able to do the work on your own is so rewarding. It is an amazing experience and i wouldn't change it for the world. Good Luck

I would advise myself as a college student now to crack down on the books and learn better study habits. It would have been a good idea to have a harder senior year and taken the AP calculus class offered in high school. Instead of taking it slower my last year of high school I should of been preparing me more for college life as it is a big transition. There are no worksheets or other ways to earn points it is almost strictly exams only in college. I should have learned how to take tests and quizzes better to increase my performance in college.

Dear Ashley, There are a few words of advice that I have for you in your transition from high school to college; Firstly, start walking, you are in no way prepared for the amount of walking you are about to do. Second, enjoy the good food now, there may be a common area that serves food attached to your dorm but it is not very tasty. Third, don't for a second think that college will be as easy as high school, because it is NOTHING like high school. Teachers don't tell you about your assignments you just have to know, and the tests are way harder. And the final thing I have to say to you is to be true to yourself, don't lose who you are, because you are an amazing person!!!

The first thing I would tell my self is to join as many clubs and organizations as possible and not to be afraid to run for the leadership positions. They offer great experience for later in life and they give you a greater chance of being accepted by golleges, scholarship committees, and employers. The second thing would probably be to not be shy, get out there and talk to people. Make friends, the more friends you have the easier the transition will be. Next, is to take every opportunity you can find to gain experience in your area of interest, this experience might be what gets you the job you want or the scholarships you need. Finally, I would tell myself to NEVER slack off or procrastinate. These are the worst habits you can have in college, and the sooner you break them, the more successful you will be. College can be fun and doesn't have to be terribly stressful, just get out and have fun, get involved, and most importantly get your work done on time without waiting till the last minute.

Leaving home may not be the easiest thing, but through it all, you learn a lot about yourself. Don't be afraid to reach out to people for help. Get involved. You'll meet the best people that way. Also, don't be so stuck on your major that you have planned when you enter college. It can change and it's okay if it does. Be aware of what's going on around you; don't just stick to one group of people- broaden your horizons. Your webcam will be your best friend when you want to talk to your friends back home. Also, always keep a spare ink cartridge around, because it'll always happen- you'll run out of ink the day that big paper is due. College is one of the greatest adventures of your life, don't let it pass you by.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in High School I would say that "When things look tough, know that others individuals around you are going through things that are more than you can even imagine. There are people all around you that want to help as long as you let them help, and never be afraid to help others as well. You will feel overwhelmed but college is only getting you ready for life and opening your eyes to new things. Live life to the fullest and make sure to take risks, try new things, and have fun because college is an experience you don't forget. Enjoy college because it is a new chapter in your life that will go by faster than you think. You never know what new things you are going to do or learn." -Brittany

Look at all of the different majors, student activities, future job opportunities, and meet more with faculty. Check out as many different colleges or universities as possible.

Well first, I would tell myself to never live with my best friend! It is nice having someone so close to me to always be there, but it might be better if she was two doors down the dorm hallway. Getting out and meeting new people is very important, not just hanging out with the old crowd from high school, though those people will always be my friends, it is good to meet new people! Next I would tell myself to join some groups, that is another great way to meet people, but also to have a lot of fun, plus it looks good on transcripts, applications, and resumes! Oh, and to not get so much flex dollars to the cafeteria because you'll get sick of that food fast! But what I think is most important, spend a lot more time studying! That is why you are here! To learn and get a degree so before you go out, do some studying!