Southern Methodist University Top Questions

Thinking back to my last year in high school as a senior, I have realized that there were many "loose ends" that I could have tightened through my process of applying to colleges. One of them is that I could have expressed a little more interest in researching the numerous aspects of prospective universities. This isn't to say that I did not care what each college had to offer, but at the time, I was merely going through the motions, not fully understanding the inner workings, the advantages and disadvantages of each university. Once arriving on campus, it took longer for me to learn of the array of opportunities that my university offers, and thus delayed in my being a part of campus activities. I feel that if I had known this as a high school senior, I would have studied more about the programs my university offers, and would have taken advantage of them earlier than I had my first semester.

If i could talk to myself as a high school senior i would continue to push myself for success. As a highschool student i never setteled for mediocrity. Instead of frowning upon writing different essays and papers during school i would take advantage of the opportunity. Writing only gets better with practice. I would also talk to my literature teacher about the marks on my papers so that i understand what i was doing wrong,so i can prevent myself from making the mistake over again. In college i may not be allowed to do a rewrite on a paper for a higher grade. I would also make sure i understand the importance of pre-planning and time management. College has alot more distractions as a result of clubs and other on campus activities. The syllabus is important and if i stay on top of that it will almost be impossible for me to get behind.

For starters, I would tell myself its ok to be alone, you will find where you fit in at the right time. Also, be willing to take chances and take part in different organizations that I usually wouldn't consider because you WILL find yourself shying away from opportunities. The most vital is to never doubt yourself, even if those whom you THINK you can trust and look to for support , such as your counselor and principal, forget their job is to believe in their students. My counselor, principal, and some teachers made me second guess every characteristic that made me become third in rank, as well as a strong leader in the school. I wanted to apply to SMU, my dream school, and they looked at me with derision and tried to make discrete comments that I couldn't get in. My hopes and dreams temporarily faded from the time I was degraded to the day I reluctantly sent the application. I proved to myself that no one can stop me from making my dreams a reality. I'm about to start my second semester and can't wait to show them I made the Dean's List.

When I was in high school during my senior year, I spent the entire two semesters day dreaming about college and how much I would've rather been there than sitting in fourth period history. If I could go back, I'd tell myself what I've been trying to tell myself ever since then: live life instead of planning for it. I spent so much time thinking about college that my last year in high school just flew right by. Now that I'm here, I of course love it, but at the same time, I find it important to remember that these four years of my life are for me to grow and make relationships. Sure, thinking about that future job makes classes worth studying for; but at the same time, the experience gained on campus (especially living in the dorms) is what'll make a person really shine. I came here not knowing anybody and was terrified about what would happen to me. There's absolutely nothing to be afraid of. In fact, going to college on my own forced me to meet new people and adapt to new things. So, no worries and study hard!

Hey girl, you are doing very great in all your classes, but take some time out to learn how to cook. It seems like you are having great chance of experience starvation due to unusual food taste in America girl in a very near future! And by the way, learn to use Facebook now! It's very important, main form of communication for you in college life. Trust me!

Overprepare for everything. Get know asw many poeple as you can ahead of time, and they will hook you up. Connections are not everything, but they really help distinguish you from the crowd when everyone else's resume is just as good as yours. Take every opportunity you are presented with if you're interested, but don't take on more than you can handle--saying no after you've already said yes gives you a worse name than if you say no in the first place.

You have to just be persistent. You're going to get at least 15 no's to every yes, but the yes's are well worth it. Keep your chin up and face life with determination. You need to tell people they need you--people are stupid and have to be told the obvious. Whatever happens, just don't get discouraged. Things will turn out one way or another, and no matter what happens, you essentially determine the path you take.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to have the strength to put myself out to other people and really try and establish a larger group of friends that I can depend upon. Also, I would suggest that I should invest my time early in the first semester, and maybe before school starts, to find a job on campus or nearby so that I would not be financially stressed. I would advise my younger self to start changing my study technique to follow through on all assignments and focus on balancing my course load that would become greater and more intensive in the next year. Lastly, I would emphasize the point about becoming a more active participant in the activities around me, classes as well as social situations for I am still trying to adapt to the discussion oriented structure of college courses.

The hardest thing for me to learn was how to study in a way that works for me. In high school most of my classes came so easy to me I never needed to work on studying, but when I got here, that was the most difficult thing. I would have told myself to practice with different techniques early on to figure out the best way to study for each subject. I also would mention that getting done with classes early and taking about 4 hours after all my classes are done with is the best time to study! That is the most effective way to learn the material, if it is reviewed right after you hear it! Even though most of my teachers in high school told us these exact things, I don't think we really realize how true or important it is. Sometimes I guess we forget that they are passing on what they had to learn the hard way to in hopes that some of us will actually listen and refrain from making the same mistakes.

Investigate and Visit! I was accepted to 8 colleges. My high school didn't have a strong college advising program. There wasn't much enthusiasm about applying which explained part of my apathy about the process. I applied, got in, but I wasn't focused on how I was going to make the final decision. I should have been pushing my parents to take me to visit, instead of the reverse. My older sister attends SMU, so I knew that college. I did visit half of the schools I got into. But when you're down to those final 3, unless you go visit, sit through classes, and stay on campus with the kids themselves, you dont really get a grasp of the college. I love SMU, and I can't see myself anywhere else. But I'll never be able to truly answer that question of "did I make the right choice". That said, you can always transfer. So, enjoy deciding because what lies ahead is awesome. Thus far, my advice is take advantage of all the opportunies: electives, arts, student programs, etc. This is your time to explore and find who you are, so don't hold back.