Southern Methodist University Top Questions

The advice I would give myself is threefold: socialize more, take breathers more often, and take fewer Advanced Placement courses. The second and third points I have chosen to highlight are closely related so I will begin with the first advice to socialize more. In highschoolI I did not spend time with classmates outside of the tennis team and magnet program I belonged to. I recommend spending more time not only with these friends but also forcing myself to meet more of my classmates. I think the ability to push the envelope on my comfort zone and meet new people is something I could have developed in highschool. The advice of taking breathers and fewer Advanced Placement courses are suggestions I never received. Although they sound counter-productive in the pursuit of advancing my studies and preparation for college, I believe more relaxation would have benefitted me. The courses I chose to enroll in created unneeded stress as the majority of the college credit I earned has remained un-utillized. I sometimes feel as if I overburdened myself in preparation for life and a career rather than enjoy the relative lack of responsibilities of my high school career.

If I could go back and talk to my High School Senior self, I would tell her to apply for more scholarships. I was very flippant and unalert when it came to how much college actually costs therefore causing me to be less diligent in my pursuit of funds. I would tell her that earning a full ride takes hard work and dedication and even then you still may not get one and if you do not recieve one you need to look at other options. I would tell her to think twice about missing a deadline for a scholarship because that is just more money steered away from her pocket into someone else's. If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would let her know that college and adult life is fun and exciting but it is even more fun when you are not in debt.

Apply to a wider variety, work on financial aid. Plan out your study time

Dear high school senior me, I know what you're thinking, "I've already been denied at two universities, so why keep applying?" Well, past me, I'm here to tell you something. Ready? Don't give up. Keep pushing forward, working hard, persevering, because it all works out in the end. The things that you can accomplish when you atart to take ownership of your life are amazing. Independence is nothing to be afraid of, and the new friends and experiences that you meet are going to push you to become better than you are now. Don't give up on pursuing the things you're interested in, because college is a time to learn and grow and figure out what you want to do with your life. Sometimes the things we thought we knew, like future majors or careers, are not exactly what we are passionate about, and that's okay. Don't be afraid of change, it's good for the soul, and don't give up. You are so much stronger than you think you are. And you will do great things in college, so don't worry too much. Love, Future Ginger

Don't be scared to jump into college life. There is a whole life ahead of you that will help you grow into a better man. Maturity is not with age, but with knowledge. Get educated as fast as possible so you don't waste any time. The real world is scary but it's scarier when your uneducated and life is an endless loop. The best is yet to come. Being eighteen years old is fun, but it is more of a struggle to be twenty-five and still in college. Have protected sex, ALL THE TIME. Don't let cultural and social pressure affect you into thinking it is cool to have unprotected sex. You can't afford a kid for many years anyway. Don't waste your energy on petty relationships. The real women of the world graduate college. Be healthy and active. You will not be the same for long. Your body changes with age so be proactive and eat healthy. Agree to disagree. Don't allow others to influence your choices and know when your better off being silent.

No matter how impossible it might seem on the financial part to go to college. Apply for scholarships, look for grants, do your best to get good grades while in High School. If you work hard enough to become a successful person you will do it.

If I had the opportunity to go back to high school and give myself some advice, I would tell myseld a few things. First, I would encouage myself to learn better study habits that worked well for me. That was the biggest sturuggle I faced in my first year. I didnt really know how to study and didnt know the best enviornment to study in. I learned that studying in a quite enviornment is most helpful. Somewhere were there are other people who are very focused helps me stay focused. I also found i like to study in closed off places where I can't see outside. I noticed that outside distracts me and makes me feel like time is passing very slowly. Finally I realized that I wish i had branched out to more clubs. I did not have a passion other than sports going into college. I am still working to find something I am passionate about by trying new things. Overall I had a great high school experience, I learned many things both in the classroom and in life. I wish I had learned a few more things about myself rather than just educational information.

I always felt as though I worked as hard or harder than any of my classmates. Sometimes I resented the sacrifices I made and the activites (read parties) I missed. It all paid off! It was worth it! I was prepared for anything that came at me. Looking back I would tell myself to believe in me and pay attention to my parents, advisors, and the faculty when they urged me to do my very best. I did and I am so glad because I now have opportunities that are exceptional. But that was difficult for me to see when I felt that I was missing so much fun! Now that I am in college I know that there is so much more to happiness than high school parties and hanging out.

I would encourage myself to not fall behind in the pursuit of my career. College provided a lot of freedom to handle my own schedule which I may not have been mentally prepared for. I cut back on my hours so I would have more time to devote to my social life which delayed graduation by 4 years. I would advise myself against procrastinating. That has been the most difficult struggle throughout my academic career.

I would have told myself to take more AP courses as well as consider going to a state school for the first two years or so to save money as opposed to going to a private school right away. College is VERY expensive and loans are NOT fun.